Introduction Globalization refers to the increasing integration of economies, societies, cultures, and technologies across national boundaries. Since India adopted economic liberalization policies in 1991, globalization has significantly reshaped its social and economic landscape. Among the most profound impacts has been its influence on women’s lives. Globalization has opened new avenues of employment, education, and social…
The sex ratio — defined as the number of females per 1,000 males — is a key demographic indicator reflecting gender equity, social norms, health outcomes, and cultural practices within a population. In India, data from the Census of India and National Family Health Surveys (NFHS) consistently show that many tribal groups (often referred to…
Introduction India is home to one of the largest tribal populations in the world, comprising hundreds of distinct communities with unique languages, cultures, and traditions. Despite their rich heritage, tribal groups have historically remained socially and economically marginalized due to geographical isolation, limited access to education and healthcare, and exploitation of land and forest resources….
Introduction Scheduled Tribes (STs), often referred to as Adivasis, constitute one of India’s most historically marginalized communities. Living primarily in forested, hilly, and remote regions, tribal populations have faced systemic exclusion, land alienation, social discrimination, and economic deprivation for centuries. Colonial forest policies, exploitative intermediaries, and post-independence development projects further intensified their vulnerability. Recognizing this…
Introduction Since Independence, poverty eradication has remained one of India’s foremost development priorities. Successive governments have launched numerous schemes—ranging from employment generation and food security to housing, education, and direct benefit transfers—with the explicit aim of uplifting the poor. Landmark initiatives such as the Public Distribution System (PDS), Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act…
Introduction Indian society is one of the world’s oldest continuously living civilizations. Over thousands of years, it has experienced invasions, colonialism, modernization, globalization, and rapid technological change. Yet, despite these transformations, Indian society has preserved a remarkable continuity of traditional social values. Concepts such as family bonds, respect for elders, spiritual orientation, community life, and…
Introduction Human societies have developed diverse systems of knowledge over thousands of years. While mainstream knowledge systems—largely shaped by formal education, scientific institutions, written traditions, and state governance—dominate contemporary discourse, tribal knowledge systems represent an equally profound but often underappreciated intellectual heritage. Tribal knowledge is rooted in lived experience, ecological intimacy, oral traditions, and collective…
Introduction Economic performance of a nation is not determined merely by natural resources, capital investment, or technological advancement. Increasingly, development economists and governance scholars agree that institutional quality—the effectiveness, integrity, accountability, and responsiveness of public institutions—is a decisive factor in shaping long-term economic growth. Among all institutions, the civil service occupies a central position because…
Introduction Public service delivery is central to the legitimacy and effectiveness of the modern state. In a country like India, where social diversity, population size, and regional disparities pose serious governance challenges, the state often struggles to deliver services efficiently, equitably, and inclusively. This has led to increasing attention toward civil society organizations (CSOs) and…
Introduction Health is not merely the absence of disease; it is a foundational pillar of human well-being, social justice, and economic progress. In a welfare state, providing accessible and affordable healthcare to citizens is considered a moral imperative, rooted in the principles of equity, dignity, and social responsibility. However, in the contemporary development discourse, health—particularly…