- Xavier Institute of Social Service, Dr. Camil Bulcke Path Ranchi-834001, Jharkhand
- 8969602570
- A Social Anthropologist by training from Delhi University.My areas of intrest are -Caste, Gender and Political Behavi... moreA Social Anthropologist by training from Delhi University.My areas of intrest are -Caste, Gender and Political Behaviour; Empowerment and Development of Weaker Sections; Social Transformation and Social Change in Rural & Tribal India; Socio-Cultural Aspects of Suicide Behaviour; CSR and Sustainable Development; Migration Studies; and Fieldwork and Qualitative Research Methodologies.edit
Tatas being one of the leading industries world over are known for their philanthropic and CSR activities. The present study deals with the corporate social responsibility and the health care services of Tata Steel with special reference... more
Tatas being one of the leading industries world over are known for their philanthropic and CSR activities. The present study deals with the corporate social responsibility and the health care services of Tata Steel with special reference to the East and West Singhbhum districts of Jharkhand. It is about the health seeking behaviour of the people from the health care providers - Tata Steel Rural Development Society (TSRDS) and Tata Steel Family Initiatives Foundation (TSFIF) - of the Company. It examines whether there are enough clinics for the people in need or not? and, whether the people in the industrial zone take benefit from the clinical health interventions or not? The clinics are both in the rural as well in the urban areas of Jamshedpur and the beneficiaries reside in both the areas.
The data was collected through both primary and secondary sources. The methods used for the purpose was personal interviews, focussed group discussions and direct observations. The people who visited the clinics were the ones who were interviewed. Two blocks from the East Singhbhum district and two blocks from the West Singhbhum district were selected. The coverage was of a total of seven clinics in the rural areas and six clinics in the urban areas. The study was conducted under TSRDS. The initiatives were undertaken by TSFIF. It was found out from the study that the people from the rural and the urban areas of the East and West Singhbhum districts of Jharkhand have a health seeking behaviour. The people, who are aware about the clinics, visited them as and when required. Though everything about the clinic is in good picture, there are still things that need to be done for the improvement of the services. The study concludes that though there are a lot of facilities that the company is providing to the community, but there still are people who are left unattended. They need the supporting hand of the company.
The data was collected through both primary and secondary sources. The methods used for the purpose was personal interviews, focussed group discussions and direct observations. The people who visited the clinics were the ones who were interviewed. Two blocks from the East Singhbhum district and two blocks from the West Singhbhum district were selected. The coverage was of a total of seven clinics in the rural areas and six clinics in the urban areas. The study was conducted under TSRDS. The initiatives were undertaken by TSFIF. It was found out from the study that the people from the rural and the urban areas of the East and West Singhbhum districts of Jharkhand have a health seeking behaviour. The people, who are aware about the clinics, visited them as and when required. Though everything about the clinic is in good picture, there are still things that need to be done for the improvement of the services. The study concludes that though there are a lot of facilities that the company is providing to the community, but there still are people who are left unattended. They need the supporting hand of the company.
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Livelihood means securing the necessities of life. People's capacities, assets, income and activities have always been the means of making a living. Livelihood as a body of knowledge and a field of practice is complex and diverse. The... more
Livelihood means securing the necessities of life. People's capacities, assets, income and activities have always been the means of making a living. Livelihood as a body of knowledge and a field of practice is complex and diverse. The diversity of natural resource endowments and local cultures make it difficult to have a common approach across the country. Thus, the study of livelihoods is not only full of challenges so far as subjective evidence and progamme related information are concerned, but a scenario of single sub-sector is not available anywhere. Moreover, the quality of information available on livelihood scenario dealt with varies significantly. In the recent past, due to greater access to banking, technology adoption, urbanization and other structural reforms including livelihood promotion programmes India has witnessed a significant economic growth. However, amid its impressive growth rate, poverty continues to be widespread and disparities still seem difficult to be changed. The 2015 edition of the State of India's Livelihood (SOIL) Report under review is a rich engagement with an overview and analysis of the policies and funding framework through the lens of budget allocation, new policy pronouncements, large programmes initiated and legislative efforts that have a bearing on livelihoods. It tries to capture the impact of macroeconomic trends on livelihoods of the poor in India by exploring wide ranging themes keeping in mind the role of different actors or stakeholders. The book is spread out into nine chapters excluding foreword and preface. Besides dealing with income generating activities the report also includes some of the relevant issues related to quality of life. The opening chapter namely " Overview: Taking stock " (pp. 1-12), explores the macroeconomic context of livelihoods. It also describes other aspects of livelihoods apart from income enhancement by tracking the HDI and the progress on Millennium Development Goals. It highlights the significant changes in the pattern of funding by state
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Childhood is a period of growth, development, and transition which requires security, protection, care and support of the family, society and the state. In the last few decades, despite legislation, policy, and programmes, limited... more
Childhood is a period of growth, development, and transition which requires security, protection, care and support of the family, society and the state. In the last few decades, despite legislation, policy, and programmes, limited progress has taken place in security, protection, care and support to poor, marginalized, destitute and street children. As a consequence, many children are devoid of their basic right to food, education, health, nutrition, and shelter. Many children are working as child labourers in violent, exploitative and abusive environment which deprives the children of their childhood. According to the NSSO (2009-2010), in India, nearly fifty lakhs children are engaged in economic activities, despite the fact that Child labour (Prohibition and Regulation) prohibits employment of children in hazardous industries, hotels, tea shops and as domestic workers. Child marriage is other social concern and a violation of children’s rights which severely impacts physical, social, economic, and emotional development of a girl child and results in premature pregnancy, abuse, exploitation and social exclusion. According to estimation, forty percent of world’s child marriages take place in India. Missing children is another important concern. Although India is a signatory to the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child which recognizes birth registration as one of the first right of a child, we have the highest number of unregistered children in the world. India being a country with a highest number of child population needs a special attention, intervention and strategies to address these issues. It is through investigation of these issues that the book attempts to contribute towards a greater understanding of the discourse on securing childhood –challenges, opportunities and strategies. The papers offer effective strategies and recommendations, which will be of great interest to scholars, activists, development professionals, as well as policy planners and to all those concerned with securing childhood for inclusive development in today’s and tomorrow’s world.
Non Timber Forest Produces (NTFPs) provide about 40 percent of total official forest revenues and 55 percent of forest-based employment in India and thereby act as a critical component for sustenance (Tewari & Campbell, 1995). Although... more
Non Timber Forest Produces (NTFPs) provide about 40 percent of total official forest revenues and 55 percent of forest-based employment in India and thereby act as a critical component for sustenance (Tewari & Campbell, 1995). Although Jharkhand is having a rich agricultural resource base its rural people still search for alternative livelihood opportunities. For smallholders, agriculture is passing through a difficult phase due to the increasing frequency of unseasonal and extreme weather events creating difficulties in managing risk, thereby leading to livelihood insecurity. NTFPs act as a subsidiary source of income for rural dwellers. This paper examines the collection, processing and marketing of NTFPs, and attempts to analyze the differences in rates obtained and the number of people involved in the NTFP business. Under the supervision of the first author, the second author undertook the empirical study in two of Jharkhand’s districts using standard quantitative and qualitative social research methods and techniques. The findings reveal that rural women actively participate in carrying out various NTFP practices, and that there is a need for more awareness generating interventions among the rural people. Various gaps/problems have been identified to highlight potential remedial measures.
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This paper attempts to look at the problem of globalization and the development dynamics in the hinterland impacting children and their migration in the perspective of education and development policy and programmes adopted for the rural... more
This paper attempts to look at the problem of globalization and the development dynamics in the hinterland impacting children and their migration in the perspective of education and development policy and programmes adopted for the rural areas particularly for the children of disadvantaged communities and the tribals of Jharkhand. Very briefly, the paper also touches upon the scenarios in a few selected countries where migration of people and children show special focus. The paper is based on both primary as well as secondary sources of data. The aim is to hint towards policy which may give better option for people who are still deprived and who try to move away from poverty and inhuman situation for a better tomorrow.
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“Beyond Business: Mapping the CSR and Sustainable Development Initiatives of TATA Steel” is perhaps the first empirically researched book in India. Industrial houses motivated by profit maximization may not spend adequate amount on CSR... more
“Beyond Business: Mapping the CSR and Sustainable Development Initiatives of TATA Steel” is perhaps the first empirically researched book in India. Industrial houses motivated by profit maximization may not spend adequate amount on CSR and sustainable development practices in true sense. Tatas, being one of the leading industrialists world over, are known for their philanthropic activities. They, by and large, are guided by the ‘Tata ethos’; the Tata code of conduct; and the praxis of the Articles of Association, which commonly state that a large part of the profits made by the company is utilized for the benefits of the citizens of the land. Using data collected through field work and case study methods from the four different operational zones of the company, namely: Jamshedpur Saraikela-Kharsawan; Noamundi; Ghato (West Bokaro); and Jamadoba (Jharia) in Jharkhand, the authors have attempted to unfold the CSR mystique including the theoretical and philosophical underpinnings as practiced by the Company in terms of its CSR and sustainable development approaches. This book also documents the conflicting views, values, and ontological assumptions on the subject matter as perceived by the cross-section of actors of the study area. The study is designed to serve as an introduction for future scholarly works.
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A study was undertaken to examine the structure, function and management of a water user group – Swarnrekha Pani Panchayat in one of the tribal villages of eastern India (in Jamshedpur district, Jharkhand). This paper reports the... more
A study was undertaken to examine the structure, function and
management of a water user group – Swarnrekha Pani Panchayat in one of the tribal villages of eastern India (in Jamshedpur district, Jharkhand). This paper reports the findings of the collective action undertaken by the villagers of Idalbera in the management of water resources for agricultural development and change in their quality of life. The study is based on ethnographic approach using standard
fieldwork research techniques like observations, in-depth interviews, case studies and focused group discussions among the experimental (21 members of Pani Panchayat) and controlled (21 non-members) groups of the study area. The study reveals that there has been a significant change in the quality of life of the water user group members
in the study area. It may be concluded that such newly formed
institutions need stimulation to strengthen collective action approach for bringing transformation among these rural people of Jharkhand.
management of a water user group – Swarnrekha Pani Panchayat in one of the tribal villages of eastern India (in Jamshedpur district, Jharkhand). This paper reports the findings of the collective action undertaken by the villagers of Idalbera in the management of water resources for agricultural development and change in their quality of life. The study is based on ethnographic approach using standard
fieldwork research techniques like observations, in-depth interviews, case studies and focused group discussions among the experimental (21 members of Pani Panchayat) and controlled (21 non-members) groups of the study area. The study reveals that there has been a significant change in the quality of life of the water user group members
in the study area. It may be concluded that such newly formed
institutions need stimulation to strengthen collective action approach for bringing transformation among these rural people of Jharkhand.
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Over the years, ecological problems like climate change, global warming, pollution and natural disaster have increased manifold in different parts of the globe. Globalization, liberalization and privatization have given an impetus to the... more
Over the years, ecological problems like climate change, global warming, pollution and natural disaster have increased manifold in different parts of the globe. Globalization, liberalization and privatization have given an impetus to the worsening situation by over exploiting the natural resources. History is witness that time and again, in order to mitigate the situation, various individuals and organizations, especially, NGOs and CBOs have not only become conscious of the major ecological issues, but they have also challenged those who are responsible for the poor state of affairs including industrialists, contractors as well as traders as exploiters of natural resources and the State power that gives them direct and indirect support. The book under review is an important addition to the existing literature on ecological movements.
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Water is one of the important natural resources that humanity needs for survival and progress. The judicious use and management of water resources is very much essential for agricultural development leading to improvement in the quality... more
Water is one of the important natural resources that humanity needs for survival and progress. The judicious use and management of water resources is very much essential for agricultural development leading to improvement in the quality of life of the people in general. Although a number of efforts have been undertaken by many welfare functionaries in this direction; but, by and large, the fruits have not been favourable in the case of tribes and backward communities worldwide. This is especially so in the case of developing countries like India where about seventy percent of the population reside in the rural areas depending on agricultural activities for their livelihoods. The state of Jharkhand (a resource – rich– poor state) in eastern India is no exception to it. Under such circumstances, people’s participation or collective action as an alternative way in the management of water resources for the agricultural development leading to future progress and prosperity becomes very much necessary.
In this backdrop, the present study is intended to examine the structure, function and management of a water user group – Swarnrekha Pani Panchayat in one of the tribal villages of eastern India (in Jamshedpur district, Jharkhand). The study also attempts to analyze the newly generated institutional framework in terms of its sustainability and self reliance through collective action for social transformation. The study is based on ethnographic approach using standard fieldwork research technique like observations, in-depth interviews, case studies and focused group discussions among the experimental (21 members of Pani Panchayat) and controlled (21 non-members) groups of the study area. The study reveals that there has been a significant change in the quality of life of the water user group members in the study area. However, despite a strong sense of identity and social bond there are tendencies to evade individual responsibilities governing the collectiveness. It may be concluded that such newly formed institutions need stimulation to strengthen collective action approach for bringing transformation among these backward groups.
In this backdrop, the present study is intended to examine the structure, function and management of a water user group – Swarnrekha Pani Panchayat in one of the tribal villages of eastern India (in Jamshedpur district, Jharkhand). The study also attempts to analyze the newly generated institutional framework in terms of its sustainability and self reliance through collective action for social transformation. The study is based on ethnographic approach using standard fieldwork research technique like observations, in-depth interviews, case studies and focused group discussions among the experimental (21 members of Pani Panchayat) and controlled (21 non-members) groups of the study area. The study reveals that there has been a significant change in the quality of life of the water user group members in the study area. However, despite a strong sense of identity and social bond there are tendencies to evade individual responsibilities governing the collectiveness. It may be concluded that such newly formed institutions need stimulation to strengthen collective action approach for bringing transformation among these backward groups.