bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Environmental Politics in the Himalayas: A Retrospective Overview of People’s Resistance to Protect their Rights Over Natural Resources
Authors: Jena Narayan , Parida Swagatika
Published: August 2021

This paper attempts to examine the fundamental reasons behind the constant battle of the local people of Uttarakhand over the Himalayan resources since the colonial time. It analyses both the social effects of the deliberate shifting of ownership of natural resources from the local people to government agencies and the ecological impact of dramatic conversion of natural forest into protected areas or reserve forests. Secondly, it questions the validity of such structural changes made by the governments to limit or restrict the local people’s access to the resources of the region. Here, the primary materials for this paper have been derived from the responses of the local people on the government’s shifting and developmental paradigm to substantiate the argument.
Impact of Yogic Practices on Selected Physical and Psychological Variables among Women Students
Authors: Johnbosco K.
Published: August 2021

The evidence linking an active lifestyle with a reduced risk of some diseases is well documented for both adults and children In the current study, The purpose of the study was find out the impact of yogic practices on selected physical and psychological variables among women students. To achieve the purpose of the study 24 women students were selected from the women’s hostel, Bharathidasan University, Tiruchirappalli. The age of the participants ranged between 23 and 28 years. The investigator relevance of the variable to the present study the following dependent variables were selected Physical Variables namely Balance and flexibility & Psychological Variables namely Resilience and Assertiveness, the collected data from the two groups pre and post test scores were statistically examined by applying dependent ‘t’ test and Analysis of Covariance (ANCOVA) for each and every selected variables separately. There was a significant improvement takes place on physical and psychological variables such as balance, flexibility, resilience and assertiveness due to six weeks yogic practices program, there was a significant difference exists between experimental and control groups on balance, flexibility, resilience and assertiveness.
Prevalence and Determinants of Communicable and Non-Communicable Diseases in India
Authors: . Pugalenthi , Aime Ndanyuzwe
Published: August 2021

The parts and organs communicate with each other to ensure function of the body properly. Communication among various regions of the body is essential for enabling the organism to respond appropriately to find any changes in the internal and external environments. Communicable and non-communicable disorders are often quite complex involving a mixed picture of hypo secretion and hyper secretion. The objectives are to study the regional variations of communicable and non-communicable diseases among the currently married women; to examine the communicable and non-communicable diseases and the various socio-economic and demographic characteristics and to study predictors of communicable and non-communicable diseases with Principal component analysis (PCA). The present study is being made to analyze from National Family Health Survey (NFHS- III) conducted during 2005-06. Total number of sample was 4102 from the collected sample sizes and particularly those who were answered for the above questions were taken for the analysis to find accurate information. To find the predictors of Diabetics, Asthma and Thyroid, Principle Component Analysis (PCA) was used. The analysis part represents that of the communicable and non-communicable diseases like Asthma was experienced by those who do not use LPG/Electricity. It was about 62 percent of respondents were experienced Asthma than the other two diseases (Thyroid and Diabetics). But those diseases were in higher proportion among those who had the level of education was secondary and higher secondary. It indicates that of the communicable and non-communicable diseases Asthma was experienced by 48.6 percent compared to the other two diseases such as Thyroid and diabetics among the respondents.
Freedom of the Media in Sri Lanka: A Study
Authors: Sribreindranis S. , Govinduraju P.
Published: August 2021

Media freedom has never been consistent in Sri Lanka. Different regimes used legal and constitutional means to control the media from public debates and criticisms. The Constitution of Sri Lanka does not specifically mention the freedom of the media. Freedom of the Media is implied from the Article 14(1) (a) of the Constitution. However this right is subject to restrictions under sub-clause, whereby this freedom can be restricted for reasons of sovereignty and integrity of Sri Lanka, the security of the Country, Parliamentary privileges, public order, Emergency Regulations, relation to contempt of court, defamation, or incitement to an offense and Official Secrets Acts. As per the Press Council, the freedom of the journalist is an ordinary part of the freedom of the subjects and to whatever length, the subject in general may go, so also may the journalist, but apart from statute this privilege is no other and no higher. The range of his assertions, his criticisms or his comments is as wide as and no wider than that of any other subject. The Preamble of the Sri Lankan Constitution ensures to all its citizens the liberty of expression. Freedom of the media has been included as part of freedom of speech and expression under the Article 14 of the UDHR. The heart of the Article14 says that everyone has the right to freedom of opinion and expression, this right includes freedom to hold opinions without interference and to seek, receive and impart information and ideas through any media and regardless of frontiers. In view of the above, Right of Information Act 2016 is a milestone in the guest for building an informed and prosperous society .As this overview of Sri Lankan media Laws show, their social media enjoy a wide range of legal rights. This study focuses on Judgments of the cases on Joseph Perera v Attorney General, Visuvalingam v Liyanage and Fernando v Sri Lanka Broadcasting Corporation were delivered under the 1972 Republican Constitution, they continued to remain valid precedents even under the Current Constitution of 1978. It was an Important and far – reaching Judgment. This paper is a critical analysis of the Sri Lankan concept of Freedom of the media and how it is related to the concept of expression in Constitution of Sri Lanka. The judicial view in this context has also been studied.
Challenges Faced by Freight Forwarders in their Operations in Chennai City, Tamil Nadu
Authors: Vasantha S. , Meena S.
Published: August 2021

Logistics is the movement of goods from one place to other.Freight forwarders play a major role in logistics operations.The main objective of the freight forwarders is to dispatch the shipments via carriers. Forwarder has the ability to arrange cargo movement from one destination to another within a short limit of time.It is tough for a company to ship goods at a normal price without a forwarder. Forwarders are having a long-term relationship with carriers and obtain good deals in the least possible time. The forwarding operations and company strategy differ from one company to another, by providing different value-added services. Customer satisfaction plays an important role in business. The present study aimed to find out the challenges faced by freight forwarders in their operations. Due to various factors, they face challenges and that could be the reason for their failures. In some cases, due to hindrance, they may not be able to satisfy the customer needs. The major challenges faced are due to government policies and regulation (GST), importers or exporters, port authorities, warehousing of the goods, red tapism of insurance companies, customs clearance, liner companies, infrastructure problems etc. The study involves both primary and secondary data. A well-structured Questionnaire prepared to elicit the data from the freight forwarders. Sample size identified is 50 forwarders. The study is concluded by giving the ways to ways to overcome the challenges faced by the Freight Forwarders.
Problems Faced by Agricultural Landless Laborers in Cuddalore District, Tamil Nadu: A Status Analysis
Authors: Janifar A.
Published: August 2021

India is the second the largest part populous country of the world and has changing socio-economic condition and political demographic and morbidity patterns that have been illustration global thought in current years. Though in recent times enacted MGNREGA, 2005 provides 100 days guarantee of employment in a year, there is great deal of fraud in issuing job cards. Moreover, gather rolls are not maintained accurately and work is not provided to job seekers who really are in need of such support. The problem of agricultural landless laborers is part of the wider problem of unemployment and under-employment in rural areas. Research is primarily a study of how the problems of agricultural workers face. The study is conducted among the farmers in the Parangipettai block in Cuddalore district. Multi-stage purposive sampling method was adopted for selection of the respondents. In this, contexts were selected from 3 select villages of Parangipettai block, Cuddalore district. Size of the primary inclusion is 120. Hence the agricultural landless labourers play an important to role in agriculture sector where the production depends on both the agricultural landless labourers and landowning farmers.
Impact of Shallow and Deep Water Exercise on Health Related Physical Fitness and Physiological Variables among of Obese Adults
Authors: Ramkumar N. R.
Published: August 2021

Aim of the study was to find out the Impact of shallow and deep water exercise on health related physical fitness and physiological variables among of obese adults. For this purpose, forty five (n=45) obese men adults residing in Kanchipuram District, Tamil Nadu, India were selected as subjects at random and they were divided randomly into two Experimental groups and one experimental group of fifteen each. Group-I underwent shallow water exercise, Group-II underwent Deep water exercise and Group-III acted as Control. The training period was limited to eight weeks and for five days per week. Among various health related physical fitness and physiological variables Flexibility and Respiratory rate only selected as dependent variables for this study. The dependent variable Flexibility was assessed by Sit & Reach Test and Respiratory Rate was assessed by Manual Method. All the subjects were tested prior to and immediately after the experimental period on the selected dependent variables. The data obtained from the Experimental groups and control group before and after the experimental period was statistically analyzed Analysis of covariance (ANCOVA). Whenever the ‘F’ ratio for adjusted post test means was found to be significant, the Scheffe’s test was applied as post-hoc test to determine the paired mean differences. The level of confidence was fixed at .05 levels for all the cases. The results of the study showed Deep water exercise group was better than shallow water exercise group and control group.
Radical Space and Resistance Movement in Maisuma, Srinagar
Authors: Sofi Waseem Ahmad , Dogra Ankur
Published: August 2021

The paper generally deals with place-making of Maisuma (a densely populated town in Srinagar, J&K) with its own and erstwhile Kashmir political discourse. There was visible rise of modern form of Islam unmatched with its Sui-Generis (Kashmiriyat, a culture which unlikely superior and absorbed every religion) was completely faded. In last three and half decades, the process of radicalization and separate political movements shaped and re-shaped politics of Kashmir. At the same time, Maisuma remained a symbolic and iconic space of resistance movement in Kashmir. For that reason, an attempt has been made to answer the following critical questions- Is Maisuma a radical space? How Maisuma is related to idea of separate politics in whole of Kashmir? Finally, the paper concludes with an argument that the politics of space in Maisuma made it as a terrain of resistance for most of the leaders in Kashmir. The contemporary Maisuma is a symbolic place of resistance politics for leaders of both mainstream and separatists.
Livelihood Pattern among Construction Laborers in Urban Sprawls: A Study of Jammu City
Authors: Gupta Ankush
Published: August 2021

This paper seeks to understand the livelihood pattern of construction laborers in Jammu city in the state of Jammu and Kashmir (J&K). It has dealt with the life of the people living in urban sprawl who have migrated into the city from various parts of the country in search of livelihood. This paper has discussed the causes responsible for their migration and the problems they are faced with while living in the city. In the city of Jammu, various groups and communities, especially those who migrated from outside created their networks. They got influenced by the local socio-cultural and economic factors and at the same time impacted the society and economy in the settled areas. It was observed that their stay in Jammu is of longer duration still they feel alienated in the city.
Gross SAARC Happiness: A Perspective on Ethical Governance
Authors: Mishra Nirbhay Kumar
Published: August 2021

Since its inception in 1985 South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC, hereafter), in the last three decades, has been making painstaking efforts, as a collective forum, to achieve its three basic goals: Economic Development, Good Governance through integrated Regional Cooperation by establishing a platform for the social, environmental and economic development. Despite giving impetus to their regional cooperative mechanism, SAARC has been struggling to achieve the objectives laid down in GNH (Gross National Happiness) a globally followed model developed by the Fourth King of Bhutan, in the 1970s. This paper tries to develop a view point to understand the proposed vision of Gross SAARC Happiness (GSH, hereafter) by putting emphasis on the very idea of development through critical ethical investigation into the various governance ideas adopted by the cooperative nations. One of the aims of this paper is to offer an explanation of the basics of happiness & development in that the social, environmental, and economic realms of life cannot be subjugated to GDP (Gross Domestic Product) or GNI (Gross National Income). Hence, the index of GSH is entrenched in the sustainable collective development on the one hand and the collective & individual happiness on the other. What will be crucial in achieving the model of GSH is that the cooperative countries have to practice enhanced political cooperation in maintaining collective peace, and they should refrain from the unsustainable models to achieve GDP. Rather, it is the inclusive growth which should produce individual happiness, collective wellbeing, and Sustainable development. The paper develops the method of ethical governance, by taking recourse to the idea of Sustainable Development Goals structured by the United Nations (UN), for the cooperative nations to adopt as an alternative governance mechanism in achieving the Happiness and Governance at SAARC in the replica of GSH.
Female and Animal in Margaret Atwood‟s The Edible Woman and Surfacing
Authors: Sarkar Somasree
Published: August 2021

The philosophy of European Enlightenment has valorized the supremacy of man, owing to his rational faculty. The universal notion of human centrism is responsible for creating the „other‟, also perceived as the „lesser‟. The Western philosophy for long has upheld binaries – human/non-human; soul/body; sex/gender; man/woman and so on. Such crippling binarization has led to discriminations, claiming the dominance of one over the „other‟. It has facilitated the subjugation of the „other‟ by the assumed superior power through the politics of prejudiced representation of the „other‟. The postmodern philosophy along with feminism questions the politics of universal representation. The postmodern studies have looked into the crevices of the Enlightenment enterprise and have argued that the endeavor has been the prerogative of white males. So, it is necessary to debunk the long nourished notion by decentering (hu)man. The body of postmodern studies seeks to represent the marginal through the unprejudiced lenses of tolerance. It is important to note that any non-(hu)man – whether it is an animal or a woman, is considered to be the „other‟ of man. Both are subjected to violation by male. In the consumerist society, animals and women both, suffer from the threat of consumption. The male centric society has encroached upon the realm of animals as well as of women, depriving them of their fundamental rights of living freely and independently. The research paper critically argues the ethical violation of animals and women, both marginalized by the male dominated consumerist society. A parallel is drawn between the two “lesser-than-man” communities. To serve my purpose, I have chosen Atwood‟s novels – The Edible Woman and Surfacing. Both the novels explore the issue of woman‟s identity in the patriarchal system. The novels seek to redefine the identity of woman by identifying them with animals.
Role of Panchayati Raj Institutions in Rural Development: An Analytical Study of Arunachal Pradesh
Authors: Mibang Tabang
Published: August 2021

Rural Development is viewed as strategy to bring improvement in the economic, political and social life of the rural people. The participation of people in rural development is a must because the developmental activities have to be carried out by the government along with their cooperation. The local government is considered as an instrument of development and welfare programmes. The full benefit of democracy can be realized only when there is true devolution of both power and resources down to the grassroots. Arunachal Pradesh, predominantly a tribal state with more than 26 major tribes and several dozen of minor groups fulfilled the constitutional requirement of institutional arrangement for decentralisation with formulation of Arunachal Pradesh Panchayati Raj Act, 1997 by replacing the NEFA (North Eastern Frontier Agency) Panchayati Raj Regulation, 1967. However, people still suffer from socio-economic backwardness and yet to reap the benefit of devolution of power to the people. Hence, the study is an attempt to analyse the role of panchayati raj institutions in rural development and perception of the rural locals in three districts of Arunachal Pradesh.
Role of Family-Business in Women Empowerment
Authors: Shetty M. Sowjanya S. , Basil Hans V.
Published: August 2021

Family is central to the founding of society and society completes nation. Family enterprise is an influential element in commencing and nourishing socio-economic development. Family enterprise has been active around the world for centuries and also accounts for a large share of economic activity in the contemporary period. No nation, society and family can bourgeon and be prosperous if women, who represent half of the human force, are not treated equally. In many parts of India, the participation of women in decision making is inexcusably low, and they are marginalized and play a secondary role. Gender equality and women empowerment are essential for the development and wellbeing of family, society and to a nation. Gender inequality in India is because of the existence of the patriarchal structure of the family system. Empowerment of women must be accomplished at all levels to enable them to make decisions about themselves and also family matters. Education is believed to be one of the most fundamental components of Empowerment. Education enables women to have an analytical and scientific approach and recognize the realities around them. This paper is an attempt to discuss the role of family business in the empowerment of women, identifying the role of education as a reliable energy booster for the development and empowerment of women in a developing country like India.
Conceptualization of Ethnicity and Identity Formation
Authors: Nazir Nurgiss
Published: August 2021

This paper discusses the theoretical background of ethnicity and its role in identity formation. The resurgence of ethnicity in the contemporary world has inevitably led to a critical re-examination of widely popular assumptions that surrounded the study of ethnic group and ethnic consciousness. The contemporary world is characterized by a profound ethnic assertiveness rather than decline. This study is a modest attempt at understanding the ethnicisation of Kashmiri identity which has fractured the earlier composite culture of the Kashmir. What “kashmiriyat” actually stands for and also what is the role of territorial homogenization in sharpening the ethnic lines in Kashmir. Ethnic consciousness works as glue for the group members but it also leads to resistance for the outer elements, infringement of any sort becomes intolerant. Instrumentalist view regards ethnic identity as a tool, one that can be mobilized or manipulated to achieve specific ends usually in the fields of politics and the economy. In this study we will observe its relevance with the Kashmiri society.
Responsiveness on Equal Work Opportunity in Philippines
Authors: Mangumpit Raymond , Etcuban Jonathan O.
Published: August 2021

This work showed the study of the responsiveness of equal opportunity provisions for lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender in an information technology logistics company, Cebu, Philippines. The study employed the descriptive-correlational design using a researcher made questionnaire. The respondents were the 91 diverse employees from the various departments. The gathered data were treated using a weighted mean and Chi-square test of independence. The study revealed that the company moderately responded to the equal opportunity provisions for LGBT. It is concluded that makes an inclusive environment will draw better candidates for open positions and hold top talent longer.
Rethinking the Option of Violence in Politics and the Fate of Tiberius Gracchus
Authors: Adekannbi Gill Oluwatosin
Published: August 2021

The killing of Tiberius Gracchus along with hundreds of his supporters in factional violence has left an imprint of moral controversy. When perpetuated by the aggrieved or oppressed masses, violence is seen as an act of aggression or rebellion. However, it tends to be termed political expediency when initiated by the ruling power or its agency. Using interpretive approach, this paper sets aside justifying the murdering of Tiberius as removal of a potential tyrant who was causing public disturbance. The research, after highlighting how violence became imminent when other legitimate efforts at resolving political conflicts failed, shifts to the moral question arising from resorting to violence as the ultimate tool for achieving a political goal. Corrupt members of the Roman Senate and their supporters would share the view: ‘so perish also all others who do such things’. However, the paper notes the benefits of Tiberius’ agrarian reforms to the poor citizens and the potential benefits of the changes to the state. The conclusion is: the champion of the people had acted well enough but inconclusively to reach his goals. It remained for him and his supporters to stand against being outmaneuvered by the corrupt politicians. If violence had been used by Tiberius and his followers against the senate to succeed, the common people would have declared this as both morally justifiable and politically expedient. Hence, it is theorised that, when moral questions are unanswered in politics, violence looms and no one may have the monopoly of it.
Determinants of Sea Gypsies School Leavers in the Philippines
Authors: Abelgas Limuel , Pilapil Edwin , Etcuban Jonathan O. , Tenerife Janine Joy , Pinili Lilibeth , Sitoy Regina
Published: August 2021

The Sea Gypsies (Badjaos) stride in education since a large number of children not taking part in education programmes. This is due to reasons of an unjustified stigma associated with the Badjao people, which cause them to be discriminated against in school and the employment market. This study ascertained the determinants of Badjao school leavers in Cebu City, Philippines. It employed a descriptive method using the adapted survey questionnaire. Sixty-five respondents were identified using purposive sampling. The data gathered were organized and treated statistically using weighted mean, percentile ranking, and multiple regression. The findings disclosed that the Badjao respondents had perceived that personal and family factors could be the determinants why they had left school. Also, the integration and program implementation were not associated with why the respondents had left school. The respondents’ profile and their perceived reasons for leaving school had no significant relationship. Lastly, the respondents perceived reasons for leaving school. Hence, it is highly recommended that the proposed developmental plan of this study be adopted, implemented and monitored in order to help the Badjaos to finish their studies and become more responsible and productive citizens of the country.
A Study on Online Shopping and Consumer Behaviour among College Students in Coimbatore District, Tamil Nadu
Authors: Parameswari P.
Published: August 2021

The convergence of media technology, most of the people engaged with online buyers’ particularly youngsters than other age groups. The arrival of the information age triggered the appearance of a new type of consumer, more demanding and more informed by far more affected by his or her choices. The selective consumer of the 21st century is not easily satisfied and marketers are on a constant watch out to meet his eyes and cope with his needs and preferences. This paper seeks to examine online marketing and consumer behaviour among the college students. The core of the analysis focuses on online purchasing on electronic gadgets and cosmetic products towards the college students. The quantitative method employed to collect data from the respondents and the non-probability category of convenience sampling technique used to collect the data from the students (N=100). The statistical tool such as percentage, t-test, and correlation used to analyze the data. This study finding shows that most of the male respondents’ preferred to purchase electronic devices compared to female; the female preferred to purchase cosmetic products than electronic apparatus.
A Study on Impact of Liquidity on Returns of Four Government Bonds in the Context of Indian Bond Market
Authors: Vincent Hima
Published: August 2021

A well-developed capital market consists of equity and bond market. A sound bond market with a significant role played by the Government bond market segment is considered to be important for an efficient capital market and raising for developmental ventures. Bonds are issued and sold to the public for funds. Bonds are interest bearing debt certificates. This study is conducted in order to analyze the impact of liquidity on return of government securities in the context of Indian bond market.
Extrinsic Factors which Influence the Buying Preferences of Residential Real Estate Customers
Authors: Rekha P. T.
Published: August 2021

A major effort on the part of Real estate firms is to increase and retain their customers and it is very essential that to know the factors influencing customers’ satisfaction and retention. This study is done with the purposes of identifying the extrinsic factors that affect the purchasing decision of the real estate customers of villas and apartments. This study uses survey questionnaires to obtain information from real estate consumers. The study was conducted in Thrissur district. The study found that the most influencing one in extrinsic factors which affect the purchase decision of real estate consumers is the availability of the facility of waste disposal. The study also discuss the opinion of real estate consumers about the changes needed in the structure of flats and villas in the light of natural calamities occurred in Kerala.
Perception and its Impact on Satisfaction on Performance Appraisal in Real Estate Industry in South India
Authors: Sridhar R. , Elangovan N.
Published: August 2021

Traditionally, real estate industry is managed by small time entrepreneurs and considered as unorganized industry. However, in the last few decades, the real estate industry has become organized sector with many corporate houses started doing business and offering employment to millions. Like any other organized industry, Real estate industry too started practicing performance appraisal to reward their employees and to align their goal with the organization. The nature of the business allows the organizations in Real Estate industry to have diversified work groups. Thus, organization’s role on implementing better performance appraisal system becomes inevitable. This study aims at identifying the perception of the real estate employees on performance appraisal system, organizational role in educating the employee on performance appraisal system and their impact on the satisfaction of the employee on the performance appraisal system practiced in Real Estate companies
Growth and Seasonality of Tourist Arrivals at Athirappilly-Vazhachal Ecotourism Destination
Authors: Sooraj Menon K.
Published: August 2021

Ecotourism destinations can be well managed, developed and preserved only when the factors affecting their day-to-day functioning are managed efficiently and regulated through a systematic mechanism. Kerala Forest and Wildlife Department is managing the ecotourism destinations in Kerala with the help of host community participation through Participatory Forest Management (PFM). This paper explores the potential of Athirappilly-Vazhachal in terms of growth in tourist arrivals and elucidates the growth pattern of various types of tourist arrivals. The monthly seasonality of tourist arrivals is also made a part of this study so that the peak season and off season are identified. This will help in improving the management of ecotourism destinations and assigning resources (human resource, physical resources, and financial resources) so that quality tourism experience can be provided to tourists, while carrying capacity and sustainability aspects of ecotourism destination are ensured.
Emotional Intelligence and Job Satisfaction among Bank Managers with Special Reference to Malappuram District, Kerala
Authors: Aravind J.
Published: August 2021

Emotions play a vital role in ordering human experiences. Emotional Intelligence is the capacity to recognize our own feelings and those of others for motivating ourselves and for managing emotions well in ourselves and in our relationship. Emotional Intelligence focuses on the softer skills of building and maintains human relationships. This aspect of life assumes a lot of importance since a person is not detached from the human element, be it work place, the home front or the social circle, human interactions are inevitable and our success depends to a large extent on what we make of these interactions and relationships. Job Satisfaction is the combination of psychological, physiological and environmental circumstances that cause a person truthfully to say I am satisfied with my job. The study is intended to analyze Emotional Intelligence of bank managers and their Satisfaction towards their job. It also helps to identify and analyze the Dimensions of Emotional Intelligence and various factors which influence Emotional Intelligence and Job Satisfaction.
Social Media, Civic Engagement and Political Participation
Authors: John Boby , Kennedy John Joseph
Published: August 2021

Civic engagement has traditionally been considered a much desired trait of good citizenship. Many researches in the past few decades have treated civic engagement level as one of the variables to measure political participation. Since active and constructive political participation of the citizenry is at the very heart of democracy, inculcating passion towards civic engagement positively helps to augment the political participation level of people. This paper makes a measurement the social media use level of college students in Kerala, categorizing the frequency of use as low, medium and high. The civic engagement level of these same students is then measured to examine the relationship between social media use and civic engagement level of students. The study can contribute insights to social media managers, academicians and policy makers towards effective use of social media for civic engagement enhancement resulting in greater political participation. The study also examines the truth of the argument that online activists are not as much passionate about civic issues when offline. A reality check on this can throw open interesting results on the political behaviour of present day youngsters.
Fiscal Deficit of the Public Sector in India: Issues on Data Reliability, Accounting Flaws and Missing Variables
Authors: Aneesh K. A.
Published: August 2021

Fiscal deficit, one of the widely acclaimed and internationally accepted measures of fiscal imbalance, is faced with a lot of conceptual and accounting issues in India. The definition of deficit has been changing and therefore there is no consistency in the official series of deficits published by the government of India. Since 1991, budgets were being framed in the context of the New Economic Policies (NEP) consisting of the Stabilization Policies and the Structural Adjustment Policies (SAP). While, the fiscal austerity in the form of expenditure reduction and revenue enhancement as a corollary to NEP has hardly worked out in India. However, the Central government has undertaken several measures to show a reduced fiscal deficit in India. One of the ways practiced was to implement some changes in the accounting practices over the years. This was by including some additional elements in the definition of deficit and excluding some other items. The second practice was to transfer the deficit of the Centre to other layers of the government. In a broad fiscal policy regime framework following Prof. Arun Kumar’s modified National Income Identity (1988), a total government or public sector comprising of the Centre, State/UTs and local-self-governments as well as the Public Sector Enterprises (PSEs) at the Centre and State levels. The problem of deficit shifting can be automatically avoided by taking the whole public sector into the analysis, which makes the empirical results on interrelationship between fiscal deficit and various macroeconomic variables more realistic and convincing. Still, there is a paucity of white economy data, because of the existence of substantial black economy in India. Its non-inclusion in analysis results in a partial understanding of the economy and often incorrect policy pronouncements. The need to incorporate the black economy is not simply an empirical matter, but a theoretical necessity. This paper in general tries to bring the aforementioned issues on data reliability, accounting flaws and missing variables into the discussion and attempt to correct the fudges in the official deficit series published by the government and also tries construct a compiled series of deficit for the public sector in India. The empirical section of the paper explains the significance of black economy as a variable to be included in the analysis to get better understanding of the economy.
Community Participation in Ecotourism Management with Special Reference to Athirappilly and Vazhachal
Authors: Sooraj Menon K.
Published: August 2021

The objectives of Ecotourism can be achieved if there is a well planned mechanism to manage destinations. Among the stakeholders of ecotourism projects, the host community of is the most important one. It is through them the ideology of ecotourism can be popularised. This paper investigates the factors that influence host community participation in ecotourism management of Athirappilly and Vazhachal – two popular ecotourism destinations of Kerala. The involvement of the host community in management of ecotourism destinations will help them to empower themselves while ensuring management of natural resources in an efficient manner. This destination centric study, unlike the other macro level studies, attempts to understand the factors influencing community participation in ecotourism management at Athirappilly and Vazhachal. It was found that Environmental Knowledge for Sustainable Development and Perceived Economic Impact of Community Based Ecotourism Management has more influence on Participation in Community Based Ecotourism Management.
Public Health Measures (Lockdown) and its Psychological Impact: A General Population Study of Mental Health Difficulties during the Covid-19 Pandemic and Resultant Lock Down
Authors: Fenn Jessy
Published: August 2021

Public health measures taken to prevent the spread of pandemics such as COVID-19 can negatively impact on the mental health of individuals. This study reports perceived stress, sources of stress, psychological distress, and post-traumatic stress disorder in 1073 adults from Kerala, India during the lockdown phase. Methods: Data was gathered using these questionnaires: Perceived Stress Scale, Kessler Psychological Distress Scale and PC-PTSD scale. Results: Descriptive analyses revealed that 65.7% of participants experienced increased stress levels due to the lockdown; with 57.4% experiencing moderate and 8.3% of experiencing severe stress. Discussion: The major sources of stress were anxiety about the future, finance-related, frustration of movement due to restriction and anxiety about COVID. Although there were no cases of PTSD, about 30% of the sample suffered from severe psychological distress. The above issues should be addressed by policy makers and health care professionals in trying to ameliorate the psychological distress experienced by people during pandemic-related lockdown in the future.
Reflections of Gender Budget Initiatives in the Budgetary Allocations of Developed State in India: Kerala
Authors: Nishanthi P. U.
Published: August 2021

In this article tried to examine the changes made by gender budget initiative in the budgetary allocations of Kerala in terms of Women Specific Schemes (WSS). Deliberations made by the Govt. for mainstreaming budget by gender concerns are successful in terms of number of schemes and programmes and diversified programmes. Every year an increase in budgetary allocations could be seen but that increase is only in absolute terms. Percentage share of allocation towards the WSS are always oscillated under one percent. Govt. should go for gender budget initiatives by increasing percentage share of budgetary allocations. Govt. hadn’t gone for exploiting the potential of gender budgeting. A stronger commitment from the Govt. is needed.
Participatory Exclusion in Water User Associations: A Subaltern Perspective
Authors: Gulam Dasthagir K.
Published: August 2021

Although Participatory Irrigation Management envisions democratic participation and equity in water sharing among farmers , this article while investigating the challenges of Dalit farmers in Water User Associations and access to surface or ground water for irrigation, espouse the perpetuation of ‘Participatory Exclusion’ of Dalit farmers in canal water sharing and rights in water user associations . Since caste discrimination is embedded in modern user organizations, participatory exclusion of Dalit farmers operates at all levels of membership, participation and representation in PIMinrural Tamil Nadu.
Blue Ocean Strategies and Indian Companies
Authors: Sreeja K.
Published: August 2021

The Blue Ocean Strategy is relatively a new concept propounded by Kim and Mauborgne in 2005 in their famous book “Blue Ocean Strategy: How to Create Uncontested Market Space and Make the Competition Irrelevant”. Blue oceans are the unexplored market space where no competition exists at present. This is a concept paper based on content exploration and no scientific enquiry is carried out as part of this study. The present paper explains the concept of Blue Ocean Strategy by illustrating the examples of some companies using this strategy
A Sociological Preview on the Effects of Migration on Families Left Behind in Homeland
Authors: Kaimal Lekshmi S. , Paul Ani Merly
Published: August 2021

Migration is a multidimensional process involving interrelated aspects that affect those who move, those who are behind, and the host country. Kerala has contributed significantly to the outflow of workers to the Middle East. Often the positive impacts of migration are as highlighted as it makes an important contribution to the economy, to welfare and of course to cultural diversity of the state, but it affects the psycho- social and emotional well-being of the left behind family members. This paper addresses effects of migration on the families left behind in homeland; the objectives include: 1. to analyze the socio-economic background of emigrant worker’s family. 2. To identify the nature and the reasons of migration. 3. To find out the benefits received by family through the migration of a member. 4. To find out the effect of emigration on family relationships and psycho -social and emotional stresses experienced by the left behind family. The study is based on primary data of families of emigrant workers to the Middle East, mostly unskilled and semi-skilled workers who were not eligible for family visas. Mixed method was used in the study. Sample sizes consist of 150 families selected through snowball sampling method. The study revealed that migration improved their socioeconomic conditions, and they were started to acquire their aspiration and apart from benefits, the migration also added socio-psychological stresses to the family members
Disinvestment of Public Sector Enterprises (PSEs) and Fiscal Deficit Tackling in India
Authors: Aneesh K. A.
Published: August 2021

Every year since 1991, the Central Government of India has been successfully disinvesting its PSEs from various sectors. The recent announcement to strategically disinvest some of the better performing PSEs like Life Insurance Corporation of India Ltd., Air India and so on is indeed shocking. This seriously questions the intension of the government towards the declared objectives of the disinvestment strategy in 1991. There are severe apprehensions on selling-off the PSEs at a lower price and the utilization of disinvestment proceeds for filling the revenue deficits of the Central Government. This paper discusses the idea of disinvestment in India and the debates associated with it. The paper also critically analyses the disinvestment proceeds in India as a tool to tackle mounting fiscal deficits after the initiation of the New Economic Policies in 1991.
Gender Bias in the Allocation of Welfare Programs in the Muslim Community, Reasons and Remedies: A Study on Orphanages in Kerala
Authors: Muhammed Ashique P. P.
Published: August 2021

The orphanage system in Kerala is a well-organized welfare-oriented Institution to provide education and livelihood for the orphans. Even though the orphanage system makes a tremendous change in the Empowerment of orphans, there is a huge gap between the allocation of orphanages for boys and girls orphans. The gender gap exists in all the institutions in the state, but it is at the peak in the institutions under religious minority. This gap is a serious issue in a state where the sex ratio is 1.08 which is the highest in the country. This research paper is trying to find the reasons for the gender gap in Muslim orphanages and suggesting possible remedies to overcome the issue.
Comparative Study on Reproductive Health Awareness between Bio-Science and Non Bio-Science Students of H.S Level of West Bengal Board
Authors: Mukherjee Tanima
Published: August 2021

The study on reproductive health education made an effort to present scientifically the detailed account of the level of knowledge and perception of the school going students regarding reproductive health issues. Main purpose of the study was to make a comparative analysis of bio-science and non bio- science students regarding the awareness and knowledge about reproductive health. 100 school students of different school belong to higher secondary level were selected as sample. Then the survey has been done on them with the help of self made questionnaire. Samples are collected by using stratified random sampling technique. The statistical analysis of the data were done by using independent t-Test. Standard deviation and standard error of the collected data, also calculated to reach a significant conclusion of the study. The statistical analysis of the study found that there is a significant difference in awareness between bio-science and non bio-science students. The bio-science students are more scientifically aware of reproductive health related issues in compare to other than bio-science students. Perception about reproductive health related issues and sex oriented matters are more scientific in bioscience students rather than no bioscience students.
A General Perspective of Online Learning during Pandemic COVID-19: A Case Study in Chakdaha Block, West Bengal, India
Authors: Guha Bibhas , Mandal Biswajit
Published: August 2021

Considering education is the prerequisite for human development, World Education Forum (1990) declared that provisions should be made for educating all people. The Government of India has already ensured free and compulsory education to all children within the age group between 6 and 14 under Article 21A of the Indian Constitution (The Right to Education Act, 2009). In 2006, the Government of India has introduced online learning in rural and urban areas as a purview of propagating education. Online learning is the electronic education process by which a learner can learn effectively. Now-a-days, it seems to be a useful tool for upgrading and propagating education throughout the globe. Report depicts that internet access in rural India is nearly 20.26%, as compared to 64.84% in urban India, whereas in West Bengal the internet access is estimated as a whole around 11% (Internet Live Stats, 2016). Lack of infrastructure, hardware facilities, Government policies, strategies and schemes, awareness about online learning material usage, computer based courses, skilled trainers etc. are becoming a hindrance for online learning to rural learners. In this context, the objective of the paper is to evaluate the uses and effectiveness of online learning during Pandemic COVID-19. The implication of the study is discussed through a case study in Chakdaha Block, West Bengal, India.
Chemical and Organic Farming in India: An Overview
Authors: Gurumoorthy V.
Published: August 2021

India ranks second worldwide in farm outputs. As per 2018, agriculture employed 50% of the Indian work force and contributed 17-18% to country’s GDP. India exported $38 billion worth of agricultural products in 2013, making it the seventh largest agricultural exporter worldwide and the sixth largest net exporter. Chemical fertilizers are major inputs of scientific agriculture. India is one of the major countries in the production and consumption of fertilizers. Fertilizer consumption was less than 1 million tones before the mid-1960s. With the introduction of high-yielding variety (HYV) seeds, there was acceleration in the growth of fertilizer consumption. The Government of India has also implemented the National Programme for Organic Production (NPOP). The national programme involves the accreditation programme for Certification Bodies, standards for organic production, promotion of organic farming etc. As on 31st March 2018, total area under organic certification process (registered under National Programme for Organic Production) is 3.56 million Hectare (2017-18). Against this backdrop, the present study is undertaken to present an overview of chemical and organic farming in Ind