Research Review Journal of Social Science
हिंदी में पढ़ें | ગુજરાતી માટે ક્લિક કરો UGC Guidelines on Peer-Reviewed Journals The Research Review Journal of Social Science (RRJSS) is an international, double-blind peer-reviewed, open-access scholarly journal dedicated to the advancement of research in the fields of Social Sciences and Humanities. Established in the year 2021, the journal provides a credible and inclusive platform for academicians, researchers, and scholars from India and across the globe to publish high-quality and original research work. RRJSS publishes research articles, review articles, and short communications that contribute to theoretical, empirical, and interdisciplinary perspectives. The journal follows a rigorous double-blind peer review process to ensure academic integrity, originality, and adherence to ethical publishing standards, while also offering timely and efficient publication. To promote global knowledge exchange and wider dissemination of research, RRJSS accepts manuscripts in English, Hindi, and Gujarati, making scholarly work accessible to diverse academic communities. As an open-access journal, RRJSS ensures unrestricted worldwide access to all published content. The journal welcomes submissions from international authors, universities, research institutions, and academic organizations, encouraging cross-cultural research, comparative studies, and global academic collaboration. Journal Information Title: Research Review Journal of Social Science (RRJSS) Year of Start: 2021 Frequency of Publication: Bi-Annual (Two Issues per Year) ISSN (Online): 2583-2867 Peer Review Process: Double-Blind Peer Review Subject Areas: Social Sciences and Humanities Languages: English, Hindi, Gujarati Indexing: Google Scholar Accessibility: Open Access Plagiarism Detection: Turnitin (Licensed) Publication Format: Online Contact Details Contact No.: +91 93284 90029 Email: editor@rrjournals.co.in Website: https://rrjournals.co.in/ Address: 15/B, Kalyan Nagar Society, Fire Brigade Road, Outside Shahpur Gate, Ahmedabad – 380004, Gujarat, India
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The Opposition Political Parties in India (1947–1965) and their role in the making of a democracy
This article examines the critical yet often underappreciated role played by opposition political parties in India during the formative years of its democracy, from independence in 1947 to the end of the Nehru era in 1965. Drawing exclusively on pre-2022 scholarly sources, the article argues that while the Indian National Congress dominated the political landscape during this period, the opposition parties were not merely passive spectators but active contributors to the consolidation of democratic norms and practices. The article surveys the major opposition formations of the era—the Communist Party of India, the Socialist Party, the Kisan Mazdoor Praja Party, the Bharatiya Jana Sangh, and the Swatantra Party—and analyzes their ideological orientations, electoral performances, and parliamentary conduct. It demonstrates that opposition parties served four essential functions in India’s democratic development: providing ideological alternatives to Congress hegemony, acting as a check on government power through parliamentary mechanisms, mobilizing marginalized social groups into the political process, and establishing the legitimacy of political dissent in a newly independent nation. The article also examines the landmark Kerala election of 1957, the first time a non-Congress government was democratically elected in an Indian state, as a crucial test of India’s democratic maturity. The article concludes that the opposition parties of 1947-1965, despite their limited electoral success, laid the groundwork for India’s multi-party democratic system and established precedents that would prove vital during the Emergency period of 1975-77.
Immanuel Kant and the Synthesis of Empiricism and Rationalism
In the history of philosophy, a prolonged debate in epistemology can be observed between empiricism and rationalism. This conflict reaches a point of resolution in the works of Immanuel Kant. He establishes that both of these opposing doctrines are partly true and partly false. By critically examining them, he proposes a new perspective on the origin of knowledge. However, the question remains: on which specific points does he agree with empiricism and rationalism, and where does his position differ from both? In particular, this paper aims to highlight his points of agreement and disagreement with rationalists and empiricists, focusing on issues such as concepts, intuition, the source of knowledge concerning matters of fact, the content of a third type of knowledge beyond knowledge concerning matters of fact and the knowledge concerning relation of ideas.
Empowerment or Exploitation? A Micro-Historical Study of Women Bidi Workers in Murshidabad District (1990–2020)
Using a micro-historical approach, this study looks at the complicated realities of women bidi labourers in the Murshidabad area of West Bengal from 1990 to 2020. The purpose of this analysis is to determine if their involvement in the bidi sector gives them agency or if it just perpetuates their exploitation in the shadow economy. Decentralized, home-based production systems have increasingly depended on female workers owing to their socio-economic fragility and restricted mobility, as highlighted by the research, which situates women’s labour within the broader historical growth of the bidi sector. The study shows that low earnings, insecurity in employment, lack of social protection, and substantial health risks impact women’s engagement in bidi work, which is a vital source of revenue and helps them contribute to household survival. This study shows how women navigate fundamentally unequal systems, exert limited agency, and deal with everyday situations by concentrating on local contexts and ordinary experiences. It contends that bidi workers’ lives are complex and contradictory, and that empowerment and exploitation do not exist in isolation from one another. The results indicate that women need institutional protections, fair salaries, and better working conditions to ensure that their economic engagement alone will lead to meaningful empowerment. The study sheds light on the gendered dynamics of work and survival tactics in modern rural India, adding depth to our knowledge of informal labour by connecting theoretical frameworks with participants’ day-to-day experiences.
Ethics and Moral Development in Education: Connecting Buddhist Philosophy with NEP 2020
In order to better understand how NEP 2020 will influence the formation of students’ moral character and ethics in the classroom, this research looks at how Buddhist philosophy relates to NEP 2020. The article contends that the two models agree on a goal of human flourishing that goes beyond IQ testing and includes teaching students to live with compassion, emotional stability, and an understanding of the importance of ethics. By stressing that moral behaviour stems from the caliber of human cognition, Buddhist philosophy offers a profound ethical framework based on awareness, proper behaviour, and inner development. The need of maintaining mental discipline in leading a moral life is emphasized by the Buddhist tenet that mind is the forerunner of all states. Contrarily, NEP 2020 formalizes value-based education by incorporating constitutional ideals, empathy, and accountability within the educational system. Aiming to foster good human beings capable of rational thought and ethical action, the strategy reflects a move toward a more comprehensive and student-centered instructional approach. Character development, awareness, and social responsibility are central to both NEP 2020 and Buddhist ethical ideals, according to this research. Taking a conceptual approach, the research analyses how value education under NEP 2020 might be strengthened by including Buddhist ethical notions. It implies that students’ moral reasoning, emotional intelligence, and reflective learning can be improved by incorporating Buddhist philosophy into modern pedagogy. This convergence, according to the study’s findings, presents a game-changing paradigm for teaching modern citizens to be wise, compassionate, and ethical.
Māyā as Cosmic Ignorance: A Philosophical Inquiry into Avidyā in Advaita Vedānta
This essay explores the Advaita Vedānta's concept of Māyā as cosmic ignorance and its connection to avidyā, emphasizing how these concepts explain reality, perception, and emancipation. It contends that Māyā is a sophisticated philosophical theory that explains the appearance of plurality in a fundamentally non-dual world rather than just an illusion. Avidyā functions at the individual level as an epistemic constraint and misunderstanding that hinders the realization of the true essence of the self, whereas Māyā functions at the cosmic level. The research emphasizes how ignorance actively impacts human experience by projecting multiplicity onto the unity of Brahman, drawing on both contemporary philosophical interpretations and classical Advaita texts. The essay delves deeper into the ontological position of the world, demonstrating that it exists as a dependent appearance rooted in consciousness rather than being wholly real or wholly unreal. The study shows how Advaita Vedānta resolves the seeming conflict between unity and diversity by looking at the relationship between Māyā, consciousness, and appearance. Additionally, it highlights that knowledge eliminates ignorance and shows the non-dual identity of the self and Brahman, leading to liberation (mokṣa). The study comes to the conclusion that Advaita Vedānta provides a profoundly epistemological approach to metaphysics, where freedom results from the alteration of understanding. This philosophical paradigm is still very applicable to arguments about reality, knowledge, and human existence today.
Empowerment of Women in Howrah District through Zari Works (1966-2020): A Study
Zari, also known as (Jari) works, is a hand embroidery, and it economically affected the lives of the people of the Howrah district, specifically women. The paper attempts to examine how this work influenced their socio-economic lives and empowered them through Zari works from 1966-2020. In Howrah district, according to the census of 2001, data indicates bout 84.2 percent of workers of the total population were economically dependent on non-agricultural works, and about 11.5 percent of workers were involved in the household sector; there were approximately 9.2 percent males, and nearly 26.8 percent of workers were women, higher than men in household industries. The majority of women involved in the Zari sector were from the Muslim community; still, women from the Hindu community also benefited from this work and improved their socio-economic status. Zari works is a traditional handicraft; the word originates from the Persia, which means a kind of embroidery art using gold and silver threads worked on various fabrics to elaborate them. This works became a major source of women's empowerment. It was not only a major occupation of the people of Howrah district in West Bengal, other districts, including Purbo and Paschim Medinipur, Hooghly, Burdwan, and Birbhum, there was not only a large number, but also some women, especially women engaged in this works. They become more concerned about their health and have economically supported their families. They faced many challenges because of society’s conservatism. This study analyses the challenges they have faced, their journey towards empowerment, and their influence on society through Zari works.
Territory, Power, and Strategy: Rethinking Geopolitics in the 21st Century
In light of geopolitics in the twenty-first century, this essay critically reconsiders the relationship between territory, power, and strategy. It contends that the complexity of modern world politics cannot be adequately explained by conventional geopolitical theories, which mostly concentrated on established borders and military supremacy. The study starts by looking at how globalization, digital connectivity, and transnational flows have transformed the notion of territory from a stable and restricted region to a more fluid and networked form. The evolution of power from a limited military idea to a multifaceted form that encompasses economic influence, technological capability, cultural attraction, and information control is then examined. The study goes on to examine how strategy has changed in reaction to these developments, especially in light of the emergence of cyberwarfare, hybrid warfare, and non-state actors. It also draws attention to the increasing significance of global issues like inequality, climate change, and technological hazards, which call for moral consideration and international collaboration. The paper creates a more thorough framework for comprehending geopolitics in an interconnected globe by combining traditional and modern viewpoints, including ideas from Manuel Castells, Joseph Nye, and Halford Mackinder. It comes to the conclusion that geopolitics needs to be rethought as a dynamic, multifaceted arena where strategy and power function in both real and virtual domains, and where moral issues are essential to creating a more equitable and stable world order.
Nationalism And Freedom: Reinterpreting Mahatma Gandhi And B.R Ambedkar in Contemporary Political Theory
This essay examines the lasting significance of B.R. Ambedkar and Mahatma Gandhi for modern political philosophy, emphasizing their different but complementary conceptions of freedom and nationalism. Gandhi's philosophy places a strong emphasis on moral autonomy, ethical citizenship, and active participation, contending that the development of self-control, nonviolence, and group moral responsibility leads to ultimate freedom. His idea of nationalism goes beyond specific geographic or ethnic ties, picturing a multicultural community based on civic virtue and respect for one another. Ambedkar, on the other hand, places a strong emphasis on social justice and structural emancipation, arguing that liberation cannot be achieved without eliminating systemic injustices, especially those that come from caste, class, and gender inequality. His paradigm shows that in order to make democracy relevant and inclusive, political and legal institutions must guarantee equal rights and opportunities for all citizens. This essay contends that Gandhi and Ambedkar together offer a deeper, more complex framework for comprehending the moral, social, and political facets of freedom and nationhood by addressing both moral and structural aspects. Their combined viewpoints highlight the importance of social equality, inclusive participation, and ethical commitment for a just and cohesive political society, providing insights into the difficulties of contemporary democratic government. By showing how past Indian intellectuals can influence discussions on citizenship, democracy, and nationalism in a varied and globalized world, this work adds to current political conversation.
Nationalism and Its Discontents: A Critical Interpretation of Rabindranath Tagore’s Ghare-Baire
By analysing the intricate connection between nationalism and its moral, social, and psychological ramifications, this essay provides a critical reading of Rabindranath Tagore's The Home and the World. The novel, which is set against the backdrop of the Swadeshi movement, portrays nationalism as a deeply confused concept that generates both inspiration and discontent rather than as a cohesive or wholly beneficial force. Through the opposing viewpoints of Nikhil and Sandip, the study examines how Tagore opposes violent and sentimental forms of nationalism, emphasizing the conflict between moral idealism and political fanaticism. Additionally, it examines Bimala's role in exposing the gendered aspects of nationalism, where ideological conflicts arise at the borders between the home and the outside world. The study goes on to examine how economic nationalism, especially in the context of Swadeshi, has unforeseen social repercussions that frequently disrupt social cohesion and impact vulnerable people. However, Tagore's vision goes beyond criticism by putting out a different strategy based on universal human principles like moral responsibility, compassion, and reason. His focus on moral involvement encourages a more inclusive view of identity and opposes limited nationalist thinking. This essay makes the case that Tagore's Ghare-Baire is still a potent and pertinent work for comprehending the ongoing conflicts between nationalism and humanism in contemporary society by fusing literary analysis with philosophical insight.
The Evolution of Niskama Karma in Indian Ethical Traditions: From Vedic Texts to the Bhagavad Gita
This dissertation rigorously analyzes the progression of Niskama Karma (selfless action) as a fundamental ethical principle in Indian philosophical traditions, following its transformation from the ritualistic context of Vedic literature to its refined expression in the Bhagavad Gita. In the Vedic environment, activity was grounded in sacrificial rites (yajñas), driven by cosmic harmony (ṛta) and material benefits. This evolved into an introspective ethical ideal in the Upanishads, prioritizing intentionality and spiritual detachment over external rituals. The Bhagavad Gita synthesizes prior concepts, articulating Niskama Karma as a universal tenet of selfless obligation that reconciles worldly involvement with spiritual emancipation. The research underscores the philosophical and psychological aspects of this idea, its focus on detachment from results, and its persistent significance in modern ethical discussions. This paper conducts a critical examination of primary texts and comments to examine how Niskama Karma reconciles individual desires with community well-being, offering a timeless framework for moral action in personal and societal contexts.
Liberation Through Knowledge in Sankhya: Meaning and Contemporary Relevance
This research paper explores the concept of liberation through knowledge in Samkhya, focusing on its meaning, philosophical foundation, and contemporary relevance. It argues that Sankhya presents a rational and systematic path to freedom (kaivalya) based on discriminative knowledge (viveka), which enables the individual to clearly distinguish between Purusha (pure consciousness) and Prakriti (material nature). The study examines how ignorance of this distinction leads to bondage, suffering, and misidentification with the body and mind, while true knowledge results in inner detachment and existential freedom. By analysing key concepts such as epistemology, metaphysics, and the role of awareness, the paper highlights that liberation in Sankhya is not a physical or external state but a transformation of consciousness achieved through intellectual clarity and self-realization. The research also connects these classical ideas with modern psychological and ethical concerns, showing how Sankhya’s emphasis on self-awareness, detachment, and the observer-self can help address issues like stress, identity crisis, and emotional instability in contemporary life. Furthermore, it argues that Sankhya provides a valuable ethical framework by encouraging balance, responsibility, and freedom from ego-driven actions. Overall, the paper demonstrates that Sankhya’s philosophy of liberation through knowledge remains highly relevant, offering both a theoretical and practical guide for achieving inner peace and understanding human existence in a rapidly changing world.
Grassroots Democracy and Minority Voices: Political Representation in West Bengal (2000–2024)
This study investigates grassroots democracy and minority political representation in West Bengal from 2000 to 2024. Decentralised governance through Panchayati Raj institutions has increased democratic participation and given marginalised people local political decision-making power. After the 73rd Constitutional Amendment, democratic decentralization has strengthened local self-government and allowed historically disadvantaged groups like Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes, and religious minorities to participate in grassroots politics. In West Bengal, where strong party organizations and participatory rural politics have long shaped local governance structures, the Panchayati Raj system has helped minority communities integrate into democracy. The paper examines the history of state participation politics, grassroots democracy, and minority representation in Panchayati Raj institutions. It investigates political parties’ effects on minority participation and structural barriers to minority voices in local governance. The research shows that decentralized institutions have increased minority representation in grassroots political bodies, but socio-economic inequalities, party dominance, and institutional constraints remain. According to the report, grassroots democracy in West Bengal has created meaningful places for minority involvement, although political empowerment is uneven among communities and areas. Minority voices must be included in grassroots democratic governance by strengthening institutional autonomy, supporting inclusive political practices, and resolving socio-economic inequality.
The Four-year Integrated B. Ed Programme: A theoretical Review of NEP 2020
India’s National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 calls for a revolutionary change in teacher education with the Four-Year Integrated B.Ed. Program, which aims to combine disciplinary knowledge, pedagogy, and reflective practice into a cohesive four-year academic trajectory. This theoretical review places the integrated program within both historical and current discussions on teacher preparation by critically analysing its conceptual underpinnings, structural design, curriculum framework, and pedagogical consequences. The study emphasizes how the program aims to close long-standing gaps between theoretical instruction and real-world classroom engagement by drawing on influential viewpoints in educational theory, such as Schön’s reflective practice, Shulman’s Pedagogical Content Knowledge, and recent studies on inclusive and learner-centered pedagogy. It also looks at institutional and structural issues that could affect the program’s success, like equal access, infrastructure limitations, regulatory alignment, and faculty preparedness. The integrated B.Ed. program, in my opinion, is a paradigm change since it develops teachers who are socially responsive, reflective, and flexible and who can successfully navigate a variety of challenging classroom situations. The review emphasizes how this change has the potential to improve teacher quality, professional identity, and students’ overall educational experiences throughout India. This study adds to the current scholarly conversation on teacher education reform by offering a theoretically grounded analysis. It also provides insights for institutional planning, policy improvement, and future empirical research on the effectiveness and effects of integrated teacher preparation programs.
Enhancing Communication Skills as a Key to 21st Century Skills among Middle Stage Students through Innovative Pedagogies-A Study
The research was conducted with the objectives to study the communication skills of middle-stage students and determining the effectiveness of an intervention based on lesson plans on innovative methods for enhancing students’ communication skills. The research shows that innovative teaching methods are highly effective in enhancing communication skills among middle-stage students in Delhi. The descriptive and inferential analyses revealed consistent improvements across verbal, written, non-verbal, and listening dimensions, with total communication showing a substantial mean gain, thereby confirming the overall success of the intervention.
Khudi as Self-Awareness: A Study of Iqbal’s Philosophy of the Self
In this paper, Sir Muhammad Iqbal explores the idea of Khudi as a comprehensive framework for self-awareness that incorporates moral agency, individual consciousness, and spiritual illumination. Unlike traditional views of the self that emphasize psychological introspection or social determinism, Iqbal’s philosophy sees Khudi as a dynamic, evolving process wherein the self reaches awareness via deliberate action, ethical obligation, and relationship with the Divine. By analysing how Khudi develops via stages of intrapersonal reflection, interpersonal engagement, and transpersonal communion, the study emphasizes the relationship between freedom and responsibility as crucial to human selfhood. This study also examines the social implications of Khudi, highlighting its ability to promote social change by motivating individuals to act morally, creatively, and for the good of society at large. Drawing on core texts such as Asrar-i-Khudi and The Reconstruction of Religious Thought in Islam, as well as recent research in philosophy, psychology, and Islamic studies, the study situates Iqbal’s views within broader discourses on existential selfhood and ethical agency. The analysis demonstrates that Khudi is not merely a philosophical abstraction but rather a dynamic framework that incorporates the social, spiritual, and personal aspects of human existence. By promoting deliberate self-development in accordance with moral and divine principles, Iqbal’s concept of Khudi offers a transformative paradigm of selfhood that can address contemporary problems in ethical reasoning, social involvement, and spiritual cultivation. The study highlights the continued relevance of Iqbal’s philosophy in understanding the relationship between self-awareness, ethical agency, and societal well-being.
The Role of Family, Community, and Social Networks in Shaping Educational Experiences: A Sociological Study
Educational experiences are influenced by a complex interaction of social elements that transcend individual ability. This study analyses the impact of family, community, and social networks on learning outcomes, engagement, and academic growth from a sociological viewpoint. Families function as the principal agents of socialization, offering emotional support, guidance, and cultural capital that establish the basis for scholastic motivation. Communities influence by conveying norms, values, and shared expectations, establishing an atmosphere that either promotes or limits learning chances. Social networks, encompassing peer groups and mentorship connections, facilitate access to knowledge, resources, and collaborative learning, hence influencing identity development and academic self-concept. An intersectional approach emphasizes the complex nature of educational experiences, illustrating how elements such as gender, socioeconomic class, ethnicity, and cultural background intersect with familial, communal, and network influences to create distinct learning pathways. By comprehending these interrelated characteristics, educators and policymakers can formulate programs that tackle structural inequities, augment social support, and foster inclusive learning environments. This study highlights that significant educational achievements rely on acknowledging the relational and contextual aspects inherent in learners' social environments. In conclusion, incorporating perspectives from family, community, and social networks offers a holistic framework for comprehending educational experiences. Policies informed by sociology that utilize social resources can improve student engagement, promote equity, and facilitate lifelong learning, underscoring the significance of relational and contextual elements in determining educational performance.
Tagore’s Vision of Universal Humanity: A Study of His Humanistic Philosophy
Through the prism of his humanistic philosophy, this essay critically analyses Rabindranath Tagore’s conception of universal humanity, highlighting its social, ethical, and educational aspects. Tagore’s humanism emphasizes each person’s inherent worth, places moral obligation within interpersonal and artistic interaction, and encourages the fusion of intellectual, artistic, and spiritual life. The study illustrates how Tagore saw education and social practice as crucial tools for fostering empathy, international understanding, and cosmopolitan consciousness by drawing on his writings, such as The Religion of Man and Gitanjali, in addition to academic interpretations. His criticism of restricted nationalism, inflexible dogmas, and localized identities highlights a moral and ethical framework that cuts over socioeconomic and cultural divides and promotes an inclusive and engaged human society. The study also examines how Tagore’s synthesis of moral imagination, ecological consciousness, and aesthetic experience places human flourishing in both individual and group contexts, providing a comprehensive framework for moral involvement and societal advancement. The study shows that Tagore’s universal humanism offers timeless insights for tackling modern issues including social fragmentation, cultural polarization, and ecological catastrophes by combining philosophical, educational, and ethical viewpoints. The results demonstrate the applicability of his humanistic philosophy in the twenty-first century by indicating that his ideas still provide a foundation for creating inclusive, caring, and connected societies.
Gig Economy and Platform workers in India: Working Conditions, Social Security and Legal Provisions
The Fourth Industrial Revolution, often referred to as 4.0, is all about automation, digital integration, and flexible work setups. In this new era, humans will shift their focus to creative, strategic, and specialised task, while machines take care of the routine stuff. The gig economy is booming, offering a digitally- driven labour market that thrives on short-term, flexible work arrangements with independent workers and platform organisations. This has sparked some serious discussions about worker classification, job quality, social security, health issue and employment standards. Last two decades, the gig economy has emerged as a form of on-demand work. However, many of these tasks are just fragments of traditional roles, leading to precarious and often poorly paid work in certain sectors. The COVID-19 pandemic really brought gig workers into the spotlight, highlighting issue like job security and lack of sick leave, social security, legal protection. The gig economy is a broad, evolving concept with varying definitions, sometimes conflated with the sharing economy, which lacks a labour relationship. Seeing their working condition gig workers are became ‘Algorithmic labour’ (Moore, 2017). They are controlled and directed by digital platform companies. This paper will examine the gig economy and gig workers, their working condition and legal provisions in Indian labour laws or Codes.
Yoga as a Path to Liberation: A Philosophical Study of Patanjali
This essay examines yoga, as described in Patanjali’s Yoga Sutras, as a profound intellectual and practical route to emancipation. I contend that Patanjali offers a thorough approach that combines moral discipline, physical exercises, mental focus, and meditative absorption to promote the realization of Kaivalya, or ultimate freedom, based on a critical analysis of the eightfold path of Ashtanga Yoga. The study emphasizes how Asana, Pranayama, and Pratyahara, which control the body and senses and prepare the practitioner for greater levels of concentration and meditation, are interdependent with Yama and Niyama, which foster moral integrity and personal discipline. The practitioner achieves experiential knowledge of the absolute by transcending the constraints of the empirical self through Dharana, Dhyana, and Samadhi. This paper highlights the ongoing significance of yoga as a transformative practice that balances the physical, psychological, and spiritual aspects of human existence by placing Patanjali’s framework within both classical and modern scholarly discourse, including insights from Feuerstein (2008) and Bryant (2009). I further argue that Patanjali’s philosophy, which emphasizes the need of self-awareness, disciplined practice, and ethical living as the cornerstones of liberation, provides crucial direction for contemporary seekers navigating the difficulties of inner and outer existence. The analysis shows that yoga is an integrative paradigm that can promote comprehensive human growth and the achievement of lasting freedom, far from being merely a physical regimen.
The Debate on Labour Laws and Labour Flexibility: A Study from Labour Laws to Labour Codes
This paper examines the issues surrounding the debate on labour flexibility. In contemporary India, there is an intense debate regarding labour market reforms. It is argued that labour laws are excessively rigid, thereby creating inflexibility within the labour market. Furthermore, it is contended that rigid labour laws act as impediments to economic growth. Conversely, this perspective is vigorously opposed by trade unions and numerous other economists. This paper demonstrates that, despite the existence of so-called restrictive labour laws, the Indian labour market remains remarkably flexible. In contrast, many others maintain that current labour laws are essential for protecting millions of workers from exploitation and for fostering the creation of quality jobs. Yet others argue that, given that 93 percent of economic activity takes place in the unorganized sector, labour laws have very little impact on the majority of workers or firms. Labour laws in India are governed by a multitude of distinct statutes that regulate minimum wages, working conditions, wage payments, benefits, worker welfare, health and safety provisions, industrial dispute resolution processes, terms for hiring and dismissing workers, and conditions for the closure of establishments. Legislative authority over labour issues is vested in both the federal and state governments. Over the past few years, state governments have amended certain central statutes. Moreover, there is significant variation across states regarding the implementation of these laws. The Modi government's emphasis on building a robust manufacturing sector in India is clearly evident in its "Make in India" campaign. The government has introduced several policy measures aimed at facilitating the ease of doing business in India, asserting that "if 'Make in India' is to succeed, then the ease of doing business is the first and foremost requirement." To achieve this success, the codification and simplification of labour laws are deemed essential. In this regard, the Central Government has codified 29 labour laws into four codes: the Code on Wages, 2019; the Industrial Relations Code, 2020; the Code on Social Security, 2020; and the Occupational Safety, Health and Working Conditions Code, 2020. This paper analyzes the debate surrounding labour flexibility as well as the key provisions of these labour codes. Abstract in Hindi Language: इस पेपर में श्रम के लचीलेपन की बहस के मुद्दों का अध्ययन किया गया है। समकालीन भारत में श्रम बाजार में सुधारों पर तीव्र बहस चल रही है। यह तर्क दिया जाता है कि श्रम कानून काफ़ी कठोर हैं जो श्रम बाजार में कठोरता पैदा करते हैं। यह तर्क दिया जाता है कि कठोर श्रम कानून अर्थव्यवस्था के विकास में अवरोध का काम करते हैं। दूसरी ओर, इस दृष्टिकोण का ट्रेड यूनियनों और कई अन्य जानकारों द्वारा जोरदार विरोध किया जाता है। यह पेपर दिखाता है कि तथाकथित प्रतिबंधात्मक श्रम कानून के बावजूद भारतीय श्रम बाजार काफी लचीला है। इसके विपरीत, कई अन्य लोग मानते हैं कि वर्तमान श्रम कानून लाखों श्रमिकों को शोषण से बचाने और अच्छी नौकरियां पैदा करने के लिए आवश्यक हैं। फिर भी, अन्य लोग तर्क देते हैं कि यह देखते हुए कि 93% प्रतिशत आर्थिक गतिविधि असंगठित क्षेत्र में होती है, श्रम कानूनों का अधिकांश श्रमिकों या फर्मों पर बहुत कम असर पड़ता है। भारत में श्रम कानून न्यूनतम मजदूरी, काम की स्थिति, मजदूरी का भुगतान, लाभ, श्रमिकों के कल्याण, स्वास्थ्य और सुरक्षा प्रावधान, औद्योगिक विवादों के समाधान की प्रक्रिया, कामगारों को काम पर रखने और निकालने की शर्तें और प्रतिष्ठानों को बंद करने की शर्तों को निर्धारित करने वाले कई अलग-अलग अधिनियमों द्वारा कवर किए जाते हैं। श्रम मुद्दों पर विधायी अधिकार संघीय और राज्य सरकारों दोनों के पास है। पिछले कुछ वर्षों में, राज्य सरकारों ने कुछ केंद्रीय अधिनियमों में संशोधन किया है। इसके अलावा, राज्यों में कानून के कार्यान्वयन में भी काफी भिन्नता है। भारत में एक मजबूत विनिर्माण क्षेत्र के निर्माण पर मोदी सरकार का जोर उनके "मेक इन इंडिया" अभियान से अच्छी तरह से जाना जा सकता है। उन्होंने भारत में कारोबार करने को आसन बनाने के उद्देश्य से कुछ नीतिगत उपाय शुरू किए: "यदि मेक इन इंडिया को सफल बनाना है तो कारोबार करने में आसानी पहली और सबसे महत्वपूर्ण आवश्यकता है"। और इस सफलता को प्राप्त करने के लिए श्रम कानूनों का संहिताकरण और सरलीकरण आवश्यक है। इस संबंध में केंद्र सरकार ने 29 श्रम कानूनों को चार संहिताओं में संहिताबद्ध किया है, वेतन संहिता 2019, औद्योगिक संबंध संहिता 2020, सामाजिक सुरक्षा संहिता 2020 और व्यावसायिक सुरक्षा, स्वास्थ्य और कार्य स्थिति संहिता 2020। इस पेपर में श्रम लचीलेपन की बहस और श्रम संहिताओं के महत्वपूर्ण प्रावधानों का विश्लेषण किया गया है। Keywords: श्रम संहिता, मेक इन इंडिया, व्यापार करने में सुगमता, श्रम लचीलापन, श्रमिक संघ, छंटनी, अस्थायी छंटनी
Towards the ‘Cha’ Monopoly: Trade Rivalry and British Malfeasance in the Early Colonial Assam
The article aims to focus on the trade rivalry for Cha (tea) in early colonial Assam. After successful experimentation of commercial tea cultivation by the East India Company government in Assam, the European and Indian mercantile forces got attracted into the field like nothing but a sort of mania. The tea fever gave birth to Assam Company in 1839 and soon emerged as successful pioneer tea company in the world, challenging Chinese monopoly. East India Company soon handed over most of its areas under tea to Assam Company and by virtue of its hard toil, it was able to popularise the brand Assam Tea. The nexus of East India Company and the Assam Company wanted to be the sole producer in the field and hence tried to oust it rivals, especially the indigenous entrepreneurship, from the very outset. Local tea cultivators were treacherously suppressed in order to protect monopoly of European capital. This paper aims to focus on the growth of tea rivalry, between the Pioneer Companies namely the East India Company and the Assam Company and the European and indigenous private planters. Secondly, the article also highlights the malfeasants on the part of the nexus of colonial government and the Assam Company to curb the competition from the indigenous entrepreneurs like Raja Purandar Singha, Ningroola, and Maniram Dewan in particular.
Language Games and Forms of Life: Rethinking Meaning in Contemporary Society
Philosophy of language has focused on meaning, especially in quickly changing social and communication situations. This study uses Ludwig Wittgenstein’s later philosophical ideas of language games and forms of existence to reconsider meaning in modern society. Wittgenstein’s theory emphasizes practical and contextual aspects of language rather than fixed logical structures or referential links. This view holds that meaning comes from how language is utilized in specific social practices and shared human activities, not as an abstract thing tied to words. The philosophical underpinnings of Wittgenstein’s later work, language games, forms of life, and meaning as usage are examined in this paper. It examines how these notions clarify modern communication patterns in a complex and electronically mediated world. Language functions in numerous contexts where meanings are constantly negotiated and reinterpreted in modern cultures with digital communication, multicultural relationships, and diverse social discourses. Thus, Wittgenstein’s ideas illuminate language’s role in different social and cultural contexts. I believe language games and forms of life provide a useful theoretical framework for understanding modern linguistic activities and addressing philosophical issues linked to meaning, interpretation, and communication. The study concludes that Wittgenstein’s later philosophy is still relevant to comprehending language, society, and human life today.
Social Media and Its Impact on Social Relationships and Identity Formation
Social media has become one of the most influential technological developments of the twenty-first century, transforming the way individuals communicate, form relationships, and construct their identities. Platforms such as Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram have created new digital spaces where social interactions occur beyond traditional physical boundaries. While these platforms provide opportunities for communication and community building, they also raise sociological concerns regarding identity formation, social comparison, and the nature of interpersonal relationships. This paper explores the sociological impact of social media on social relationships and identity construction in contemporary society. Through a review of existing literature, the study examines how social media reshapes communication patterns, influences self-presentation, and affects social interactions. The analysis highlights both positive and negative consequences of social media use, including enhanced connectivity, increased social capital, and potential issues such as social isolation and identity pressure. The study concludes that social media plays a complex role in shaping modern social structures and emphasizes the need for further research and responsible digital engagement.
Immanuel Kant’s Moral Philosophy and the Ethics of Environmental Stewardship: Duties Beyond Humanity
Immanuel Kant’s ethical theory, grounded in the categorical imperative, underscores universal moral obligations and the inherent dignity of individuals. Although generally focused on human interactions, his ethical paradigm possesses considerable relevance for environmental management. This study examines the potential of Kant’s moral theory to encompass obligations to nature, non-human creatures, and future generations, beyond mere human interests. The essay posits that Kantian ethics, through its concepts of universalizability, respect for humans, and indirect responsibilities, establishes a basis for environmental ethics. It posits that human accountability to the environment arises from the necessity to maintain conditions conducive to rational agency and future moral evolution. The paper examines the obstacles and criticisms associated with the application of Kantian ethics to environmental concerns, namely the anthropocentric constraints of Kant’s theory and the risk of instrumentalizing nature. This research ultimately seeks to demonstrate that Kant’s moral philosophy can significantly inform current discussions on environmental responsibility and sustainability.
Dr. B.R. Ambedkar’s Vision for Social Justice and Its Impact on The Dalit Movement: Analysing His Philosophies and Their Influence on Dalit Activism
Dr. B.R. Ambedkar, a renowned social reformer and the primary designer of the Indian Constitution, envisioned a society based on the ideals of equality, justice, and brotherhood. His concept for social justice primarily centered on eliminating the entrenched caste-based prejudice and empowering the downtrodden Dalit population. This abstract explores the enormous impact of Ambedkar’s views on the Dalit movement. Ambedkar’s intellectual and political endeavours were focused on destroying the hierarchical caste system, which he recognized as the fundamental source of social injustice in India. He championed the cause of educating and economically empowering Dalits, recognizing these as crucial factors for their liberation. Ambedkar emphasized the significance of constitutional safeguards and affirmative action programs in safeguarding the rights of Dalits and ensuring their representation in different aspects of life through his influential publications and speeches. Ambedkar’s vision has had a complex and diverse impact on the Dalit movement. His ideals served as a robust basis for Dalit agitation, motivating successive cohorts of leaders and activists to persist in their pursuit of equality. The Dalit movement, under the influence of Ambedkar’s teachings, has achieved notable milestones, such as the formation of dedicated groups advocating for Dalit rights, heightened political engagement, and the development of a Dalit intellectual heritage that questions the existing social hierarchy. In addition, Ambedkar’s focus on the significance of political power for effecting social transformation resulted in the establishment of political parties and groups that advocate for Dalit issues. Additionally, his visionary leadership has cultivated a strong sense of identification and unity among Dalits, enabling them to confidently express their rights and confront instances of prejudice. Dr. B.R. Ambedkar’s vision for social justice has significantly influenced the Dalit movement, molding its ideas and techniques in a permanent manner. His unwavering commitment to achieving equity and justice has had a lasting impact on Indian society, making a vital contribution to the ongoing fight for Dalit empowerment and the creation of a fairer and more balanced society.
Spatio-Temporal Distribution of Agro-Service Centres in the Koch Bihar District of North Bengal, India
Agro-service centres are an important instrument for the development of agriculture. Higher agricultural production is not possible without agro-services. The study has chosen four types of centres, namely agro-input centres, cold storage, Samabay Krishi Unnayan Samity and Krishi Vigyan Kendra. The study has selected Koch Bihar District, which is located in the north-eastern part of North Bengal, and it is covered by the riverine plain area. The study aims to study the pattern of spatial-temporal distribution of agro-service centres. The study has used primary data through structured interviews and point data using GPS location. The study has applied different suitable techniques, such as the standard distance, mean centres, median centre, standard deviation ellipse, nearest neighbour analysis, location quotient and kernel density. Besides, the study has used a thematic map in GIS environments. The study found that the district has recorded the highest in retail centres, followed by wholesale input service centres, SKUS, cold storage and KVK. Cooch Behar-I block has recorded the highest wholesale input centres. Besides, Cooch Behar-II has recorded the highest number of cold storages, and KVK is located in this block. Most of the input service centres are developed in post-liberalization period of the district. Out of 90.48%, cold storages are developed post-liberization period, whereas SKUS are developed pre-liberization period. Cold storage has recorded highest positive change, and SKUS has recorded highest negative change between the pre-liberization and post-liberization period. The distribution of Agro-service centres has a cluster pattern (Rn value 0.21) means that centres are located close to each other. The middle part of the district has the highest kernel density value, which means higher clustering. The government should initiate new Agro-service centres for agro-service in the marginal part of the district, where farmers easily access the services.
A Geospatial Mapping of Socio-Economic Attributes of Ludhiana District, Punjab (India)
This study examines the geospatial socio-economic attributes of Ludhiana district, Punjab, using Census data from 1991 and 2001 to map spatial and temporal variations. Despite its physiographic homogeneity—flat alluvial plains (100-120m elevation), Satluj River floodplains, semi-arid climate, and fertile irrigated soils supporting high agricultural productivity—Ludhiana exhibits heterogeneous human responses driven by urbanization, industrialization (textiles, leather), and transport networks (NH-1, NH-95). Key objectives include delineating socio-economic characteristics, analyzing female marginalization via Work Participation Rate (WPR) and sex ratio patterns, and mapping development disparities. Methodology employs Natural Breaks classification, growth rate formulas, Z-scores for composite indices, and simple percentages for indicators like literacy and WPR, ensuring comparability across censuses. Results reveal shifts: Population distribution evolved from even agricultural scatter (1991) to urban-centric concentration near Ludhiana, Machhiwara, and Jagraon (2001), with density intensifying along highways and city peripheries. Growth was moderate district-wide but high near rivers and urban edges, signaling migration and industrial spillovers. Sex ratio declined near urban centers (low/very low categories expanded), indicating male-dominated rural-urban migration and female marginalization in productive sectors, aligning with feminization of agriculture. Literacy surged homogenously, especially post-1991 economic reforms, while overall WPR equalized due to Green Revolution diffusion; female WPR lagged (26.94% vs. male 41.24% in 2001). Non-agricultural workers rose near cities (50% share in 2001 vs. 25% in 1991), reducing agricultural dependence peripherally. A composite development index confirms urban proximity drives progress, underscoring anthropogenic over natural factors in shaping socio-economic landscapes. Ludhiana defies environmental determinism, emerging as a varied human ecological space amid migration, gender inequities, and infrastructure-led growth.
Teacher Education Enrollment Crisis in Maharashtra: Magnitude, Determinants, and Policy Implications
The teacher education sector in Maharashtra is experiencing a paradoxical crisis; while demand for teaching positions remains high, enrollment in teacher preparation programs is declining sharply across D.Ed., B.Ed., and M.Ed. courses. This paper examines the multifaceted nature of this enrollment crisis, analyzing its causes, manifestations, and consequences for the state's educational ecosystem. Drawing on secondary data from the Maharashtra CET Cell, National Council for Teacher Education (NCTE), Unified District Information System for Education Plus (UDISE+), and contemporary news reports, the study employs a mixed-methods approach combining quantitative trend analysis with qualitative policy review. Key findings reveal stark contrasts that B.Ed. admissions have shown marginal improvement to 92% seat utilization in 2025-26, and D.Ed. programs face severe under-enrollment with only 7,501 admissions against 31,107 seats (24% utilization). More critically, NCTE has cancelled recognition of 295 teacher education institutions, eliminating 16,313 seats across all programs. The crisis is driven by multiple factors such as stalled teacher recruitment due to the Sanch Manyata policy limiting posts in low-enrollment schools, the March 2024 GR linking teacher appointments to student numbers, prolonged teacher strikes, declining attractiveness of the profession, and quality concerns in teacher education institutions. The paper argues that this enrollment crisis represents not merely a statistical anomaly but a systemic failure with profound implications for educational quality, equity, and the future of schooling in Maharashtra—particularly in rural and tribal areas where 8,187 schools already function with a single teacher. The study proposes a comprehensive framework for revival, including recruitment transparency, policy rollback, institutional quality enhancement, and alignment with NEP 2020's teacher education reforms.
Representation of Women in Nala-Damayanti Theme in Kangra Paintings
Kangra painting, a prominent school within the Pahari painting tradition, flourished during the late eighteenth and early nineteenth centuries under Rajput patronage and is especially noted for its lyrical naturalism and sensitive portrayal of human emotions. This paper examines the representation of women in Kangra paintings through the Nala–Damayanti theme, a popular narrative drawn from the Mahabharata. Focusing on selected paintings from this series, the study analyzes how feminine beauty, emotional depth, and narrative agency are visually articulated through gesture, gaze, attire, and spatial composition. The depiction of Damayanti emerges as central to the Kangra aesthetic, where the female figure becomes the focal point of both narrative progression and visual pleasure. Various emotional states such as love, longing, separation, anxiety, and reunion are rendered with remarkable subtlety, often reinforced by landscape elements, light, and the presence of female attendants. The study also highlights the role of attendants as emotional mediators who frame the heroine and intensify the viewer’s engagement. By situating these visual representations within their historical, literary, and cultural contexts, the paper demonstrates that Kangra paintings not only celebrate feminine beauty but also convey the complex emotional experiences of women. The Nala–Damayanti series thus offers a nuanced understanding of womanhood, where beauty and suffering coexist in a deeply expressive artistic language.
Beyond Virtue: Reclaiming Dignity and Challenging Patriarchal Metrics in the Works of Sudha Murty and Feminist Thought
Sudha Murty’s novels Mahashweta, Gently Falls the Bakula, House of cards, serve as the crucial space for female self-definition and rebellion against patriarchal structures. This analysis posits that women actively seize agency by conceptualizing, structuring, and documenting their experiences, thereby replacing externally imposed limitations with their own narratives of ‘self-becoming’. The protagonists' rejection of ‘absolute innocence’ and the passive ‘angel in the house’ role, is presented as a potent uprising to regain dignity and individuality. The study highlights the conflict between the woman's aspirations for self-realization and the confinement of traditional wedlock, which feminist critiques deem a parasitic existence. Ultimately, these narratives champion a holistic liberation encompassing mental, emotional, and economic independence, portraying the modern Indian woman as rational, self-sufficient, and grounded in her quest to build authentic careers and identity.