Empowering citizens through UBI Article In this article, the author reflects on the nature of the Indian social protection system and its limitations. He describes two lenses through which the government views its population to fulfil its welfare role: One, by way of regulating employment relationship with a view to protecting workers from arbitrariness and exploitation by employers; and two, by way of reaching out to the poor through in-kind transfers. Pointing out their shortcomings, he argues in favour of a basic income system, which views people as empowered citizens. By Sarath Davala
India as archetype: What emerging data powerhouses need for effective information sharing Study The need for cross-border data sharing throughout the Covid-19 pandemic has shown that the future of multilateral threat management will hinge on steady yet flexible open-data publishing norms and multilateral data-transfer agreements. In many ways, India typifies the perspectives and needs of emerging economies related to data sharing, data flows, and related commercial regulation. By Kim Arora
Targeted before polls, betrayed afterwards Article Women in India’s Northeastern state of Assam wield a great degree of influence in the local politics. But their participation in the frontline has been time and again taken for granted. This was evident in the recent assembly elections in the state. The BJP-led Mitrajot (alliance of friends) came back to power with the votes of more than a half of women voters. Women were also in the frontline of the anti-government protests against the new citizenship law. But both the protests and the polls have left them shortchanged. By Makepeace Sitlhou
A flawed right to safe abortion in India: What more can we do? Interview Interview with Dr. Suchitra Dalvie by Shalini Yog Shah By Shalini Yog Shah
COVID-19: Women workers bearing the brunt Article Millions of workers in the informal economy in Delhi were adversely affected due to COVID-19 pandemic and the national lockdown implemented in a short notice of few hours in March 2020. There were horrific tales of workers losing large percentages of their income, incurring massive debts to meet their basic needs and running the risk of exposure to the deadly virus while trying to earn a living. This article highlights how informal workers, especially women, have been among the worst sufferers of the pandemic facing sudden shrink in livelihoods without any support system and how they are finding it difficult to recover even after the gradual reopening of the economy following the easing of the lockdown. The article suggests some medium and long term measures that can contribute to a more just and equitable post-pandemic situation. By Shalini Sinha , Avi Singh Majithia and Malavika Narayan
Neglected history of a dwindling identity Article Nupa Amaibis/ Maibis are the men shaman of Manipur.The aim of this research is to explore the possible reason of the lower representation of Nupa Amaibi in Lai Haraoba spaces and reduction in the number of their population. By Santa Khurai
If you’re not engaging, shut up Portrait Dolly Kikon is a feminist scholar and supports the political participation of women in the Naga community (India). By Pragati K.B.
Not about rights and equity The National Education Policy 2020, quietly approved without a parliamentary debate amidst the traumatic COVID-19 pandemic, does not address the urgent concerns of millions of students. Its thrust on ‘consolidation’ and centralisation is detrimental to equity and inclusion, and goes against the constitutional federal structure where states make their policies. The policy contradicts the mandate of the Right to Education Act and denies quality ‘inputs’ to those who need them most. Reconfiguring the school structure for early diversion into minimalist vocational courses, it promotes ‘multiple pathways’ including Open Schooling even at primary stage. Newer hierarchies of ‘skills’ versus ‘knowledge’ are forged within a deeply segregated and stratified system. Moreover, disregarding diverse socio-economic realities of disadvantage and deprivation, and without a commitment to girls’ transformative agency, it threatens to push them out into instrumental trajectories of learning and life. By Anita Rampal
Rural economy no sidekick to urban India Distress migration of youth from rural India to cities due to lack of livelihood opportunities and rising climate impacts is deeply worrying for Indian economy. Although the present government announced several measures such as rural housing, toilets and better road network for rural development, they have failed to yield overall progress in rural sector. Besides, impetus to budget allocations for rural livelihood mission and employment guarantee schemes has not shown promising results. Constant downslide in the rate of economic growth, business investments and employment indicate an inherent flaw in the country’s development framework. The rural infrastructure calls for a redesign so that it boosts rural economy through integrated planning of fostering small businesses, job creation, expanding irrigation network, agriculture and allied sectors. The novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic further exposes the dangers of lopsided development where a major part of the country lives under the shadow of shining urban India that has taken an unsustainable path to prosper. India needs a deeper analysis of what is going wrong and where. By Jyoti Awasthi
Perspectives Asia #9: Two Sides of the Medals This issue of Perspectives Asia examines the intersections of sports and politics. We look at how, through sports, identities are shaped, myths and heroes are born, and unconventional truths are buried. pdf