Contemporary Voice of Dalit, Ahead of Print.
Micro-entrepreneurship has historically played an important role in the country’s economic growth, environmental sustainability and employment generation. More specifically, it is vital in regions where large-scale industries are not viable due to geographical barriers, as it plays a significant driving force in promoting regional balance, reducing disparities between plains and hills, and preserving the traditional material culture of the diverse ethnic groups and tribes of different regions. Based on fieldwork conducted in different areas of the Kalimpong hills, this work will attempt to underscore the micro-entrepreneurs life experiences and perceptions towards the challenges concerning entrepreneurial practice through a narrative inquiry. It is an attempt to reconceptualise the significance of ‘micro entrepreneurs’ in the sub-Himalayan hills. The findings point out include: (a) structural constraints, (b) behavioural constraints and (c) political activities that contributed to distorting the entrepreneurial environment at the micro level in hills.
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‘Caste Census’ to Dismantle ‘Group Inequalities’
Contemporary Voice of Dalit, Ahead of Print.
The caste system in India continues to endure, resulting in around 85% of the people experiencing socio-economic disadvantages. The process of systematic exclusion renders the policy intentions devoid of acknowledgement towards the demands of communities that have been historically marginalised. Conducting a comprehensive census of castes is necessary to foster inclusivity within India, as it enables the recognition and subsequent mitigation of entrenched disparities that persist due to factors such as caste affiliations, religious distinctions, gender disparities, ethnic variations, and racial differences. The transition from a focus on ‘Political Citizenship’ to ‘Social Citizenship’ via the implementation of inclusive policies is paramount in pursuing a more equal and just society.
The caste system in India continues to endure, resulting in around 85% of the people experiencing socio-economic disadvantages. The process of systematic exclusion renders the policy intentions devoid of acknowledgement towards the demands of communities that have been historically marginalised. Conducting a comprehensive census of castes is necessary to foster inclusivity within India, as it enables the recognition and subsequent mitigation of entrenched disparities that persist due to factors such as caste affiliations, religious distinctions, gender disparities, ethnic variations, and racial differences. The transition from a focus on ‘Political Citizenship’ to ‘Social Citizenship’ via the implementation of inclusive policies is paramount in pursuing a more equal and just society.
Gendered Reflections on the Hindu Code Bill
Contemporary Voice of Dalit, Ahead of Print.
Women were always portrayed as self-sacrificing and demure, prisoner of various orthodox traditions and devoted to their family. Her behaviour should be modelled on various religious texts, and she would be severely punished if any moral code were violated. However, at the socio-economic and political levels, she was rendered invisible. It was during the colonial phase of India’s historical trajectory that the gender question attained centre stage and serious efforts were undertaken to alleviate the situation of Indian women. This greater generalization of patriarchal controls and the pativrata ideals (Doniger & Smith, 1991, The laws of Manu, p. 198) throughout the caste hierarchy was a major factor in the increasing number of widows seen in the colonial period, and a gradually declining sex ratio, leaving India as one of the most patriarchal societies in the world when counting the number of ‘missing women’—an estimated 35-40 million women would have been alive were it not for the systematic discrimination (Dreze & Sen, 1995, India: Economic development and social opportunity, OUP Delhi). Nonetheless, the various debates on gender reforms either painted women as victims or heroines thereby denying them any agency.
Women were always portrayed as self-sacrificing and demure, prisoner of various orthodox traditions and devoted to their family. Her behaviour should be modelled on various religious texts, and she would be severely punished if any moral code were violated. However, at the socio-economic and political levels, she was rendered invisible. It was during the colonial phase of India’s historical trajectory that the gender question attained centre stage and serious efforts were undertaken to alleviate the situation of Indian women. This greater generalization of patriarchal controls and the pativrata ideals (Doniger & Smith, 1991, The laws of Manu, p. 198) throughout the caste hierarchy was a major factor in the increasing number of widows seen in the colonial period, and a gradually declining sex ratio, leaving India as one of the most patriarchal societies in the world when counting the number of ‘missing women’—an estimated 35-40 million women would have been alive were it not for the systematic discrimination (Dreze & Sen, 1995, India: Economic development and social opportunity, OUP Delhi). Nonetheless, the various debates on gender reforms either painted women as victims or heroines thereby denying them any agency.
A Postmodern Psychoanalytic Critique of Narrative Disruptions and Subversions in Dalit and Post-apocalyptic Narratives: A Comparative Study
Contemporary Voice of Dalit, Ahead of Print.
This research study investigates narrative disruptions and subversions in Dalit and post-apocalyptic literature using a postmodern psychoanalytic methodology. Drawing on the concepts of Jacques Lacan and Homi K. Bhabha, the research argues that these literary genres use language and plot to subvert and disrupt dominant power structures, social hierarchies and hegemonic discourses. The study examines a few works of Dalit and post-apocalyptic fiction to show how both genres use narrative methods such as fragmentation, irony, parody and subversion to question established standards of representation and disclose the traumas and disjunctions of the oppressed. The voice of the oppressed is explicit through the analysis of the selected texts.
This research study investigates narrative disruptions and subversions in Dalit and post-apocalyptic literature using a postmodern psychoanalytic methodology. Drawing on the concepts of Jacques Lacan and Homi K. Bhabha, the research argues that these literary genres use language and plot to subvert and disrupt dominant power structures, social hierarchies and hegemonic discourses. The study examines a few works of Dalit and post-apocalyptic fiction to show how both genres use narrative methods such as fragmentation, irony, parody and subversion to question established standards of representation and disclose the traumas and disjunctions of the oppressed. The voice of the oppressed is explicit through the analysis of the selected texts.
Depressed and Ostracized: Scrutinizing the Condition of Dalit Women in India and Their Fight for Justice Against Barbarism
Contemporary Voice of Dalit, Ahead of Print.
Dalit women bear the heaviest burden of discrimination since they are the focus of the repressive social tiers. This is an attempt to highlight the situation of these marginalized groups using many factors that sociologists frequently use to assess the status of a class. Although depressed women’s literacy rates have grown from 41.9% in 2001 to 56.5% in 2011, there is still a long way to go before they reach the general category’s literacy rate of 64.6%. As a result, Dalit women continue to live in appalling circumstances. Regardless of the unfair terms and circumstances of employment, they are forced to work in poverty that compels them to toil irrespective of the unjust terms and conditions of employment. Even among the depressed castes, the men get precedence over any job. Discrimination and oppression are the most common words that can be used to describe the position of Dalit women. Weak physique and unhealthy living condition are other issues which, contributes to their misery, making them vulnerable to the competitive world. The words ‘violence’, ‘suffering’ and ‘agony’ seem synonymous with these women. Atrocities against Dalit women are only emphasized by caste standards. Hence, much awaits to be done to guarantee justice based on gender and ensure equality in all instances. They are true ‘The Depressed and Ostracized’.
Dalit women bear the heaviest burden of discrimination since they are the focus of the repressive social tiers. This is an attempt to highlight the situation of these marginalized groups using many factors that sociologists frequently use to assess the status of a class. Although depressed women’s literacy rates have grown from 41.9% in 2001 to 56.5% in 2011, there is still a long way to go before they reach the general category’s literacy rate of 64.6%. As a result, Dalit women continue to live in appalling circumstances. Regardless of the unfair terms and circumstances of employment, they are forced to work in poverty that compels them to toil irrespective of the unjust terms and conditions of employment. Even among the depressed castes, the men get precedence over any job. Discrimination and oppression are the most common words that can be used to describe the position of Dalit women. Weak physique and unhealthy living condition are other issues which, contributes to their misery, making them vulnerable to the competitive world. The words ‘violence’, ‘suffering’ and ‘agony’ seem synonymous with these women. Atrocities against Dalit women are only emphasized by caste standards. Hence, much awaits to be done to guarantee justice based on gender and ensure equality in all instances. They are true ‘The Depressed and Ostracized’.
Becoming a Scheduled Tribe in India: The History, Process and Politics of Scheduling
Contemporary Voice of Dalit, Ahead of Print.
Scheduling a community as a Tribe in India is a complex process. Controversies generated by such processes have given rise to a number of ethnic-identity movements across the country. The latest is in the State of Manipur. What is the history of scheduling, who can be and cannot be a Scheduled Tribe in India, what are the legal procedures for applying for such a status, what are the critical cases that have come to the Supreme Court of India and what decisions have been made by the said court pertaining to claims and counterclaims. This article engages with these questions both from a historical and political perspective.
Scheduling a community as a Tribe in India is a complex process. Controversies generated by such processes have given rise to a number of ethnic-identity movements across the country. The latest is in the State of Manipur. What is the history of scheduling, who can be and cannot be a Scheduled Tribe in India, what are the legal procedures for applying for such a status, what are the critical cases that have come to the Supreme Court of India and what decisions have been made by the said court pertaining to claims and counterclaims. This article engages with these questions both from a historical and political perspective.
Representation in Higher Education: Diversity, Evenness and Inequality among Communities of Scheduled Castes of Selected States in India
Contemporary Voice of Dalit, Ahead of Print.
The present research attempts to understand the fair representation of communities in scheduled castes (SCs) with educational achievement graduates and above in selected states of India. Diversity, Evenness and Inequality are examined by applying the indices Shannon-Weinner diversity, Buzas and Gibson evenness, and Theil inequality. We analysed census 2011 data comprising all graduates in the age group 20–24 years of age. Analysis of the Shannon diversity index affirms that not all the communities of SCs are equitably represented with education level graduation and above. The study illustrates that only a few communities with huge populations have education level attainment of graduates and above. Whereas the communities with smaller populations are underrepresented, and in some communities, the representation is nil. This corroborates the importance of identifying communities that are still underrepresented even after implementing affirmative action. The Shannon-winner index assessment indicates that the level of diversification across the communities within SCs of selected states does not differ. Further comparison of the quintessential value of and the perfect value of diversification by community’s attainment in education level graduates and above reveals discrepancy and was the highest in the state of Tamil Nadu, with a differing value of 2.5, and the least in the state of Punjab, with a value of 1.6. The first step of the investigation identified the least diversification, lack of evenness, and inequalities between the communities of SCs by representation in education level graduate and above in the selected states of India. Hence, prioritizing rarely represented communities needs immediate attention.
The present research attempts to understand the fair representation of communities in scheduled castes (SCs) with educational achievement graduates and above in selected states of India. Diversity, Evenness and Inequality are examined by applying the indices Shannon-Weinner diversity, Buzas and Gibson evenness, and Theil inequality. We analysed census 2011 data comprising all graduates in the age group 20–24 years of age. Analysis of the Shannon diversity index affirms that not all the communities of SCs are equitably represented with education level graduation and above. The study illustrates that only a few communities with huge populations have education level attainment of graduates and above. Whereas the communities with smaller populations are underrepresented, and in some communities, the representation is nil. This corroborates the importance of identifying communities that are still underrepresented even after implementing affirmative action. The Shannon-winner index assessment indicates that the level of diversification across the communities within SCs of selected states does not differ. Further comparison of the quintessential value of and the perfect value of diversification by community’s attainment in education level graduates and above reveals discrepancy and was the highest in the state of Tamil Nadu, with a differing value of 2.5, and the least in the state of Punjab, with a value of 1.6. The first step of the investigation identified the least diversification, lack of evenness, and inequalities between the communities of SCs by representation in education level graduate and above in the selected states of India. Hence, prioritizing rarely represented communities needs immediate attention.
Book review: Mangalu Charan Biswal, The Starved
Contemporary Voice of Dalit, Ahead of Print.
Mangalu Charan Biswal, The Starved. Hachette India, 2023, 142 pp., ₹399 (Paperback). ISBN: 9789393701817.*
Mangalu Charan Biswal, The Starved. Hachette India, 2023, 142 pp., ₹399 (Paperback). ISBN: 9789393701817.*
Engendering Equity in India’s Social Policies: Lessons from COVID-19 and Beyond
Contemporary Voice of Dalit, Ahead of Print.
The COVID-19 outbreak inadvertently became a field experiment to test social and economic resilience both within and between societies. Vulnerability to lives and livelihoods exposed as a result made it necessary to adopt a reasonable, well-grounded approach in policy choices to envision an equitable and durable society. Admittedly, it is an appropriate time to revisit the idea of ‘equity’ more aggressively in designing the framework of social policies. This article is an attempt to explore ‘equity’ in India’s social policy architecture—the role, impact and challenges—with an emphasis on initiatives undertaken during COVID-19, especially those targeted to address the needs of marginalized sections. It aims to, first, facilitate an understanding of how social equity as an imperative function for India, shaped its policy responses, especially during the early stages of the pandemic. Second, what is the (im)possibility to develop a ‘National Social Equity Indicator’ for a credible measurement of administrative responses at the appropriate level, which may eventually help improvise future policies.
The COVID-19 outbreak inadvertently became a field experiment to test social and economic resilience both within and between societies. Vulnerability to lives and livelihoods exposed as a result made it necessary to adopt a reasonable, well-grounded approach in policy choices to envision an equitable and durable society. Admittedly, it is an appropriate time to revisit the idea of ‘equity’ more aggressively in designing the framework of social policies. This article is an attempt to explore ‘equity’ in India’s social policy architecture—the role, impact and challenges—with an emphasis on initiatives undertaken during COVID-19, especially those targeted to address the needs of marginalized sections. It aims to, first, facilitate an understanding of how social equity as an imperative function for India, shaped its policy responses, especially during the early stages of the pandemic. Second, what is the (im)possibility to develop a ‘National Social Equity Indicator’ for a credible measurement of administrative responses at the appropriate level, which may eventually help improvise future policies.
Fleshing Out Identity of Untouchables in Hindi Public Sphere: A Study of Chand’s ‘Untouchable Issue’ (May 1927)
Contemporary Voice of Dalit, Ahead of Print.
This research examines both privileged and underprivileged literati’s views on the representation of Dalit identity in the Hindi public sphere, specifically focusing on the Hindi magazine Chand (May 1927). This article investigates their response to the prevailing caste system and religious conversion portrayed in the Chand. It also inspects the conception of untouchability by examining the role of caste associations and social institutions in colonial North India, shaping Dalit identity. The special issue of Chand Achhut Ank (May 1927) played a significant role in establishing a new cultural identity among Dalits within the broader framework of Hinduism by redefining the problem of untouchability. It is essential to analyse the social discourse on untouchability that brings consciousness among marginalized sections to comprehend their identity. It had generated anxiety and social distress among the educated middle class as was seen in their active engagement in Dalit literary discourse within the Hindi public sphere. Ultimately, it is necessary to comprehend the sociocultural reform movements aimed indirectly to maintain the existing social structure and how it resulted in the anxieties expressed by middle-class intellectuals in their writings. This work goes beyond by comprehensively examining various crucial facets of the farming Dalit identity.
This research examines both privileged and underprivileged literati’s views on the representation of Dalit identity in the Hindi public sphere, specifically focusing on the Hindi magazine Chand (May 1927). This article investigates their response to the prevailing caste system and religious conversion portrayed in the Chand. It also inspects the conception of untouchability by examining the role of caste associations and social institutions in colonial North India, shaping Dalit identity. The special issue of Chand Achhut Ank (May 1927) played a significant role in establishing a new cultural identity among Dalits within the broader framework of Hinduism by redefining the problem of untouchability. It is essential to analyse the social discourse on untouchability that brings consciousness among marginalized sections to comprehend their identity. It had generated anxiety and social distress among the educated middle class as was seen in their active engagement in Dalit literary discourse within the Hindi public sphere. Ultimately, it is necessary to comprehend the sociocultural reform movements aimed indirectly to maintain the existing social structure and how it resulted in the anxieties expressed by middle-class intellectuals in their writings. This work goes beyond by comprehensively examining various crucial facets of the farming Dalit identity.