ShodhSamajik: Journal of Social Studies, is a quarterly journal of studies focused on social studies, in which research papers are published in Hindi and English language. This journal combines all topics related to social studies. The Social studies is a field of study that focuses on people, societies, and how they interact with each other and their environments. The main objective of the journal is to help individuals develop a deeper understanding of the complex world they live in, encouraging critical thinking, informed decision-making, and active participation in civic and community life through research publication. Editor-in-chief: Prof. Alok Kumar Gupta (Professor, Department of Political Science and Public Administration, School of Social Sciences, Central University of Jharkhand, Manatu Village, Ranchi, Jharkhand , India) Managing Editor: Dr. Tina Porwal (Ph.D., Maharani Laxmibai Girls P.G. College, Indore, India)
With the licence CC-BY, authors retain the copyright, allowing anyone to download, reuse, re-print, modify, distribute, and/or copy their contribution. The work must be properly attributed to its author. It is not necessary to ask for further permission from the author or journal board. This journal provides immediate open access to its content on the principle that making research freely available to the public supports a greater global exchange of knowledge.
DYNAMICS AND STRUCTURAL TRANSITIONS IN PUBLIC EXPENDITURE ON EDUCATION IN HARYANA (2000–2025): A TIME SERIES AND ECONOMETRIC EVALUATION
This paper examines the evolution of public expenditure on education in the state of Haryana, India, over the period 2000–2025, with particular attention to structural shifts associated with major national policy interventions such as the Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan (2001), the Right of Children to Free and Compulsory Education Act (2009), and the National Education Policy (2020). Continuously reported, education-specific official expenditure figures for Haryana that are comparable across years are available in the public domain principally from the early 2010s onward; the study therefore combines a descriptive account of the earlier period, drawn from secondary literature, audit reports and press coverage of budget documents, with a quantitative time-series analysis of budget estimates, revised estimates and actual expenditure for the sub-period 2010–11 to 2025–26, compiled from Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) reports and PRS Legislative Research's annual budget analyses. Using descriptive statistics, compound annual growth rate (CAGR) calculations, ordinary least squares (OLS) trend regression and a split-sample mean-comparison test, the study finds that while nominal education expenditure in Haryana grew at a compound annual rate of approximately 5.2 percent between 2018–19 and 2025–26, education's share of total state expenditure trended downward over the same broader period — from roughly 15–18 percent in the early-to-mid 2010s to under 13 percent by 2025–26. This divergence between rising nominal outlays and a falling budgetary share is interpreted as a structural transition in fiscal priority rather than a stable allocation pattern. The paper situates these findings within the broader Wagner's-law literature on Indian state finances, benchmarks Haryana against the National Education Policy 2020 financing target, and discusses the data-availability constraints that limit long-run econometric research on sub-national education finance in India.
Copyright (c) 2026 Dr. Sonam (Author) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
RISING POWERS AND THE LIMITS OF US HEGEMONY: A NEOREALIST ANALYSIS OF INSTITUTIONAL AND STRATEGIC RESISTANCE
This article argues that rising powers can do challenge US hegemony not directly through direct military action but by institutional, economic strategies based in national interest. The post Cold War international system was described as unipolar but there was some space created for hegemonic resistance because of shifts in economic power, declining trust in western led economic institutions and increasing resistance to US agenda setting. Based on Neorealist thought, this essay examines why and how rising powers try to challenge the US hegemony by reducing dependency on US led institutions and creating alternatives. The argument is developed through two empirical case studies, the BRICS grouping as an example of institutional and financial challenge to the US and Russia’s invasion of Ukraine as a case of direct resistance to US led security order. All together, these cases show that the US hegemony which is still significant is facing contest in practice.
Copyright (c) 2026 Ojas Dubey (Author) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
IMPACT OF DIGITAL PAYMENT SYSTEMS ON PERSONAL FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT: A STUDY OF RESIDENTS OF JHANSI CITY, UTTAR PRADESH
Purpose: Digital payment systems have become a vital aspect of daily financial activities and have changed the way people make payments and manage their personal finances. The purpose of research is to examine the usage pattern of digital payment systems and assess their impact on the personal financial management of residents of Jhansi City, Uttar Pradesh, India. Methodology: The study adopts a quantitative research approach. Primary data were collected through Convenience sampling from 238 residents of Jhansi City using a questionnaire. Personal financial management statements were measured using a five-point Likert scale. The collected data were analysed using descriptive statistics, Chi-square Goodness of Fit Test and right-tailed One-Sample t-test. Findings: The findings show that UPI was the most preferred digital payment method (80.3%), while 84.9% of respondents used digital payment systems daily. Money transfer was the most common purpose of digital payment use. The Chi-square results showed significant differences in the usage pattern of digital payment systems. Further, all eight personal financial management statements recorded mean scores above 3.80. The right-tailed One-Sample t-test revealed that all statements were above the neutral value of 3 (p < 0.001), showing a positive impact on personal financial management. Originality/Value: This study provide district level data on digital payment usage and personal financial management with respect to residents of Jhansi City. The findings are suitable for encouraging digital financial literacy, secure payment practices and effective use of digital payment systems.
Copyright (c) 2026 Dr. Himani, Dr. Vivek Kumar (Author) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
LANDSCAPE TRANSFORMATION AND LAND-USE DYNAMICS IN THE JAMMU REGION:A SPATIO-TEMPORAL ANALYSIS OF JAMMU DISTRICT, INDIA
Land Use and Land Cover (LULC) constitute one of the most sensitive and observable expressions of the interaction between human activity and the physical environment, and its systematic monitoring are fundamental to sustainable regional planning. This study presents a spatio-temporal assessment of LULC change in Jammu district, Jammu and Kashmir, India, over the decade 2011–2021, using multi-temporal Landsat satellite imagery (Landsat 7 ETM+ for 2011 and Landsat 8 OLI/TIRS for 2021) obtained from the United States Geological Survey (USGS) Earth Explorer archive. Six thematic band composites were generated and classified through supervised Maximum Likelihood Classification (MLC) in a GIS environment into six land-cover classes — vegetation, agricultural land, built-up area, river bed, fallow land, and water bodies — following the USGS (Anderson et al., 1976) land-classification scheme. The classified layers were masked to the district boundary, and area statistics were compared between the two reference years to derive a quantitative change-detection matrix. The results reveal a pronounced landscape transformation: vegetation cover expanded from 40 per cent (940.38 km²) of the district in 2011 to 57 per cent (1,341.29 km²) in 2021, while agricultural land contracted sharply from 35 per cent (822.58 km²) to 17 per cent (401.70 km²) over the same period. Built-up area nearly doubled, rising from 5 per cent (121.38 km²) to 9 per cent (217.36 km²), reflecting rapid urban and infrastructural expansion around Jammu city and its peripheral towns, while fallow land declined from 15 per cent to 6 per cent and the river-bed class increased from 4 per cent to 10 per cent, most plausibly on account of hydrological and channel-migration processes along the Tawi and its tributaries. Water bodies remained a marginal but broadly stable 1 per cent of the district throughout. These findings depict a district in transition — from a predominantly agrarian, rural landscape toward one characterised by expanding green cover on the one hand and accelerating urbanisation on the other and they underscore the urgency of integrated, terrain-sensitive land-use planning that reconciles urban growth with the protection of agricultural and ecological resources. The study offers a replicable, GIS-based framework for monitoring land-use change in sub-Himalayan districts and provides an evidence base for future spatial planning in Jammu district and comparable regions of the north-western Himalayan foothills.
Copyright (c) 2026 Ankush Babu, Danish Sharma, Arfana Rashid (Author) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
ROLE OF THE CHHATTISGARH STATE COMMISSION FOR MINORITIES IN HUMAN RIGHTS PROTECTION: AN ANALYTICAL AND LEGAL STUDY
The objective of this research paper is to conduct a legal and analytical study of the role of the Chhattisgarh State Commission for Minorities in the protection of human rights. The study evaluates the relationship between the Commission's legal powers, grievance redressal system, public awareness, institutional and administrative limitations, and the effectiveness of human rights protection. Descriptive and analytical research methodologies were adopted, utilizing both primary and secondary data. Primary data were collected through questionnaires, while secondary sources included the Constitution, Acts, judicial pronouncements, the Commission's annual reports, and relevant literature. Chi-square tests and correlation analysis were employed at a 0.05 level of significance to test the hypotheses. For all five hypotheses, the null hypothesis was rejected, and the alternative hypothesis was accepted. The results indicate that the Commission's legal and administrative powers, the efficiency of the grievance redressal process, and public awareness positively influence the effectiveness of human rights protection, whereas institutional and administrative limitations adversely affect the Commission's operational efficiency. The study emphasizes the need for greater autonomy, binding legal powers, adequate financial and human resources, an independent investigative mechanism, and extensive public awareness programs for the Commission. This research offers policy and legal recommendations to strengthen the Commission's institutional capacity for protecting minority rights and to enhance the effectiveness of human rights protection.
Chhattisgarh State Commission For Minorities
Copyright (c) 2025 Namrata Patel, Dr. Azeem Khan (Author) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
RIGHT TO PRIVACY AND DATA PROTECTION IN THE DIGITAL AGE: A CRITICAL LEGAL ANALYSIS OF INDIA'S DIGITAL PERSONAL DATA PROTECTION ACT, 2023
The right to privacy in India acquired constitutional status through the Supreme Court's landmark ruling in Justice K.S. Puttaswamy v. Union of India, which held informational privacy to be an intrinsic facet of the right to life and personal liberty. Six years later, Parliament enacted the Digital Personal Data Protection Act to give statutory shape to this right in the context of digital data processing. This paper undertakes a doctrinal legal analysis of the Act, examining its constitutional foundation, its core architecture of consent, data principal rights and data fiduciary obligations, and the institutional design of the Data Protection Board. The study adopts a qualitative, library-based method, drawing upon primary legal sources, government notifications and secondary academic and professional commentary, and situates the Indian framework within a brief comparative reading of the European Union's General Data Protection Regulation. The analysis finds that while the Act represents a significant legislative advance, it exhibits notable gaps, including broad governmental exemptions, the absence of a differentiated category of sensitive personal data, limited independence of the regulatory Board, and a phased and delayed implementation timeline. The paper concludes that the effectiveness of India's data protection regime will depend substantially on the manner in which subordinate rules are framed and enforced, and it offers recommendations for strengthening institutional independence and rights enforcement.
Copyright (c) 2026 Dr. Rakhi Pande (Author) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
LEGAL CHALLENGES AND REGULATORY FRAMEWORKS REGARDING INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY-BASED CRIMES AGAINST CHILDREN: AN EMPIRICAL STUDY OF DURG DISTRICT
The rapid development of information technology has brought about unprecedented changes in every sphere of human life. Modern digital technologies—such as the internet, smartphones, social media, and artificial intelligence—have created new opportunities for education, communication, and knowledge acquisition for children and adolescents; however, they have also given rise to new challenges such as cyberbullying, online sexual exploitation, cyber grooming, identity theft, financial fraud, and other cybercrimes. The rising trend of these crimes has raised serious questions regarding the effectiveness of child protection mechanisms and the legal system. The objective of this study is to conduct a socio-legal analysis of the relationship between information technology and crimes against children in the Durg district of Chhattisgarh. It also aims to evaluate the effectiveness of relevant legal provisions, including the Information Technology Act (2000), the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act (2012), the Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act (2015), and the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (2023). The study employs descriptive, analytical, and empirical research methodologies. The research indicates that the prevention of crimes against children can be made more effective through legal literacy, parental supervision, school-based cybersecurity education, and the enhancement of technical capabilities. The study's findings offer valuable guidance to policymakers, law enforcement agencies, and judicial bodies regarding legal and administrative reforms for child protection in the digital age.
Copyright (c) 2024 Mukund Kumar Pandey, Vivek Malik (Author) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
HEALTH POST–BASED GK–MI MODEL OF HUMANITARIAN HEALTH RESPONSE IN COX'S BAZAR REFUGEE CAMPS AND KUTUBDIA, BANGLADESH: AN OPERATIONAL OVERVIEW (2022–2026)
The August 2017 influx of over 900,000 Forcibly Displaced Myanmar Nationals (FDMNs) into Cox's Bazar, Bangladesh, precipitated a major humanitarian crisis. This paper presents an operational overview of the localized healthcare model implemented by Gonoshasthaya Kendra (GK) in partnership with Malteser International (MI) from 2022 to 2026 within the Cox's Bazar refugee camps. It examines this approach within global refugee health paradigms, contrasting it with traditional top-down international frameworks. Utilizing primary operational data, epidemiological datasets from the published reports of Cox's Bazar Health Sector, and peer-reviewed literature, the study evaluates financial resource mobilization, health workforce allocation, pharmaceutical supply chain integrity, maternal and neonatal health, Expanded Program on Immunization (EPI) coverage, and community-based health promotion. The findings demonstrate that GK established a robust network of static health posts and community teams, mobilizing approximately USD 10.47 million and a multidisciplinary workforce of 167 personnel. Key achievements include 15,597 antenatal care (ANC) and 3,298 postnatal care (PNC) consultations, 21,227 EPI vaccine doses administered, and 286,816 health education sessions. These interventions, implemented in coordination with other humanitarian and health sector partners, contributed to a reduction in the maternal mortality ratio from 168 to 135 per 100,000 live births between 2022 and 2025 across the selected project areas. The GK-MI framework offers a powerful proof-of-concept for humanitarian localization, showcasing how national NGOs can build resilient, cost-effective primary healthcare systems through local trust, community networks, and institutional knowledge, supported by international funding. This model highlights the necessity of prioritizing direct, rational un-earmarked funding, structural capacity building, and leadership roles for national entities to ensure sustainable healthcare in protracted displacement crises.
Copyright (c) 2026 Dr. Munzur-E-Murshid, Dr. Shutopa Islam, Md. Matiur Rahaman, Dr. Dhiman Dutt, Md Mahmud Hasan (Author) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
URBANIZATION, POPULATION PRESSURE, AND ENVIRONMENTAL SUSTAINABILITY: EVIDENCE FROM INDIAN CITIES
This study examines whether demographic scale and decadal population growth are systematically associated with environmental sustainability among 31 Indian million-plus cities. It harmonizes Census of India urban-agglomeration populations for 2001 and 2011 with city-level Quality of Life, Economic Ability and Sustainability scores from the Ease of Living Index 2020. An entropy-weighted Urban Pressure Index combines log population and decadal growth; a Coupled Stress Index then identifies cities where high pressure coincides with a large sustainability gap. Spearman correlations, ordinary least squares with HC3 heteroskedasticity-robust inference, and 5,000-replication non-parametric bootstrap intervals are reported. The bivariate coefficient on urban pressure is positive (0.081, HC3 p=0.047; R^2=0.106), but population growth is small and statistically indistinguishable from zero after controlling for quality of life and economic ability (−0.015, p=0.851; bootstrap 95% interval −0.204 to 0.117). The result is not evidence that population pressure improves the environment. Rather, it indicates that large cities may simultaneously possess environmental burdens and stronger administrative, fiscal and infrastructure capacities captured by the composite sustainability score. Delhi, Bengaluru, Chennai, Greater Mumbai and Hyderabad record the highest coupled stress. The paper therefore shifts attention from city size alone to the mismatch between demographic pressure and sustainability capacity.
Copyright (c) 2026 Ziaulla, Vasundara A S (Author) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
A STUDY ON THE IMPACT OF SOLID WASTE ON HUMAN HEALTH AND PUBLIC AWARENESS IN URBAN AND RURAL AREAS OF RAIPUR DISTRICT
The objective of the study is to analyze the impacts of improper solid waste management on human health and the environment, and to evaluate the effectiveness of the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986, and the Solid Waste Management Rules, 2016. Both theoretical and empirical research methodologies were employed in the study. Primary data were collected through a questionnaire-based survey of 500 respondents from urban and rural areas of Raipur district, while secondary data were gathered from legal provisions, judicial decisions, books, research papers, and government reports. Data analysis was conducted using frequency, percentage, averages, and the Chi-square test. The study revealed that improper solid waste management contributes to various health issues—including respiratory ailments, skin diseases, and waterborne and vector-borne diseases—and that the nature of these impacts differs between urban and rural areas. The research also indicated that while the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986, and the Solid Waste Management Rules, 2016, provide a robust legal framework, their effectiveness hinges on efficient implementation, administrative oversight, institutional capacity, and public awareness. Both research hypotheses were found to be supported by the empirical data.
Copyright (c) 2026 Krishna Kumar, Savyasachi Pandey (Author) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
A STUDY OF THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN STUDENTS' ACHIEVEMENT AND STUDY MOTIVATION IN THE SUBJECT OF SOCIAL SCIENCE
This study looked at the connection between students' academic success and interest to study social science. The goal was to ascertain whether pupils who are more motivated often perform better academically. A sample of students was chosen using suitable sampling techniques as part of a quantitative correlational research design. A systematic questionnaire was used to gather data on study motivation, and the results of the Social Science exam were used to gauge students' academic success. Correlation analysis and descriptive statistics were used to examine the gathered data. Students who are more driven to study typically do better in social science, according to the results, which showed a strong and substantial association between academic accomplishment and study motivation. According to the study's findings, raising pupils' motivation levels can help them learn more effectively. Therefore, to increase kids' academic success in social science, educators, parents, and school officials should put strategies into place that promote motivation and active learning.
Copyright (c) 2026 Ashish Kumar, Shashi Ranjan (Author) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
THE ROLE OF SOCIAL WORKERS IN HUMAN RIGHTS PROTECTION: AN ANALYSIS OF CHALLENGES, INTERVENTIONS, AND SOCIAL JUSTICE IMPACTS
Human rights are fundamental rights inherent to every individual simply by virtue of being human; they are inextricably linked to life, dignity, liberty, equality, and security. In any democratic society, the protection of human rights is considered essential for establishing social justice, inclusion, and human dignity. Although the Indian Constitution, legal frameworks, and various national and international institutions are committed to protecting human rights, many individuals and communities still face exploitation, discrimination, violence, oppression, and the deprivation of rights in practice. In this context, the role of social workers becomes crucial. Social workers not only raise awareness among victimized, deprived, and marginalized groups but also provide them with legal, social, and psychological support. They strengthen human rights protection through community organization, counseling, public campaigns, rehabilitation, advocacy, and policy-level interventions. This research paper analyzes the role of social workers in human rights protection, the major challenges they face, various intervention strategies, and the social justice impact of their work. The study reveals that social workers play a pivotal role in social change, the protection of rights, and the establishment of a just society; however, their work is hindered by resource constraints, institutional barriers, political pressure, and security concerns. Therefore, to make human rights protection more effective, it is essential to provide social workers with training, institutional support, legal protection, and social recognition.
Copyright (c) 2026 Gajendra Kumar, Tejpal Singh (Author) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
GEOGRAPHICAL ANALYSIS OF THE IMPACT OF AGRICULTURAL INNOVATIONS AND ADVANCED TECHNOLOGIES ON AGRICULTURAL PRODUCTIVITY IN MAHENDRAGARH DISTRICT
Indian agriculture is currently undergoing a phase of rapid technological and structural transformation. Amid the challenges of a growing population, limited natural resources, climate change, and food security, maintaining agricultural production and productivity has become a significant necessity. Under these circumstances, agricultural innovations and advanced technologies have provided a new direction for agricultural development. The adoption of modern irrigation techniques, high-yielding seed varieties, balanced nutrient management, agricultural mechanization, and scientific farming practices has played a vital role in making the agricultural system more efficient, productivity-oriented, and resource-conserving. Against this background, the present study presents a geographical analysis of the impact of agricultural innovations and advanced technologies on agricultural productivity in Mahendragarh district. Both primary and secondary data were used for the study. Secondary data were collected from the Statistical Abstract of Haryana, the Department of Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare, Haryana, and other government records, whereas primary data were collected from 250 farmers of Mahendragarh district through the schedule method. The analysis comprehensively examines irrigation development, irrigation intensity, micro-irrigation, solar-powered irrigation pumps, high-yielding seed varieties, the use of chemical fertilizers, soil testing, agricultural mechanization, and temporal changes in the per-hectare productivity of major crops. The findings reveal that, during the study period, the expansion of irrigation facilities, the dissemination of modern agricultural technologies, the increasing use of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) and mobile-based agricultural services, and the growth of agricultural mechanization contributed significantly to improving the productivity of most major crops. An increase in the per-hectare productivity of wheat, pearl millet, gram, barley, and mustard was observed, whereas the productivity of cotton was adversely affected in the final year due to unfavourable weather conditions. The primary survey also revealed that the majority of farmers considered modern agricultural technologies beneficial for enhancing agricultural production, conserving water, saving labour and time, and increasing farm income. This clearly indicates that the impact of agricultural innovations and advanced technologies is not confined merely to increasing production but has also positively influenced the overall efficiency of the agricultural system and the economic condition of farmers. Overall, it may be concluded that the gradual expansion of agricultural innovations and advanced technologies in Mahendragarh district has strengthened the process of agricultural development while enhancing agricultural productivity. In the future, greater emphasis on micro-irrigation, soil health management, the availability of modern agricultural machinery, the dissemination of quality seeds, and the technical training of farmers can further promote a more productive, competitive, and sustainable agricultural sector.
Copyright (c) 2026 Rajesh Kumar, Dr. Kalu Ram (Author) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
THE ROLE OF DIGITAL LEARNING, ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE (AI), AND SOCIAL MEDIA IN DEVELOPING TEACHING METHODS FOR ARABIC GRAMMAR
This study addresses the role of digital learning, artificial intelligence (AI), and social media in developing teaching methods For Arabic grammar. It highlights the role of digital learning and artificial intelligence by exploring the concepts and significance of each of them. It also examines the ways in which important applications of artificial intelligence can be utilized along with digital learning to improve teaching methods. The importance of the study arises from the contemporary practical topic it covers within the modern educational process. The researcher employs the descriptive-analytical approach. The descriptive-analytical approach aligns with the study’s topic. Previous relevant studies, research papers, books, and periodicals are reviewed in order to establish the theoretical foundation of digital learning, artificial intelligence, and social media as well as the role of each of them in developing teaching methods. In order to fulfil the purpose of the study, relevant studies, sources, and references covering the same topic will be discussed. The study has reached numerous results, among which the following are noteworthy: The study showed that digital learning, artificial intelligence, and social media have a crucial role in the development of teaching methods. It has been revealed that there is a close correlation between digital learning, artificial intelligence, and social media in the development of teaching methods. The study showed that there is a clear facilitation in linking between knowledge, scientific experiences, and practical aspects. The study confirmed that the integration of digital learning with artificial intelligence and social media in the development of teaching methods facilitates the link of knowledge, scientific experiences, and practical aspects.
Copyright (c) 2026 Dr. Bassam Hassan Mohra (Author) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
ENHANCING SUSTAINABLE COMMUNITY-BASED TOURISM THROUGH EFFECTIVE HOMESTAY MANAGEMENT: EVIDENCE FROM NEPAL
Community-based homestay tourism is one of the important tourism strategies that can be developed to boost the local economy, maintain cultural heritage and involve community in local tourism. But, the empirical evidence on the factors affecting efficient operation of homestay in Nepal is still limited. The main objective of this study was to investigate the operational issues leading to successful management of homestays and the economic performance and tax compliance of community-based homestays in Nepal. The method used was quantitative research and one of the designs used was descriptive cross-sectional survey. A structured questionnaire was used to gather data from 89 registered Home Stay operators of pioneer Community Based Home Stay destination in Ghalegaun and Sirubari of the community-based home stays. Descriptive statistics and linear regression in SPSS version 26 were used for the collected data. It was found that quality infrastructure, road accessibility, culturally authentic homestay, adequate guest facilities, hygiene and sanitation, safe drinking water and hygienic preparation of local food are the factors which are mainly associated with effective homestay management. Homestay operation was also supported by family involvement. However, regression analysis found that none of the variables namely income level and saving capacity – was significant in terms of its relationship with annual tax payment, suggesting that tax compliance may be influenced by institutional and regulatory factors. Improved operational standards, infrastructure, sanitation, cultural authenticity, and institutional support can improve service quality, satisfaction of visitors and sustainability and competitiveness of community-based homestay tourism in Nepal.
Copyright (c) 2026 Khemraj Pokhrel (Author) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
TRANSFORMATION OF FAMILY VALUES AMONG YOUTH IN GWALIOR
The family remains the primary setting in which young people learn responsibility, cooperation, respect, gender roles, emotional behaviour, and expectations regarding marriage and elder care. In Gwalior, these values are being renegotiated under the influence of higher education, digital media, urban lifestyles, employment aspirations, migration, and the growth of nuclear households. This paper examines the transformation of family values among youth in Gwalior through a sociological framework that distinguishes structural change from value change. It argues that smaller households and greater personal autonomy do not necessarily indicate the rejection of family relationships. Rather, many young people appear to favour a negotiated family model in which emotional attachment and filial responsibility continue, while authority, marital choice, gender expectations, and career decisions become more egalitarian. The paper reviews relevant literature, identifies a clear research gap, presents one focused objective with corresponding hypotheses, and proposes a mixed-method research design for youth aged 18 to 25 residing in Gwalior. A structured family-values questionnaire, supported by semi-structured interviews, is recommended for examining the influence of education, digital media exposure, family type, and gender. The proposed analysis uses descriptive statistics, group comparisons, correlation, regression, and thematic interpretation. The paper concludes that family transformation in Gwalior is best understood as negotiated continuity: traditional emotional bonds remain important, but their expression increasingly depends on dialogue, consent, and shared decision-making.
Copyright (c) 2026 Shivani Yadav, Dr. Tejpal Singh (Author) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
TRANSFORMATION OF CULTURAL VALUES AMONG YOUTH IN GWALIOR
Gwalior possesses a distinctive cultural identity shaped by its historical traditions, classical music heritage, festivals, family customs, language practices, and artistic institutions. At the same time, young people in the city are increasingly connected with national and global cultural influences through social media, streaming platforms, education, travel, and changing patterns of employment. This paper examines how these influences are transforming the cultural values of youth in Gwalior. It argues that cultural change should not be understood only as the disappearance of tradition. Instead, youth often retain selected practices connected with family, festivals, religion, and local pride while adopting new forms of dress, language, entertainment, communication, and self-expression. The paper is grounded in the concepts of cultural hybridization and glocalization and develops a domain-based framework for comparing core identity-linked practices with more flexible consumption-oriented practices. A mixed-method research design is proposed for youth aged 16 to 25 residing in Gwalior city. The design combines a structured questionnaire with focus group discussions and recommends the use of descriptive statistics, paired-samples comparison, correlation, and thematic analysis. The paper concludes that the most likely pattern is selective cultural adaptation rather than complete cultural homogenization. Such a perspective can help educational institutions, cultural organizations, and policymakers design programmes that preserve Gwalior's cultural heritage while recognizing the changing preferences and media habits of contemporary youth.
Copyright (c) 2026 Ms. Shivani Yadav, Dr. Tejpal Singh (Author) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
ACADEMIC STRESS AMONG SENIOR SECONDARY STUDENTS: AN EXAMINATION OF ITS CONSEQUENCES
While the causes of academic stress have received considerable attention, its consequences for the well-being and functioning of senior secondary students are equally significant and warrant systematic examination. The present study investigated the consequences of academic stress along two broad fronts: its effect on the psychological and physical health of students, and its effect on their academic performance and social-behavioural functioning. A descriptive and correlational survey design was adopted, and data were collected from 300 senior secondary students through a standardised academic-stress measure together with scales assessing anxiety, depressive affect, psychosomatic symptoms, and behavioural indicators, along with records of academic achievement. Results revealed strong positive correlations between academic stress and anxiety, depressive affect, and the frequency of psychosomatic complaints such as headache, sleep disturbance, and fatigue. Academic stress was negatively correlated with academic achievement, and students in the high-stress group performed significantly worse than those in the low-stress group. Stress was also associated with social withdrawal, irritability, reduced concentration, and procrastination. The findings demonstrate that unmanaged academic stress functions as a self-defeating cycle that undermines the very performance it is intended to protect, and they underline the urgent need for school-based mental-health support and stress-management programmes.
Copyright (c) 2026 Priya Datta, Dr. Prashant Sangwan (Author) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
IMPLEMENTATION OF THE RIGHT TO EDUCATION (RTE) ACT IN SECONDARY SCHOOLS: AN ANALYTICAL AND POLICY STUDY OF GWALIOR DIVISION
It would not be incorrect to describe education as the fundamental basis of any nation's progress, and the Right to Education (RTE) Act, 2009, is considered a crucial—and indeed decisive—step towards ensuring universal and inclusive education in India. The objective of this study is to examine the current status of the RTE Act's implementation in the secondary schools of Gwalior Division and to evaluate its policy implications. During the study, we focused on several key aspects, such as school infrastructure, teacher availability, student enrollment, attendance, educational quality, and various issues related to inclusive education. The study reveals that following the implementation of the RTE Act, enrollment increased in many areas, and public awareness regarding education improved. However, a lack of resources persisted in many schools—particularly at the foundational level—and there was an imbalance in the availability of trained teachers. Issues such as an imbalanced student-teacher ratio emerged, and persistent problems regarding the delivery of quality education were observed. This situation was particularly pronounced in rural and remote areas, where the impact was more evident. Furthermore, the study indicates that for the Act to be truly effective, administrative oversight must be significantly strengthened, the continuous availability of resources ensured, and community participation effectively integrated. Overall, this research offers several policy recommendations aimed at improving educational quality and ensuring equal opportunities; these suggestions could prove useful not only for the Gwalior Division but also for educational systems in other regions.
Copyright (c) 2026 Mamta Kailashiya, Alka Gupta (Author) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
RIGHT TO COMMUNICATION AND THE DIGITAL GAP IN NORTH OF ARGENTINA: INTERNET ACCESS AS GUARANTEED TO THE ENJOYMENT OF PUBLIC SPACE
The main objective of this essay is to analyze the links between the concept of the right to communication and other notions, old and new, that are part of the field of reflection on citizenship, public space, and rights -attributions and duties- in the digital era and the issues access to and enjoyment of technology. The proposal triangulates the right to communication, the digital gap, and public space in the specific context of a particular region, northern Argentina. This place has unique features, including cultural interethnic diversity, deep economic inequality, and a mix of rural and urban populations. Thus, this reflection allows ends about the necessity that assume right to communication and digital gap since localized perspective, integral insight, and complex and interactive issues must be dealt with net to add multiple actors. With this focus, these discussions will be beyond juridic and academic ambits.
Copyright (c) 2026 Franco Hessling Herrera (Author) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
A STUDY ON AWARENESS OF GOVERNMENT NUTRITION PROGRAMMES AMONG RURAL WOMEN IN DEOGHAR DISTRICT, JHARKHAND
Purpose: The present study examines the level of awareness of rural women regarding Government Nutrition Programmes in Deoghar district, Jharkhand. The study aims to assess whether rural women possess adequate awareness about major Government Nutrition Programmes, including Anganwadi services, supplementary nutrition, Iron and Folic Acid (IFA) supplementation, child growth monitoring, and POSHAN Abhiyaan. Methodology: The study is based on primary data collected from 230 rural women through a structured questionnaire. Ten awareness statements measured on a five-point Likert scale were analysed using descriptive statistics, reliability analysis (Cronbach's Alpha), and the One Sample t-test in SPSS. Findings: It has been found that the awareness level of rural women concerning Government Nutrition Programmes is below the neutral point. Awareness of Anganwadi was comparatively higher among respondents, but on the other hand, awareness of POSHAN Abhiyaan, IFA Supplementation and child growth monitoring was relatively lower. Most of the statements were found to be significantly different with the help of One Sample t-test. Originality: This paper serves as an analysis of awareness about the Government Nutrition Programs amongst the rural women in the district of Deoghar, Jharkhand, and also emphasizes the importance of increasing nutrition awareness programs at the community level.
Copyright (c) 2026 Aditi Kumari (Author) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
EMPOWERMENT OF TRIBAL WOMEN THROUGH CSR LED ENTERPRISE MODEL: A STUDY OF TATA STEEL FOUNDATION IN JHARKHAND
The vision of Viksit Bharat-2047 could not be achieved without engaging women in leadership roles. Empowerment of women emerged as a critical dimension of inclusive and sustainable development, particularly in tribal regions where economic opportunities for women remain limited. In these regions, all stakeholders including government, CSR based foundations and NGOs are making their efforts to empower women. At many places, they initiated enterprise-based intervention models serving as an effective pathway for enhancing women’s decision-making capacity, income generation, and social status. In this context, the present study, examines the role of CSR led enterprise models supported by the Tata Steel Foundation (TSF) of Jharkhand in women’s leadership and empowerment. Tata Steel Limited is a big name and their CSR funding is also huge. Besides, they are working extensively in Jharkhand and Odisha state as their CSR base. Thus, for this study, the TSF run five such enterprises of paper plates making units were selected from densely tribal dominated region in Ramgarh District of Jharkhand. An exploratory research design with a qualitative research approach was adopted using purposive sampling. A total sample of 25 respondents including five women participants from each unit were selected. Data were collected through the case study method, using Focus Group Discussions (FGDs) as the primary tool. The data were analyzed using thematic analysis. The findings revealed that enterprise interventions had significantly improved women’s position in many fronts including self-confidence, financial independence, leadership roles, and participation in household and community decision-making etc. Collective enterprise participation has also strengthened their solidarity, networking, and peer leadership. The enterprise interventions accompanied by skill training, market linkages, and institutional support are therefore serving as a transformative instrument towards women’s leadership and empowerment.
Copyright (c) 2025 Shaizy Ahmed, Shubham Kumar (Author) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
PATTERNS OF DIGITAL ENGAGEMENT AND PSYCHOLOGICAL WELL-BEING: EXAMINATION OF SOCIAL MEDIA USE AMONG INDIAN UNIVERSITY STUDENTS
Social media use has become so embedded in the life of students that it has created a paradox of the digital age: while social media can connect students, it can also teach them, it can support them, it can also make them feel the need to compare with others, it can distract them, and it can cause them distress. The evidence base surrounding social media is both fragmented and contradictory, as treating 'use' as a monolithic construct. This study examines the distinct dimensions of social media use and their links to the psychological health of university students in India in a single model using the perspectives of psychology, media studies and education. In this study, a descriptive and analytical cross-sectional design was used and data were collected through a five-point Likert scale questionnaire targeting 352 students using stratified-purposive sampling technique. Reliability analysis, descriptive statistics, Pearson correlation, multiple linear regression, regression-based analysis of variance and one-way ANOVA were used for analysis of the data. The results indicate that the usage intensity, social comparison and fear of missing out (FoMO) have significant negative effects on psychological well-being, while online social support has a significant positive effect, and together these factors explain 47 per cent of the variance in psychological well-being. Daily use level also significantly affected well-being, with higher levels of well-being associated with less frequent use. The results confirm that psychological outcomes are not only driven by access to and duration of engagement but also by the pattern and nature of engagement, and suggest it is possible to foster more balanced, supportive digital behaviours and targeted institutional interventions.
Copyright (c) 2025 Meenu (Author) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
EUROPEAN OFFICERS IN THE COURT OF MAHARAJA RANJIT SINGH
The court of Maharaja Ranjit Singh at Lahore was among the most cosmopolitan military courts of early 19th century Asia. In the period 1822-1839, many of these European officers, many of them veterans of the Napoleonic wars, were employed by the Sikh ruler as trainers, leaders and military engineers. This paper explores who they were, their motives, the functions they served and what their presence provides evidence for regarding the nature of the Sikh Empire as a political and military entity. The paper presents a contemporary account, letters and subsequent historical research to prove that the European officers were not simply hired thugs but also unwavering professionals. They were participants in a complicated negotiation between the military knowledge of the West and a sovereign court of Punjabi which knew no fear, was selective and confident in its absorption of foreign knowledge.
Copyright (c) 2024 Dr. Balraj Singh (Author) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
FOLKLORE AND PUBLIC MEMORY: THE GREAT EARTHQUAKE OF 1950 IN ASSAM
The 1950 earthquake in Assam, locally known as the 'bor bhuikap' (Great Earthquake), stands as one of the most catastrophic natural disasters in the region's recorded history. Measuring 8.6 on the Richter scale, it wrought profound devastation — displacing communities, claiming thousands of lives, and fundamentally altering the geography of the Brahmaputra valley. This paper examines the intersection of folklore and public memory in the aftermath of this seismic event, arguing that oral traditions, folk beliefs, songs, and personal testimonies served not merely as cultural artefacts but as critical mechanisms of community resilience, meaning-making, and disaster memory. Drawing on fieldwork, oral histories, and archival sources, the paper demonstrates how the earthquake became embedded in the collective consciousness of diverse Assamese communities, generating a rich body of folklore — from mythological explanations of divine wrath to narratives of survival and solidarity. The analysis contributes to broader social science debates on disaster, memory, and the role of cultural heritage in community recovery.
Copyright (c) 2026 Jutika Patir (Author) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
TRENDS AND CAUSAL ANALYSIS OF CRIMES OF MURDER AND ATTEMPTED MURDER IN RAIPUR DISTRICT: A LEGAL STUDY (2019–2024)
With specific reference to the Raipur district, this study on heinous crimes—such as murder and attempted murder—presents a comprehensive legal and criminological analysis of their trends, geographical distribution, and causative factors during the period spanning 2019 to 2024. The objective of this research is not merely to understand the statistical patterns of crime, but also to identify the social, economic, individual, and institutional factors that influence these offenses. The study relies entirely on secondary sources—specifically the National Crime Records Bureau, State Crime Records, District Police Reports, and Court Records—and employs a descriptive and analytical research methodology. Key findings clearly indicate that, despite fluctuations in the number of cases during the study period, the occurrence of murder and attempted murder has persisted consistently. The incidence of attempted murder cases was found to be higher than that of actual murders, suggesting that while violent tendencies are widespread, not all incidents result in fatal outcomes. Crimes were found to be significantly more prevalent in urban areas, whereas relatively fewer incidents were recorded in rural regions. A gender-based analysis revealed an overwhelming involvement of male accused persons (85–90%), while the involvement of women was found to be limited, yet driven by specific circumstantial factors. Consequently, the study concludes that punitive measures alone are insufficient for the effective prevention of homicidal crimes; rather, a coordinated and multi-dimensional policy intervention at the social, economic, and institutional levels is required. This research offers valuable insights for legal policymakers, administrative authorities, and the academic community.
Copyright (c) 2026 Abhay Pratap Singh, Dr. Rajesh Mani Tripathi, Dr. Vivek Malik (Author) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
THEY PROTECTED THE KILLERS AND EXPELLED THE FATHER": JUDICIAL BEHAVIOR, STRUCTURAL IMPUNITY, AND PROPHETIC TESTIMONY IN THE MARCO AURÉLIO CÁRDENAS ACOSTA CASE
This article presents a qualitative behavioral analysis of the judicial hearing held on July 9, 2025, at the Foro Criminal da Barra Funda, São Paulo, Brazil, in criminal proceedings arising from the police killing of medical student Marco Aurélio Cárdenas Acosta (22), shot at point-blank range by Military Police officers on November 20, 2024. Using a first-person chronicle published by the author — a physician with 35 years of clinical practice and a dual doctorate — as a primary behavioral document, the study applies the concept of "prospective behavioral documentation": the proposition that observable conduct by judicial actors in a single critical encounter can function as a valid indicator of subsequent institutional behavior. Close reading of the chronicle, cross-validated against events documented over the following eighteen months, identifies four recurring patterns: judicial emotional detachment; prosecutorial ambivalence; trained affective neutralization by the accused officers; and systematic protection of perpetrators through procedural formalism. All patterns were confirmed: three denials of preventive detention, prosecutorial reversal, paralysis of two superior courts, and — most revealingly — a restraining order petition filed by the accused officers against the victim's father. In February 2026, a split decision committed the officers to trial by jury while keeping both free. The case is analyzed as an instance of what O’Donnell (1993) termed "brown areas" of democratic governance, and as evidence that first-person testimony by bereaved family members with analytical training may constitute a valid category of primary evidence in judicial accountability research.
Copyright (c) 2026 Julio César Acosta Navarro (Author) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
POLITICAL PARTIES: STRUCTURE, FUNCTIONS, AND DEMOCRATIC SIGNIFICANCE – AN OVERVIEW
A political party is an organized group of individuals who share common ideologies, goals, and policies and seek to gain political power and influence governance. The political parties are fundamental institutions in modern democracies that serve as intermediaries between citizens and the state. This paper provides a comprehensive overview of the structure, functions, and democratic significance of political parties. Drawing on classical and contemporary political theory, including works by Maurice Duverger and Giovanni Sartori, the study explores how parties organize political competition, mobilize participation, and contribute to governance. It also highlights contemporary challenges affecting their effectiveness.
Copyright (c) 2025 Dr Md Irfan (Author) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
WORK STRESS IN COLLEGE TEACHERS OF MANIPUR: ROLES OF EFFORT–REWARD IMBALANCE AND INSTITUTIONAL CLIMATE
This paper takes a fresh look at how college teachers in Imphal experience job satisfaction and work stress, focusing specifically on their work environment and the Effort-Reward Imbalance (ERI) construct. Using survey responses from 400 teachers (N = 400), the results show that most faculty members report low surface-level stress. However, there is a clear mismatch between the hard work they put in (such as managing heavy workloads, meeting deadlines, and juggling multiple roles) and the rewards they feel they receive, such as basic recognition, a say in decisions, and real support from their administration. The workplace culture plays a major role in driving this stress, especially in how openly decisions are made and how well colleagues get along. Ultimately, the research shows that even though these teachers seem to be coping just fine day to day, there is a hidden layer of built-in stress deeply rooted in the college system itself.
Copyright (c) 2026 Haripyari Hanjabam, Saikhom Debina Chanu, Seram Raghumani Singh (Author) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
PREMCHAND’S NOVELS: SOCIAL REALISM, THE ANATOMY OF EXPLOITATION, AND THE CRISIS OF HUMAN VALUES
This research presents a multidimensional and critical analysis of the portrayal of social realism in Premchand’s major novels. Premchand (1880–1936) was a seminal, epoch-making novelist in Hindi literature who transformed the novel genre into a mirror of society. This study re-examines his literature in light of the nature of his realism, the concept of 'Idealistic Realism' (*Adarshonmukh Yatharthvad*), his contribution to the Progressive literary tradition, and contemporary Dalit criticism (Gajrawala, 2012). The research entails a detailed analysis of novels such as *Godan*, *Rangbhumi*, *Nirmala*, *Gaban*, *Sevasadan*, *Karmbhumi*, and *Premashram*. It places at its center themes such as the economics of rural India, the tragedy of the peasantry, the dynamics of the caste system, women's discourse, and the moral crisis of the urban middle class. The research concludes that Premchand’s realism begins with empathy and compassion, ultimately culminating in a demand for justice and equality. His novels remain relevant today in the context of caste-based violence, agrarian movements, and women's safety, notwithstanding certain historical limitations inherent in his realism.
Copyright (c) 2025 Nandkishor, Gulab Singh Verma (Author) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0