Decentralisation is a fundamental part of India’s democratic system; however, the level of empowerment of Gram Panchayats (GPs) varies significantly among states, raising doubts about its practical effectiveness. This research compares Telangana and Karnataka, two states with distinct and often imperfect forms of Panchayati Raj development. The study examines how state-level reforms affect rural development outcomes using a “nine-dimensional framework” encompassing functional devolution, fiscal powers, institutional capacity, participation, service delivery, staffing, digital governance, accountability, and intergovernmental relations. Findings reveal that despite widespread appreciation, Karnataka’s long-standing system still has functional overlaps and inconsistent performance. Nevertheless, a more stable government is supported by its established administrative and democratic frameworks, more fiscal autonomy, and comparatively clear functions. Telangana has made tremendous progress in administrative reform, digitalisation, and capacity building; however, these efforts are hindered by inadequate downward accountability, restricted fiscal discretion, and incomplete functional transfers.GP authority in both states is diminished by the ongoing usage of rival entities. The research concludes that significant decentralisation in India remains a long way off, necessitating more thorough functional mapping, predictable budgetary devolution, the abolition of duplicate agencies, and more robust participatory and technology-driven governance.

Keywords: Decentralisation, Gram Panchayats, Panchayati Raj Institutions, Rural Governance, Telangana, Karnatak.

This study investigates educational inequalities and human capital development in two villages of Punjab, Saleh Chak and Katt, through a detailed analysis of literacy rates, enrollment patterns, educational attainment, and household educational expenditures across caste, class, and gender. Drawing from primary data collected from 443 households, the research identified significant disparities in access to education and human development outcomes. The findings revealed that while literacy rates improved over time, gaps persisted across social and economic categories, particularly disadvantaging scheduled and backward caste communities. Private school enrollment and household spending on education were highest among Forward Caste and economically better-off families, reflecting socio-economic privilege that played a key role in accessing quality education. Female education has shown notable progress, but gender disparities remain prominent, especially at higher education levels. Human Development Index (HDI) scores by caste revealed stark inequalities: forward castes had the highest HDI, while scheduled castes lagged significantly. These findings highlighted structural inequalities and stressed the urgent need for inclusive policy interventions to address educational deprivation. The paper appeals for targeted public investment, scholarship programs, and gender-sensitive strategies to bridge the educational divide and promote equitable human capital formation in rural Punjab.

As well as being an important component in theories of national development, globalisation is also a significant factor in the relationships between national economies worldwide. While the process of globalisation has, on the one hand, given the world economy a new face through trade, exchange, technological advancement, and other such developments, it has, on the other hand, altered the functioning of social structures and the economy within a country. The purpose of this study is to understand the influence of globalisation on Dalits in India by discussing scholarship from various perspectives.

Keywords: Globalisation, Dalits, Caste, Development.
JEL Codes: F66, O15, J71.

The New Education Policy (NEP) 2020 represents a landmark reform in the Indian education system, emphasising inclusivity, accessibility, and equity for all learners. This article critically examines the policy with reference to inclusivity across gender, caste, socio-economic background, culture, language, and disability. Drawing on secondary data sources such as UDISE+ (2021–22) and AISHE (2020–21), as well as scholarly works, this study explores the opportunities and challenges associated with implementing NEP 2020. The findings indicate significant progress in creating an inclusive education framework through measures such as the Gender Inclusion Fund, Special Education Zones, and the integration of vocational and multidisciplinary learning. However, barriers including inadequate infrastructure, gender disparities, socio-cultural norms, technological divides, and teacher preparedness remain pressing. Comparisons with international education policies underscore the need for India to strengthen implementation, monitoring, and stakeholder engagement. This article concludes that while NEP 2020 has transformative potential, achieving inclusivity demands sustained investment, collaborative governance, and a cultural shift toward valuing diversity in education.

Keywords: Inclusivity, Education, NEP 2020, Disability, Gender, Equity.

This paper presents a descriptive analysis of expenditure patterns on health care in India and the state of Punjab, with special reference to preventive health care. The need to analyse arises from the persistent, unresolved paradox between stagnant, inadequate financial inputs in the union and state budgets for healthcare and the increasing challenges posed by the rising incidence of communicable and non-communicable diseases, which demand higher financial inputs. As a result, the disability has increased the number of years of life lost among people, along with adverse effects on their productivity. Hence, to keep pace with socio-economic development and meet the challenges of increasing incidence of disease, both the central and the state governments need to increase financial inputs substantially, beyond the government’s proposed 2.5% of the GDP, which, at present, ironically, lags around 1.6%, even below the government’s own commitment.

Keywords: Healthcare, Preventive Healthcare, Expenditure, India, Punjab.

This paper looks at Gram Sabha as a changing institution of participatory democracy and decentralised governance in rural India. It uses interdisciplinary references and state-level experiences that are documented to analyse how the constitutional design, social hierarchies and administrative practices determine the shape of citizen participation, representation and impact on the local development decision-making. The research shows that although Gram Sabhas have great potential to increase transparency, limit elite capture and welfare targeting, their operation is unequal as they are characterised by caste and gender disparities, lack of information and institutional support. As the example of states like Kerala, Karnataka, and Andhra Pradesh shows, deliberative quality and accountability can be significantly enhanced by a proactive facilitation approach, participatory planning and social audits. The paper proposes that the way forward in revitalisation of Gram Sabhas is through reinforcing statutory powers, broadening transparency, and making long term investments in civic mobilisation. Through applying the theoretical insights within the context of the grounded policy analysis, the research highlights the pivotal role of Gram Sabhas as the places of promoting democratic deepening and equal rural development in India.

Keywords: Gram Sabha; Participatory Democracy; Decentralisation; Local Governance; Social Accountability.
JEL Codes: H75; O18; D72.

This study explores the exploitation of seasonal tribal migrant labourers in India’s brick kiln industry, focusing on the structural, legal, and socio-economic factors that perpetuate bonded labour. Migrants, excluded from welfare schemes and legal protections due to spatial dislocation and bureaucratic neglect, endure appalling work and living conditions. Their children often participate in hazardous labour, deprived of education and safety. The research further examines how invisible economies of care, which sustain the labour force at both source and destination, are critical however overlooked. Using a mixed-methods approach, this study aims to reveal the role of debt-based recruitment, inadequate legal enforcement, and the failure of state machinery in perpetuating this modern slavery. It advocates a shift toward spatially networked resistance and rethinking labour rights through care economies to ensure dignity, recognition, and equitable compensation for migrant workers and their families.

Keywords: Migrant labor, Bonded labor, Brick kilns, Economies of care.

The pursuit of sustainable growth in emerging economies demands a policy architecture that integrates verified carbon accountability into the core of development planning. Building on the Carbon Clarity and Carbon Accountability Systems (CAS) frameworks, this paper proposes a model for embedding carbon data within fiscal, industrial, and governance systems to enable equitable, low-carbon development. The paper conceptualizes the Carbon-Integrated Development Policy (CIDP)—a structure in which verified accountability informs public finance, industrial incentives, and institutional governance. By synthesizing development economics, environmental policy, and governance theory, the study demonstrates how carbon accountability can serve as both an economic stabilizer and a developmental enabler. The proposed framework provides a blueprint for emerging economies to align growth imperatives with sustainability outcomes, redefining development not by speed, but by systemic accountability and resilience.

Keywords: Sustainable Development, Carbon Accountability, Policy Architecture, Development Economics, Governance.
JEL Codes: O44, Q56, Q58.