Category: Working Papers

Political Communication of Dravidian Parties: A Study of AIADMK and DMK   Thiruppathi P and V Anil Kumar Abstract In Indian politics, political communication has shaped the rise and endurance of regional parties, especially the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) and the All-India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK) in Tamil Nadu’s electoral politics. Dravidian politics’ communication… Continue reading Political Communication of Dravidian Parties: A Study of AIADMK and DMK

Natural Gas Downstream Market in India: An Overview   Alok Aditya and Krishna Raj Abstract India’s natural gas downstream market has undergone a significant transformation over the past two decades, marked by progressive institutional reforms and evolving regulatory frameworks. The shift from a highly regulated regime to a more liberalised market structure has been driven… Continue reading Natural Gas Downstream Market in India: An Overview

How Well Do Agency and Technology Work for Women Entrepreneurs? Insights from a Panel Data Model Using Capability Approach   Meenakshi Rajeev and Pranav Nagendran Abstract The role of technology in Amartya Sen’s (1993) capability approach framework to development is a subject of academic debate, with recent research highlighting that it can play a dual… Continue reading How Well Do Agency and Technology Work for Women Entrepreneurs? Insights from a Panel Data Model Using Capability Approach

Modernity and Democracy in India: Questioning the Teleologies   Anil Kumar Vaddiraju Abstract This paper focuses on a two-pronged argument: 1) that both popular and populist democracy and 2) political economy in India work against, or increasingly against, the realisation of modernity. Therefore, what we have is an imperfect realisation of both modernity as well… Continue reading Modernity and Democracy in India: Questioning the Teleologies

Biometric Governance and Human Rights: The Social and Ethical Implications of Aadhaar in India’s Public Distribution System   O Grace Ngullie Abstract Aadhaar, recognised as the world’s largest biometric identification system, has acquired legitimacy within Indian society; however, it has also resulted in exclusions from the Public Distribution System, thereby compromising the right to food.… Continue reading Biometric Governance and Human Rights: The Social and Ethical Implications of Aadhaar in India’s Public Distribution System

Using Technology for Decentralised Governance: How Maharashtra Adopted E-Governance in Its Panchayats   Susan D George Abstract This paper examines the adoption of technology in the functioning of Maharashtra’s Panchayats. Following the launch of a pan-India programme for e-governance in the Panchayats by the federal government in 2006 with the stated aim of improving the… Continue reading Using Technology for Decentralised Governance: How Maharashtra Adopted E-Governance in Its Panchayats

Kerala’s Redistributive Policy: An Analysis of the State’s Public Expenditure Policies   Megha Susan Philip and K Gayithri Abstract The paper is an attempt to critically assess the public expenditure policies of Kerala from 1980 till 2025. The state has always been at the forefront of the development discourse, given its welfare-oriented approaches that led… Continue reading Kerala’s Redistributive Policy: An Analysis of the State’s Public Expenditure Policies

Citizen Participation in Village Assembly Meetings and Service Delivery: Evidence from Karnataka   R Manjula Abstract The 73rd Constitutional Amendment makes a provision for the village assembly (Ward and Grama Sabha) meetings to enable citizens to participate and present their needs and preferences to improve decentralised governance. Karnataka, being a pioneer in democratic decentralisation, has… Continue reading Citizen Participation in Village Assembly Meetings and Service Delivery: Evidence from Karnataka

Institutions and Disaster Losses in Lower-Middle-Income Countries: A Dynamic Panel Data Approach   Abina V P and Meenakshi Rajeev Abstract With the growing global concern over disaster risks, research on disaster vulnerability has expanded significantly. However, much of the existing literature continues to focus on development indicators as the primary determinants of vulnerability, often overlooking… Continue reading Institutions and Disaster Losses in Lower-Middle-Income Countries: A Dynamic Panel Data Approach

Municipal Responsibilities for Environmental Protection in India: A Critical Review with Evidence from Karnataka   Dasanuru Kusanna Abstract Indian municipalities derive their powers and functions from the 74th Constitutional Amendment Act (CAA) of 1992, which authorises them to impose and collect taxes for socio-economic development, infrastructure, civic amenities, and essential urban services. One of their… Continue reading Municipal Responsibilities for Environmental Protection in India: A Critical Review with Evidence from Karnataka