Category: Working Papers

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

Dynamics of Onion Production and Trade in India: Regional Trends, Export Patterns, and Policy Insights   Akshata Nayak and Channamma G Abstract India is the world’s leading producer and exporter of onions, yet its onion sector faces significant regional disparities, market volatility, and policy inconsistencies. This study examines long-term trends in onion cultivation across Indian… Continue reading Dynamics of Onion Production and Trade in India: Regional Trends, Export Patterns, and Policy Insights

Does Gender and Socio-Economic Status Matter in Financial Access and Usage? A Pooled Cross-Sectional Analysis Exploring Traditional Vs. Digital Trends   Rupsa Ghosh and Meenakshi Rajeev Abstract The paper aims at analysing the different determinants driving the level of financial inclusion in India, specifically looking through the gender dimension. The study addresses both the traditional… Continue reading Does Gender and Socio-Economic Status Matter in Financial Access and Usage? A Pooled Cross-Sectional Analysis Exploring Traditional Vs. Digital Trends

Rejuvenating the Commons or Reinforcing Exclusion? Power Dynamics and Marginalisation in the Eco-Restoration of Bengaluru’s Lake   Akash Jash Abstract This paper examines the restoration of Kempambudhi Lake in Bengaluru, showing how environmental projects framed as ecological improvements can become sites of exclusion and contestation. Grounded in urban political ecology and based on qualitative fieldwork,… Continue reading Rejuvenating the Commons or Reinforcing Exclusion? Power Dynamics and Marginalisation in the Eco-Restoration of Bengaluru’s Lake

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