Current Issue

Vol. 56,  No. 1,  2026

Regional Disparities in Women Empowerment in India: A Multi-Dimensional Analysis based on National Family Health Survey-5

Pooja Gothwal and Manoj Siwach
Chaudhary Devi Lal University, Sirsa, Haryana, India

This study examines regional variations in women’s empowerment across different states and union territories (UTs) in India, using data from National Family Health Survey-5 (NFHS-5). Drawing on a multidimensional approach, the index of women empowerment has been constructed using sixteen indicators under six major domains. The study initially reveals that the southern and western regions of India such as Goa, Tamil Nadu, Puducherry, Dadra & Nagar Haveli and Daman & Diu (and also Sikkim in the north-east) achieved high levels of women empowerment. The study further reveals that low levels of women empowerment are not only prevalent in the traditionally recognized ‘BIMARU’ states (Bihar, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, and Uttar Pradesh) but also extend to regions such as West Bengal, Haryana, and Maharashtra (Kumar and Mondal, 2024). A notable contrast is that the study reveals that Kerala, which often holds the top position in the incidence of literacy, is not among the top-performing states and falls within the category of low level of women empowerment. The study suggests that region-specific government interventions should be applied to enhance the level of women empowerment across different regions of the country, with a greater emphasis on improving their decision-making capabilities and economic participation. A correlation matrix has been constructed to evaluate the relationships among the selected variables.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.20457509

Key Words: Livelihoods, Women empowerment, Regional disparities, Sustainable Development Goals, National Family Health Survey-5.

Exploring the Relationship between Unhappiness and Conflict: Evidence from across the Globe

Kamalika Dasgupta and Siddhartha Mitra
Jadavpur University, Kolkata, India

Abstract: This paper explores the intricate relationship between unhappiness and conflict, shedding light on the multifaceted dynamics that connect these two fundamental aspects of human experience. The research investigates how unhappiness, stemming from socio-economic factors and Ethno-linguistic Fractionalization (ELF), can create a fertile ground for conflicts at the international level. We attempt to gather empirical evidence, which illustrates the manners in which societal discontent can manifest in various forms of conflict. Structural Equation Model (SEM) is employed to analyze the both way causation. Preliminary empirical findings imply that overall feeling of Happiness and Ethnic Fractionalization significantly affect the occurrence and intensity of conflicts across the globe. It also points towards some specific socio-economic indicators, which if improved, can decrease the conflict fatalities through the increase in mass happiness. Through examining the interplay of different administrative, social and economic parameters, this research contributes to the understanding of how unhappiness and conflict are intertwined in human experience, with implications for fostering a more peaceful and harmonious world.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.20457386

Key Words: Unhappiness, Conflict, Inequality, Polarization, Ethnic fractionalization, SEM.

Economic Growth and Fertility Transition in India: Evidence from the Post-Liberalisation Period

Zafar Iqubal and Jeet Saha
University of North Bengal, West Bengal, India

Abstract: Unified growth theory predicts that, to escape the Malthusian regime of stagnation and achieve sustained economic growth, the fertility rate falls over time. India, an emerging economy with the world’s largest population, has also witnessed a steady decline in its fertility rate over the last few decades. However, there remains a significant research gap in studying how economic growth has affected the fertility decline in India. This study aims to examine how economic growth in the post-liberalisation period has contributed to the decline in fertility. Using time series data from 1991 to 2022, we find that economic growth, indicated by per capita income, inversely affects India’s fertility rate. Furthermore, we find that female labour force participation and female education also have an inverse effect on fertility, whereas infant mortality rate directly affects fertility. Based on the findings of this study, we provide important policy insights to address the challenge of declining fertility in India.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.20457331

Key Words: Fertility decline, Total fertility rate, Unified growth theory, Fertility determinants, Time-series econometrics.

An Impact Assessment of PMKVY 3.0 in Selected Districts of Gujarat State

Ankur Amin
Sardar Patel University, Anand, Gujarat, India

Abstract: Based on the primary data collected from the selected districts of Gujarat, this study assesses the effectiveness of the Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana 3.0 (PMKVY 3.0), a flagship initiative to enhance skill development and employability among Indian youth. Using a descriptive research design and a quantitative approach, data were collected via structured questionnaires from 465 beneficiaries of the Short-Term Training (STT) and 314 beneficiaries of the Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) under the Centrally Sponsored and State Managed (CSSM) component. Although most participants did not secure immediate employment post-training, significant improvements were observed in technical competencies, self-confidence, and personal development. The results indicate that while technical roles, such as Solar Panel Installation Technicians, command significant monthly incomes of Rs. 10,000-25,000, traditional service and craft roles predominantly occupied by women remain relegated to lower-income brackets of Rs. 4,000 or less. The study concludes that while PMKVY 3.0 supports skill acquisition and personal growth, intensified post-training employment support and structured placement mechanisms are essential for maximizing its impact on employment generation. These insights carry broad implications for policy design and implementation within national skill development frameworks.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.20456796

Key words:PMKVY 3.0, Short-Term Training (STT), Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL), Impact assessment.

Prediction of Number of Covid-19 Affected Persons by Using Gompertz Curves

Manoranjan Pal and Abhigayan Adhikary
Indian Statistical Institute, Kolkata, India.

Abstract: This paper aims to analyze the First and the Second COVID-19 Waves experienced by India, using the modified versions of Gompertz Curve (MGC) and to estimate the maximum number of affected individuals for each wave with the best possible accuracy. The period of collected data is from 30th January 2020 to 11th July 2021. The entire dataset is segregated into two parts, i.e., for the First and the Second Waves, and then modelled individually using the MGC. The robustness of the fits is checked, and then residuals are further modelled successively to improve the accuracy of the estimates. The accuracy in the predictions is overwhelming. Finally, a comparative analysis of the results has been performed with the Logistic Model and the ARIMA Models. The present model gives much better prediction and it is found to be robust in the sense that even with initial 30 to 40 observations it predicts the ultimate number of affected individuals quite accurately which enables the Government to take timely actions.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.20457434

Key words: COVID-19, Disease modelling, Gompertz curve, Forecasting, Fractal analysis.

Role of Workplace Conditions in Income of Wage Earning and Self-Employed Women in the Informal Sector in the City of Taj: An Empirical Analysis Using Probit Model

Reshmi Ganguly¹, Sonia Goel², and Shreyansh Jain^3
1Lady Shri Ram College for Women, University of Delhi, Delhi, India ²Ramjas College, University of Delhi, Delhi, India ³Delhi School of Economics, University of Delhi, Delhi, India.

Abstract: The quantum of income earned by working women is crucial to promote women empowerment. Good work place conditions can bring about changes in women’s ability to earn better incomes. Using data from a primary survey of working women in the urban informal sector in the city of Taj, this paper constructed workplace condition index for both wage-earners and self-employed. An econometric analysis using probit model finds that better work place condition plays a significant role in improving the income of wage-earners and self-employed women. Also, the result shows that if a woman tries to find work near her home to balance household chore, then she actually compromises on income. Simultaneously, a better stable job and help from family members in completing household chores significantly increase her chances of earning high income..

DOI: https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.20457541

Key words: Work place condition, Income earned, Informal sector, Self-employed, Wage-earners.