By
Varinder Jain and Varsha Joshi
Sponsored by Indian Council of Social Science Research, New Delhi

The overall aim of this study is to understand the dynamics of livelihood insecurity in India’s urban informal sector by way of quantifying its incidence and correlates. It is addressed through following sub-objectives: to analyze critically the state approach and the policy framework towards ensuring the livelihood security of the working masses in India’s urban informal sector along with understanding the pitfalls in policy formulation and implementation; to explore the disquieting domains of wage work in terms of work-intensity and occupational health of wage workers across selected industrial clusters; to examine the incidence and nature of unfairness in the remuneration pattern.

By
Varsha Joshi and Varinder Jain
Sponsored by Indian Council of Social Science Research, New Delhi

Post the Rajinder Sachar Committee report on the social, economic and educational status of the Muslims of India, some affirmative action is being taken by the government. There are many states in India where there is sizeable Muslim population viz., Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Gujarat, Rajasthan, Andhra Pradesh, Maharashtra, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Assam etc. In each state, socio-economic profile of Muslims is different. The focus of the study is to cover both rural and urban areas in order to ascertain factors that contribute to marginalization of Muslims. Therefore, the study focuses on educational and social backwardness, access to jobs, health issues, role and contribution of government schemes, employment and income levels, political participation in terms of voting, contesting elections, and representation in public/ private prestigious positions and decision-making bodies, access to credit facilities, assimilation and mainstreaming of Muslims, discrimination with respect to schooling, health services, social and physical infrastructure and so on. The study also looks at the discrimination of women both in the household domain and outside. The present study is being carried out since 2013 in three states viz., Uttar Pradesh, Haryana and Rajasthan.

By
Mohanakumar. S.
Sponsored by ICSSR, New Delhi

The objectives of the study were: to estimate the competitiveness of the dairy sector in India in the liberalised market regime; to study the cost and return from milk production; and assess how the introduction of MGNGEGA impacts the animal husbandry sector in India. The study is based on an extensive primary survey in major six milk producing states in India. The important findings emerging from the study highlight that there has been a substantial reduction in the return from milk production in major milk producing states in India. It is attributable to shortage of women workers, particularly family labour for cattle rearing after the introduction of MGNREGA; there has been substantial increase in the annual wage rate of permanent labours in major agriculture dominant states in India; and the price of cattle feed has considerably increased over the years and the price of milk has almost been stagnant. As a result, more than 50% of milk producing farmers have reported that they wanted to withdraw from cattle rearing as it is increasingly becoming a venture that does not lead to profits.

By
Naresh Dadhich, Varinder Jain, Dalbir Singh, Varsha Sharma and Jagdish Prasad Sharma
Sponsored by Indian Council of Social Science Research, New Delhi

The overall aim of this study is to examine the socio-economic impact of chemical inputs in agriculture by way of understanding farmers’ perceptions and experiences and to suggest suitable policy measures to overcome the adverse impacts and to take agriculture on a more sustainable path. The report focused on the state of Rajasthan for its detailed analytical inquiry, besides analysing secondary information, drew empirical insights from a detailed primary survey conducted across three agro-climatic zones, known as Irrigated North Western Plains, Flood Prone Eastern Plains and Sub-Humid Southern Plains. Specifically, six districts were selected viz. Hanumangarh and Sri Ganganagar (Irrigated North Western Plains), Alwar and Dholpur (Flood Prone Eastern Plains) and Chittorgarh and Rajsamand (Sub-Humid Southern Plains).

By
Shobhita Rajagopal, Kanchan Mathur and Radheyshyam Sharma
Sponsored by Centre for Advocacy and Research

This study was carried out during the months March 2016-July 2016. It was undertaken on behalf of CFAR to understand the efficacy of the free sanitary napkin distribution program UDAAN of the GoR, and to assess the direct and collateral benefits that have ensued to girls who were addressed as part of the Hygiene Management interventions across schools and CFAR intervention areas/slums in Jaipur. The specific objectives of the study were: to measure the efficacy in terms of the level of knowledge and practices related to management of menstrual hygiene internalized by the girls and their caregivers and mentors both at home, community and school post the programme; to study distribution pattern, of sanitary napkins and availability and access to toilets and bins for disposal at community and schools level and to suggest measures across stakeholders to improve the intervention. All the school going girls and non school going girls felt that the scheme has been beneficial. It had helped in saving money on sanitary napkins and also saved the effort of purchasing them from the market. The girls suggested that government should ensure regular supply of napkins in schools and slum areas along with initiating discussions on menstrual health and hygiene on a regular basis. The assessment indicates that creating gender friendly and health promoting initiatives are essential for addressing puberty and menstruation challenges. It is important not only to address the practical issues of menstrual management but also empower girls with information about their bodies.