Category Centres

Towards Inclusivity in Disaster Management: Reflections on Challenges Faced by LGBTQ+ Communities in Disaster Situation

Dr. Lavanya Shanbhogue talked about inclusivity in disaster management, focusing on the challenges faced by queer communities in disaster and conflict situations. Dr. Shanbhogue draws attention to the complicated relationship between queer communities and the state, noting that despite the fact that the state frequently plays a major role in disaster relief efforts, there has historically been discrimination and oppression of queer communities by the state. Her objectives are to highlight the importance of recording the experiences of queer communities in disaster situations and to promote constructive policy changes based on empirical evidence.

West Bengal Panchayat Elections: No Free Lunches From Now On

Freebies are valorised as development instruments by ruling parties in India. However, the story is different in real life. While their marginal impact on the lives of the poor is undeniable, their purpose is to mould the electorates’ behaviour in favour of the ruling party. This is what rural Bengal has been witnessing ever since the Trinamul Congress came to power. The project has paid political dividends for the ruling party. But the question before the forthcoming panchayat election is this: will this project be successful in influencing the voting behaviour of the poor in rural Bengal?

Reforming Urban Governance in India: Issues and Way Forward

Given the problems of urban governance in India, the 74th Constitution Amendment Act (CAA) came into force in June 1993, which sought to empower the Urban Local Bodies (ULBs) and strengthen urban decentralization. With the CAA, it was expected that the ULBs would assume responsibilities for urban planning, water supply, social and economic planning, slum upgradation, public health, etc.

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