Performance of Controlling Rape in India: Efficiency Estimates across States

This paper addresses the performance of Indian states in controlling sexual assault or rapeon the basis of the data published bythe National Crime Record Bureau in Indiaon the rape or sexual assault control performances of 28 major Indian states. The relative efficiencies of the states are evaluated by applying stochastic frontier analysis on two decadal periods, ending in 2001 and 2011. Among the Indian states, although Kerala is recognised as the region where women are very progressive, our findings suggest that, unfortunately, the performance of the state in controlling sexual assault is not impressive. On the contrary, Gujaratseems to be the most efficient state in controlling rape. The results also show that not all states with better rape control instruments have efficient control over sexual assault. The study concludes that investment only to improvelaw and order would not result in better control of sexual assault. Efficient management of the investments in the crime-control instruments along with improvement in social indicators, viz. female education, a favourable sex ratio, etc., are required for efficient control of sexual assault

Performance of Controlling Rape in India: Efficiency Estimate across States

This paper addresses the performance of Indian states in controlling sexual assault or rape, on the basis of the data published by National Crime Record Bureau in India, the rape or sexual assault control performances of 28 major Indian states. The relative efficiencies of the states are evaluated by applying stochastic frontier analysis on a two decadal time period, namely, 2001 and 2011. Among the Indian states, although Kerala is recognised as the region where women are very progressive; unfortunately, our findings suggest that the performance of the state in controlling sexual assault is not impressive. On the contrary, Gujarat seems to be the most efficient state in controlling rape. The results also show that all states with better rape control instruments do not have efficient control over sexual assault. The study concludes that investment only to improve law and order would not result in better control of sexual assault. Efficient management of the investments on the crime-control instruments and along with that improvement in the social indicators, viz., female education, favourable sex ratio, etc., are required for efficient control of sexual assault

Analysis of Growth and Identifications of the Determinants of Crime against Women: Insight from India

The pattern of growth of crime against women across 19 Indian states during the period 2001- 2015 reveals that states like West Bengal and Assam have the largest growth rate of crime against women, while Tamil Nadu shows negative growth, suggesting an efficient utilisation of crime control measures by the state. While exploring the role of different socioeconomic factors that largely influence crime against women, by using econometric analysis it has been identified that female education and the size of the female Scheduled Caste (SC) and Scheduled Tribe (ST) population have strong positive roles in increasing crime against women but the sex ratio, urbanization, and female workforce participation has a negative impact on it. The prevalence of power relation and intersectionality of crime against women can be addressed through appropriate structural policy

Financial inclusion also leads to social inclusion—myth or reality? Evidences from self-help groups led microfinance of Assam

Abstract Microfinance is globally trusted for corroborating the upliftment of the rural vulnerable poor sections. It is looked upon as a means of credit-based poverty alleviation through financial inclusion. India also witnesses the same. In India, the self-help group bank linkage programme (SHG–BLP) is architected by NABARD in 1992 as a pilot project. The programme was mainstreamed in 1996 to link unorganised with the formal financial sector. In Assam, microfinance services are made available through SHG–BLP registered under Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana–National Rural Livelihoods Mission. Central Assam is the epicentre of operative SHG–BLP. This backdrop motivates us to explore the contribution of SHG–BLP in financial and social inclusion of the marginalised rural people of central Assam. Two self-developed indices, viz., financial inclusion index and social exclusion index are constructed by applying Multiple Correspondence Analysis. The impact analysis is facilitated by the Propensity Score Matching method. The study concludes that the SHG–BLP is successful in ensuring financial inclusion and simultaneously also assists in reducing social exclusion among the stakeholders

Rawls’ difference principle, self-help group, financial inclusion and social cohesion—lore or actuality? Experience of Central Assam

Abstract Microfinance is an alternative banking service available to low-income individuals or organizations for whom no institutional financial services are available. A widely accepted approach to assisting disadvantaged and excluded communities, especially in remote rural areas, is microcredit. The purpose of microfinance is to promote financial equality and inclusion by acting as a substitute for traditional lending methods for the marginalized. In India, Self-Help Groups (SHGs)—Bank Linkage Program that led microfinance—gained maximum popularity. The National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development architected this model. In this model, Grameen Banks are associated with SHGs. The model is familiar as the SHG-Bank Linkage Program (SBLP). A microfinance program’s theoretical foundation is the “Rawls’ Difference Principle” embedded in the “Theory of Justice.” The microcredit program, through the Self-Help Group-Bank Linkage Program (SBLP), gained maximum popularity in India. These SBLPs are registered with the “Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana—National Rural Livelihoods Mission (DAY-NRLM)” under the scheme Aajeevika. In harmony with “Rawls’ Difference Principle,” the ultimate goal of Aajeevika is social cohesion for all. The current study aims to assess the effectiveness of the SBLP-driven microfinance program in promoting financial inclusion. Furthermore, unlike earlier studies, the present study also considers whether or not involvement in SBLP increases social cohesion, which is a crucial component of the Difference Principle. The empirical research is conducted using novel data collected through a field survey of 335 participants and 490 non-participants from Nagaon, Morigaon, and Hojai districts of Central Assam. The “Propensity Score Matching” method facilitates the impact analysis of SBLP. The participation decision in the SBLP is positively influenced by the level of education. Empirical results also indicate that Hindus and low-caste women are interested in participating in SBLP. Contrarily, distance from the bank and operational land holdings are negatively influencing the participation decision. The empirical findings support higher financial inclusion through SBLP involvement but do not support greater social cohesion. Based on the empirical results, we suggest that more SBLPs be enrolled with DAY-NRLP under “Aajeevika.” Simultaneously, social cohesion may be achieved only by guaranteeing participation for every deserving individual, irrespective of religion, caste, and class

Self help groups, microfinance, financial inclusion and social exclusion: Insight from Assam

In order to link the unorganised with the formal financial sector in India, the National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD) introduced the Self-Help Group Bank Linkage Programme (SHG-BLP) as a trial initiative in 1992 and mainstreamed it in 1996. Microfinance services are available in Assam through SHG-BLPs registered with the Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana-National Rural Livelihoods Mission (DAY-NRLM). In central Assam, there are the most active SHG-BLP units. In light of this, the present study aims to explore contribution of SHG-BLP in financial along with the social inclusion of the marginalised rural people of central Assam. The impact of SHG-BLP is facilitated by the application of the propensity score matching method. The empirical results show that the SHG-BLP considerably reduces social exclusion among participants relative to their non-participant counterparts and ensures financial inclusion too. Based on this empirical finding, the study recommends that the coverage of SHG registration under DAY-NRLM be expanded. Simultaneously, efforts must be made to expand the alternative model of SHGs, the MFI-Bank Linkage Model, for expanding SHG coverage

Technical efficiency and its determinants in regulating adolescents’ coronavirus infection across Asian countries

Abstract The coronavirus pandemic, besides generating health distress, influences the socio-economic conditions of humankind. Every adolescent's lifestyle is affected by the virus. Healthy adolescents are not only key contributors to the forthcoming workforce but also a source of a country’s human capital. The purpose of the article is to examine the efficacy of various Asian countries in regulating the spread of the coronavirus among adolescents. In addition to that, the paper also attempts to pinpoint the prime causes of the inefficiency of a country in regulating the same. The paper also examines the behavioural changes among adolescents across Asian countries in pre-and-post pandemic times. In this context, the study identifies the impact of adolescents’ tobacco consumption, female political leadership, and accreditation on a country’s efficacy to regulate adolescents’ coronavirus infection. The study’s empirical analysis covers twenty-one Asian countries. By using the Panel Stochastic Production Frontier, the study concludes that Kazakhstan is the most efficient country and Afghanistan is the least efficient country on the list. The inefficiency effects estimates conclude that adolescents’ tobacco consumption decreases and good governance practices increase the efficiency of a country in regulating the spread of adolescent coronavirus infection. Additionally, the paper finds no significant behavioural changes among adolescents in pre-and-post pandemic times across Asian countries. The paper concludes with appropriate policy recommendations supported by empirical evidence. The paper also identifies its shortcomings and suggests potential future lines of inquiry