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The present paper is a modest attempt to discuss the evolution of the concept of Soft Power and a foreign policy choice for India. It makes distinction between soft power and hard power. The researcher also attempts to discuss the factors and forces as well as the constrains which block the natural evolution of India becoming a soft power. However, the paper deals with the issues to promote India as a soft power that can help the nation to grow and promote her interests. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper based on a literature review focuses on Panchayati Raj Institutions in Gujarat. The paper takes critical stock of how these local institutions have functioned under different acts legislated from time to time in the state. Critically analysing the post 73rd Constitutional Amendment Act, it tries to find out, how far this Act has been able to make difference to the lives of ordinary people in terms of bringing-them close to exercising their power at the grassroots level. Further, the paper also looks into other determinants that are crucial to the overall performance of the Panchayati Raj. In a way forward, it explores what possible changes and approaches the state government can adopt towards realising the real objective and spirit underlying a true decentralisation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

North-East of India has been characterized by extremes of uneven development and a consciousness of deprivation bulwarked against the silhouette of ethno-politics. The paper attempts at letting statistics speak for themselves while analyzing the sustainability dimensions of the development process dependent solely on Central assistance and grants-in-aid. The paper argues the need to develop an emergent pattern of development approach Within the realm of development economics, and search for a right combination of community, market and State for promoting economic growth and allow the trickle down effect of growth to reach the grass root level. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present paper tries to evaluate the approach of gender development in the country as a whole and Assam in particular with a linkage perspective of social protection. The paper concludes that the policies and programmes have failed miserably. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Because of its rich water and mineral resources, the state of Odisha since independence has been identified as the most attractive destination for setting up various kind of developmental project. Over the las! 65 years, thousands of crores of rupees have been spent both by the state and the corporate world to built mega development projects in different sectors. Though these mega projects have brought economic prosperity for the state, nonetheless, these projects have displaced millions of people from their ancestral homes and caused socio-economic, cultural and ecological disaster. The path of development that Odisha followed, has adversely affected the lives and livelihood of the mostly matginalized sections of the people causing displacement and deprivation. This process of development invariably led to the 'disempowerment' of the backward people and their communities. In view of the above problems, this paper analyses the issues of development related displacement and its consequences over the displaced people in the last six decades in Odisha. The study also suggests some rational measures to prevent the risks of displacement and reconstruction of livelihood of the uprooted people. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The expanding frontiers of modern development and the relentless search for resources to sustain the present pace of development come with tremendous human cost. This paper examines the manner in which the dynamics of social protest are tied to their political, social and economic context. There exists a complex relationship between protests and democratisation. The formation of more regular and categorical relations between governments and subjects in a democracy, renders the making of rights-based claims feasible, visible and attractive. The equalization of rights and obligations within public politics strengthens cross-category coalitions and the assertion of new identities. It also increases the possibility of consultation of subjects with regard to government policy and thus holds out the prospect of movements acquiring some say in governmental decision making. In sum, social movements thrive on the secure rights of assembly, association, and collective voice granted by democracy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Agenda for national development is undoubtedly prime agenda of any nation- state and Indian nation state is not an exception in this regard. Our national leaders were not only concerned with the plight of Indian masses, but also with alternate model of development. One stream of thought lead by Pandit Nehru was of the view that, the wheels of development would be urban centre having the driving force of modern technology. Capital motivated growth and urbanization was considered as landmark of development. Another stream of thought popularly known as Gandhian Model of Development, considered this model as superficial and incomplete and advocated for such kind of development, which moves downward to upward, rather than from upward to downward, to make it more inclusive and people oriented. It considered rural villages as unit and engine of development, which guide the future course of development as per the needs of community and society to make it more sustainable. But irony of the fact is that despite being the common agenda of national development, our national leaders failed in identifying the required path of development, which will lead to nation- building in right direction. This paper is an attempt to enquire the situation of rural development along with the probable changes that may change the course of rural and national development to make it more inclusive and sustainable. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper is analysis of the socio-economic conditions of Muslims women and does not cover issues such as communal violence against Muslims. The role of education in facilitating social and economic progress is well accepted today. The study aimed at exploring future direction and strategies for integrating and galvanizing women of all walks of life for playing their role in building and sustaining the 21st century knowledge based society. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Corruption and talking about it, of late, has become the fad of the present times. In the same row of things the present paper attempts to discuss the issue of corruption in political arena which impairs the entire democratic set up, and resultantly retards the developmental process in the country. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present paper analyses the issue of Maxalism with a perspective on national security and related concerns of Indian democracy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Faux pas in strategy have been the genesis of India - Myanmar Relations. Coupled with this, the silent rise of China as one of the strategic-political neighbours of India has made the situation worst. As a rectification of the past a revival of India-Myanmar relations with special reference to strategy and economy aiming through and emphasizing 'culture' in a proactive way should be the answer of the day. Indo-Myanmar relations were piecemeal In nature, where Indian concern was mainly to contain China from gaining strategic and economic gains from Myanmar. It is however failed to prove as the most-thought out alternative discourse to counter both China and Bangladesh. Indeed there has been a lack of proper strategy and a long-term perspective of India, for which Myanmar has been overlooked for long resulting in strategic losses for India. These need to be addressed and incorporated In order to gain constructive cooperation. An alternative idea of reaching 'high-politics' through 'low-politics' may be assumed by India in the near future, as part of her long-term strategic goal. This paper thus, seeks to address some of the aspects, genesis, 'failure and a possible future of India - Myanmar relations from its strategic and economic propensity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Policy implementation is of keen importance to the success of a government. Even if the political system is fair, even if the goals are noble and even if the organizational structure is very strong; no policy can succeed if the implementation part is not up to the mark. The implementation of government policies and programmes is now playing a vital role in the developmental strategy. However, there are studies to show that the implementation aspect is the most neglected, which makes a study of the institutions that make policy as much as those who implement them all the more important. Measured by economic growth or attainment of human development objectives, India remains not only an underdeveloped country but one which is usually regarded as an under-performer, which could do better, lilt is accepted, the question then arises as to why be this case. Was the policy adopted by the state not right? Or was it not implemented properly? Or was the political commitment and support for the desired course of action lacking? The paper seeks to probe these and related issues and also looks at possible reforms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The paper discusses the voting formulation of women in Uttarakhand Himalayas with special reference to Garhwal in an empirical manner. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Decentralisation is the only way to make people self-reliant by entrusting them with actual responsibilities which in turn curbs the rural powerful and makes the system more transparent. The establishment of Gram Sawaraj in Madhya Pradesh is a significant step towards direct democracy. Grah Sabha plays an important role in development at rural leveling India. The aim of the government of Madhya Pradesh is to strengthen the Gram Sabha by introducing favaourable policy changes. The key roles entrusted to the Gram Sabha are micro planning, social audit of Panchayat functionary ratification of Panchayat accounts, balance sheets, identification and approval of beneficiaries and supervisory and regulatory functions. Gram Sabha have been authorized to take decision regarding implementation of all matters relating to the development of the village. Not only Gram Sabhas but also voluntary institutions can work under the supervision of Gram Sabha. Gram Sabha is also responsible for construction and maintenance of good oulverts and dams and protecting public properties of the villages. This paper emphasises upon democratic decentralization, particular by the concept of Gram Sabha in Madhya Pradesh. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present paper purports to examine and analyze the concept of Secularism in the context of world in general and India in particular. India is a secular state in the same way as it is a democratic state. Secularism is the only way of development in a plural society like ours, It is not a new phenomenon in India, we find its roots in the reign of Ashoka the Great. But the occurrence of communal riots in the recent years indicates that/he Indian Government has failed to establish a secular society. Communal politics, religious militancy, poverty, illiteracy and political corruption are posing serious threats to secularism. But the present turmoil will certainly be ever if sincere efforts with more stable secular policy are made. Majority of the problems will automatically be solved and the country will become an abode of peace progress and prosperity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present paper fries to analyse the demographic condition in India with a perspective on knowledge society concept. The author proposes pooulation control as a measure of creating groundwork for Indian knowledge society. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]