A quantitative study of policy in Alirajpur (M.P.), India
ABSTRACT
This paper investigates the seeming incongruence of finding India’s lowest rate of COVID-19-related infections in its least literate district of Alirajpur. Boasting of a 6% infection rate, pandemic crisis management in Alirajpur provides critical insights into the positives and perils of decentralization through the Panchayati Raj model of participatory governance in India. Highlighting the technicalities of the federal structure, the research focuses on providing a data-based snapshot of policy implementation in the district, and quantitatively analyzes the impact of key decisions such as travel restrictions, communication between constituents and representatives, reallocation of funds, and the crisis contingent adjustment of pre-existing government schemes.
Revealing the benefits of a working decentralized system in adapting to specific field settings, the paper also highlights the shortcomings bourn by a dearth of funds and poor communication networks and infrastructure, emphasizing on the need for a functional two-way communication channel between constituents and representatives. Ultimately, the paper demonstrates the richness of field-based research and the microcosm of governance provided by smaller constituencies and decentralized government structures, inviting further policy investigation.
A case study of Alirajpur District Court in Madhya Pradesh, India
ABSTRACT
Centered on the Alirajpur District Court, the paper explores the impact of introducing a virtual, “E-Judicial” system of jurisprudence in view of the COVID-19 pandemic. Detailing the structure of the Indian Judicial system, it questions the impact of a resource-poor nation shifting avenues of justice online, on the assurance of fairness enshrined in the Indian Constitution.
The research uses quantitative data analysis on Disposal Rate, Case Backlog and FIRs to demonstrate the schism between the directive-instituting higher-level courts and resource-strapped lower-level district courts in enacting jurisprudence. Supplementing data with qualitative first-person accounts and testimonials from key figures, the paper highlights the impact of resources on the interpretation of justice, focusing on the lower courts’ emphasis on “physical presence” as a discerning factor for fair trials. Evaluating the guaranteed delivery of justice in trying times, the paper invites discussion on the concept of access to justice and the changing definition of “courtrooms” in an increasingly technologically dependent world.
ABSTRACT
On January 16th 2021, the Government of India (GOI) began the largest inoculation program in history. With the goal to vaccinate 1.5 billion people living in India, the GOI had chosen two vaccines, Covaxin (manufactured by Bharat Biotech) and Covisheild (manufactured by Serum Institute of India) to be distributed amongst prospective beneficiaries in the fight against COVID-19. This policy overview tracks the lead up to Phase I of the vaccination drive, covering the formation of NEGVAC and other nodal oversight agencies that have devised the framework for inoculation, the requirements for licensing approval and the specifications of who would receive the doses and when and where they would receive them. The paper also summarizes the results so far and what it might mean for India as the year goes on.