International Journal of Political Science

Empowerment is the process of improving women’s economic and social status in society while simultaneously protecting them from all forms of violence. This study has been made in this to assess women empowerment and decision-making in the four southern states in India. According to the needs of this study, all of the data was taken from the fifth National Family Health Survey (NFHS-5). The major objectives of this study are: (i) To identify the socio, economic and demographic characteristics of women among the four southern states (Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Kerala and Telangana); (ii) To compare women empowerment and decision-making in these southern states; (iii) To compare the type of violence against women in these southern states. In the states of Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka and Telangana, most of the women in the sample belong to the age group of 25-29. In Kerala majority of women belongs to the age group 35-39 and 45-49. About 23.6 percent of households are in the female headship in the three states except for Andhra Pradesh. According to household structure, more than half of them belong to the nuclear family in these four southern states. Regarding employment, more than half percent of the women were not employed in the past 12 months in all states. The percentage of women who are not employed was highest in the state of Kerala and lowest in the state of Telangana. Among the employed women majority of them are engaged in the non-agriculture sector. 91percent of women in Kerala decide how to spend their cash earnings, but in all other three southern states, this proportion is less than 80 percent. It is a positive indicator of women empowerment. Many married women are unemployed, and they do have not their own money, even though they have the decision-making power for how their husband’s cash earnings are spent. The majority of decisions are made jointly by husband and wife. The women in nuclear families have more autonomy in decision-making in all the states studied. Considering socio-demographic variables, the state of Kerala has a larger proportion of women engaging in decision-making than other states.

State formation is not a decisive process that has had immediate and urgent development before it was transmitted across the world. China’s modern state formation developed in a fundamentally different way from the rise of modern states in the West. The state-making logistics of imperial China focuses on society, nation, family, culture that affects decision making following the importance of incorporating cultural values that reflect collectivism rather than individualism. As it is crucial to understand China’s long history, locality and culture, this paper intends to explore the theoretical understanding of the Chinese state in present historical juncture, particularly from the perspective of the Global South. Considering culture that includes every aspect of life as an important aspect of state development, the paper focuses on the changing nature of the Chinese state revealing the importance of local culture, the social psychology, role of institutional structure as well as the role of history. The state building of China and the western world has differed in terms of tactics used for state development.

This paper explores the role of cultural nationalism in shaping the trajectory of national development in India through a critical examination of the ideology and activities of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS). Founded in 1925, the RSS has emerged as one of the most influential socio-cultural organizations in India, deeply rooted in the concept of Bharatiyata (Indianness). Drawing on the principles of discipline, selfless service (sewa), and national pride, the RSS promotes a form of cultural nationalism that seeks to unite diverse communities under a shared civilizational ethos. The study investigates how the RSS’s ideological framework centered on the revival of indigenous traditions, promotion of national unity, and social cohesion has contributed to India’s development, particularly in sectors such as education, rural upliftment, disaster relief, and value-based nation-building. It also examines criticisms and controversies surrounding the organization’s influence, especially regarding pluralism and secularism in a democratic framework. Through a combination of historical analysis, case studies, and review of scholarly literature, the paper offers a balanced perspective on how the RSS’s cultural nationalism intersects with development goals in contemporary India. The findings suggest that while the RSS has significantly mobilized civil society and instilled a strong sense of national identity, its impact must be understood in the broader context of India’s pluralistic society and evolving democratic values.

This study explores the development of primary education in Telangana, focusing on the policy measures implemented since the state’s formation in 2014. It evaluates the impact of key government initiatives aimed at improving access, equity, and quality in the primary education sector. By analyzing the state’s educational reforms, such as the introduction of schemes like Mana Ooru Mana Badi and the integration of digital learning tools, the paper examines how these policies have addressed challenges such as infrastructure deficits, teacher shortages, and low student retention rates. The research draws on both quantitative data and qualitative insights from educational stakeholders to assess the outcomes of these interventions. Furthermore, the study outlines future directions for policy improvement, with a focus on fostering inclusive education, bridging urban-rural disparities, and promoting sustainable growth in educational quality. This article aims to understand the current status of education in Telangana State in the form of curriculum.

In the era of digital transformation, governance mechanisms in higher education institutions are undergoing significant changes, driven by the integration of information and communication technologies (ICT). This study presents a comparative analysis of digital governance practices in State and Central Universities in India, with a focus on administrative efficiency, academic delivery, student services, and stakeholder engagement. Drawing upon primary data from select universities and secondary data from official reports and institutional portals, the research highlights key differences in the adoption, implementation, and outcomes of digital governance initiatives. The study finds that while Central Universities often have better digital infrastructure and funding, State Universities demonstrate context-specific innovations and greater adaptability in certain areas. Challenges such as uneven digital literacy, infrastructural disparities, and policy constraints are examined. The study concludes by recommending strategies for harmonizing digital governance practices across institutions, enhancing transparency, accountability, and inclusive access in higher education. This research contributes to policy dialogues on digital equity and the modernization of university governance in India.

This study explores the crucial relationship between identity, knowledge, and autonomy within the context of minority educational institutions in India. Minority educational institutions hold a unique position in India’s educational landscape, protected under Article 30 of the Indian Constitution, which grants religious and linguistic minorities the right to establish and administer educational institutions of their choice. This research paper investigates how these institutions guide the dual pressures of maintaining their religious and cultural identities while adhering to national educational policies and standards. By employing a critical approach, including qualitative analysis of published primary and secondary data, the study examines the operational challenges, governance structures, and educational outcomes of minority institutions. Key areas of focus include the impact of religious affiliation on curriculum development, teacher recruitment, and the institutions’ role in promoting social cohesion and cultural preservation. The findings show that minority educational institutions often serve as crucial strongholds of religious and cultural identity and educational autonomy for marginalised communities. This study underscores the need for nuanced policy frameworks that respect the autonomy of these institutions while ensuring educational equity and quality. Ultimately, this research contributes to the broader discourse on the role of education in fostering inclusive governance and social harmony in pluralistic societies. It highlights the potential of minority educational institutions to act as agents of positive social change, provided they are supported by policies that recognise and accommodate their unique needs and contributions.