Journal of Social Welfare and Management

This article provides a comprehensive review of the phenomenon of academic degree inflation, defined as the devaluation of academic credentials as they become more common, and its profound implications for the future of higher education. The paper argues that the traditional “glamour” or symbolic capital of a degree from a prestigious institution is eroding under the dual pressures of massification and a shifting global economy that increasingly prioritizes demonstrable skills over pedigree. The review synthesizes existing literature on the economic drivers of degree inflation, the sociological impact on credentialism, and the technological disruptions challenging the university’s monopoly on knowledge and certification. It explores how these forces are compelling universities to re-evaluate their value proposition, moving beyond mere credentialing towards a model emphasizing lifelong learning, adaptability, and direct skill acquisition. The article concludes that while the prestige of elite institutions will not vanish entirely, its nature is transforming. The future university will likely be judged less by its exclusivity and more by its ability to equip graduates with the competencies necessary to avigate an uncertain future. This transition presents both an existential threat and a historic opportunity for higher education to redefine its social purpose.

Rural and agro-tourism has increasingly been recognized as a vital tool for promoting local entrepreneurship, income generation, and sustainable development in rural areas. This study explores the role of tourism in stimulating entrepreneurial activities among local communities in Tirunelveli District, Tamil Nadu, with a particular focus on how education, participation in tourism, experience, infrastructure, and financial support influence business performance and income. A sample of 120 local entrepreneurs engaged in tourism-related activities including homestays, guided tours, handicrafts, and agro-based experiences was selected using a purposive sampling technique. Data were collected through structured questionnaires and analyzed using descriptive statistics, ANOVA, correlation, regression, cluster analysis, and SWOT analysis to identify patterns of participation, income generation, and entrepreneurial growth. The results indicate that higher education levels, regular participation in tourism activities, and prior experience significantly enhance entrepreneurial success and income. Financial support and infrastructure also play crucial roles in sustaining business operations and expanding market reach. Cluster analysis classified entrepreneurs into high-performing, moderate, and emerging groups, revealing that targeted interventions such as training programs, access to credit, marketing support, and skill development can facilitate the growth of moderate and emerging entrepreneurs. The study concludes that agro and rural tourism serve as catalysts for local economic empowerment, enabling households to diversify income, improve livelihoods, and strengthen socio-economic resilience. This research contributes to a better understanding of the dynamics between tourism participation and entrepreneurial development and provides practical implications for policymakers, local governments, and community-based organizations seeking to promote sustainable rural entrepreneurship.

The steel industry in India plays a significant role by contributing about 2% to the country’s GDP. Compared with other countries, India has become the secondlargest steel producer in the world, after Japan. Three major leading companies were selected namely Tata Steel Limited, JSW Limited, and Steel Authority of India Limited (SAIL). By evaluating these two companies’ financial positions, we can know the growth of the steel industry in India. This financial performance evaluation has been done by using key financial ratios involving profitability ratio, liquidity and solvency ratio, and management turnover ratio. All the three steel company’s profitability position had decreased in 2020 due to pandemic corona, which had collapsed both the national and international markets. Both the two companies had put emphasis on profitability rather than liquidity by following aggressive financing strategy. In 2023 both the steel companies’ performance had decreased due to high operational cost, sluggish economy of China. But recently total assets turnover ratio of SAIL was highest followed by JSW Steel; which implies SAIL had efficiently generated profit from their assets circulation. From the comparative performance assessment it is found Overall performance of JSW was better than SAIL during the study period.

This article investigates the complex and often contradictory position of India’s Generation Z (born approximately between 1997 and 2012) as the primary demographic cohort shaping and being shaped by the nation’s accelerated socio-cultural, economic, and political metamorphosis. Positioned at the critical juncture of a digital revolution, globalized aspirations, and enduring traditional structures, Indian Gen Z navigates a landscape of profound opportunity and disquiet. This paper employs a multi-disciplinary analytical framework to argue that this generation is not a passive recipient of change but an active, albeit internally conflicted, agent in redefining Indian modernity. Through an indepth exploration of three core thematic intersections the global-local aspiration paradox, the dual-edged sword of digital citizenship and networked activism, and the pervasive psychosocial burden of anxiety the study illuminates how Gen Z negotiates its identity, agency, and well-being. Synthesizing contemporary scholarship, media analysis, and emerging socio-economic data, the article contends that the experiences of Indian Gen Z serve as a crucial diagnostic for understanding the broader tensions within New India: between hyperconnectivity and fragmentation, between unprecedented individual ambition and systemic constraint, and between the fervent pursuit of progress and its significant human cost. The findings underscore a generation forging a new social contract, one drafted in the digital realm but tested in the enduring realities of a complex, pluralistic democracy.

The rapid digitization of information has transformed libraries from traditional repositories into dynamic digital knowledge hubs. While this evolution enhances access, it also introduces complex legal and technological challenges related to Intellectual Property Rights (IPR). This paper examines the critical issues faced by libraries in the digital environment, including copyright infringement, fair use, licensing restrictions, and the protection of digital resources. It explores the implications of digitization, archiving, and electronic distribution on the rights of creators and the responsibilities of libraries. The role of librarians as intermediaries between content creators and users is emphasized, highlighting their responsibility in managing digital resources lawfully and ethically. The paper also discusses strategies to address IPR concerns, including awareness programs, policy development, and technological solutions to safeguard intellectual property while ensuring equitable access. By analyzing current challenges and proposing practical measures, this study aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of IPR management in digital library services, fostering a balance between information dissemination and intellectual property protection.