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From Resources to Functionings

Vol. 58, Issue No. 42, 21 Oct, 2023
Divya Pradeep, Prahladan Nandkishor

The role of social and cultural capital in reproducing caste hierarchies and shaping the capabilities and functioning of different caste groups in percussion arts in Kerala is examined. The macro-sociological framework of Pierre Bourdieu and the individual-centric capabilities approach of Amartya Sen is integrated, for this inquiry. Emphasising the artists’ lived experiences of caste discrimination in the field of performing arts, the interviews elaborate upon the role of caste status in maintaining power and domination of the “upper”-caste artists. This adversely affects the opportunities for performance, recognition in the field, upward economic mobility and even the expression of dissent for the artists from the historically marginalised castes.

Making Sense of the Property Tax Increase in Kerala

Vol. 58, Issue No. 35, 02 Sep, 2023
Muhammed Riyas MP

Recently, the Kerala government revised property tax rates, which has attracted criticism from various corners. This article aims to comprehensively examine the fiscal compulsion and inevitable nature of property tax reforms in the state. It argues that the property tax rate in the state is the lowest and an increase in rates is necessary to meet the growing demands for public services and infrastructure, and to ensure a sustainable fiscal future for urban local governments in Kerala.

Livelihood Vulnerability, Policy Response and Coping Strategies during COVID-19

Vol. 58, Issue No. 32, 12 Aug, 2023
Mohammed Kasim C, Lagesh M A, Azad P

This article examines the livelihood vulnerability experienced by the informal workers in Kerala in terms of employment and income shortfalls during the first three months of the COVID-19 crisis. A discussion on the policy response of the state is also attempted to understand its role in reducing the levels of livelihood vulnerability. Kerala’s policy intervention is a road map for other states to contain the pandemic and its consequences.

Vedikkettu : Pyrotechnics, Splendour and Extreme Risk

Vol. 58, Issue No. 23, 10 Jun, 2023
Vishnu Achutha Menon, P P Nikhil Raj

The highly skilled display of fireworks during the Vedikkettu festival brings up concerns around safety, environmental impact, and animal welfare.

The Existence of a North–South Divide in Kerala

Vol. 58, Issue No. 11, 18 Mar, 2023
Annmary Jose, Lakshmi Kumar

It has been acknowledged that the disparities in the development indicators between north and south Kerala have been reduced significantly post independence. This reduction is typically attributed to developments in the social sector. However, there is considerable difference existing between Malabar and Travancore–Cochin in terms of living standards and key infrastructural facilities. The multidimensional poverty index has also revealed that the incidence of poverty is high in northern Kerala compared to southern Kerala. People-centric policies coupled with decentralisation have effectively reduced the outcome disparity, while the Malabar region still lags behind the Travancore–Cochin region in some key aspects.

At the Intersections of Patriarchy and Informality

Vol. 58, Issue No. 7, 18 Feb, 2023
Gayatri Nair

Mobility as Capability: Women in the Informal Economy by Nikhila Menon, Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, 2020; pp xvi + 196, price not available.

‘New Developmentalism’ and Left Mobilisation in Kerala

Vol. 58, Issue No. 4, 28 Jan, 2023
V Bijukumar

The “new developmentalism” of the Communist Party of India (Marxist) in Kerala is an attempt to construct an alternative development model to the neo-liberal development. It is seen as a transition from the 1990s’ left confrontation with neo-liberal reforms, and as a convincible alternative in the globally acclaimed Kerala model of development. Even though the party reiterates its commitment to its basic class in pushing for new developmentalism, the real challenge is the quantum and levels of engagement with the Kerala model and neo-liberal development. Arriving at social and political consensus and bringing a social balance on the concerns of the marginalised and the aspirations of the emerging new middle class depend on the policies and strategies of the CPI(M).

Beyond Plastic Identifications

Vol. 58, Issue No. 4, 28 Jan, 2023
Ambuja Raj

Due to centralised and infl exible infrastructures of state care involving upper-level bureaucratic decision-making and heavy reliance on documentary modalities, even the radically decentralised states such as Kerala are underperforming in their welfare responsibilities. A greater role for local governments needs to be re-envisioned.

Disquieting Facts of Student Migration

Vol. 58, Issue No. 3, 21 Jan, 2023
Justine George, Tom Pious

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‘Towards a More Prosperous and Plentiful Kerala’

Vol. 57, Issue No. 53, 31 Dec, 2022
Mihir Shah

The central proposition of this paper is that the Kerala economy must grow on a path that leverages the strengths of its ecosystem, both natural and social, in a way that engenders growth that is widely inclusive and inherently sustainable. The central concern must be whether and how far the various economic activities find a harmonious alignment with the differentia specifica of Kerala’s unique ecological wealth and social circumstances.

Sociopolitical Reading of a Tragedy in Kerala

Vol. 57, Issue No. 43, 22 Oct, 2022

Renewing the renaissance project with a socially egalitarian and secularising thrust is an urgent task.

Confronting the Elephant in the Room

Vol. 57, Issue No. 42, 15 Oct, 2022
Gautam Ganapathy, N C Narayanan

More than three decades of reforms in Kerala’s drinking water sector have neither resulted in greater decision-making autonomy nor improved the fi nancial status of public utility. In addition to stymying the devolution of responsibility to local bodies, reforms have critically unsettled the role of the state leading to erosion of institutional capacity in public utility. The greater prominence of non-state players combined with institutional denuding of the state points to an emergent crisis of democratic accountability in the governance of this sector.

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