Multidisciplinary Journals for Research & Reviews | ijmrr.online

[1] AGRARIAN DISTRESS, INDEBTEDNESS AND PSYCHOLOGICAL STRESS AMONG FARMERS: A STUDY IN JALGAON DISTRICT OF MAHARASHTRA

Dr. Sagarraj Rohidas Chavan & Dr. Jagdish Shankar Sonawane — 2026-07-04

Agrarian distress has emerged as a critical socio-economic issue in India, particularly in regions dependent on rain-fed agriculture. The present study examines the socio-economic profile of farmers, extent of agricultural indebtedness, major causes of agrarian distress, and the relationship between debt burden and psychological stress among farmers in Jalgaon district of Maharashtra. A descriptive and analytical research design was adopted with a sample of 200 farmers selected through multistage random sampling from selected blocks of Chopda, Yawal, Raver, and Amalner. Data were collected using a structured interview schedule and analyzed using percentage, mean, and chi-square statistical tools. The findings reveal that a majority of farmers are small and marginal, with 79% of respondents being indebted. High input costs, low crop prices, crop failure, and loan repayment pressure were identified as major distress factors. The chi-square test indicated a significant relationship between debt level and psychological stress (χ² = 16.42, p < 0.05). The study concludes that agrarian distress is a multidimensional problem requiring integrated social, economic, and psychological interventions. Recommendations include strengthening irrigation, enhancing crop insurance awareness, promoting farmer producer organizations, and providing mental health support at the village level.

[2] SOCIAL IMPACTS OF ETHNO-RELIGIOUS VIOLENCE ON WOMEN IN NIGERIA: EVIDENCE FROM SELECTED CASES

Kausar Neyazi Ansari — 2026-07-04

Nigeria, the most populous country in Africa with approximately 242 million people, is known for its rich ethnic and religious diversity. Despite having rich natural resources and cultural heritage, ethno-religious violence has become a recurring phenomenon in Nigeria for the last several decades, particularly in the north-eastern part of the country that has created instability and remained a constant threat to peaceful co-existence in the society. This paper aims to highlight instances of the ethno-religious violence in Nigeria and their social impacts on women. Though numerous studies have been conducted on the issue of ethno-religious violence in Nigeria, the social impacts on Nigerian women still remain inadequate. In recognition of this, the paper seeks to examine the same. The paper finds that women are more vulnerable to ethno-religious violence in Nigeria. The social impacts are profound, multifaceted and devastating. Women in conflict zones often face displacement, sexual violence, leaving survivors with severe physical injuries, emotional trauma, and social stigma. Apart from destruction to properties and loss of their loved ones, displaced women and girls often face dire consequences, including lack of access to adequate shelter, food, healthcare, education among others. The paper concludes, inter alia, with recommendations that addressing these impacts demand a comprehensive approach to empower women, advance gender equality, and promotes justice and peace-building that prioritize women’s voices and needs. To this end, the government must implement consistent and effective policies, accompanied by decisive actions to safeguard women from violations of their fundamental human rights. By confronting the root causes of ethno-religious violence, Nigeria can pave the way for lasting peace and social stability for better prospects.

[3] IMPACT OF MEDIA EXPOSURE ON MENSTRUAL HYGIENE KNOWLEDGE, ATTITUDES, AND PRACTICES AMONG ADOLESCENT GIRLS: A CROSS-SECTIONAL STUDY

Priyanka Sarkar & Dr. Dhiraj Shukla — 2026-07-04

Background: Menstrual hygiene management (MHM) is an essential component of adolescent reproductive health, yet inadequate knowledge and persistent socio-cultural stigma continue to hinder healthy menstrual practices among adolescent girls. With the rapid expansion of traditional and digital communication platforms, the media has emerged as a potential source of menstrual health information. However, evidence regarding its influence on menstrual hygiene knowledge, attitudes, and practices among Indian adolescents remains limited. This study assessed the impact of media exposure on menstrual hygiene knowledge, attitudes, and practices among school-going adolescent girls in West Bengal, India. Methods: A school-based cross-sectional study was conducted among 2,119 girls aged 12–18 years from 13 districts of West Bengal. Data were collected through face-to-face interviews using a pre-tested structured study schedule. Information on socio-demographic characteristics, media exposure, menstrual hygiene knowledge, attitudes, and practices was obtained. Results: Nearly all participants (99.5%) reported receiving menstrual health information through media, while 70.5% used the internet for health-related information, and 66.7% regularly watched television. Media exposure showed strong positive correlations with menstrual hygiene knowledge (r=0.76), attitudes (r=0.75), and hygiene practices (r=0.72) (all p<0.05). Multiple linear regression demonstrated that media exposure independently predicted knowledge (β=0.24, p<0.05), attitudes (β=0.46, p<0.05), and hygiene practices (β=0.07, p<0.05) after adjusting for socio-demographic factors. Mediation analysis indicated that the effect of media exposure on hygiene practices was largely mediated through improvements in menstrual knowledge and attitudes. Conclusions: Media exposure is significantly associated with improved menstrual hygiene knowledge, positive attitudes, and healthier menstrual hygiene practices among adolescent girls. Integrating evidence-based media communication with school-based menstrual health education and digital awareness initiatives may enhance menstrual health literacy and promote healthy menstrual hygiene management.

[4] IMPACT OF PENDING DIVORCE PROCEEDINGS ON CHILD CARE AND CHILD WELL-BEING: A SOCIOLOGICAL STUDY OF HINDU FAMILIES IN NASHIK DISTRICT

Aarti Ramchandra Ahere & Dr. Jagdish Shankar Sonawane — 2026-07-04

Pending divorce proceedings have significant implications not only for spouses but also for the overall development and well-being of children. The prolonged nature of divorce litigation often creates emotional instability, financial hardship, and uncertainty within the family environment, adversely affecting children's psychological, social, educational, and economic development. The present study examines the child-care challenges arising from pending divorce cases among Hindu families, with special reference to Nashik District, Maharashtra. The study adopted a descriptive research design based on both primary and secondary data. Primary data were collected from Hindu women with pending divorce cases using a structured interview schedule, while secondary data were obtained from books, research articles, government reports, and legal documents. The collected data were analyzed using frequency and percentage distributions. The findings reveal that children's emotional imbalance and psychological stress (42%) constitute the most serious challenge associated with pending divorce proceedings. Social adjustment problems (22.67%), decline in educational performance (18.33%), and inadequate health care (17%) were also reported as major concerns. Economic analysis indicates that increased family and litigation expenses (34.33%), inadequate financial planning (33.67%), advocate's fees (22.67%), and limited access to government financial assistance (9.33%) adversely affect child care and overall development. The study concludes that prolonged divorce litigation has multidimensional consequences for children's mental health, educational achievement, social adjustment, and access to essential resources. Strengthening family counselling services, child psychological support, financial assistance programmes, legal aid services, and speedy disposal of family court cases would significantly improve children's well-being during divorce proceedings.

[5] HOW POLY (VINYLIDENE FLUORIDE-CO HEXAFLUOROPROPYLENE) (PVDF-HFP) SCATTERS SUNLIGHT: MECHANISMS AND APPLICATIONS IN PASSIVE RADIATIVE COOLING

Anurag Gan — 2026-07-06

Passive radiative cooling (PRC) has emerged as a sustainable cooling technology capable of reducing surface temperatures without energy consumption by simultaneously reflecting incoming solar radiation and emitting thermal energy through the atmospheric transparency window (813 μm). Among the various materials investigated for passive daytime radiative cooling (PDRC), poly (vinylidene fluoride-cohexafluoropropylene) (PVDF-HFP) has attracted significant attention because of its high infrared emissivity, chemical stability, hydrophobicity, and ability to form hierarchical porous structures. The exceptional cooling performance of PVDF-HFP arises from its strong sunlight-scattering capability, which is primarily governed by Mie scattering from pores and embedded particles with dimensions comparable to solar wavelengths. This article reviews the fundamental mechanisms by which PVDF-HFP scatters sunlight and discusses its applications in advanced radiative cooling systems. The relationship between pore morphology, refractive index contrast, scattering efficiency, and cooling performance is analyzed, together with recent advances in composite PVDF-HFP cooling films and nanofiber membranes.

[6] DIGITAL COMPETENCY AND PEDAGOGICAL INNOVATION: INSIGHTS FROM A SYSTEMATIC REVIEW

Mr. Robin Joseph Sera & Dr. Shobha — 2026-07-06

Higher education institutions now demand digital competence from students as it affects their educational methods and student involvement. The research analyses the base features of digital competency while examining teacher difficulties when adding digital resources to educational environments as well as the advantages digital literacy brings to educational advancement. The study demonstrates through literature review that digital integration requires essential knowledge of technology and teaching combined with ethical practices along with cyber security understanding. The research indicates that digital competency supports interactive training and student-oriented education yet insufficient infrastructure combined with institutional shortcomings and restricted staff development barriers its universal acceptance. The research demands standardized assessment frameworks for digital competency and urges researchers to investigate the prolonged effects digital competency has on teaching effectiveness. Better digital transformation outcomes for higher education will result when structured policies complement investments in digital infrastructure and training faculty members with new skills.

[7] IMPACT OF INTERIM FINANCIAL REPORTING ON STOCK PRICE VOLATILITY: EVIDENCE FROM NIFTY 50 INDEXED IT COMPANIES IN INDIA UNDER IND AS 34

Shivakumar C Y, Manjunath M & Sunil G E — 2026-07-08

Interim financial reporting, governed in India by Indian Accounting Standard 34 (Ind AS 34), mandates listed companies to publish condensed financial statements for each quarter and half-year period. This study investigates the impact of such interim disclosures on the stock price volatility of the top five information technology (IT) companies listed on the NIFTY 50 index — Tata Consultancy Services (TCS), Infosys, Wipro, HCL Technologies, and Tech Mahindra — over the study period FY 202324 and FY 2024–25 (Q1 FY24 to Q4 FY25). Using an event study methodology combined with multiple regression analysis, the study examines abnormal returns and volatility patterns in the event window surrounding each quarterly earnings announcement. Secondary data on stock prices, earnings per share, revenue, and key financial ratios were sourced from the National Stock Exchange (NSE), Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE), and official company filings. All tests were conducted at a 5 per cent (0.05) level of significance. Findings reveal that interim financial disclosures under Ind AS 34 generate statistically significant abnormal returns and elevated price volatility in the immediate post-announcement window, with EPS surprise and market sentiment emerging as the strongest drivers. The study contributes to the growing empirical literature on the information content of mandatory quarterly reporting in the Indian IT sector.

[8] INFLUENCE OF EMOTIONAL AND COGNITIVE FACTORS ON DIGITAL MARKETING EFFECTIVENESS: AN EMPIRICAL STUDY AMONG CONSUMERS IN BENGALURU

Dr. Karthik P — 2026-07-09

Digital marketing has transformed the automobile industry by reshaping consumer engagement, purchase behaviour, and brand interaction through online platforms. The present study examines the influence of emotional and cognitive factors on digital marketing effectiveness in the automobile sector with special reference to Bengaluru. The study focuses on emotional dimensions such as safety and security, emotional traits, emotional ability, and visual appeal, along with cognitive dimensions including cognitive engagement, cognitive ability, brand value, and cognitive dissonance. A descriptive and analytical research design was adopted using both primary and secondary data. Primary data were collected from 300 respondents through a structured questionnaire administered through Google Forms and direct interaction. Statistical tools such as Cronbach’s Alpha, Chi-square test, ANOVA, and Multiple Regression Analysis were employed using SPSS software. The findings indicate that emotional and cognitive factors significantly influence consumer purchase intention in digital automobile marketing. Among the variables, brand value, emotional engagement, and cognitive ability emerged as strong predictors of digital marketing effectiveness. The study highlights the growing importance of psychologically driven digital marketing strategies in influencing automobile consumers in Bengaluru.

[9] HEALTH AND OCCUPATIONAL HAZARDS AMONG WOMEN IN ASSAM’S TEA INDUSTRY

Anamika Adhikari & Dr. Bapukan Saikia — 2026-07-09

This article explores the health and occupational hazards faced by women workers in Assam’s tea industry, where women form almost half the workforce. Despite their central role, they face demanding labor, chronic health issues and significant gender disparities. Drawing on recent literature, the study highlights that most women tea workers come from disadvantaged backgrounds, have low education and face economic hardship. They are exposed to health risks like musculoskeletal disorders, respiratory illnesses, reproductive problems and malnutrition—mainly due to repetitive labor, chemical exposure and poor living conditions. Long hours, harsh weather and minimal safety measures worsen these challenges. Gender inequalities, such as wage gaps, job segregation and limited access to benefits, further restrict women’s well-being. Although women use coping strategies like support networks and self-help groups, these are not enough. The article emphasizes the need for gender-sensitive policy reforms, such as stronger labor laws, better workplace safety, expanded welfare and women’s empowerment through education and leadership. Addressing these complex risks requires coordinated action from all stakeholders to ensure reforms improve the health, dignity and opportunities of women tea workers, supporting broader social justice and sustainable development

[10] MARINE BIODIVERSITY BEYOND NATIONAL JURISDICTION (BBNJ) AND THE INDO-PACIFIC: EMERGING LEGAL CHALLENGES AND OPPORTUNITIES FOR SUSTAINABLE OCEAN GOVERNANCE

Mehar Sandhu — 2026-07-11

The conservation and sustainable use of marine biodiversity beyond national jurisdiction (BBNJ) has emerged as one of the most significant developments in contemporary international maritime law. Areas beyond national jurisdiction (ABNJ), comprising the high seas and the international seabed Area, account for nearly two-thirds of the world's oceans and contain ecologically significant ecosystems that support global biodiversity, climate regulation, and marine productivity. Despite their ecological importance, these areas have historically been governed through fragmented legal and institutional mechanisms that proved inadequate to address emerging challenges such as biodiversity loss, climate change, overfishing, marine pollution, and the exploitation of marine genetic resources. The adoption of the Agreement under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) on the Conservation and Sustainable Use of Marine Biological Diversity of Areas Beyond National Jurisdiction (BBNJ Agreement) in 2023 represents a landmark achievement in strengthening international ocean governance. The Indo-Pacific occupies a central place in the implementation of the BBNJ Agreement because it encompasses some of the world's richest marine ecosystems, major sea lines of communication, and rapidly expanding blue economy initiatives. Simultaneously, the region faces growing environmental degradation and intensifying geopolitical competition, making biodiversity conservation increasingly complex. This article examines the evolution of the international legal framework governing marine biodiversity beyond national jurisdiction and analyses the implications of the BBNJ Agreement for the Indo-Pacific. It further evaluates the legal, institutional, and geopolitical challenges associated with implementing the Agreement and assesses India's role in promoting sustainable ocean governance. The paper argues that while the BBNJ Agreement provides an important legal foundation for protecting marine biodiversity, its effectiveness will depend on strengthened regional cooperation, scientific capacity, equitable benefit-sharing, and sustained political commitment among Indo-Pacific states.

[11] आधुनिक शिक्षा पणाली 2020 और विकसित भारत 2047 की दिशा में शिक्षा का रूपांतरण

डॉ० मंजू अग्रवाल — 2026-07-11

शिक्षा मानव जीवन के विकास की एक महत्त्वपूर्ण प्रक्रिया है, जो जन्मजात शक्तियों का प्रगतिशील विकास करती है। स्वतंत्रता के बाद भारत ने शिक्षा को राष्ट्रीय प्रगति के महत्त्वपूर्ण साधन के रूप में प्रयोग किया एवं कई आयोगों के गठन से समस्याओं के समाधान भी निकाले। नई राष्ट्रीय शिक्षा नीति 2020 द्वारा भारततीय शिक्षा प्रणाली में सुधार के लिए महत्त्वपूर्ण कदम उठाया गया। इसके अन्तर्गत प्राथमिक बाल्यावस्था में देखरेख, तकनीकी शिक्षा, बटुविपयक, शिक्षा और समग्र मूल्यांकन नीति पर फोकस किया गया। यट नीति शिक्षा को समावेशी एवं गुणवत्तापूर्ण बनाने के लिए विशेष सिफारिश करती है। नई शिक्षा नीति 2020 ने भारत की शैक्षिक प्रणाली में एक क्रान्तिकारी परिवर्तन किया। इसका कार्य न केवल गुणवत्तापूर्ण शिक्षा प्रदत्त करना है, बल्कि 2047 तक विकासित भारत के उ‌द्देश्य को प्रापत करने में शिक्षा को एक सशक्त माध्यम के रूप में इस्तेमाल करना है। एक शोध पत्र में टम NEP 2020 के प्रमुख उ‌द्देश्यों, उसके सभावित प्रभाव और 2047 के विकसित भारत के दृष्टिकोण में इसके योगदान का विश्लेपण करेंगे।

[12] INVISIBLE HANDS: LABOUR AND EVERYDAY LIFE IN MEDIEVAL ASSAM

Dr. Lakhya Protim Nirmolia — 2026-06-20

Labour and everyday life in medieval Assam, with particular attention to the workers, cultivators, artisans, soldiers, boatmen, fisherfolk, temple servants, women, and servile groups who sustained the region’s political and economic order but rarely appear as central actors in conventional histories. Medieval Assam was not a single uniform society; it included the postKamarupa regional formations, the Chutiya, Kachari, Koch, and Ahom polities, and the expanding religious worlds of temples and sattras. The paper argues that labour in medieval Assam was not merely an economic activity but a foundation of kingship, land control, military organization, ritual authority, and village life. The Ahom system made this especially visible: most adult male subjects owed rotational service to the state in return for access to cultivable land. Yet much labour remained “invisible” because sources such as inscriptions, land grants, and buranjis usually privileged kings, officials, Brahmins, monasteries, and wars. By reading these sources against the grain, this study reconstructs the everyday world of labour in agriculture, craft production, military service, riverine transport, household work, and religious institutions. It also offers a critical review of the limits of available evidence and calls for a more people-centred social history of medieval Assam.

[13] ECONOMIC CONTRIBUTION OF PADDY CULTIVATION TO RURAL LIVELIHOODS: A CASE STUDY OF GHAGRA VILLAGE, LAKHIMPUR DISTRICT, ASSAM, INDIA

Dr. Anjan Deka & Jyoti Chetia — 2026-07-14

Paddy cultivation is the principal agricultural activity in rural Assam and serves as a cornerstone of food security, employment generation, and household income. Despite its socio-economic importance, smallholder farmers continue to face challenges related to fragmented landholdings, fluctuating market prices, inadequate irrigation facilities, and limited access to modern agricultural technologies. The present study examines the economic contribution of paddy cultivation to rural livelihoods in Ghagra Village of Lakhimpur District, Assam, with particular emphasis on production practices, farm economics, marketing systems, and socioeconomic conditions of farming households. The study is based on primary data collected from 100 randomly selected households through structured questionnaires, field observations, and personal interviews, supplemented by secondary information obtained from government publications, census reports, and relevant literature. Descriptive statistical techniques, including frequency distribution, percentage analysis, tables, and graphical representations, were employed to analyse the collected data. The investigation assessed landholding patterns, paddy varieties cultivated, production levels, cultivation methods, production costs, net income, marketing channels, and the adoption of modern agricultural practices. The findings indicate that paddy cultivation remains the primary source of livelihood for the majority of farming households in the study area. Nearly 39% of farmers possess 3–6 bighas of cultivated land, while 25% cultivate more than 9 bighas. Among the cultivated varieties, Ranjit occupies the largest cultivated area and contributes the highest share (28.4%) of total paddy production, followed by Chakuwa (13.7%), Aijung (13.4%), and Bora (12.2%). The study further reveals that 88% of farmers have adopted modern cultivation methods, whereas only 12% continue to rely primarily on traditional farming practices. Although modernization has contributed to improved productivity, the majority of farmers earn modest profits, with 46.5% reporting annual net returns between ₹20,000 and ₹40,000 from paddy cultivation. Production costs, dependence on seasonal rainfall, labour shortages, and market-related constraints continue to limit farm profitability. The study concludes that paddy cultivation continues to play a significant role in sustaining rural livelihoods and strengthening the local economy of Ghagra Village. However, improving farmers' income requires enhanced irrigation infrastructure, access to high-yielding and climate-resilient varieties, affordable farm mechanization, efficient marketing systems, storage facilities, institutional credit, and agricultural extension services. Strengthening these interventions would contribute to sustainable agricultural development, increased farm profitability, and improved livelihood security for smallholder farmers in floodplain regions of Assam.

[14] SOCIO-ECONOMIC STATUS OF TRIBAL ILLITERATE WOMEN IN DHULE DISTRICT, MAHARASHTRA: A STUDY OF EDUCATIONAL, ECONOMIC AND SOCIAL CHALLENGES

Vanshree Ashok Baisane & Dr. Jagdish Shankar Sonawane — 2026-07-15

The socio-economic development of tribal women is an essential component of inclusive and sustainable rural development in India. However, tribal illiterate women continue to experience multiple forms of deprivation, including limited access to education, employment, healthcare, financial resources, and government welfare schemes. Dhule district of Maharashtra has a substantial tribal population, where illiteracy remains a major barrier to women's socio-economic empowerment. This study investigates the socio-economic status of tribal illiterate women in Dhule district and examines the factors influencing their overall development. The objectives of the study were to assess the educational, economic, social, occupational, and health conditions of tribal illiterate women, identify the challenges affecting their livelihoods, and evaluate the role of education, awareness, and government interventions in improving their quality of life. A descriptive survey research design was adopted. Primary data were collected from 300 tribal illiterate women through a structured questionnaire, while secondary data were obtained from government reports, books, journals, and census publications. The collected data were analyzed using percentage analysis and appropriate statistical techniques. The findings reveal that illiteracy significantly influences the socioeconomic condition of tribal women by restricting employment opportunities, income generation, health awareness, financial literacy, and participation in decision-making. Agriculture and agricultural labour remain the principal sources of livelihood, making households economically vulnerable. The study further indicates inadequate awareness of government welfare schemes, limited access to healthcare services, gender-based inequalities, and insufficient vocational skills. However, education, skill development programmes, self-help groups, and awareness initiatives have demonstrated considerable potential in improving women's socio-economic status and promoting empowerment. The study concludes that strengthening adult literacy programmes, vocational training, healthcare services, financial inclusion, and awareness of welfare schemes is essential for the sustainable socio-economic development of tribal women. It recommends integrated policy interventions involving government agencies, educational institutions, local self-governments, and non-governmental organizations to promote education, livelihood security, gender equality, and inclusive development in tribal communities.

[15] ASSESSING THE IMPACT OF SOCIAL JUSTICE DEPARTMENT WELFARE SCHEMES ON THE SOCIO-ECONOMIC WELLBEING OF BELOW POVERTY LINE FAMILIES: A SOCIAL WORK PERSPECTIVE IN JALGAON DISTRICT

Kishor Bhaskar Mali & Dr. Jagdish Shankar Sonawane — 2026-07-15

Social welfare programmes implemented by the Social Justice Department play a significant role in promoting inclusive development and improving the quality of life of socio-economically disadvantaged populations in India. Below Poverty Line (BPL) families constitute one of the primary target groups of these welfare initiatives, which aim to reduce poverty, enhance access to education, healthcare, housing, financial assistance, and social security, and foster socio-economic empowerment. Despite the availability of numerous welfare schemes, disparities in awareness, accessibility, utilization, and effective implementation continue to affect the intended outcomes. Against this backdrop, the present study assesses the impact of Social Justice Department welfare schemes on the socio-economic wellbeing of BPL families from a social work perspective in Jalgaon District, Maharashtra. The study adopted a descriptive and analytical research design. Primary data were collected from 300 beneficiaries selected through a multistage random sampling technique using a structured interview schedule, while secondary data were obtained from government reports, policy documents, books, journals, and published research studies. Descriptive statistics such as frequency and percentage, along with inferential statistical techniques, were employed to analyse the data. The findings indicate that the welfare schemes have contributed positively to improving beneficiaries' socio-economic conditions by enhancing access to educational opportunities, financial assistance, social security benefits, livelihood support, and social inclusion. However, the study also identifies several implementation challenges, including limited awareness, procedural complexities, documentation issues, delays in benefit disbursement, and digital barriers that restrict equitable access to welfare programmes. The findings further highlight the crucial role of professional social workers in facilitating awareness, counselling beneficiaries, strengthening community participation, advocating for rights, and improving service delivery mechanisms. The study concludes that while Social Justice Department welfare schemes have made a meaningful contribution to the socio-economic well-being of BPL families, their effectiveness can be further enhanced through simplified administrative procedures, improved outreach strategies, digital inclusion, regular monitoring, and stronger social work interventions. The findings provide valuable insights for policymakers, administrators, and social work professionals in designing more inclusive, accessible, and beneficiaryoriented welfare programmes that promote sustainable socio-economic development and social justice.

[17] STUDY ON EVALUATING THE EFFICACY OF COMMUNITYBASED ADVOCACY, COMMUNICATION AND SOCIAL MOBILIZATION (ACSM) ACTIVITIES FOR TUBERCULOSIS PREVENTION IN MAHARASHTRA

Anita Sudam Kale & Dr. Pandurang Shivram Patil — 2026-07-15

Tuberculosis (TB) remains one of India's leading public health challenges despite the implementation of the National Tuberculosis Elimination Programme (NTEP). Advocacy, Communication and Social Mobilization (ACSM) has emerged as an important strategy for increasing awareness, reducing stigma, promoting early diagnosis, and improving treatment adherence. The present study evaluates the efficacy of community-based ACSM activities for TB prevention in Maharashtra. A descriptive crosssectional research design was adopted using structured questionnaires administered to community members and stakeholders. The study assessed knowledge regarding tuberculosis, awareness of ACSM interventions, communication effectiveness, behavioural changes, stakeholder participation, programme reach, and barriers affecting TB prevention. Findings indicate that ACSM activities have significantly improved community awareness regarding TB symptoms, diagnosis, treatment, and preventive practices. However, misconceptions regarding ACSM objectives, persistent stigma, socioeconomic barriers, and inadequate healthcare accessibility continue to hinder programme effectiveness. Community participation, culturally appropriate communication, and multi-sectoral collaboration were identified as critical determinants of successful implementation. The study recommends strengthening community engagement, expanding digital and interpersonal communication strategies, improving frontline health worker training, and establishing robust monitoring and evaluation mechanisms to achieve India's TB elimination goals.

[16] A SOCIAL WORK PERSPECTIVE ON THE PARTICIPATION OF WOMEN FROM THE TRADITIONAL AND CULTURAL RURAL MARATHA COMMUNITY IN SOCIAL AND POLITICAL PROCESSES: A STUDY WITH SPECIAL REFERENCE TO DHULE DISTRICT

Dhyaneshwar Vasudev More & Dr. Pandurang Shivram Patil — 2026-07-15

Women's participation in social and political processes is widely recognized as a key indicator of inclusive development, democratic governance, and sustainable social transformation. In rural India, however, women's engagement in decision-making institutions continues to be shaped by socio-cultural norms, gender roles, educational opportunities, economic status, and caste dynamics. The Maratha community, one of the dominant agrarian communities in Maharashtra, has traditionally played a significant role in the state's socio-political landscape. Despite this, women belonging to rural Maratha families often experience structural barriers that limit their active participation in community organizations, local governance, and political institutions. This paper examines the participation of women from the traditional and cultural rural Maratha community in social and political processes from a social work perspective, with special reference to Dhule District of Maharashtra. The study explores the socio-cultural factors influencing participation, identifies barriers and opportunities, and analyses the role of social work interventions in promoting women's empowerment. The research adopts a descriptive and analytical approach based on both primary and secondary data. The findings suggest that education, Self-Help Groups (SHGs), Panchayati Raj Institutions, reservation policies, and communitybased social work interventions significantly enhance women's participation, while patriarchal norms, limited mobility, economic dependency, and traditional gender expectations continue to restrict leadership opportunities. The paper concludes with recommendations for strengthening gender-sensitive social work practices, policy implementation, and community mobilization to ensure meaningful participation of rural Maratha women in social and political development. Women's representation in Panchayati Raj Institutions has increased following constitutional reforms, but substantive participation remains uneven across rural regions, including North Maharashtra

[18] MACHINE LEARNING BASED DECISION SUPPORT SYSTEM ON ELECTRONIC HEALTH RECORD DATA TO PREDICT HEALTH SCORE

Pramit Kumar Samant, Vinay Pathak & Waqar Ahmad — 2026-07-16

Machine Learning as well as AI developed systems are now today greatly used in varieties of real-life applications. E-healthcare management system is also one of them. The decision support system developed using many machine learning algorithms provides to optimize decision in protective health care systems. The proposed system consists of two modules. The first module included a novel Electronic Health Record based decision support system using SVM technology structure. The second module be composed of preprocessing, data extraction, exploratory data analysis from EHR data set. The proposed EHR based decision system is tested with accuracy for detecting health status on 79540 records. EHR data are mostly important for evaluating or predicting the health status after observing the varieties of medical parameters like body temperature, heart rate, blood pressure in both range systolic + diastolic and oxygen saturation level etc. How the new sample in the group data analysis can be achieved through machine learning approach and how this approach can be used as in AI tool for E-healthcare system. Also, visualization of data (exploratory data analysis i.e., EDA) is important to clarify about relationship among the parameters how they are closed to each other to evaluate the actual prediction of health score. In our data analysis, we have shown Support vector machine i.e., SVM have the highest accuracy rate (near about to 93%) among the other chosen classifiers as well as simple neural networking approach. The result follows on accuracy, recall, precision and confusion matrix are also shown in this evaluation. Violin plot and two-dimensional kernel density estimation (2D KDE) plots are also implemented for visualization of the dataset.

[19] JUSTICE, HUMAN DIGNITY, AND EQUALITY AMONG DALIT WORKING WOMEN IN TIRUPPUR: A BIBLICAL AND THEOLOGICAL REFLECTION

Prof. Rev. Dr. Ivy Singh & M. Dora Florence — 2026-07-17

Dalit women are multi-marginalised by caste, gender and class in the unorganised textile and garment sectors of Tiruppur. Despite the fact that the textile sector has been a significant contributor to the economy of the region and nation, women are still faced with poor working conditions with less wages, job insecurity and a hazardous working environment. This study examines the experiences of working Dalit women through Dalit, liberation, feminist and womanist theological prisms. This survey investigates these experiences especially from biblically and theologically. This research used the qualitative research theological methodology to explore the socio-economic status of Dalit women with reference to various biblical texts that advocate for human dignity, justice, equality, and the preferential option for the poor and oppressed by God. The results demonstrate that caste exclusion, gender discrimination, labour exploitation, and social vulnerability are all interlinked, which collectively alter the denial of dignity and equality of opportunity. Christian teachings are thus founded in a robust theological reasoning originating in the creation narrative, Exodus, prophetic call to justice, as well as the ministry of Jesus Christ to resist oppressive social structures and to affirm the intrinsic worth of every human being who is made in the image of God. According to the report, the church has a crucial and prophetic ministry responsibility to foster social justice, support labour rights, empower dalit women with education and leadership skills, and construct inclusive communities that reject caste and gender discrimination. This study examines how theology may be meaningfully engaged with the social reality of our times. It additionally contributes to discussions of faith-based social transformation. In conclusion, the report suggests some recommendations for different actors including the church, policymakers, civil society, and industry for promoting justice, dignity, equality and sustainable empowerment of the Dalit working women in Tiruppur.