Abstract

“Empowering Rural India: Localizing SDGs for Community Development” embodies a pioneering exploration into the synergy between Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the rural landscapes of India. The manuscript embarks on a journey to unveil the revolutionary capacity of SDGs in reshaping rural India, magnifying the significance of grassroots endeavors in propelling community development. The narrative unfolds through the prism of customized SDGs, envisaging an empowered rural India where localization is the linchpin for fostering comprehensive societal advancement. The discourse navigates the current rural milieu, spotlighting emergent paradigms that usher in a novel era of SDG localization for holistic progress. This investigation stands testament to the transformative potency of indigenous initiatives, underscored by a compendium of poignant case studies that effectively infuse SDGs into the rural fabric. As the chapters unravel, a tapestry of best practices and community-led triumphs takes center stage, setting a guiding light for analogous undertakings. With visionary zeal, the manuscript culminates in a forward-looking synthesis, positing SDG localization as the bedrock for a future rural India characterized by prosperity, inclusivity, and sustainability. In this tapestry of ideas, the potential for a brighter, more equitable rural India emerges, woven together by the threads of localized SDGs and ignited by local innovation.” 

Keywords: Empowering Rural India, SDGs, Rural Transformation, Community-led Triumphs, Emergent Paradigms, Prosperity and Sustainability.

Abstract

Education is essential for promoting sustainable development because it gives people the knowledge, skills, and morals they need to tackle the world’s most difficult problems. This chapter examines the complex relationship between education and sustainable development, emphasising the transforming role that education plays in developing social justice, fostering environmental stewardship, and fostering individual empowerment. This chapter presents various educational approaches, initiatives, and policies that support sustainable development, drawing on the most recent research and references. It emphasises the need for comprehensive and inclusive education systems that foster critical thinking, ethical decision-making, and a thorough understanding of the interconnectedness of ecological, social, and economic systems 

Keywords: Education, Sustainable Development, Transformative Learning, Environmental Stewardship, Social Justice.

Abstract

Sustainable Development Goals are global goals essential for holistic development. Expanding the agenda of Millennium Development Goals, they attempt to present an essential blueprint for balancing concerns of growth and welfare in a holistic manner. The post-pandemic phase has seen states working on new ideas for balancing concerns of economy, ecology, health, etc. Within this, there has been a realization that earlier models which gave priority to sheer emphasis on greed, profits, and ends regardless of means have done more harm than good. As 2030 draws closer, the paper attempts to narrate the significance of Sustainable Development Goals and underline that Gandhian values carry immense potential as a guiding light for better outcomes. The paper also discusses the significance of the Gandhian approach as a globally beneficial approach that can augur well for economic development with social equity and inclusion.

Keywords: Sustainable Development Goals, Gandhian Ideals, Truth, Nonviolence, Decentralization.

Abstract

Mining is essential for the economic growth of a nation. Although mining is seen as an extractive sector, it can be a partner in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals. Odisha contributes the largest value of mineral production (excluding fuel oil and atomic minerals) in the country. It is endowed with rich mineral resources with a variety of metallic and non-metallic minerals that include Chromite, Bauxite, Graphite, Iron-ore, Manganese ore and many more. The mining and quarrying subsector contributed 8.29 per cent of state GVA (relative to 2.26 per cent at the all-India level) as per the advance estimates (AE) for 2021-22 at current prices. In terms of reserves in India, Odisha accounts for 96 per cent of Chromite, 92 per cent of Nickel, 51 per cent of Bauxite, 33 per cent of Iron ore, 43 per cent of Manganese ore and 24 per cent of Coal reserves in the country. Government of India has formulated Pradhan Mantri Khanij Kshetra Kalyan Yojana which is implemented by the District Mineral Fund (DMF) using the funds accruing to the DMF. These funds are used for the welfare of persons and areas affected by mining related operations. The DMF offers an opportunity to correct this historical injustice. It recognizes the right of people to benefit from the land and its natural resources, traditionally held by them either individually or as a community. DMF Keonjhar is largest DMF in the country. In its current state, DMF accrual will only flow from the extracting companies to the various departments of the Government, without passing through the hands of the citizens. It is proposed that all or part of the accrual be invested in an Alaska-type permanent fund and an annual dividend from the investment be transferred directly to citizens, so that they can decide how it is to be spent. Mineral wealth need not be a curse. It can even be a blessing, provided the right measures are taken to transform it into sustainable development.

Keywords: Mining, Minerals, Socio-economic development, DMF, Basic Income, Wealth Fund, Koenjhar, Odisha, India.
JEL Code: L71, L78, O14, Q01, Q32, R11, R58.

Abstract

The present study aimed to assess conservation behaviour of a group of higher education students of West Bengal in respect of sex, level of education, and discipline studied, and to ascertain the relationship of conservation behaviour with environmental attitude. 273 students comprising 125 males and 148 females, 151 pursuing graduation and 122 doing post-graduation, 90, 94 and 89 studying social science, science and humanities respectively were selected from different colleges and universities of West Bengal, following purposive sampling technique. The Pro-nature Conservation Behaviour Scale (Barbett et al., 2020) and the Shortened version of the Environmental Attitude Scale (Milfont and Duckitt, 2010) were administered on the samples, along with a general information schedule. Pearson’s product-moment correlation and Three-way Anova were applied. The findings indicated that sex made significant variation in respondents’ pro-nature conservation behaviour and all its domains, namely, organized social engagement, individual engagement, wildlife except planting. Significant variation was found regarding level of education, in all domains of conservation behaviour, except planting. However, no significant variation was noted in conservation behaviour based on discipline. The interaction effect of sex and education level was significant in overall conservation behaviour, and individual engagement and wildlife domains. The interaction effect of sex and discipline was also found to be significant in the domain of organized and social engagement. The relationship between pro-nature conservation behaviour and environmental attitude was observed to be positive, but not significant.

Keywords: Pro-nature Conservation Behaviour, Environmental Attitude, Environment, SDG.

Abstract

The scarcity of infrastructure facilities in tribal regions poses significant obstacles to the effective delivery of healthcare services to tribal communities. Addressing these deficiencies is crucial for realizing the objectives of Universal Health Coverage and the health-related Sustainable Development Goals. In light of these challenges, this paper endeavors to assess the availability of healthcare facilities, specifically Sub Centres, Primary Health Centers (PHCs), and Community Health Centers (CHCs), with a specific focus on tribal areas, while also examining the primary challenges that need to be addressed. The paper exclusively scrutinizes the state-wise percentage shortfalls in public health centers, utilizing data from Rural Health Statistics. Regarding sub-centers, there remains a substantial deficiency in enhancing the capabilities of PHCs and CHCs in tribal areas. Notably, the study reveals that sub-centers and PHCs in the tribal-dominated North-Eastern states exhibit a more favorable health workforce situation compared to other regions of India. This research highlights the critical issue of infrastructure inadequacies in tribal regions and underscores the imperative of targeted interventions to rectify these deficiencies. The findings underscore the importance of strengthening healthcare facilities and augmenting the healthcare workforce in tribal regions as a means to achieve the goals of Universal Health Coverage and the health-related Sustainable Development Goals.

Keywords: Tribal Health, Infrastructure, SDG, SCs, PHCs, CHCs, India.