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Title: Islamic Banking in Bangladesh: A Case Study of FSIBL and Implications for Indian Islamic Banking Prospects and Societal Banking

Abstract: Islamic banking is reshaping Bangladesh’s financial landscape by offering a Sharia-compliant alternative to conventional banking, particularly through innovative community-driven micro-savings and micro-investment models. This qualitative study analyzes First Security Islami Bank Limited (FSIBL), Bangladesh’s first full-fledged Islamic bank (est. 1999), to draw insights for India’s emerging Islamic banking sector. FSIBL’s success in applying profit-loss sharing (PLS) models—such as Mudarabah-based micro-savings pools converted into agricultural investments and Bai-mode financing for SMEs—alongside mobile banking-enabled societal banking initiatives, demonstrates how Islamic finance can bridge financial inclusion gaps in developing economies. The bank’s CSR-linked community investment programs, which transform small deposits into Waqf-funded local projects, offer a replicable template for India. However, recent governance lapses and liquidity crunches highlight systemic risks in scaling these models without robust safeguards. The study addresses two questions: (1) How does FSIBL’s integration of microfinance with Islamic principles validate its viability in emerging markets? (2) What lessons can India adopt to leverage societal banking wings for grassroots capital formation while avoiding governance pitfalls? Findings reveal that participatory micro-investment frameworks require three pillars: strong Sharia governance (e.g., community oversight committees), depositor protection mechanisms (e.g., taka ful-backed micro-savings), and adaptive asset-liability management (e.g., blockchain-tracked PLS ventures). By examining FSIBL’s journey, the paper proposes actionable strategies for India to harness Islamic banking’s dual social-commercial mandate, advocating for regulatory sandboxes to pilot community savings-to-investment chains and tax-neutrality for micro-investment products. The study concludes that India’s vast SHG networks and digital infrastructure position it to outperform Bangladesh’s model—if integrated with ethical resilience and operational transparency.

By Abu Sayed, Nabila Aktia Chowdhury
In Volume: 14,Issue: 1
Title: A Critical Review on Financial, Developmental and Supervisory Role of NABARD: With Special Reference to Functions of its Management Bodies

Abstract: National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD) formed in 1982 on 12th July is India's leading agricultural finance and rural development institution. This paper critically examines NABARD's development, financing, and supervisory roles with particular reference to the operations of its organizational hierarchies. NABARD performs as a support system for rural banking organizations' refinancing, financial inclusion, financing infrastructure operations, and promoting capacity-building schemes such as Self-Help Groups (SHGs), Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs), and Primary Agricultural Credit Societies (PACS). Its departments such as Financial Inclusion and Development, Infrastructure and Development, and Supervision allow NABARD to support rural credit infrastructure and policy adherence. This paper assesses the performance of NABARD in rural development, climate resilient farming, and inclusive growth. Imbalanced credit flow to regions, over-reliance on government support, weak digital connectivity, and congruence of youth training skills remain issues despite these advancements. Despite these issues, NABARD remains a powerful instrument of sustainable rural development and farm advancement in India. This paper thus concludes the relevance of policy reforms, technology adoption, and greater autonomy to improve NABARD's long-term performance.

By Saumya Rai, Dinesh Kumar Tiwari
In Volume: 14,Issue: 1
Title: Potential of Rural Earth in 21st Century Socio-Economic Study of Eastern Region of India

Abstract: Eastern Region of India (ERI) is the inclusion of four states namely – Bihar, Jharkhand, Odisha, and West Bengal. It has 171040 villages with a vast quantity of rural population. It also includes several tribes in various areas. ERI also has forest resource with several products namely - fuelwood, fodder, edible nuts, herbs, flowers, seeds, leaves, bark, roots, tubers, lichen, honey etc. It has tradition of non-veg and veg cuisines. It is known for hand woven clothes. Jewellery, furniture, baskets, etc. handicraft products have attraction for people in rest of India. ERI is sea coast rich region. It owns much from marine activities. It has thousands of villages. For the socio-economic development of RURAL ERI, 8 Regional Rural Banks are established. These RRBs are the joint venture of central government, state government and scheduled banks. Main aim of these RRBs is rural development. These RRBs are shaping their aim with commitment. In the ERI, deposits, advances of RRBs are increasing continuously, NPA is lessening. RRBs in ERI are earning profit. ERI-RRBs are trying best to achieve the aim. This fact is certified by balance sheets, annual reports, and documents of RRBs, NABARD, RBI and State Governments. Primary cum secondary data and tools are used. Research provides useful conclusion and suggestions for the insight of policy makers. ERI scenario will change completely if conclusions and suggestions of research are implemented according to spirit.

By Madhusoodan Tripathi, Vinayaka Tripathi
In Volume: 14,Issue: 1
Title: Workplace Diversity and Inclusion: The Role of Organizational Culture

Abstract: Workplace diversity and inclusion (D&I) have become critical drivers of innovation, employee well-being, and organizational performance. The success of D&I efforts, however, depends significantly on the dominant organizational culture, which influences employee attitudes, behaviors, and inclusivity-related policies. This research explores the complex relationship between organizational culture and workplace diversity and inclusion, investigating how cultural values, leadership, and HR policies affect the success of diversity efforts. Based on a comprehensive literature review, case studies, and empirical studies, this research emphasizes the most important aspects of an inclusive organizational culture, including leadership commitment, psychological safety, fair hiring practices, and open communication. It also examines typical obstacles to inclusivity, such as unconscious biases, resistance to change, and structural disparities in organizations. The study also examines the contribution of transformational leadership and corporate social responsibility (CSR) in fostering a positive cultural change towards inclusivity. Findings indicate that organizations with a robust, inclusive culture have more engaged employees, better team collaboration, and better organizational reputation. In contrast, firms that do not embed diversity and inclusion into their cultural narrative stand to see greater turnover, intra-workplace conflict, and diminished innovation. The research concludes by offering strategic recommendations to organizations on how to create and maintain a culture that proactively supports diversity and inclusion through leadership commitment, customized training programs, and inclusive policy making.

By Kajol Morya, K.R. Jain
In Volume: 14,Issue: 1
Title: Impacts of Covid-19 Pandemic on Indian Sugar Industry: Challenges, Disruptions and Recovery Pathways

Abstract: The COVID-19 pandemic, which began as a global health crisis, quickly escalated into a far-reaching economic disruption, significantly impacting industries across the world. The Indian sugar industry—one of the country’s most critical agro-based sectors—was no exception. As a key contributor to rural livelihoods, employment, and the national economy, the industry found itself grappling with unprecedented challenges across its entire value chain. The impact was observed from the very first stage of sugarcane cultivation, which faced labor shortages and transportation issues, to the subsequent phases of processing and manufacturing, which suffered from reduced mill capacities and supply chain constraints. Ethanol production, a major revenue source through the Ethanol Blended Petrol (EBP) programme, experienced demand fluctuations tied to global oil market volatility. Moreover, marketing and export activities came to a near halt due to domestic lockdowns and international trade restrictions, resulting in inventory surpluses and financial stress across the sector. This study provides a comprehensive analysis of the multifaceted disruptions caused by the pandemic. It highlights the systemic vulnerabilities exposed during the crisis, the operational and financial challenges encountered by stakeholders—ranging from farmers to mill operators—and the mitigating measures undertaken by both the government and industry associations. In addition, the research proposes a strategic recovery roadmap focused on diversification, supply chain resilience, policy adaptability, and long-term sustainability. By exploring these dimensions, the study aims to contribute to the development of a more robust and crisis-resilient Indian sugar industry in the post-pandemic era.

By Atul Kumar
In Volume: 14,Issue: 1
Title: Social Intelligence and Burnout among Post Graduate Students

Abstract: This study was aimed to identify the effect of social intelligence on the academic burnout among college students who were studying in different faculties (Science, Commerce, Arts). The data was collected from different colleges situated in Meerut city. A total 300 students studying different colleges under CCS University were participated. Burnout was measured by Copenhagen(2012)’s Burnout Scale while Social Intelligence by Chadda and Ganeshan (2009). Multiple Regression was used to find our predictors for the burnout among college students. Regression Analysis revealed that social intelligence was emerged as important predictor of burnout. Further T test also revealed significance difference between groups. It was found that female students were having more burnout problems as compare to male participants. Students’ social intelligence is a Type a perceiving ability to understand social cues and effectively navigate social situations. It is ability to cope with burnout or stressors and maintain balance between academic and personal life. In this paper the present study has social applied application Academic Achievement, Mental health and general wellbeing can all be affected by social intelligence. Thus the present study is to examine low social intelligence affects college’s student abilities to handle their burnout problems.

By Pratiksha Rani, Manju Khokhar
In Volume: 14,Issue: 1