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Title: Best Practices in Microcredit Governance: Lessons from Bangladesh

Abstract: The performance of two prominent microcredit providers—Grameen Bank and BRAC NGO—is examined in this paper, with particular attention paid to their different organizational structures and governance frameworks. As a borrower-owned cooperative, Grameen Bank promotes member involvement in decision-making, which, through group lending, encourages ownership and peer support but may also lead to social pressure. BRAC NGO, on the other hand, employs a centralized governance model and offers a thorough approach to micro credit that is in line with its larger social development initiatives. Although this strategy provides comprehensive assistance, it may not be as flexible to meet the needs of each borrower. Although borrower choices and economic conditions have an impact on their effectiveness, both groups aim to increase loan attachment and reduce poverty. While BRAC depends on a combination of donor money and revenue-generating operations, Grameen Bank places a higher priority on self-sufficiency. The impact and sustainability of microcredit systems might be improved by fusing the advantages of both models—BRAC's integrated approach and Grameen Bank's borrower ownership.

By Tahmina Akhter, Shanzida Hassan
In Volume: 14,Issue: 1
Title: Gender Based Violence and Its Impact on the Society

Abstract: Gender-based violence (GBV) is a pervasive global issue that affects individuals across all demographics, but disproportionately impacts women and girls. This abstract examines the multifaceted nature of GBV, encompassing various forms such as physical, sexual, psychological, and economic violence. Using a socio-ecological framework, it explores the complex interplay of individual, relational, community, and societal factors that contribute to the perpetuation of GBV. Furthermore, the abstract delves into the profound consequences of GBV on individuals and society at large. Beyond the immediate physical and psychological trauma experienced by survivors, GBV perpetuates cycles of poverty, hinders economic development, and undermines social cohesion. It exacerbates existing inequalities and impedes progress towards gender equality and women's empowerment. Drawing on empirical evidence and theoretical frameworks, this paper underscores the urgent need for comprehensive, multi-sectoral approaches to address GBV effectively. Such approaches should encompass prevention, intervention, and response strategies that engage diverse stakeholders, including governments, civil society organizations, communities, and individuals. Moreover, efforts to combat GBV must be underpinned by a commitment to challenging harmful gender norms, promoting human rights, and fostering gender-equitable societies. By shedding light on the pervasive nature and far-reaching impacts of GBV, this abstract seeks to inform policy, advocacy, and programming efforts aimed at eradicating this grave violation of human rights and fostering a more just and equitable society for all.

By Faraha, Nazia Ansari
In Volume: 14,Issue: 1
Title: A Study on the Trend Analysis of India’s Trade Relations with SAFTA Nations: A Review

Abstract: Countries participating in a regional trading arrangement (RTA) are typically heterogeneous, as evidenced by their variations in geographic size, population, gross national product (GNP), economic systems—reflected in the various types of commodities and services manufactured when traded — and the policy instruments employed through monetary, financial, and trade-related measures that affect national production and trade activities. The diverse attributes of the South Asian Free Trade Area (SAFTA) members significantly impact their benefits from a Regional Trade Agreement (RTA). The South Asian nations within the SAFTA distinctly illustrate their intrinsic disparities while also highlighting an unsettling situation about the inequitable distribution of prospective benefits from through regional collaboration initiative. Although the members of SAFTA members have low-income and the nations are developing, among these —Bhutan, Bangladesh, Nepal and Maldives, —are classified as least developed countries (LDCs) due to many significant challenges that impede their business expansion and development. Thus, the extent to which these issues may impact the SAFTA agreement and the measures India must implement is a crucial inquiry, which serves as the primary purpose of this article. This research also considers the influence among the SAARC members. Analysis of data from several pertinent sources covering the period from 2016-17 to 2022-23 reveals that commerce among SAFTA members has not expanded as considerably as anticipated. The statistical analysis conducted validates the suspicions of numerous scholars, indicating that the SAFTA countries are not genuine trading partners; instead, they frequently compete by exporting identical product categories. Given that this context renders significant growth in mutual trade improbable, the paper finishes with views on enhancing India's regional commerce.

By Manish Upretya, Pankaj Kumar Shah
In Volume: 14,Issue: 1
Title: Gender Based Violence and Its Impact on the Society

Abstract: Gender-based violence (GBV) is a pervasive global issue that affects individuals across all demographics, but disproportionately impacts women and girls. This abstract examines the multifaceted nature of GBV, encompassing various forms such as physical, sexual, psychological, and economic violence. Using a socio-ecological framework, it explores the complex interplay of individual, relational, community, and societal factors that contribute to the perpetuation of GBV. Furthermore, the abstract delves into the profound consequences of GBV on individuals and society at large. Beyond the immediate physical and psychological trauma experienced by survivors, GBV perpetuates cycles of poverty, hinders economic development, and undermines social cohesion. It exacerbates existing inequalities and impedes progress towards gender equality and women's empowerment. Drawing on empirical evidence and theoretical frameworks, this paper underscores the urgent need for comprehensive, multi-sectoral approaches to address GBV effectively. Such approaches should encompass prevention, intervention, and response strategies that engage diverse stakeholders, including governments, civil society organizations, communities, and individuals. Moreover, efforts to combat GBV must be underpinned by a commitment to challenging harmful gender norms, promoting human rights, and fostering gender-equitable societies. By shedding light on the pervasive nature and far-reaching impacts of GBV, this abstract seeks to inform policy, advocacy, and programming efforts aimed at eradicating this grave violation of human rights and fostering a more just and equitable society for all.

By Faraha, Nazia Ansari
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: Artificial Intelligence and Employment Shifts in India’s E-Commerce Sector: A Sectoral Post-Covid Analysis

Abstract: The COVID-19 pandemic accelerated digital adoption across sectors, rapidly restructuring Indian e-commerce. AI is a critical enabler of operational efficiency-from planning supply chains to automating customer support. The study attempts to understand post-COVID transformations in AI-related employment trends in various e-commerce subsectors in India. While AI threatens entry-level, routine applications, it creates a demand for professional jobs further involving AI development, data science, and digital operations. The study, thus, employs mixed methods, using secondary data sets and qualitative case studies, to comprehend the sectoral landscape of AI impacts on employment. It attempts to understand the potentials and challenges of AI, drawing on assessment of its socio-economic impact so as to arrive at recommendations on reskilling policies and inclusive employment strategies.

By S.K.S. Yadav, Samreen Khan
In Volume: 14,Issue: 1