ROLE OF BANKS IN RURAL FINANCE IN INDIA
Dr. Pramod Gupta, Professor -Department of Management Studies Modern Institute of Technology and Research Centre
Alwar (Rajasthan)
International Journal of Multidisciplinary Research and Bulletin | DOI 10.5281/zenodo.18892227 | Page 01 to 31
Abstract
The paper presents an analysis of the development of rural finance in Asian countries, specifically aimed at examining and understanding the influence of rural finance on poverty alleviation among low-income households in rural regions. To achieve this objective, the paper critically evaluates various articles, journals, and reports related to financial services and poverty reduction. It concludes that the alleviation of poverty among the rural poor is significantly influenced by financial inclusion, financial literacy, access to financial services, and the efficiency and effectiveness of the rural economy. Rural finance includes a range of financial services utilized by individuals across all income levels in rural areas. This paper particularly emphasizes the evolution of rural finance within the Indian economy, tracing its progress from the pre-independence period to the present decade in the Indian banking sector. Numerous government initiatives and schemes, both past and present, such as the Integrated Rural Development Programme (IRDP), Swarnjayanti Gram Swarozgar Yojana (SGSY), National Rural Livelihoods Mission (NRLM), and Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme (MGNREGS), have been implemented to alleviate rural poverty through job creation and the provision of income-generating assets to the most disadvantaged members of the community. While the author seeks to evaluate the impact of access to financial services on poverty reduction, these government initiatives aimed at poverty alleviation through wage employment generation and indirectly enhancing access to financial services are not included in the current review.
Keywords: Regional Rural Banks, Rural Finance, Rural Development, Growth of Economy
Does the election mechanism deserve a change? A Critique on the proposed Change
Akash Chatterjee, Research scholar, Calcutta University, Department of Law, India
International Journal of Multidisciplinary Research and Bulletin | DOI 10.5281/zenodo.18892462 | Page 01 to 07
Abstract
This research as an opinion piece evaluates in depth the effects of the One Nation, One Election (ONOE) proposal on the Indian political system, the framework that intends to combine the elections to the Lok Sabha with all the State Legislative Assemblies. The ONOE as a single polling event, would, in fact, decentralize the Indian polity to an extent unseen after independence in one fell swoop. ONOE’s proponents maintain that the couplings of the polls would entail immediate savings of public money as the financial burden of the recurring elections would be alleviated considerably; in addition, administrative disruption resulting from the frequent deployment of personnel and security forces would be minimalized and the “model code of conduct” ice period which is a suspension of the governmental policies is terminated. Besides, they claim that a consolidated electoral cycle may contribute to the stabilization of the government, allow the long-term policy planning, and the alleviation of the rallying excitement by unavoidable contesting ongoing. Nevertheless, the paper challenges these assumptions by pointing out challenges related to the constitution, federalism, logistics, and democracy that are present in ONOE. It would take a lot of changes of the constitution to put this reform in place especially concerning the duration of the legislatures, dissolution before time, and provisions in case of emergency. The paper also delves into the democratic risks that come with mid-term instability under ONOE. When majority is lost or a state government is overturned, the choices—such as setting up caretaker governments or using fixed-term parliaments—may make the democracy less responsive. The study ends with the point that while ONOE could lead to some administrative and economic advantages, its complications at the constitutional level and possible centralising effects call for thorough consideration. If the reform is taken up, it needs to have provisions that maintain the equilibrium at the federal level, ensure electoral independence, and maintain the pluralistic nature of Indian democracy.
Keywords: One nation, one election, federal, majoritarian, democracy, Constitution, India
INNOVATIONS IN GOVERNANCE STRUCTURE AND PUBLIC SERVICE EFFICIENCY IN AKWA IBOM STATE, NIGERIA: ISSUES AND PROSPECTS.
Ebong, Itoro Bassey Ph.D, Department of Public Administration Faculty of Social Sciences University of UyoUyo, AkwaIbom
State, Nigeria
International Journal of Multidisciplinary Research and Bulletin | DOI 10.5281/zenodo.18892540 | Page 01 to 22
Abstract
This study examined governance and the efficiency of public service delivery in Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria, with an emphasis on key challenges, innovative interventions, and policy implications. As a natural resources-endowed state, Akwa Ibom State offers a distinctive context to explore how administrative structures, institutional arrangements, and reform initiatives shape the quality and effectiveness of the public service. The study was anchored on New Public Management (NPM) Theory and Institutional Theory, which collectively provide a framework for understanding the influence of organizational design, management practices, and institutional norms on administrative performance. A qualitative research design was adopted, utilizing secondary data sources including policy documents, government reports, institutional records, and relevant scholarly literature. This approach allowed for an in-depth analysis of systemic challenges affecting service delivery, including bureaucratic inefficiencies, weak oversight mechanisms, and political favouritism, which continue to undermine performance outcomes. Despite these obstacles, the study found out that innovative strategies implemented by the State government such as e-governance platforms, digitalization of public records, performance monitoring systems, and participatory policy-making processes have contributed to improvements in transparency, accountability, and stakeholder engagement. However, persistent gaps in policy execution and inconsistent enforcement remain significant barriers to achieving sustained reforms. The study concluded that while Akwa Ibom State has made notable strides in modernizing its public administration, sustainable improvements require strengthening institutional capacity, institutionalizing merit-based practices, enhancing anti-corruption mechanisms, and promoting inclusive citizens participation. These findings provide critical insights for policy makers and public administrators seeking to optimize governance structures, improve service delivery, and foster public trust, not only within Akwa Ibom State but also across similar sub-national contexts in Nigeria.
Keywords: Governance, Public Service Delivery, Institutional Reform, E-Governance,
Addressing Replacement-Level Fertility in Jamaica: Policy Considerations for Sustainable Demographic and Socioeconomic Development
Paul Andrew Bourne, PhD, Adjunct Professor, Northern Caribbean University (NCU), Manchester, Jamaica, West Indies
International Journal of Multidisciplinary Research and Bulletin | DOI 10.5281/zenodo.18928381 | Page 01 to 35
Abstract
Jamaica is experiencing a trend toward replacement-level fertility, defined as the number of children per woman required to maintain a stable population, generally estimated at 2.1. Although replacement-level fertility can stabilise population size, sustained low fertility poses critical socioeconomic challenges, including population ageing, a shrinking labour force, and elevated dependency ratios. These demographic shifts have significant implications for economic growth, social security, and intergenerational support systems. The key drivers of declining fertility in Jamaica include increasing female education and labour force participation, delayed marriage, urbanisation, changing cultural norms, and access to modern contraception. Social and economic pressures, such as the rising cost of childrearing and housing, also influence reproductive decision-making. Drawing on national data, Caribbean regional evidence, and global best practices, this paper identifies policy interventions that address these trends while respecting reproductive autonomy. Recommended strategies include implementing familyfriendly policies such as parental leave and childcare support, targeted economic incentives for childbearing, gender-transformative programmes to balance work and family responsibilities and strengthened reproductive health services. Public awareness campaigns and enhanced demographic monitoring are also critical to ensure informed policy responses. Integrating these approaches can mitigate the socioeconomic risks of low fertility while supporting sustainable population and economic growth. Coordinated, evidence-based policy action is therefore essential for promoting demographic resilience and long-term social well-being in Jamaica.
Keywords: replacement-level fertility, Jamaica, population ageing, demographic policy, gender equity, reproductive health