Welcome to Hear Here, the podcast where policy meets punchlines! Join us as we explore complex topics with a side of humor that’s not just good—it's dad-joke-level great. This episode dives into the Model Code of Conduct (MCC) that guides Indian election practices. We’ll discuss its evolution from the 'Minimum Code of Conduct' in 1960 to the robust framework we see today. Our guest, Aneysha from SPRF, provides expert insights into how the MCC has shaped Indian elections and the challenges it faces in a digital age. From campaign financing to regulating digital media, we’ve got you covered. So grab your headphones, and let's navigate the serious and the silly sides of Indian democracy.
https://sprf.in/demystifying-the-model-code-of-conduct/
Join us in this episode of Hear Here as we delve into the often-overlooked education topic for migrant children in India. We discuss the challenges they face, the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, and potential solutions with our special guest, Gayatri Sethi, who brings valuable insights from her research at SPRF. Read Gayatri's research here: https://sprf.in/sprf-shorts/education-for-children-of-migrant-workers/
In this episode of Hear Here, we welcome Shruti Jindal as she shares her invaluable insights and experiences navigating the intricate world of research as a young researcher. From tackling challenges head-on to seizing growth opportunities, Shruti's journey offers inspiration and practical wisdom for aspiring researchers everywhere. Tune in to gain fresh perspectives and actionable advice on making an impact in the realm of academia!
In cities where conventional public transport is either limited or inadequate, e-rickshaws have filled the gap by providing last-mile connectivity and easing intra-city commutes. The availability of locally manufactured electric vehicles in the form of rickshaws and motorbikes has also facilitated the advent of hyperlocal delivery.
In this episode, we talk with Anusha Arif to discuss last-mile connectivity in Tier III and Tier III cities through e-rickshaws. Anusha works as a research associate at SPRF in the domains of climate, inclusivity, and law.
Read her paper here: https://sprf.in/powering-progress-of-last-mile-connectivity-e-rickshaws-mobility-in-tier-ii-iii-cities-in-india/
Welcome back to Hear Here, in today's episode, we delve into the vital role of research in shaping public policy, joined by Abraham Simon and SPRF's Nipunika Sachdeva.
Throughout the episode, Abraham shares his extensive experience, ranging from conducting research in bustling Delhi hospitals to exploring the remote corners of Andhra Pradesh. He emphasizes the significance of being attuned to ground realities, highlighting how these insights profoundly influence our comprehension and implementation of policies.
From listening intently to the voices of communities to keenly observing societal dynamics, Abraham underscores the importance of meticulous research in crafting effective policy solutions. By bridging the gap between theory and practice, research serves as a cornerstone for informed decision-making, ultimately fostering positive societal change.
So, join us as we unravel the intricacies of research in public policy and discover how it paves the way for a more equitable and responsive governance framework.
For more of SPRF's research -
W: sprf.in
IG: sprfindia
LinkedIn - SPRF India
Abraham Simon works as a political analyst in Andhra Pradesh and has extensive experience working on-ground in policy and research.
Over the last two censuses, India's urban population increased to more than 31%, with a 2.7% annual growth rate. According to estimates, while urban regions today house one-third of the country's population, by 2050, this figure might rise to 814 million, or 50% of the anticipated total population of 1.6 billion. India has become a water-stressed country over time, with per capita water supplies continuously declining since 1951. Much of the recent literature on urban water management in India implies that the country's fast-growing urban population will place enormous strain on its water supplies. At the same time as rural India accounts for the majority of national water consumption, it also accounts for the majority of national water waste.
In today's episode, we are joined by Jintedra Bisht to discuss his paper Urban Water Supply in India: Policy Paradigms and Institutional Priorities. Jitendra discusses with Riya from SPRF team urban water management that uses a Malthusian lens, population is the primary driver of increasing demand and competition for available water resources throughout urban regions. As a result, a broad shift toward demand management can be seen in policy frameworks. The increased reliance on groundwater, particularly through individual borewells, is a key consequence of inefficient urban water supply infrastructure. However, because of increased paved surfaces and heavy deforestation, metropolitan areas have a substantial surface runoff. This reduces groundwater recharge and causes floods during rainstorms.
You can read Jitendra's paper here - 'Urban Water Supply in India: Policy Paradigms and Institutional Priorities'
For more of our research -
W: sprf.in
IG: sprfindia
LinkedIn - SPRF India
Jitendra Bisht works in policy research, climate crisis, and sustainability studies, and has previously worked as a Senior Analyst at SPRF India.
According to the National Domestic Workers' Movement, domestic workers range from official estimates of 42 lakhs to unofficial estimates of more than 5 crores. This lack of information makes the topic even more important to understand because it is a growing issue. As India's middle class expands and its rural workforce migrates to urban places, more people are going to join the domestic workforce.
In today's episode, we are talking about the 'maids', 'helps', 'servants', the 'didis, aunties, and bhaiyas', meaning we're talking about India's domestic workers. Through the podcast we tackle the first and foremost problem of the lack of data, before delving further into Neymat's paper and looking at domestic labour, understanding related policies, and also view it from a caste and gendered angle.
You can read Neymat's paper here - 'Domestic Workers in India: An Invisible Workforce'
For more of our research -
W: sprf.in
IG: sprfindia
LinkedIn - SPRF India
Neymat Chadha is currently pursuing her PhD from IIT Delhi and has previously worked as a Research Associate with SPRF.
India has the second-largest youth population between ages 10 to 24, and it's important to examine this population's understanding and relationship to sexuality education. Despite a young and culturally diverse demography, India has consistently deprioritised knowledge, awareness, and acceptance of comprehensive sexuality education [CSE] for its youth.
In today's episode, we are going to go over the current situation in schools, discuss something called CSE or Comprehensive Sex Education, and some policy alternatives that can have a positive influence on the maturing children of the country.
You can read Barkha's paper here - Beyond Academics: A case for bringing comprehensive sexuality education to Indian classrooms
For more of our research -
W: sprf.in
IG: sprfindia
LinkedIn - SPRF India
You can peruse through the Zero Period's work here - https://www.thezeroperiod.org/
India’s Maoist insurgents are among the largest (or possibly the largest) organised left-wing extremist groups in the world at present. Women make up about 60% of the Maoist cadre, a fact that is not only overlooked in the popular narrative but also in the state’s response to it over the years.
In today's Hear Here episode, we delve into the world of female Maoists with editorial manager Riya Singh Rathore. We discuss women's role in the insurgency, its push and pull factors, the state's tendency to adopt a masculinist lens, and how the state can transform the conflict for the better.
You can read Riya's paper here - Gender Equality as a Counter-terrorism Measure: The Case of Female Maoists
The Omicron variant of the Coronavirus was recently named a "variant of concern" by the WHO. First found in South Africa, the variant has rapidly spread to nearby African countries, Israel, Australia, parts of Europe and Canada. Meanwhile, the WTO called off its upcoming 12th ministerial meet which had on agenda the TRIPS waiver proposed last year by India and South Africa. The waiver aims to improve access to vaccines and diagnostic tools essential to fight Covid-19 in developing countries by relaxing existing patent and intellectual property norms enshrined within the TRIPS agreement.
In today's episode of Hear Here, we sit down with our former colleague Niha Satyaprakash to discuss her paper on the TRIPS waiver and why there is an urgent need for consensus on the issue.
You can read Niha's paper here: Toward Global Vaccination: The Case for the TRIPS Waiver
Every October, like clockwork, the media publishes articles with a sad picture where the India gate is barely visible through the pollution. On cue, everyone starts blaming farmers for stubble burning but not many of us truly understand the problem. So, today, we discussed stubble burning with Akshita to understand what it is, why its done, and how we can curb it in the long run.
You can read Akshita's paper here: Stubble Burning: The Need For A Behavioural Lens