Papers by Dr.Rajib Malakar
EPRA International Journal of Agriculture and Rural Economic Research (ARER) , Dec 5, 2025
In the context of livelihood sector, agroforestry has emerged as a promising livelihood option th... more In the context of livelihood sector, agroforestry has emerged as a promising livelihood option that supports both ecological balance and income generation, particularly for the rural vulnerable communities. This study analyses how agroforestry practices have impacted the lives of tribal households in the Ganda Twisa subdivision of Dhalai District, Tripura. A total of 100 agroforestry farmers were randomly selected to understand their current practices, the implementation process, livelihood outcomes, and the overall sustainability of their livelihood. The standard agroforestry model adopted in the study area combines agarwood, are canut, and pineapple, and has been widely accepted by the beneficiaries. Several farmers have also added other crops on their own to increase diversified income. The study observed that, about 78% of the participants have already started earning supplementary income, mostly from pineapple, grown as an intercrop. Overall, agroforestry has significantly contributed to livelihood through long-term income security through agar cultivation, diversified income sources, improved food and nutritional support, and increased employment opportunities. At the same time, several challenges were identified, including limited technical knowledge, financial constraints for fencing in the farm land, inconsistent access to quality planting materials, and market linkages. Despite these challenges, an encouraging 92% of the farmers were found optimistic and were ready for expanding agroforestry on their land. The study recommends continued extension services, market access and training as needed to achieve the full potential of agroforestry as a rural sustainable development model in Tripura.
International Journal for Multidisciplinary Research (IJFMR) , 2025
The Panchayati Raj System in Tripura represents a unique double engine model of decentralized gov... more The Panchayati Raj System in Tripura represents a unique double engine model of decentralized governance that integrates both the constitutional provisions of the 73rd Amendment and the special administrative framework of the Sixth Schedule. This paper presents a comprehensive overview of the structure, functions, and operational dynamics of the Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs) and the Village Committees functioning under the Tripura Tribal Areas Autonomous District Council (TTAADC). It traces the historical evolution of local governance in Tripura, outlines the institutional framework of Gram Panchayats, Panchayat Samitis, and Zilla Parishads in non-ADC areas, and examines the corresponding institutions-Village Committees and Block Advisory Committees-within ADC regions. The paper also highlights the roles and responsibilities of the Rural Development (Panchayat) Department in facilitating administrative and financial support to these local bodies. Further, it discusses the extent of devolution of powers, functional integration, and the participation of Panchayats in implementing centrally and statesponsored schemes. The findings emphasize the importance of strengthening institutional capacity, enhancing transparency, and promoting participatory governance for effective local administration. Overall, the paper underscores the significance of Tripura's Panchayati Raj framework as a model of inclusive rural governance combining constitutional and traditional governance structures.
EPRA International Journal of Agriculture and Rural Economic Research (ARER), 2025
The August 2024 floods in Tripura were a severe disaster for the state, profoundly impacting the ... more The August 2024 floods in Tripura were a severe disaster for the state, profoundly impacting the agricultural livelihoods of farmers. This research focused on the severely affected Jolaibari Block of South Tripura District. The study was conducted using surveys of 105 affected farmers from three Gram Panchayats in Jolaibari Block and quantifies the flood impacts. Key findings show that nearly 90% of households suffered significant income losses, with damage to paddy, vegetable, and fisheries sectors. The post-flood situation was heart-wrenching for farmers due to severely hindered recovery of waterlogged fields, soil erosion, soil covered with mud and debris, combined with damage to livestock, seeds, and irrigation.
To cope with the livelihood damages, farmers relied on multifaceted strategies such as temporary migration, informal borrowing, and food credit. Even after five months, a quarter of households continued to struggle to restore their livelihoods. Crucially, government aid (insurance, seed distribution, input support) managed to reach less than half of the affected households, revealing significant gaps. This research highlights the immediate need for an integrated policy approach, including strengthened insurance, financial aid, climate-resilient agriculture, and livelihood diversification, to build resilience among small and marginal farmers in Tripura's flood-prone areas.
TIJER - INTERNATIONAL RESEARCH JOURNAL , 2025
This study explores the factors affecting human resource performance within the Rural Local Bodie... more This study explores the factors affecting human resource performance within the Rural Local Bodies (RLBs) of Tripura, India. It identifies key performance challenges that hinder governance and development at the grassroots level, emphasizing systemic issues, skill deficits, and behavioral gaps among stakeholders. Using Focus Group Discussions (FGDs) with 1,302 participants, including elected representatives and officials, the study analyzed these issues through qualitative insights and Fishbone (Cause-and-Effect) Analysis. Four major performance problems emerged: Inconsistent Service Delivery, Weak Management and Supervision, Decreased Productivity, and Resistance to Change. Symptoms of these challenges include delays in service provision, lack of innovation, poor community engagement, and internal conflicts. Root causes were found to be both systemic, such as inadequate staffing, infrastructure, and funding, and skill-related, including gaps in technical knowledge, communication abilities, and leadership capacities. The study proposes a dual approach to addressing these problems. On the one hand, structural reforms are necessary to improve infrastructure, streamline processes, and allocate adequate resources. On the other, targeted training interventions should focus on building technical and managerial skills, enhancing digital literacy, fostering leadership, and improving stakeholder coordination. Training programs must also address motivational barriers by providing adequate incentives and reducing procedural hurdles. Additionally, systemic reforms such as promoting community participation, improving record management systems, and establishing conflict resolution mechanisms are critical. These steps can mitigate resistance to change, increase productivity, and enhance the effectiveness of RLBs. By aligning capacity-building initiatives with systemic improvements, this study underscores the potential for strengthening rural governance in Tripura and contributing to sustainable rural development. This research highlights the need for a holistic strategy that combines training and administrative reforms to bridge performance gaps, thereby fostering effective and efficient local governance
EPRA International Journal of Multidisciplinary Research (IJMR) - Peer Reviewed Journal , 2025
The Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA), launched in 2005, has emerg... more The Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA), launched in 2005, has emerged as a landmark initiative aimed at alleviating rural poverty and unemployment through guaranteed wage employment and asset creation. This study investigates the sustainability and productivity of assets created under the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA) in Tripura, India. Conducted in the Ambassa RD Block of Dhalai District, the research focuses on assets created during the 2018-19 financial year. Data was collected from 174 respondents, including individual beneficiaries and villagers, through household surveys, interviews, and field visits. The study reveals that the majority of assets were in good condition and deemed useful by the beneficiaries. However, there were shortcomings in the installation of Community Information Boards and maintenance of community assets. The findings indicate that MGNREGA has positively impacted rural livelihoods by improving sanitation, increasing income, and enhancing infrastructure. The study recommends improved grassroots planning, convergence with other departments, beneficiary education, and robust monitoring and maintenance mechanisms to maximize the program's effectiveness and ensure the sustainability of created assets.
Empowerment of Women Workers Through Mgnregs In Tripura
MGNREGS is part of the Government of India's broader commitment to inclusive growth, which ai... more MGNREGS is part of the Government of India's broader commitment to inclusive growth, which aims to address both the economic and social underpinnings of poverty. As a rural wage employment programme, MGNREGS recognized the relevance of incorporating gender equity and empowerment in its design. Various provisions under the Act and its Guidelines aim to ensure that women have equitable and easy access to work, decent working conditions, equal payment of wages and representations on decision-making bodies. From 2006–2007 to 2011–2012, around Rs 53,000 crores. have been spent on wages for women and around 47 percent of the total person days 1 generated have been by women. Overall, MGNREGS has been a positive and important scheme for women.
Empowerment of Women Workers Through Mgnregs In Tripura
MGNREGS is part of the Government of India's broader commitment to inclusive growth, which ai... more MGNREGS is part of the Government of India's broader commitment to inclusive growth, which aims to address both the economic and social underpinnings of poverty. As a rural wage employment programme, MGNREGS recognized the relevance of incorporating gender equity and empowerment in its design. Various provisions under the Act and its Guidelines aim to ensure that women have equitable and easy access to work, decent working conditions, equal payment of wages and representations on decision-making bodies. From 2006–2007 to 2011–2012, around Rs 53,000 crores. have been spent on wages for women and around 47 percent of the total person days 1 generated have been by women. Overall, MGNREGS has been a positive and important scheme for women.
Implementation Status of Right to Education (Rte) Act 2009 in Tripura: A Critical Analysis
Education is an essential human right which must be provided to all for the sustainable developme... more Education is an essential human right which must be provided to all for the sustainable development of the nation. It enhances the productivity of the citizens and thus is directly linked to the welfare of the people. In India, Education is controlled by the Union Government and the states, with some responsibilities lying with the Union and the states having autonomy for others. Most of the universities in India are controlled by the Union or State Government. Article 21–A of the Indian Constitution casts a duty upon the State to provide Free Compulsory Education to children in the age group of 614 years, ‘as the State may, by law, determine’. Therefore, time to time a demand has been raised for a law to ensure the Free Compulsory Education in India. Though several Central and state level attempts have been taken towards this end. The Sarva Shikhsa Abhiyan (SSA) is one of the successful attempts. The last of such attempts resulted in the “Right to Education Act (RTE) 2009” which de...
MGIRED Journal, 2015
Education is an essential human right which must be provided to all for the sustainable developme... more Education is an essential human right which must be provided to all for the sustainable development of the nation. It enhances the productivity of the citizens and thus is directly linked to the welfare of the people. In India, Education is controlled by the Union Government and the states, with some responsibilities lying with the Union and the states having autonomy for others. Most of the universities in India are controlled by the Union or State Government. Article 21-A of the Indian Constitution casts a duty upon the State to provide Free Compulsory Education to children in the age group of 6-14 years, 'as the State may, by law, determine'. Therefore, time to time a demand has been raised for a law to ensure the Free Compulsory Education in India. Though several Central and state level attempts have been taken towards this end. The Sarva Shikhsa Abhiyan (SSA) is one of the successful attempts. The last of such attempts resulted in the "Right to Education Act (RTE) 2009" which declares education is a fundamental right for all.
International Journal of Research and Analytical Reviews (IJRAR), 2021
In a democratic country like India, it is not sufficient to have an elected government at the Cen... more In a democratic country like India, it is not sufficient to have an elected government at the Centre and at the State level. It is also necessary that even at the local level, there should be an elected government to look after local issues. With this aim, Local Institutions have been introduced in the country in the form of Panchayati Raj Institutions. The primary role of the local Institutions is in the area of development and planning, whereas the implementation of programs for economic development and social justice are the focal point of all activities. After food and clothing, shelter is the next basic necessity of human existence. It is a fact that the vast majority of our country lives below the poverty line. The majority of them does not have a house or live in squalid kutcha houses. Therefore, the construction and maintenance of rural housing are entrusted to local Institutions for giving special emphasis. Generally, Gram Panchayats and other local institutions are playing the role of implementing agency for all Central and State sponsored schemes. The same role was envisaged under Indira Awaas Yojana (IAY). This paper attempts an analysis of the Role of Local Institutions in the implementation of a Rural Housing Scheme like Indira Awaas Yojana with special reference to Tripura.
IOSR Journal Of Humanities And Social Science (IOSR-JHSS), 2021
The concept of 'good governance' at local levels means quality, effectiveness and efficiency of l... more The concept of 'good governance' at local levels means quality, effectiveness and efficiency of local administration. Inclusiveness, transparency and accountability in the public service delivery system, local public policy and decision-making procedures are the integral part of it. In case of India, during 90's one major policy shifts took towards strengthening the local governance through the 73rd and the 74th amendments to the constitution of India. But the form of decentralized local governance is not uniform in our country. To protect the customary tribal traditions and cultures of the colonial "excluded" areas of North East, the idea of local selfgovernance has been evolved as Sixth Schedule Areas. At present the Schedule applies in four states onlyit almost fully covers Meghalaya and partly the states of Assam, Tripura and Mizoram. To strengthen the participatory democracy the Tripura Tribal Areas Autonomous District Council (TTAADC) has established Village Committees at the grass root level like Panchayati Raj Institutions. These local level institutions are now playing a vital role for enhancing good governance. The village committees (local institutions) of TTAADC has provided a democratic model of governance, which is more participatory, consensus oriented, and believes to provide better administration in tribal areas. The objective of this present study is to assess how much this global idea of achieving good governance has been accomplished by TTAADC of Tripura as a local level institution, and whether it is feasible to achieve good governance through the current approach that is being practiced by developing countries like India.
Conference Presentations by Dr.Rajib Malakar
The Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA) was passed by the Indian Par... more The Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA) was passed by the Indian Parliament in 2005 with the aims of enhancing the livelihood security of rural household by guaranteeing 100 days of wage-employment in a financial year. TheAct also seeks livelihood activities. In the last financial year, around 70% of the total MGNREGA works were implemented for this purpose. Among them 20% works were related to water conservation, water harvesting and renovation of traditional water bodies. During this period, 3172 nos. fishery based livelihood projects and 9426 nos. irrigation canal projects were implemented throughout the state. It shows that, natural resource management initiatives are playing a very vital role in this wage employment scheme for sustainable livelihood development.
Reangs are the second largest indigenous tribes of the Indian state Tripura. Beside Tripura this ... more Reangs are the second largest indigenous tribes of the Indian state Tripura. Beside Tripura this ethnic tribe is also may be found in some other NorthEastern states viz. Mizoram and Assam of India and even in the Bangladesh. Like Tripura, the Reangs are second largest tribal group of Mizoram also. The Reangs of Mizoram had a demand for setting up of an Autonomous District Council (ADC) based on 6th schedule of the Constitution in Reang dominated areas of Southern Mizoram. But the majority Mizo tribesmen have looked upon the Reang demand with deep resentment. After then an ethnic conflict between the major tribal group Mizo and the minority Reang has resulted in the flight of 36000 Reangs from Mizoram to
Books by Dr.Rajib Malakar
NTFP Centre of Excelence, Forest Department, Govt. of Tripura, 2009
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Papers by Dr.Rajib Malakar
To cope with the livelihood damages, farmers relied on multifaceted strategies such as temporary migration, informal borrowing, and food credit. Even after five months, a quarter of households continued to struggle to restore their livelihoods. Crucially, government aid (insurance, seed distribution, input support) managed to reach less than half of the affected households, revealing significant gaps. This research highlights the immediate need for an integrated policy approach, including strengthened insurance, financial aid, climate-resilient agriculture, and livelihood diversification, to build resilience among small and marginal farmers in Tripura's flood-prone areas.
Conference Presentations by Dr.Rajib Malakar
Books by Dr.Rajib Malakar