Research & Projects
Book Chapters
-
Kerala’s Ageing Economy and Exploring the Role of Community-Based Care Work (with Navia Sebastian), Social and Solidarity Economy: A Sectoral Narrative. (ISBN 978-93-91798-51-2)
-
Grapes of Wrath - The Indian Fiasco (with Steny Raphael), Socio-Legal Androcentrism and Gender Inequalities. Centre For Women and Law, NLU Odisha
-
ചില കോവിഡാനന്തര സാമ്പത്തിക ചിന്തകൾ (with Niranjana CP), കോവിഡാനന്തര കേരളം: ഒരു പുതിയ വികസന പരിപ്രേക്ഷ്യം. (ISBN 978-81-952704-1-5)
Others
-
A study on Poverty Reduction and Women Empowerment through Universal Basic Income with special reference to Slum Population. for Loyola Research Park
Explore More
The 21st century is often called the “century of the elderly,” with the 22nd century predicted to be an era of ‘ageing of the aged’. Kerala, according to the ‘Elderly in India 2021’ report, has the highest elderly population. As this population grows, so do dependency and health issues, leading to productivity loss for caregivers. This study explores the economic aspects of this ageing population in Kerala, focusing on labour force participation, co-morbidities, and out-of-pocket expenses. Using data from the Kerala Ageing Survey (2004-13) it highlights Kerala’s ageing economy, increased dependency ratio, and the severity of co-morbidities. Education level was found to be a significant factor influencing labour force participation. The study also discusses the role of Social and Solidarity Economies (SSE), particularly community-based care work, in geriatric care. This approach can help mitigate dependency impacts and reduce the opportunity cost of care. The paper concludes by exploring the potential of the solidarity economy in addressing elderly care, offering new insights into healthcare policies and approaches.
Kerala’s elderly population is rising due to its complex demographic and social structure. Based on the Kerala Ageing Survey 2004-2019, this study examines the economics of elderly care and the ageing process. The data reveals an increasing burden of elderly care on Kerala’s working population. A significant finding is the correlation between educational status and labour force participation among older people. Widows, in particular, face a challenging situation, often participating in the labour force during their elderly years to make ends meet. The study also explores the impact of Kerala’s high life expectancy rate for women, often resulting in them living without a partner for most of their elderly years. The state’s prevalence of lifestyle diseases is also examined, focusing on the expenditure incurred for treatment. The study statistically proves that unemployed individuals incur more expenses for treating chronic illnesses. A forward step-wise logistic regression was used to understand the factors affecting elderly labour force participation. Literacy was found to be a significant influencing factor in 2004, 2010, and 2013, while being ‘Old-Old’ was a critical factor in 2007. The study concludes that low levels of education can impact labour force participation as people often lack sufficient savings from their active work years.
India is a significant producer and consumer of natural rubber (NR), with the southern and northeastern states, particularly Kerala, being substantial contributors. Smallholders dominate the rubber plantation sector, producing 93% of the output. NR is collected as latex and field coagulum, with sheet rubber (RSS) being the primary processed form. Smallholders need help marketing their rubber compared to large estates. They typically sell their produce to rubber dealers or Rubber Producers' Societies (RPS), with prices determined by market demand. The study analyses farm gate prices and tapping patterns in Kottayam district, Kerala. Results show a declining interest in rubber cultivation among the younger generation. Most RPS members are third-generation growers. Tapping practices include alternate daily tapping (58%), and wages for hired labour are ₹1.72 per tree. RPS members are more informed about subsidies and incentives. A trend is observed in selling latex instead of RSS due to lower prices. Non-RPS members prefer selling RSS due to higher farm gate prices. The study also analyzes the growth rates of rubber prices in India and globally. RPS members receive better farm gate prices for their rubber, with 61% having an alternative income source. Non-RPS members also have alternative income sources and receive slightly lower prices. In conclusion, the study highlights the need for government intervention to counter falling rubber prices. Tapping frequency influences production costs, and alternative income sources help growers cope with market fluctuations.
