Artha Journal of Social Sciences

Editorial

Deepak Johnson K — 2026-10-05

The Need to Relook at the Measure of Women’s Agency

Subhasree Ghatak — 2026-10-05

The ability of women to exercise their agency is a crucial determinant of several socio-economic processes and outcomes. It shapes intrahousehold decision-making behaviour, bargaining power, and resource allocation. We raise the concern of reexamining the measure of agency, especially relational agency, in the context of a dynamic and rapidly changing socio-economic structure. We argue that the traditional survey measures need an overall restructuring.

Evaluating AYUSH Integration in Delhi NCR: A PRISMA-Framework Study

Pratibha Sharma — 2026-09-17

As the Indian government attempts to mainstream the AYUSH (Ayurveda, Yoga, Naturopathy, Unani, Siddha, Homoeopathy, and Sowa-Rigpa) system into the healthcare sector, it is plagued by the problem of a policy-perception paradox, whereby persistent low utilisation of these services exists despite significant infrastructure development and investment. Focusing on the Delhi National Capital Region (NCR), a systematic review of the literature is employed to explain this phenomenon. The findings reveal that Delhi NCR is recognised as a centre for several apex institutions, extensive co-location with modern-medicine facilities, and digital integration. However, this is in sharp contrast to a consistent pattern of severe demand-side underutilisation, as AYUSH accounts for a disproportionately low fraction of outpatient visits compared to modern medicine, which results in increased government spending per patient in AYUSH facilities. The analysis further reveals that even though AYUSH is preferred in managing chronic conditions, its widespread acceptance is hampered by perceived lack of scientific validation and operational challenges in integrated settings. The study concludes by emphasising the need for solutions that move beyond infrastructural expansion to effectively address the determinants of low public utilisation.

Connectivity as Strategy: Assessing India’s Key Infrastructure Initiatives in Myanmar and Thailand

Shonyothem Ng — 2026-09-17

As a regional power, India’s ties with the South Asian nations are particularly significant. In order to maximise its relations with the region, excellent connectivity facilities have become tremendously important to enhance economic transactions, cultural interactions, and interpersonal contacts. In this regard, the ongoing India-Myanmar-Thailand (IMT) Trilateral Highway and the Kaladan Multi-Modal Transit Transport Project (KMMTTP) are undoubtedly two primary infrastructure initiatives by India that help in expanding its connectivity. Nevertheless, the advancement of these two has been hampered by various political and security concerns in Myanmar. Construction is delayed, costs have increased, and the project’s long-term viability is uncertain due to the persistent political instability in Myanmar. This article considers how the recent general elections in Myanmar would impact India’s ongoing infrastructure projects.

Contextual Drawbacks to Implementing Digital Systems in Selected Countries in the Southern African Public Sector: An Integrative Review

Christopher Dick-Sagoe — 2026-09-17

Digital transformation holds considerable promise for improving public service delivery across Africa. However, despite regional and international initiatives to advance digital governance, implementing digital systems in Southern Africa’s public sector has faced persistent challenges. This study presents an integrative review of the literature on the contextual drawbacks to the adoption of digital systems in the Southern African region. The study is guided by the Technology-Organisation-Environment (TOE) framework and supported by complementary theoretical lenses. A systematic literature search, screening, and synthesis process was conducted on relevant peer-reviewed publications. Our findings show that the key technological impediments include outdated infrastructure, cybersecurity vulnerabilities, and insufficient information and communication technology (ICT) capacity. Institutional challenges stem from bureaucratic inertia, limited managerial support, digital hesitancy, and leadership instability, while environmental constraints are shaped by poor interdepartmental coordination, low citizen participation, and digital inequality. We argue that these challenges are interdependent and mutually reinforcing and therefore require a multidimensional policy response, such as targeted digital investments in underserved areas, capacity-building for public servants, user-centric system design, and institutional reforms that foster inter-agency collaboration and inclusive digital governance.

Caste Politics: Sociological Analysis of Language, Literature, and Cultural Industry

Shashank S. R. — 2026-09-17