Department Of Economic Studies

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Determinants of Export Services of USA with its Asian Partners: A Panel Data Analysis
(Ala-Too International University, Bishkek, 2011) Kaur, Sandeep
Trade in services has accounted for 20 per cent of global trade. Despite the increasing importance of services trade in global economy, there has been limited research on service trade which uses determinants driving such trade. The present paper has examined the export potential in service sector of USA with its Asian trade partners (Japan, China, India, Singapore, South Korea and Hong Kong) by taking into account geographic, economic and other features. The approach is based on gravity model, widely used to analyze trade in goods and has more recently been applied to service sector. Being a nature of study is of panel data i.e. for 9 years (2000-2008) and six cross sections, the study used panel data methodology. The study revealed that USA has export potential in services for India and Japan. Regarding the convergent and divergent economies, USA had convergence in exports with three Asian countries (Hong Kong, India and Korea) and divergence with three Asian countries (Japan, China and Singapore). There is a large scope for export expansion for Hong Kong, India and Korea.
Export and import potentials of Pakistan to other SAARC countries in gravity panel data models
(2011) Bhatia, S.K.; Nanda, P.
Pakistan's export and import potential to other SAARC nations has been calculated with the help of gravity model using panel data methodology (pooled model, fixed effect model and random effect model) by taking the time period 1981-2005. The study revealed that there was presence of convergence in Pakistan's exports as well as imports with SAARC countries and in the other words, actual Pakistan's exports and imports to SAARC countries converged towards the estimated export and import potential. Pakistan had convergence in exports with four SAARC members (Bhutan, India, Maldives and Nepal) and divergence with two SAARC members (Bangladesh and Sri Lanka). Regarding imports, Pakistan had convergence in imports with two SAARC members (Bangladesh and India) and divergence with two SAARC members (Nepal and Sri Lanka). The study suggested that greater stability in the international exchange system would also help to increase prospects for trade and investments of SAARC countries.
AN ANALYSIS OF ACTUAL AND POTENTIAL EXPORTS OF PAKISTAN WITH SAARC COUNTRIES: A PANEL DATA ANALYSIS
(Applied Economics Research Centre (AERC), 2011) Kaur, Sandeep; Nanda, Paramjit
Among the SAARC countries, India, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka had a share of 2.1 per cent, 1.4 per cent and 0.9 percent respectively, in the total exports of Pakistan. Therefore, it becomes imperative to study Pakistan's export potential in relation to SAARC countries. It was further recorded that all SAARC countries' trade including Pakistan is intense with one or two markets during the study period. Therefore, the present study aims at finding whether Pakistan has the potential to export to these nations by using gravity model. Pakistan's export potential to SAARC nations (Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Maldives, Nepal and Sri Lanka) was calculated with the help of gravity model of exports using panel data methodology (pooled model, fixed effect model and random effect model) by employing the data over time period 1981-2005. To find out the convergence and divergence of Pakistan's exports to SAARC members, speed of convergence has been used. The study revealed that, there was presence of convergence in Pakistan's exports with SAARC countries; in other words, actual Pakistan's exports to SAARC countries converged towards the estimated export potential. The study also found that among SAARC countries, Pakistan's net export potential exists for Bhutan, India, Maldives and Nepal. Bhutan, Maldives and Nepal are not only far away from Pakistan but they do not have any common borders with Pakistan. Therefore, Pakistan needs facility for transit trade with Maldives, Nepal and Bhutan, through India to realized its export potential.
India’s Trade with Central Asia: Trends and Prospects
(IACD- Institute of Asian Culture and Development, 2011) Kaur, Sandeep
Although the countries of Central Asia have been integrated in the global economy, their economic relations with India have been declined significantly. India’s BOT with all Central Asian countries (except Uzbekistan) had been favourable during 1993- 2009. Indian exports as well as imports from Central Asia are highly concentrated around few commodities during same period. Moreover, the Central Asia’s role in selected Indian exports as well as imports was not so strong and in fact negligible. There has been found very low trade of India with Central Asian countries. This is due to many reasons but lack of economic and financial sector reforms in some of these countries is one of the basic reasons. The other factors of this low trade are lack of direct transport links, poor infrastructure, inadequate banking facilities and tax structure, competition by Russia, China and USA etc. India can increase trade relations with Central Asia and also can play a multi- dimensional role in the development of these former Soviet Republics. Recently these economies have grown up; therefore good economic relations of India with Central Asia can boost their trade.
Socio-economic impact of Bt cotton in Bathinda district of Punjab
(Central University of Punjab, 2011) Kaur, Amandeep; Kahlon, A. S.
An attempt has been made in this study to assess the socio-economic impact of Bt cotton in Bathinda district of Punjab. The assessment is based mainly on primary data which is processed by applying regression analysis, Probit model and simple averages. On an average, 77.67 percent of total cropped area of the district is under Bt cotton cultivation as compared to 0.39 percent of Desi cotton cultivation. The decision of a farmer to adopt Bt cotton is significantly influenced by age and education of the farmer i.e. younger and better educated farmers prefer Bt cotton to Desi cotton. The study reveals that Bt cotton farmers are earning relatively higher net returns than that of Desi cotton farmers by Rs 19336 per acre due to relatively higher yield of 809 kg per acre as compared to Desi cotton yield of 420 kg per acre. The category wise analysis of Bt cotton farmers and Desi cotton farmers shows that farmers belonging to Others? category are earning more net returns than the Marginal and Small farmers. It was largely due to increased area under irrigation by Others? category of farmers. The social impact on the basis of perceptions of the sample farmers also revealed that Bt cotton is not adversely impacting health and reduced number of sprays has improved the quality of environment. Not a single farmer attributed the suicide cases to Bt cotton. Although Bt cotton cultivation is economically viable, yet higher seed cost hinders the pace of adoption by the Marginal and Small farmers. It is suggested that there is an urgent need for government to regulate the price of seeds of Bt cotton
Migration, transnationalism, and ambivalence: The Punjab-United Kingdom linkage
(Springer Netherlands, 2012) Qureshi, K.; Varghese, V.J.; Osella, F.; Rajan, S.I.
This chapter investigates developments in the Punjab-UK transnational space, a long-standing and extensive migration corridor. Within India?s diverse migration history, Punjab?s specificity is its particular historical connection with the UK, despite criss-crossing colonial and postcolonial migrations across the globe. We juxtapose field research in the UK and Punjab and show that transnationalism appears and works differently when viewed from either location-highlighting the differentially empowered nature of transnational space, as well as irresolvable ambivalences that are worked into transnational relationships. We reconsider the transnationalism paradigm through five interrelated arguments. We demonstrate the complexity of transnational space, which exceeds the binary sending-receiving country relationship that characterizes the literature. We find that transnationalism is not merely produced ?from below? by the activities of migrants and diaspora, but is orchestrated and formalized by various arms of the Indian and British states. Moreover, illicit flows of people are also produced by the governance of migration. Transnational connectivity does not diminish individuals? desire for a single, solid citizenship and nationality beyond the pragmatism attached with citizenship. Finally, we argue for historicizing of transnational networks and appreciation of the social relations of gender, generation, class, and caste by which they are cleaved. ? Springer Science+Business Media B.V. 2012.
Indian Punjabi skilled migrants in Britain: Of brain drain and under-employment
(Emerald Group Publishing Ltd., 2013) Qureshi, K.; Varghese, V.J.; Osella, F.
Purpose: The purpose of this paper is to examine the careers of skilled migrants from Indian Punjab. This study complicates the normalization of skilled migration as a "win-win" situation by examining the career trajectories of skilled migrants from the Indian Punjab who are trying to establish themselves in Britain. Design/methodology/approach: The paper examines 20 life history interviews undertaken with skilled migrants from the Indian Punjab to Britain, in IT, media, law and hospitality industries, health and welfare professionals, and student migrants. Findings: Skilled migrants were able to migrate on their own auspices through migration economies in Punjab. Once in Britain, however, they were directed to universities and labour markets in which they were not able to use their skills. They experienced under-employment, devaluation of their qualifications and downward mobility, which forced them into ethnic and gendered markets within their home networks and created ambivalence about migrant success and issues of return. Research limitations/implications: The study emphasizes the need to take a transnational lens when looking at skilled migration, address how migrants' career trajectories are limited by racism, anti-immigration sentiment and gender inequality, and consider temporality and uncertainty. Originality/value: The paper raises questions concerning the ways in which rapidly changing "managed migration" policies in Britain have burdened individual migrants. ? Emerald Group Publishing Limited.
Growing urbanization and economic development in india: The role of middle class
(Central University of Punjab, 2013) Jindal, Neha; Singla, Naresh
In the present study entitled "Growing Urbanization and Economic Development in India: The Role of Middle Class", examined that the growing urbanization leads to economic development by creating new rising middle class. The assessment is based mainly on secondary data which is analyzed using correlation, multiple regression analysis by testing of improvement of fit, path analysis and simple averages. The determinants of the size and growth of the middle class and role of middle class in economic development are also examined in this study. Size of middle class is associated with growing urbanization, higher school enrollment, higher share of service and industrial sector in GDP than agriculture sector and lower fertility. Using the definition of middle class given by NCAER and data on various determinants of middle class spanning the period 1990-2010, the multiple regression analysis by testing the improvement of fit, has been carried out to know the significant variables. And find that a larger middle class influenced through the growing urbanization and tertiary school enrollment. It was also found out that middle plays a positive role in economic development by regressing the size of middle class on HDI, GDP per capita and gross capital formation (parameters of ii economic development). The estimates show the positive and significant relation between them. Further through path analysis technique the significance of direct and indirect paths between various variables is analyzed. A casual model is proposed showing that the growing urbanization and tertiary school enrollment leads to rising new middle class and further the higher size of middle class leads to effect positively the HDI, GDP per capita, gross capital formation. The model coming out to be over identified and the estimates revealed that variables in the model are significant and the R2 in every path is high. Showing that each variable in the model has its own significant importance important. But the overall model is coming out to be bad fit. This is the limitation of the study and may be due to less number of observation and paths taken in the model.
Monitoring of mahatama gandhi national rural employment guarantee scheme in kulgam district of jammu and kashmir
(Central University of Punjab, 2013) Naiko, Bilal Ahmad; Kahlon, A. S.
The study entitled "Monitoring of Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme in Kulgam District of Jammu and Kashmir" is an attempt to assess the implementation of this Scheme. It brings out the violations of Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA) guidelines. It is based on the analysis of both primary and secondary data.The methodology entails multi-stage sampling method. Kulgam district was selected on the basis of maximum number of projects completed and maximum number of employment days generated during the reference year 2011-12. Further, two Blocks namely Kulgam and D .H. Pora were selected on the basis of maximum funds received during the reference year 2011-12.One Halqa Panchayat namely Checkpora-Bemdora and Manzgam-A were randomly selected from Blocks Kulgam and D. H. Pora respectively. One worksite in each selected Panchayat was also visited to collect the necessary information concerning the implementation of the Scheme. It was found that the study area had an effective mechanism of registration, job card issuance, employment provision (100%) and wage disbursement through bank accounts (100%). Work was provided within the village, equal wages were paid to men and womenand the quality of the assets was satisfactory. However, some serious deficiencies in the implementation of the Scheme were identified which include involvement of Contractors and use of labour displacing machinery, less than stipulated women participation rate,lack of worksite facilities, use of rough account (Kacha Khata), less participation of workers in Employment Guarantee Day and Halqa Majlis (Gram Sabha), provision of lesser than stipulated employment days, wage payment delays, inadequate staffing, lack of institutional arrangements and absence of Social Audit. It is suggested that more intensive monitoring/concurrent evaluation of MGNREGS may be done at the State/District level. State Government should address the manpower shortage and ensure strict compliance with the MGNREGA guidelines to correct the above mentioned deficiencies. However, the implementation of the Act has resulted in democratic decentralization, women empowerment, financial inclusion, rural infrastructure development, improved rural livelihood resource base, more employment generation and improvement in the standard of living of the rural people.
Has Odisha become less poor in the last decade?
(Economic and Political Weekly, 2014) Samantaraya, A.; Sahoo, A.K.; Mallick, A.; Bhuyna, B.
Though there has been overall economic progress in India in the post-reform period, it has not been uniform across the country. This article points out that contrary to popular perception, Odisha gradually improved its relative economic position in the second half of the post-reform period. This is evident both in terms of per capita income and key socio-economic indicators. A household survey undertaken to assess the situation at the grass-roots level also corroborates this. An analysis of the information from the survey also suggests that good irrigation facilities, road connectivity, and proximity to vibrant economic activities, such as mining and industry, facilitate more earning and a better standard of living.
Fresh food supermarkets in the Indian Punjab: Organisation and impacts
(University of California Los Angeles CMRS, 2014) Singla, Naresh; Singh, Sukhpal; Dhindsa, Paramjit Kaur
Linking primary producers with global and national markets through modern corporate food retail supermarkets and other linkages is seen as one of the innovative ways to improve the livelihoods of small producers in developing countries. But, value chains driven by food supermarkets everywhere are, generally, found to exclude small farmers for various reasons. In this context, this paper examines the inclusiveness and effectiveness of fresh food supermarkets in linking farmers with end markets with the help of a case study of two major supermarkets in Punjab viz. Easy Day and Reliance Fresh based on a primary survey of growers of two major crops each. Using the evidence and inference from this study, a number of policy suggestions are proposed for better leveraging of food supermarket linkage for achieving smallholder inclusive crop diversification in Punjab. ? 2016 The Regents of the University of California. All Rights Reserved.
An Analysis of Major Determinants of Food Inflation in India
(Indian Society for Education and Environment, 2014) Ahmed, Mumtaz; Singla, Naresh
The study has exclusively analyzed the major determinants of food inflation in India by using the monthly data from January 2006 to December 2013. Using Johansen’s cointegration technique, it was shown that in long run, all major determinants of food inflation such as money supply, interest rate, exchange rate, crude oil and rainfall except world food prices affect food inflation significantly. The Error Correction Model was also used to comprehend the short run behavior of food inflation and its determinants. The error correction term turned out to be significant statistically which further confirmed the long run causality as well as the speed of convergence towards long run equilibrium. In short-run, only world food and crude oil prices affect the food inflation.
Cointegration, Causality and Impulse Response Analysis in Major Apple Markets of India
(Agricultural Economics Reseach Assosiation, 2014) Beag, Fayaz Ahmad; Singla, Naresh
The study has investigated market integration across five major wholesale apple markets, viz. Ahmedabad, Bengaluru, Delhi, Hyderabad and Kolkata, of the country by adopting Johansen’s multivariate cointegration approach. The study has confirmed the presence of cointegration, implying the long-run price association among the markets. To get the additional evidence as to whether and in which direction price transmission is occurring between the market pairs, Granger causality test has been used, which has confirmed Delhi to be the price-determining market. Hyderabad has been found comparatively more efficient as it has depicted most bidirectional causal relations with other markets. The market pairs: Ahmedabad — Kolkata and Bengaluru — Kolkata have not shown any causal relation between them. The impulse response functions were also conducted which have confirmed the results of cointegration and Granger causality, but the magnitude of price transmission has been found relatively low in some market pairs that are spatially integrated. The major implication of the study is for the designing of a network of agricultural wholesale markets across the country at almost equal distance from each other to enhance the market integration and better price transmission among them.
Socio-economic impact of national rural health mission in jammu kashmir
(Central University of Punjab, 2014) Lone, Rizwan Ahmed; Kahlon, A. S.
The majority of population of India lives in villages and the poverty is relatively more in rural areas as compared to urban. Health has a cumulative effect on individual's life through human capital formation but unfortunately this vulnerable population is deprived from their basic right of health care that makes India to loss its human assets in the form of high maternal mortality rate, high infant mortality rate and low life expectancy. These rural and poverty ridden population can access their basic right of health care from public sector. This requires sound public health care sector especially in rural areas. With a view to reduce the rural- urban gap in health care, Government of India launched National Rural Health Mission in 2005 which aimed at decentralization of public health care sector, removing horizontal and vertical imbalance in public health care sector. The main aim of this study was to assess the financial performance, human power augmentation and community participation for promoting health care sector in Kashmir division of Jammu and Kashmir State. One non- high focus Srinagar district and one high focus Kupwara district were randomly selected for comparative analysis of public health care sector. Both primary as well as secondary data were collected. Primary data were collected by administering different schedules for Community Health Centre, Primary Health Centre, Sub - Centre, Accredited Social Health Activist, Janani Suraksha Yojana beneficiaries, health manpower, households and Village Health Sanitation and Nutrition Committee. iv The allocation and utilisation of NRHM funds at State level have shown a mixed trend during the years 2005-06 to 2012-13. At the District level, there was relatively higher allocation to high focus district Kupwara as compared to non-high focus Srinagar district while in terms of utilisation there was marginal difference in utilisation between the two selected Districts. The percentage of JSY beneficiaries to total institutional deliveries was relatively higher in high focus District Kupwara (73.59%) while it was only 17.74% in non- high focus Srinagar district during 2008- 2012. The shortfall of health manpower was 8.55% in non- high focus District Srinagar while in high focus District Kupwara, the short fall of health manpower was 21.67%. At Block level, the shortfall of specialists as per Indian Public Health Standard at Community Health Centre Kralpora of high focus District Kupwara was 100% in Physician, Gynaecologist, Pediatrician and Dental surgeon while in Srinagar district all the health specialists were posted except the pediatrician. Further all the four sub centres had inadequate availability of medicine, water supply and electricity except Sub centre Nandpora. The stipulated guidelines were also violated as per NRHM norm of one ASHA per thousand population, marital status of ASHAs (married) and in terms of timely incentives (10th of every month). Also as per NRHM norm, none of the selected Accredited Social Health Activist got their medicine kits restocked during 2012-13. Under NRHM norm, every village Health Sanitation and Nutrition Committee should be allocated Rs10000 per annum. However, it was found that all the four selected Village Health Sanitation and Nutrition committee (VHSNC) from both the Districts received only Rs 5000 per annum. Therefore, the functioning of VHSNC in promoting rural health was not satisfactory in terms of generating awareness about NRHM and also regarding sanitation at the village level. It was also observed that there was a lack of coordination among the officials of NRHM. All in all, this study has highlighted some violations of NRHM guidelines in terms of financial and manpower stipulations. However the launching of NRHM in the State has brought about significant improvement in public health care sector yet it is not up to the Indian Public Health Standard.
Socio-economic implications of pesticide use in bathinda district of the punjab state
(Central University of Punjab, 2014) Kaur, Harvinder; Bhatia, Sandeep Kaur
The excessive use of the pesticides in agriculture has not only increased production cost but also led to negative externalities. The present study is an attempt to analyse the socio-economic implications of pesticide use in Bathinda district known as cotton belt as it has maximum area under cotton cultivation. Among eight blocks, two blocks namely Talwandi Sabo having maximum area under cotton cultivation and Phul block having maximum area under paddy cultivation had been selected for the study. Therefore, in the present study entitled "Socio-Economic Implications of Pesticide use in Bathinda District of the Punjab State", an attempt has been are made to access efficiency of two farms growing cotton and paddy and also to find out the impact of pesticides on gross returns of the crops and also on health of farmers and agricultural labourers. The farmers and agricultural labourers engaged in growing cotton and paddy were randomly selected across two villages i.e. Laleana and Rayia respectively. The primary data was collected from 120 farmers and 80 agricultural labourers through structure schedules . The data was analysed using Data Envelopment Analysis programme, Simple regression analysis, Multiple (Step-up) regression analysis and Probit model. The rate of return from pesticides for cotton crop for large farmers (Rs. 13.40) was less than medium farmers (Rs. 14.31) and small farmers (Rs. 15.44). It was the highest for small farmers (Rs. 15.44) showing that it decreases with the increase in the expenditure on pesticides. Likewise for paddy, rate of return was less for large farmers (Rs. 18.56) as they incurred more on pesticides while the highest for small farmers (Rs. 22.67). Regarding the impact of different inputs iv used for returns of cotton, pesticides were significant and positive input while for paddy; labour was significant and positive variable. The result of technical efficiency reveals that cotton farms were less efficient than paddy farms. Usage of pesticides had harmful effect upon the health of farmers and agricultural labourers indicating that those were using manual backup sprayer face many problems. The farmers should be educated to identify the threshold level of pest infestation and take measures only after that instead of blindly following the neighbouring farmers while applying pesticides.
Tourism and economic growth in jammu kashmir
(Central University of Punjab, 2014) Unjum, Irfana; Singh, Kulwinder
From last few decades "Tourism" has been world's rapidly growing industry. In Jammu and Kashmir, tourism is an important industry as scope of agricultural and industrial development is limited. Present study investigates the role of tourism in the economic growth of Jammu and Kashmir during the period from 2004-05 to 2012-13. It also analyses the impact of tourism on livelihood as well as on the income and expenditure level of the stakeholders involved in this business. Besides secondary data, study is based on the primary data collected from the four tourist destinations namely, Katra, Patnitop, Gulmarg and Pahalgam of the state. Findings of the study reveal that tourism is one of the important sectors of Jammu and Kashmir. Having bi-directional relationship between tourism and economic growth, tourism contributes significantly to the GSDP of the state. The contribution of tourism in income and employment is found to be significant as the stakeholders involved in this business are earning fair income and also the employment provided by this sector is usually permanent. Moreover, average working hours in the tourism business are more for permanent employees than temporary ones, and so is the average monthly income. Income from tourism has positive and significant impact on the expenditure and investment level of the stakeholders.
Trends and patterns of india's high technology exports with special reference to pharmaceutical products
(Central University of Punjab, 2014) Manisha; Kaur, Sandeep
Diversification of a country's exports plays an important role in the economic growth of the developing countries. These countries are trying to increase its exports by exporting high technology products and improve their ranking in the world trade. India is no exception to this. The present study is an attempt to examine the competitiveness of pharmaceutical exports in India's high technology exports, which is the largest sector amongst high technology commodities, with the US and Russian Federation by calculating different indices like Revealed Comparative Advantage (RCA), Revealed Symmetric Comparative Advantage (RSCA) and Intra Industry Trade (IIT) during 1991-2012. An attempt is also made to study some of the important issues of TRIPS related to India's pharmaceutical exports. An extensive research effort has been made to comprehend the composition and direction of India's Pharmaceutical exports with its top two export partners i.e. US and Russia using these indices. The empirical result of the study revealed that India has revealed comparative advantage in maximum pharmaceutical products with these two countries. The policy of the country regarding the international trade has under gone various changes since liberalization, as a result of the emergence of Trade Related Intellectual Property Rights (TRIPS). Further, the result of the study also explained that TRIPS has a positive impact on India's pharmaceutical exports. The study also revealed that domestic companies are more R&D oriented than foreign companies. The positive correlation of R&D expenditure and exports has been found in Indian Pharmaceutical companies. For India to become a top player in the global pharmaceutical business, the government of India needs to support foreign investments in pharmaceuticals sector in order to overcome the stiff competition in the global pharmaceutical market.
Food inflation in india: Trends and determinations
(Central University of Punjab, 2014) Ahmed, Mumtaz; Singla, Naresh
Food Inflation has been persistently high in India during the past few years. Controlling food prices is one of the major tasks for the macroeconomic policy makers. The recent oil price hike and some natural calamities have increased food prices around the world. This study focuses on the identification of main determinants of food price inflation in India. Using the monthly data from January 2006 to December 2013, Johansen's cointegration technique has been applied to find out the long run relationships among food price inflation and its determinants like money supply, interest rate, exchange rate, crude oil, world food prices and rainfall. Empirical findings prove the long run relationships among food price inflation and its determinants. In the long run model, all determinants affect food inflation except the world food prices. Error correction model has also been used in order to comprehend the short run causality of food inflation determinants. The error correction term of error correction model turns out to be significant which further confirm the long run causality as well as the speed of convergence toward long run equilibrium, which has occurred due the short disturbance. In the short run only world food prices and crude oil coefficients and statistically significant at five percent level. Finally, the study suggests some policy implications such as reduced dependency of monsoon by improving the irrigation system, investment in agricultural inputs and shift of policy towards biofuel etc.
Socio economic conditions and employment status of agricultural laboures in bathinda district of punjab
(Central University of Punjab, 2014) Sharma, Honeymeet; Singla, Naresh
The structural transformation process in Punjab has reduced income generation in rural economy. The worst sufferers are marginal and small farmers and agricultural labourers. The principal mode of production is shifting from cultivation of operational holdings to wage labour employment. This type of structural change in rural labour employment has wider social, economic and political implications that draw serious attention. It is in this context that an attempt has been made to study the socio- economic conditions of agricultural labourers and their employment pattern in Punjab. The study has been carried out in Bathinda district of Punjab as it is a major cotton growing area and cotton is more labour intensive as compared to other crops such as paddy and wheat. A sample of 100 agricultural labourers was taken with 50 respondents from two blocks each. An analysis of socio - economic conditions of agricultural labourers shows that most of the agricultural labourers are illiterate, landless and unskilled and belonged to scheduled caste. Although they used electricity, but they have to either share it with their neighbours or stole it from main electricity wire. Similarly, they did not have any water supply connection, but they used water facilities from neighbours and common places such as dharmsala and gurudwaras etc. Only 27 ii per cent of agricultural labourers had cooking facilities. Level of indebtedness was higher among female agricultural labourers (46 per cent) as compared to that among male agricultural labourers (22 per cent). In order to come out of indebtedness, they had to sell their labour by working more on the landlord's farms. Male agricultural labourers carried out all the activities on farm, while female agricultural labourers did only some of the activities such as wheat harvesting, paddy transplanting, cotton picking, plucking of cotton bolls etc. All these works were mainly casual in nature. The average employment days in male agricultural labourers and female agricultural labourers were 234 and 110 in farm sector, and only 46 and 97 in non-farm sector respectively. There also existed wage disparities across Male agricultural labourers and female agricultural labourers. Thus, the study suggested that improving education and imparting skills will improve their bargaining power in labour market in both farm and non-farm sector. Since both male agricultural labourers and female agricultural labourers generally carried same work on farm, same wage should be provided to Male agricultural labourers and female agricultural labourers. Finally, the study concludes with some policy suggestions.
An economic analysis of groundwater depletion in sangrur
(Central University of Punjab, 2014) Pavneet; Bhatia, Sandeep Kaur
The adoption of high yielding variety seeds, increased in use of chemical fertilizers and irrigation has helped in raising the income level of the farmers and total foodgrain production. But it cannot be denied that the adoption of this modern technology is expensive and it takes place at the cost of unsustainable use of resources. Groundwater depletion is found to be one of the major problems in Central Punjab. Among all districts, stage of groundwater development is the highest in Sangrur district, i.e. 264 per cent. All the nine blocks of Sangrur district are over- exploited and groundwater usage is highest in Sunam block. Therefore, in the present study entitled "An Economic Analysis of Groundwater Depletion in Sangrur District of Punjab ",an attempt has been made to examine the economic analysis of ground water depletion. As many as 120 small, medium and large farmers formed the sample of the study. The sample is taken from the two villages, viz. Tolawal and Rattangarh of the Sunam block (former having pre-dominantly tubewell irrigated farms and the latter having canal+ tubewell irrigation facilities). The study reveals that with an increase in area under wheat- paddy crop has also increased the area under groundwater irrigation. In Punjab, area under wheat crop has increased from 274 thousand hectare to 287 thousand hectare and for paddy crop has increased from 11 thousand hectare to 274 thousand hectare, from 1970- 71 to 2011-12. The study brought out that higher the farm size, higher is the ownership of motors and depth of motors and vice- versa. The technical efficiency on farms estimated through Data Envelopment Analysis (DEA), has indicated the mean technical efficiency of 90.3 per cent and 95 per cent in paddy production and 89.4 per cent and 94.9 per cent in wheat production, in tubewell irrigated and v canal+ tubewell irrigated farms, respectively. The multiple (step- up) regression analysis has revealed that land ownership, number of submersible motors and its depth had positive significant impact on farm income. The study suggests that the government should ensure minimum support prices for less water consuming crops. This will not only shift the existing cropping pattern but will also provide solution to over exploitation of groundwater. It also suggests that assured electricity may be provided to agriculture sector at subsidized rates to minimize this problem. Further, the government should take care for maintenance of canals on priority basis.

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