Books by Kunal Debnath
Marginalised Groups in India: Historiography, Politics, and Policies, 2025
This book intersects marginality, politics, and policies by focusing on the narratives of selecti... more This book intersects marginality, politics, and policies by focusing on the narratives of selective marginalised groups within India. Encouraging inclusive government policies that consider the diverse identities of individuals and groups within India, this book is a systematic documentation of the lived experiences of various marginalised collectives, such as the Naths of Bengal, the De‑notified Tribes of Maharashtra, the Kukis of Manipur, and the beggars. The chapters use historiography as a method to understand narratives of marginality in India, illuminating how power imbalances in Indian society lead to the marginalisation of specific groups, depriving them of fundamental rights and opportunities, while others enjoy privileges. The political analysis of this edited volume introspects the political dynamics that perpetuate marginalisation. It details the aspirations of various marginal groups in evolving and changing socio‑political circumstances. This book offers a deeper understanding of the intricate issues faced by marginalised groups. It will be of interest to students, academicians, and researchers in South Asian Studies, Subaltern Studies, Political Science, Sociology, Social History, and Migration/Refugee Studies.
Caste, Marginalisation, and Resistance, 2024
The identity politics of the householder Naths (Yogis), on the one hand, is one of the oldest and... more The identity politics of the householder Naths (Yogis), on the one hand, is one of the oldest and most persistent identity assertions in Bengal and Assam. On the other, for an array of reasons, the identity assertion of the householder Naths of Bengal and Assam has failed to draw academic curiosity so far. Since the late nineteenth century, a segment of the Naths, largely educated and elite, has been crafting their identity as Brahman grounded on their “origin myth”, negotiating with the British colonial administration through different census enumerations, as well as internal social reforms. One of the primary reasons for their current lagging is that the Naths never politicised their identity and demands, and did not mobilise themselves in the democratic political arena.
Papers by Kunal Debnath
Marginalised Groups in India, 2025
Despite numerous economic reforms in India since independence, poverty remains pervasive, leading... more Despite numerous economic reforms in India since independence, poverty remains pervasive, leading to a growing number of beggars. Beggars are commonly found in crowded places like temples, mosques, and transportation hubs. Our survey highlights their deplorable conditions, exacerbated by issues such as inequality, unemployment, unequal resource distribution, illiteracy, and inadequate healthcare. The study uses both quantitative and qualitative methods to analyse the situation. We have also tried to highlight the subaltern voices of the child beggars. In most cases, instead of rehabilitation, the government often punishes beggars. There is no nationwide anti-begging law in India, yet states continue to use their own anti-begging laws, such as the Bombay Prevention of Begging Act, 1959. This indicates the state’s failure to ensure social security for beggars. Despite significant government expenditure on beggar welfare, their condition remains unchanged due to poor planning. This chapter finds that most beggars are completely unaware of government policies and have not benefited from them. During field studies, it was realised the urgent need for a comprehensive national intervention policy to address the social issue of begging. States should adopt policies aimed at enhancing the skills of beggars. Moreover, it is crucial to provide proper education for child beggars to secure their future. Unlike the colonial rulers of India, who did not focus on the welfare of beggars through anti-poverty laws, the present democratic government must take responsibility for providing food, shelter, skill development, and employment opportunities for beggars.
Marginalised Groups in India, 2025
This chapter seeks to explore the Naths (also known as Yogi) of Bengal and their marginalisation ... more This chapter seeks to explore the Naths (also known as Yogi) of Bengal and their marginalisation that occurred in different phases. Today the householder Naths, who maintain a caste framework, are quite distinct from that of the ascetic branch of the Nath Sampradaya (community). The Naths have undergone great hardships for centuries in Bengal after being left out of the mainstream society. The householder Naths were degraded by the smarta-ruled Brahmanical society in Bengal during the 12th century. The Naths of Bengal have been asserting their identity and showing resistance against the Brahmanical caste order since the late 19th century. They put efforts to bargain with the British colonial government through placing their demands before various census enumerations. On the other hand, they laid emphasis on internal reformations, such as wearing sacred thread, maintaining Brahman samaskara (rituals), making priests from their own community, etc., for escalating their social status and earning social esteems. Despite their social resistance against their ascribed low-caste status through negotiations with colonial census enumerations, the struggle for recognition of the Naths did not get wide popularity as they still remain unenthusiastic to participate in the mainstream political arena.
Marginalised Groups in India, 2025
This chapter aims to delve into the complex and ubiquitous phenomenon of marginality in India. Ma... more This chapter aims to delve into the complex and ubiquitous phenomenon of marginality in India. Marginality in India is a systemic problem caused by socio-cultural exclusion that hinders groups’ access to basic primary goods. This volume is a compilation of essays that chronicle the lives of different minorities in India, who are somewhat underresearched and hence not adequately discussed in the mainstream literature on marginality. Socio-political and economic marginality continues to remain entrenched despite the policy efforts and financial commitments of developing and developed countries. This chapter posits that marginality is intertwined with the question of power within Indian society and results in an undesired situation that excludes certain groups from the ability to access essential resources and services. This book will likely provide insight into the relationship between the difficulties undergone by the subjects of prejudice and discrimination through critical consideration of historiographical concepts concerning the issues at hand and a comprehensive presentation of the victims’ narratives. This approach is therefore different from traditional historical writing, which has primarily been a record of the elites’ history and focuses on the lives of those who are outside the power structure.
The Palgrave Handbook of Global Social Change, 2025
Since the last two to three decades, those concepts in social sciences and literature have create... more Since the last two to three decades, those concepts in social sciences and literature have created a stir; globalization is one of them. Globalization is, as a matter of fact, closely related to the economic activities created for political purposes, which is an innovative fruit-bearing creation of neoliberalism. The goal of the ubiquitous and unavoidable processes of globalization is to link and integrate national economies with the global economy. Globalization, fueled by privatization, liberalization, and technical advancement, has increased worldwide production and trade in goods and services.
Although, in the larger sense, besides political economy, globalization is involved in language, literature, culture, clothing, food habits, health, technology, and communication. If we look deeply, we will see that the previously mentioned issues are closely related to economics and politics. Liberalization and privatization, two other comrades of globalization, further accelerated the process of globalization. Although there is a part “global” in the word “globalization,” a question may arise whether this word “global” represents the entire world or not. The debate relating to the word “global” would be focused very briefly at the end of this chapter.
This piece, therefore, looks at the concepts of globalization, liberalization, and privatization, and their effects on society, economies, and environments in the developing world. It focuses on the benefits of globalization, which include development, good governance, healthcare services, and public-private partnerships. It also examines the potential side effects of globalization, including structural adjustment, religious fundamentalism, and environmental damage. Finally, it discusses the debate over whether globalization truly represents the world or is simply “Westernization.”
Electoral Narratives of Democracy and Governance in India, 2024
This chapter titled, ‘Apolitical Community and Elections: Comparative Study of Naths in West Beng... more This chapter titled, ‘Apolitical Community and Elections: Comparative Study of Naths in West Bengal and Assam’ by Kunal Debnath argues that due to the absence of a centralised organisation, the absence of the desire to be promoted as a vote bank, political apathy of these organisations due to the belief that caste foundation will be eroded by getting in touch with politics and the absence of any political association or political vision, the main aim of the Nath community remained to have a social status and not political one. Due to the internal division among Naths on the question of securing OBC status both in Assam and in West Bengal, the Nath remains apolitical.
Encyclopedia of New Populism and Responses in the 21st Century, 2024
Welfare populism, which relies on various welfare schemes through redistribution of resources, ha... more Welfare populism, which relies on various welfare schemes through redistribution of resources, has gained immense popularity across the world in the twenty-first century. Quite a number of populist political parties, be it leftist or rightist, use welfare populism in electoral politics for securing people’s vote.
Corporate Social Responsibility in Developing Countries: Challenges in the Extractive Industry, 2023
Over the last few decades, both academic and business entities in the West and East have been att... more Over the last few decades, both academic and business entities in the West and East have been attracted to the concept of corporate social responsibility (CSR). The modern-day definition of CSR has transcended beyond the philanthropic notion with the inclusion of CSR into core business operations. In developing societies, corporations, along with the state, are also entrusted with societal development, particularly toward the upliftment of the marginalized sections. Thus, CSR delineates a socially responsible behavior in business operations. CSR encourages the extractive industries to think beyond profits and to give equal importance to the social and environmental issues upon which they are responsible as well. Unlike the established paradigm of CSR in the West that focuses on the moral and social obligations of corporations, this chapter perceives corporate sectors as agents of socioeconomic development. Therefore, contemporary understanding of CSR should focus on the responsibilities of corporations to support the state in socioeconomic development as a stakeholder. Corporations in developing societies, in contrast to the West, are less concerned with their social performances. Weak regulations coupled with a high level of corruption restrict corporations’ engagement in socioeconomic activities. Thus, in developing countries, such as India, the state plays a pivotal role in ensuring the success of CSR. In developing societies, the state not only is entrusted with making regulations related to CSR but also ensures social welfare while challenging the profit maximization of corporations. Following the Companies Act, 2013, India made CSR spending mandatory, posing challenges to the extractive industries. Hence, this chapter is an attempt to understand the systematic transformations of CSR policies in India. Unlike the neoliberal maxim of rolling back the state, this chapter rejuvenates the importance of the state in promoting CSR. For that purpose, neoinstitutionalist methodology has been employed.
Refugee Crises and Third-World Economies, 2020
In 2015, the Supreme Court of India directed the Government of India to confer the citizenship ri... more In 2015, the Supreme Court of India directed the Government of India to confer the citizenship right to the Chakma refugees, who settled in North-Eastern States in India. Arunachal Pradesh, the former North Eastern Frontier Agency, holds a large number of Chakma refugees who had migrated to India from the erstwhile East Pakistan during the late 1960s. The present benevolent approach of the Government of India towards this ethno-refugee community is having domestic as well as external implication in the backdrop of rampant deportation of refugees from its neighbouring state, Bangladesh. Mere citizenship right may result in the administrative integration of the Chakmas but could not resolve their crises as alien versus indigenous debate intensifies the refugee crises today. Over the decades, political alienation of the Chakma refugees extended their sense of deprivation and marginalization. A separate perspective is required to assess the Chakmas’ claim that they are after all not ali...
articles by Kunal Debnath
Development in Practice, 2024
People who beg are almost invisible in public policy debates in India due to their literal absenc... more People who beg are almost invisible in public policy debates in India due to their literal absence of bargaining power, in spite of their substantial population in Indian society. Despite being decriminalised by the Delhi High Court in 2018, begging continues to be stigmatised by society. The COVID-19 lockdown endangered the lives of those who beg as evidenced by their lived experiences. Although there were some efforts, governments largely failed to provide social security to people who beg during the lockdown. NGOs and some other associations, an essential part of civil society, have had more success in alleviating the undesirable predicament of the people who beg in India.
Rajneeti, 2024
West Bengal is under intense scrutiny ahead of the general elections in 2024 since it is a crucia... more West Bengal is under intense scrutiny ahead of the general elections in 2024 since it is a crucial ground for the BJP's electoral campaign. It has long been the BJP and Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh's (RSS) passionate goal to win Bengal. JP Nadda, the head of the BJP, has set an ambitious goal for leaders in Bengal: they must win at least 35 of the 42 Lok Sabha seats in 2024. But given the current situation and other variables at work, this seems like a difficult undertaking.
SSRN Electronic Journal, 2024
The Marxist perspective of state offers a critical analysis of its origins, functions, and eventu... more The Marxist perspective of state offers a critical analysis of its origins, functions, and eventual dissolution within class-based societies framework. Marxists view the state not as a natural entity but as a product of societal transformations, serving the interests of the ruling class. Engels, in particular, highlighted the state's role in protecting the interests of property owners and regulating society. Marxist theory distinguishes between two models of state: the Instrumentalist Model, viewing the state as a tool for class oppression, and the Relative Autonomy Model, acknowledging the state's partial autonomy from direct class control. In contrast to the Hegelian and liberal perspectives, which view the state as a necessary institution, Marxism envisions a classless, exploitation-free society devoid of a traditional state apparatus.
Contemporary Voice of Dalit, 2022
Dr B. R. Ambedkar, one of the makers of the Indian Constitution, is known best as the emancipator... more Dr B. R. Ambedkar, one of the makers of the Indian Constitution, is known best as the emancipator of the untouchables. Ambedkar’s effort to make India as a nation through ‘breaking the internal differences’ is much debated and not widely recognized as he has still been confined only to his identity as a ‘liberating leader of the Dalits’. Ambedkar’s ideas—caste annihilation, securing rights to the depressed class, representation of the oppressed in political affairs, egalitarian economic arrangement, women’s rights and thoughts on democracy—all have the potential to be linked with his ideas of a nation, which is inclusive in nature.
Academia Letters, 2021
Research ethics in social sciences empowers researchers and the academic community with knowledge... more Research ethics in social sciences empowers researchers and the academic community with knowledge about accepted norms and values associated with research activity. It helps in disseminating guidance and advice to researchers about the do’s and don’ts of research. Ethics inculcates scientific vigor in a study by preventing unethical misconduct. Ethics in social sciences are primarily used as an academic tool to assess the quality of a research along with the planning of a research design, reporting, and publishing findings and results.
Academia Letters, 2021
In the West Bengal Assembly Elections 2021, the All India Trinamool Congress (TMC) led by Mamata ... more In the West Bengal Assembly Elections 2021, the All India Trinamool Congress (TMC) led by Mamata Banerjee has acquired the clear mandate by winning 213 seats out of 292, where polls were conducted. On the other hand, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), nationally led by Narendra Modi and Amit Shah, has won 77 seats that are much less than what was expected and predicted by its regional and national leaders. Other major political parties like the Communist Party of India (Marxist) and the Indian National Congress are wiped out from the West Bengal political scenario. This study is divided into two parts. In the first part we provide a theoretical understanding of populism while the second part explores how two different variants of populism, i.e. welfare and right-wing competitive populism were used as an election tool in the West Bengal Assembly Elections 2021.
Amity Journal of Corporate Governance, 2019
The paper is an attempt to address a much-debated question on the legitimacy of state interventio... more The paper is an attempt to address a much-debated question on the legitimacy of state intervention in Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR). At present, CSR has appeared as a topic of universal discussion. Although, the history of CSR and its origin dates back to the eighteenth century as a part of corporate philanthropy. The term CSR gained popularity since the second half of the twentieth century at the onset of the cold war and during the golden age of new social movements. Indian history has many instances of ethical and social responsibilities adopted by a few religious institutions and emperors. But, nonetheless, postcolonial India remains a mile away in achieving and accepting CSR as a part of business operations. With the Companies Act 2013, new hopes have been rekindled. The rising number of business entities brings about new challenges and new approaches towards CSR. State initiatives should not be restricted merely to legislate but opened to implementing the laws; holding...
Studies in People's History, 2018
B.R. Ambedkar is often held to be an uncompromising advocate of the cause of the depressed castes... more B.R. Ambedkar is often held to be an uncompromising advocate of the cause of the depressed castes or Dalits. But his advocacy for Dalits was within the larger framework of his vision for an Indian nation that needed to be formed, since he believed that there could be no nation unless everyone within it was not treated as an equal—an end that could be only attained through the annihilation of the caste system. He was not unmindful also of the need to protect religious minorities, for which reason he argued in favour of their adequate representation in legislative bodies, services, etc.
Sexuality, Gender, and Policy, 2017
This article highlights the role of state to promote CSR in India.
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Books by Kunal Debnath
Papers by Kunal Debnath
Although, in the larger sense, besides political economy, globalization is involved in language, literature, culture, clothing, food habits, health, technology, and communication. If we look deeply, we will see that the previously mentioned issues are closely related to economics and politics. Liberalization and privatization, two other comrades of globalization, further accelerated the process of globalization. Although there is a part “global” in the word “globalization,” a question may arise whether this word “global” represents the entire world or not. The debate relating to the word “global” would be focused very briefly at the end of this chapter.
This piece, therefore, looks at the concepts of globalization, liberalization, and privatization, and their effects on society, economies, and environments in the developing world. It focuses on the benefits of globalization, which include development, good governance, healthcare services, and public-private partnerships. It also examines the potential side effects of globalization, including structural adjustment, religious fundamentalism, and environmental damage. Finally, it discusses the debate over whether globalization truly represents the world or is simply “Westernization.”
articles by Kunal Debnath
Although, in the larger sense, besides political economy, globalization is involved in language, literature, culture, clothing, food habits, health, technology, and communication. If we look deeply, we will see that the previously mentioned issues are closely related to economics and politics. Liberalization and privatization, two other comrades of globalization, further accelerated the process of globalization. Although there is a part “global” in the word “globalization,” a question may arise whether this word “global” represents the entire world or not. The debate relating to the word “global” would be focused very briefly at the end of this chapter.
This piece, therefore, looks at the concepts of globalization, liberalization, and privatization, and their effects on society, economies, and environments in the developing world. It focuses on the benefits of globalization, which include development, good governance, healthcare services, and public-private partnerships. It also examines the potential side effects of globalization, including structural adjustment, religious fundamentalism, and environmental damage. Finally, it discusses the debate over whether globalization truly represents the world or is simply “Westernization.”