Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Jan 22: National seminar on “Understanding the Dynamics of Rural Society in India” was organised here today by the Department of Sociology, University of Jammu.
Prof Manoj Dhar, Vice-Chancellor of JU, inaugurated the seminar and appreciated the efforts of the Government for appraisal of development in the rural areas through ‘Back to Village Programme’. He talked about farmers’ suicides and other problems in rural areas and emphasized on the need of techno-centric solutions.
Prof Debal K Singharoy, Faculty of Social Sciences, IGNOU, New Delhi, in his keynote address, emphasised on historicity of rural India and also highlighted contemporary issues in rural society. He also explained the various dynamics of rural society and the changes it is witnessing. He discussed the various changes that started during the colonial era and their relevance in the present context. He also talked about the land reforms in Jammu and Kashmir, land ceiling and land to the tiller.
Sheetal Nanda, Secretary Rural Development Department, shared her field experiences of serving in rural areas. She talked about caste, class, gender disparities and development divide between rural and urban areas. She emphasised that these disparities are less visible in Jammu and Kashmir in comparison to other States. She drew attention towards the lack of infrastructure facilities in rural areas e.g. electricity, roads, schools etc, especially in hilly areas. She said the problems of the rural areas cannot be solved without the community participation and the development of rural areas lays with the people in the form of rural local bodies i.e. Panchayats. She also threw light on Back to Village Programme and its relevance in understanding the problems of rural society in J&K.
Earlier, Prof Abha Chauhan, HoD Sociology, JU, and Convenor of the seminar, focussed on the theme and the sub-themes of the seminar. Dr Kuljit Singh, Coordinator, Bhaderwah Campus, University of Jammu introduced the keynote speaker.
The dignitaries on the dais also released ‘Book of Abstracts.’ The Co-Convener, Prof Vishav Raksha presented vote of thanks. Dr Malvika Upadhya, Lecturer, Deptt of Sociology, University of Jammu conducted proceedings of the seminar.
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