CfPs: Conference of Health for All to Universal Health Coverage; 6-7 Jan; at GIPE, Pune

Conference of Health for All to Universal Health Coverage: Journey So Far and Challenges Ahead

6-7 January 2014

Venue: Gokhale Institute of Politics and Economics, Pune

Organized by: Indian Health Economics and Policy Association (IHEPA) in collaboration with Gokhale Institute of Politics and Economics; Azim Premji University

 

IHEPA invites research and policy papers for its Third Conference on the following issues:

• Health Financing: Issues and Challenges
• Health for All, MDGs, NRHM: Lessons Learned
• Health Transition: Issues and Implications
• Maharashtra Healthcare System: Achievements and Challenges
• Other related issues relevant to the current context
• IHEPA proposes to have dedicated session/s on Healthcare Issues of Maharashtra.

The papers submitted will be screened by a Panel of Reviewers of IHEPA for acceptance to the Conference. IHEPA encourages young research students to contribute and participate in the Conference.

Guidelines and format of the paper: Length of the paper should be less than 8,000 words, accompanied by an abstract of one page. The abstract should reflect the whole paper including context, objectives, methodology and main conclusions. The papers, formatted with 1.5 line spacing, Times Roman Font Size 12 saved under MS-Word format may be submitted electronically to secretary.ihepa@gmail.com with Cc to office.ihepa@gmail.com.

Important dates

• Submission of paper 30.9.2013
• Communication on acceptance from IHEPA 1.11.2013
• Submission of revised paper, if required 9.12.2013

Further Details

JNU recently subscribes to South Asia Archive [www.southasiaarchive.com]

South Asia Archive http://www.southasiaarchive.com

The South Asia Archive is as a specialist digital platform delivering global electronic access to culturally and historically significant literary material produced from within - and about - the Indian subcontinent.
The digitization of the original documents is non-destructive, and damaged pieces are restored as part of the digitization process before they are sent to storage. This digitization process enhances their usefulness in terms of portability, and also assures the conservation of this historically important material.

• Subject specialist editors from India have selected and catalogued the documents specifically for this archive.
• The archive comprises out-of-copyright material dating back to the start of the eighteenth century and up to the mid-twentieth century.
• The content originates mainly from the Bengal area of India, consisting of unique and rare documents from primary and secondary sources.
• A significant proportion of the collection is in English, but thirty percent of the documents are written in various vernacular languages of the period/region(s).
• Serial collections are (where possible) complete, consisting of all available editions/volumes.
• In order to support a global audience, all document metadata has been translated into English where necessary.
• Images, maps, and posters are digitized in color to match the originals.
• Content has been broken down into a number of top-level document types such as Maps, Reports, and Journals, to simplify locating a collection by document type.
• An underlying taxonomy has been assigned to all documents consistently and logically to ensure a superior level of searchability for end-users.
• Documents have been broken down into the smallest parts possible to support highly granular content discovery.

The Collection
The South Asia Archive is a specialist digital platform providing global electronic access to culturally and historically significant literary material produced from within - and about - the South Asian region. It is not merely a repository, but a vehicle for targeted research, and one which has been intelligently structured to ensure efficient content discovery.

• Documents have been selected and catalogued by subject specialist editors, with expert commentaries provided to guide users through serial content.
• The archive contains millions of pages of digitized primary and secondary material in a mix of English and vernacular languages dating back to the start of the eighteenth century, up to the mid-twentieth century.
• It is derived from original archive materials held by the The South Asia Research Foundation.
• It provides online access to previously unavailable resources in South Asian studies.
• It is a versatile resource with benefits for researchers, lecturers, and students across a diverse range of subject areas.

http://www.southasiaarchive.com/About-Us/About-South-Asia-Archive

CfPs: Conference on Cultural Heritage: Environment, Ecology and Inter-Asian Interactions; Nalanda University; 6-8 Jan

Conference on Cultural Heritage: Environment, Ecology and Inter-Asian Interactions

6-8 January 2014

Venue: Rajgir Convention Center, Rajgir, Dist: Nalanda, Bihar, India

Organized by: Nalanda University and International Institute for Asian Studies (IIAS)

Proposal Deadline: 31 July 2013

Call for papers
In Asia, the notion of 'heritage' is often associated with the construction of post-independence nation-state models, the definition of national 'traditions', and the idea of a pre/post-colonial historical national continuity. As a result discussions about 'heritage' are often state-dominated, leaving little room for regional and trans-regional views especially where it concerns inter-Asian interactions. These interactions as well as the establishment of particular (sacred) sites were often the direct product of environmental or ecological conditions which would furthermore often also assure their continuation and/or conservation over long periods of time. However, over time not only environmental/ecological conditions would change but also geopolitical ones introducing different visitors and even 'owners' to particular sites, changing their cultural, social and political significance.
This conference welcomes papers that investigate the role environmental/ecological and historical factors have played in the changing significance of sites in Asia and/or how these factors (continue to) influence the maintenance and conservation of these sites. In relation to this the conference is also interested in how intangible forms of heritage (folklore, customs, or particular rituals) have similarly been influenced and/or affected. It particularly welcomes papers that introduce an inter-Asian perspective either with respect to the (changing) significance of these sites or in relation to the maintenance and conservation of them as cultural heritage. The conference is open to scholars from a diverse range of backgrounds including (art) history, archaeology, cultural studies, ecology & environment studies and social sciences as well as practitioners ranging from conservationists to managers and activists.

Location
This two-day conference will be jointly organized by the new Nalanda University and the Netherlands based International Institute for Asian Studies (IIAS). Rajgir (Bihar) promises to be an exceptionally interesting location for this conference given its proximity to the ancient site of Nalanda University (a prime example of inter-Asian connections) as well as many other important historical and religious sites such as Bodh Gaya, where Buddhism finds it origin. The conference program will include a full-day of sightseeing. The location for the conference will be the newly built Convention Centre that is equipped with all modern facilities.

Accommodation and Transportation
Accommodation will be provided to all presenters in a convenient four-star hotel. To non-presenters accommodation will be made available at the same hotel at a special rate. Rajgir is easily connected by rail and bus to the airports of Gaya and Patna which have frequent connections with the international airports of Delhi and Kolkata. The conference organizers will gladly assist with travel queries and will make sure local transportation from and to the conference venue, hotels, bus and train station is provided for. Conference participation is free of charge.

Abstract & Program
Please submit your abstract of no more than 250 words before 31 July 2013. Also include a summary of no more than a 150 words of your current affiliation, research interests and key publications. Presenters may be requested to be discussants and/or chairpersons in other sessions. Presentations will be thirty minutes with fifteen minutes of questions of answers. The presentation of photographic or video-material is not only possible but also highly encouraged. Suggestions for documentary screenings or musical performances that could be included in the evening program are also highly welcome. Please submit your abstract, inquiries and/or suggestions to: conferences@nalandauniv.in

Organizers
Nalanda University was in existence for nearly 800 years from the fifth till the twelfth century CE and attracted scholars from countries as diverse as China, Japan, Korea, Mongolia, Sri Lanka, Tibet and even Turkey. It was one of the oldest universities in the world. The newly founded Nalanda University is an international university unlike any in India. It has been mandated to be an international institution for the pursuit of intellectual, philosophical, historical and spiritual studies. It aims to bring together the brightest and most dedicated students from countries across the world irrespective of gender, caste, creed, disability or socio-economic background. It is a non-state, non-profit, secular, self-governing international institution and will, eventually, consist of seven different schools, among which are schools dedicated to Historical Studies and one that focuses on Ecology & Environment Studies.
The International Institute for Asian Studies (IIAS), established in 1993, is principally a research and exchange platform based in Leiden, the Netherlands. It encourages the multidisciplinary and comparative study of Asia and as such actively promotes (inter)national cooperation. IIAS acts as an international mediator, bringing together academic and non-academic partners including cultural, social and policy organizations. The research at IIAS is carried out under the aegis of three programmatic clusters of which Asian Heritages is one. It explores the notion of heritage as it evolved from a Europe-originated concept associated with architecture and monumental archaeology to incorporate a broader diversity of cultural forms and values, including the so-called 'intangible' heritages and the importance of cultural heritage in identity construction.

Keynote speakers
- Rick Asher (Department of Art History, University of Minnesota)
- Robin Coningham (Department of Archaeology, Durham University)
- Engseng Ho (Cultural Anthropology, History and Duke Islamic Studies Center; Duke University)
- Akira Matsui (Center for Archaeological Operations, Nara National Research Institute for Cultural Properties)
- Mike Robinson (Ironbridge International Institute for Cultural Heritage, University of Birmingham)

Further Details: http://www.nalandauniv.edu.in/conference.html

ICSSR Workshop on Social Science Approaches to Urban Studies; at International Centre, Goa; 20-23 Dec.

ICSSR Sponsored Workshop on Social Science Approaches to Urban Studies

December 20-23, 2013

at The International Centre, Goa

The Institute of Economic Growth, Delhi, proposes to hold a workshop for Ph.D students, post-doctorates and university and college lecturers on the theme of 'Social Science Approaches to Urban Studies'. The workshop will bring together established academics ('Resource Persons') and young scholars ('Fellows'). It aims to contribute to the making of a vibrant and academically sophisticated community of scholars who will train their attention upon different aspects of urbanisation in India. Up to 15 Fellows will be selected to take part in the 4-day workshop during which they will be expected to present their ongoing research on urban issues. Fellows' projects will receive comments and feedback from invited Resource Persons. In addition, Resource Persons will lead discussions on latest urban studies research themes and methodologies. The format of the workshop is intended to encourage young scholars to engage with current ideas on urban research and obtain the benefi t of having their own projects scrutinized and commented upon by established scholars. The following list of topics is intended to be indicative of potential workshop themes:

• New forms of politics and political associations
• New forms of leisure, residence and shopping
• The rural-urban interface
• Class and caste identities in an urban context
• Religion and the urban milieu
• Consumerism
• Gender, sexuality and space
• Urban ecologies, urban environmentalism
• Urban governance
• The urban poor
• The politics of resource allocation
• Land acquisition and urbanisation
• The 'small' town
• The real estate industry: Political and cultural economies

Fellowship selection criteria and process:

1. All applicants must submit a 'Statement of Purpose' consisting of two parts: i) a description of the applicant's interest in the topic of urban studies, as well as how she/he expects to benefit from participation in the workshop (up to 1000 words); and ii) an outline of a research project – proposed or ongoing – that will be presented and discussed during the workshop. The outline should be no more than 2500 words. The quality of the project will form a key criterion for selection and the document must demonstrate serious engagement with relevant urban studies research and literature. Upon selection, applicants will be invited to submit a more substantial version of their project.
2. All applicants must submit a CV listing academic and other achievements relevant to the workshop.
3. The age limit for all applicants is 35 years.
4. The organisers will pay for domestic air travel expenses from any city in India to Goa as well as expenses relating to accommodation at the International Centre, Goa.
5. Applications should be sent to: iegurbanworkshop2013@gmail.com
6. Other inquiries should be sent to Professor Sanjay Srivastava: sanjays3050@gmail.com
7. The last date of receiving applications is August 26, 2013.
8. NOTE: Selected candidates will be informed by September 20, 2013.
   

Further Details

CfPs: National Seminar on Political Economy of Agrarian Crisis and Environmental Challenges; 21-22 March; at Visva-Bharati, Santiniketan

National Seminar on Political Economy of Agrarian Crisis and Environmental Challenges in India

21-22 March 2014

Venue: Department of Economics & Politics, Visva-Bharati, Santiniketan, W.B., India

Call For Papers
Department of Economics and Politics, Visva-Bharati, is organizing a National Seminar on Political Economy of Agrarian Crisis and Environmental Challenges in India. We invite full paper with abstract of 500 words in MS word format.

Submission of Papers:
The full paper with abstract, contact address with telephone number and email address, and the institutional affiliation of the author(s) must reach the Seminar Committee at vbecon@gmail.com. We encourage young researchers to submit and present their works. Some selected papers from all accepted papers will be published in a volume with ISBN number after a double blind refereeing process. The participants willing to include their papers in the volume should give their no objection regarding the same with the submitted paper.

Registration: Registration fee for the seminar is Rs.1000/-. No Travelling allowance will be given. One night moderate accommodation and local hospitality will be provided to the participants.

Important Dates:
Receiving full paper with abstracts: 30th August, 2013. 7th September, 2013.

Further Details:
Email for Correspondence: vbecon@gmail.com
For Assistance: Call to Sri Tanmay Majumdar, Ph- 08900061782 / tanmaj82@gmail.com
Prof. Pranab Kumar Chattopadhyay, Coordinator, UGC SAP (DRS-I)
Prof. Sudipta Bhattacharyya, Deputy Coordinator, UGC SAP (DRS-I)
Department of Economics & Politics Department of Economics & Politics
Visva-Bharati, Santiniketan - 731 235 Visva-Bharati, Santiniketan - 731 235
Email: pranabk.chattopadhyay@visva-bharati.ac.in; sudipta.bhattacharyya@visva-bharati.ac.in
http://www.visva-bharati.ac.in/news/Economics-SAP-NConf-CFP2014.pdf

2nd JNU National Interaction Programme for PhD Scholars in HSS, at JNU ASC; 22 July to 09 August

2^nd JNU National Interaction Programme for PhD Scholars in Social Sciences and Humanities

A Short-Term Programme

22 July to 09 August, 2013

Venue: Academic Staff College, JNU New Campus, New Delhi

Download Application Form

• JNU, ASC provides Hostel and Mess facilities to all outstation candidates.
• Please submit your application at least ... days before the start of a course so that we have sufficient time to correspond with you.
• For further details visit http://www.jnu.ac.in/ASC or call at 011-26742566, 011-26742532; Fax: 26742532; Email: asc.jnu@gmail.com

Invite Suggestions/Views on "The Biotechnology Regulatory Authority of India Bill 2013 & The Agricultural Biosecurity Bill 2013'"

Parliament of India

Rajya Sabha Secretariat

Department-Related Parliamentary Standing Committee on Science & Technology, Environment & Forests

Suggestions/Views on "The Biotechnology Regulatory Authority  Of India Bill, 2013"

****

 

 

1. "The Biotechnology Regulatory Authority of India Bill, 2013" as introduced and pending in Lok Sabha has been referred to the Department-related Parliamentary Standing Committee on Science & Technology, Environment & Forests, headed by Dr. T. Subbarami Reddy, M.P., Rajya Sabha for examination and report.

2. Modern biotechnology is recognised globally as a rapidly advancing science wherein advanced molecular techniques and processes are employed to develop useful products, processes and services in areas of agriculture, human and animal healthcare, environment management and industry. Biotechnology industry in India has, been growing at an average annual rate of twenty to thirty percent during the last five years and its turnover exceeded Rs. 20,440.00 crores approximately. There are, however, public concerns in respect of organisms and products derived from modern biotechnology on human, animal and environmental safety. Various countries have developed regulatory mechanisms to ensure safe and responsible use of biotechnology organisms and products. But in India, activities and processes involving the genetically engineered organisms and product thereof, are broadly regulated under the 'Rules for Manufacture, Use/Import/Export and Storage of hazardous Micro organisms/Genetically Engineered organisms or cells 1989' notified under the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986 and the guidelines published by the Department of Biotechnology. But despite the aforesaid rules and guidelines, India has experienced a number of challenges. A Task Force on the Application of Agriculture Biotechnology constituted by the Ministry of Agriculture in 2003 recommended establishment of an autonomous, statutory and professionally-led National Biotechnology Regulatory Authority which was supported by the other Task Force on recombinant pharma constituted by Ministry of Environment & Forests in 2004.

3. In pursuance of the recommendations of the above Task Forces, this Bill aims inter-alia at establishing an independent statutory regulator to be known as the Biotechnology Regulatory Authority of India, to regulate research, transport, import, manufacture and use of organisms and products of modern biotechnology to promote the safe use of modern biotechnology by enhancing the effectiveness and efficiency of robust regulatory procedures.

4. The Committee has decided to invite Memoranda containing views/suggestions from individuals/organizations interested in the subject matter of the bill.

 5. Those desirous of submitting Memoranda to the Committee may send their written Memoranda either in English or Hindi to Shri Alok Chatterjee, Director, Rajya Sabha Secretariat, Room No. 005, Ground Floor, Parliament House Annexe, New Delhi-ll0001. [Tel. No. 011-23034597, Fax No. 011-23015585 Email: rsc-st@sansad.nic.in] within thirty days from the date of publication of this advertisement. Those who are willing to appear before the Committee for oral evidence besides submitting the Memoranda may indicate so. However, the Committee's decision in this regard shall be final. The Memoranda submitted to the Committee would form part of the records of the Committee and would be treated as confidential and would enjoy privileges of the Committee. The Committee will have full right on Memoranda received. It mayor may not use those Memoranda while preparing the report.

6. The Bill has been published in the Gazette of India Extraordinary Part II dated the 22nd April, 2013. Copies ofthe Bill can be had on written request to the above mentioned officer or can be downloaded from the official website of the Rajya Sabha (http://rajyasabha.nic.in) under the caption "Bills with the Committees".

 

Website: http://rajyasabha.nic.in                                     Email: rsc-st@sansad.nic.in

 

Published on 11/06/2013

 

 

 

Parliament of India

Lok Sabha Secretariat

New Delhi

 

Departmentally Related Standing Committee on Agriculture

Invites Suggestions On 'The Agricultural Biosecurity Bill 2013'.

 

The Agricultural Biosecurity Bill, 2013' as introduced in Lok Sabha on 11 March, 2013 and pending therein has been referred to the Departmentally Related Standing Committee on Agriculture under the Chairmanship of Shri Basudeb Acharia, MP for examination and Report to the Parliament. The text of the Bill as introduced in Lok Sabha is available on the Website http://www.parliamentofindia.nic.in under the heading 'Legislation'. A copy of the Bill may also be obtained on request from the Committee on Agriculture Branch, Room Nos. 614/616, Parliament House Annexe, New Delhi -110001.

The Agricultural Biosecurity Bill, 2013 proposes: -

a)      integration of plant and animal quarantine services;

b)      establishment of an Authority for prevention, control, eradication and management of pests and diseases of plants and animals and unwanted organisms for ensuring agricultural biosecurity;

c)      to meet international obligations of India for facilitating imports and exports of plants, plant products, animals, animal products, aquatic organisms and regulation of agriculturally important micro-organisms;

d)      prevention and control of pest infestation or infection, including declaration of an area as "controlled area" for this purpose and measures for control of such infestation or infection;

e)      provision for inspection, taking samples, entry and search of premises checking of conveyances to ensure compliance of phytosanitary and sanitary measures and also seizure, treatment and disposal of plants, animals and their products to prevent spread of pests by designated officers;

f)       declaration of biosecurity emergency in case of outbreak of orqanisms threatening biosecurity and actions and procedures to deal with it;

g)      removal of plant, animals, their products and other objects imported in violation of the provisions of the proposed legislation.

The Committee invites written memoranda containing suggestions/views comments of Experts/Stakeholders/ individuals/institutions/organizations interested in the subject matter of the Bill.

All those who are interested in submitting written memorandum may sent two copies thereof either in English or in Hindi to The Deputy Secretary (Agr.), Lok Sabha Secretariat, Room No. 616, Parliament House Annexe, New Delhi, 110001, Tel No. 23034042, Fax No. 23018865, e-mail agricom@sansad.nic.in within three weeks from the date of publication of this advertisement. Those who wish to appear before the Committee, besides submitting memorandum, are requested to specifically indicate so. However, the Committee's decision in this regard shall be final.

The memorandum submitted to the Committee would form part of the records of the Committee and would be treated as strictly 'Confidential' and not circulated to anyone, as such an act would constitute a breach of privilege of the Committee.

 

Published on 07/06/2013