New Century Publications – förlag

The process of economic reforms was initiated when the Government of Prime Minister Mr Narsimha Rao announced a new industrial policy in the Indian Parliament on July 24, 1991. The economic reforms programme, while welcomed by many, has also evoked apprehensions in the minds of the people. All political parties seem to have accepted the need for reforms, though differences persist as regards their spread and mode of implementation. There is a broad consensus that unless the gains of liberalisation and openness are widespread, their acceptability by the general public will be greatly reduced. This book contains views of a cross-section of eminent statesmen, economists, social scientists and administrators on the subject.

Labour policy of the Government of India derives its philosophy from the Directive Principles of State Policy as enshrined in the Constitution of India. Various legislations have been enacted to promote employment and general welfare of labour. As in other developing countries, unemployment is a serious problem of the Indian economy. The poverty of the masses in India is closely related to the problem of unemployment. Unemployment is a multi-dimensional phenomenon in India. It is not restricted to one sector or group of population. Instead, it is a widespread disease touching almost every segment of the society. Policies of economic liberalisation have drastically altered the relationship between the state, labour and business. This book covers all these aspects of labour policy in the context of ongoing economic reforms in India.

The enactment of the Consumer Protection Act, 1986 was a milestone in the history of socio-economic legislations in India. The Act was passed to create awareness among the people regarding their legal rights as consumers and to protect them against unfair trade practices. The Act was amended in 1991 and 1993 to extend its coverage and scope and to enhance the powers of the redressal machinery. The historic judgement of the National Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission (National Commission) in 1992 that medical services also constitute service under the Act, sparked off a country-wide controversy. Finally, the controversy was laid to rest when the Supreme Court (in the Indian Medical Association vs. V P Shantha case) held in 1995 that medical services are covered under the Consumer Protection Act, 1986. The judgement of the Supreme Court has wide implications for the patients as also for the doctors. This study is related to the investigation of patients' perception of medical services in India. It also examines the implications of the application of Consumer Protection Act, 1986 (CPA) to the medical services and its fall out on patient-doctor relationship. Furthermore, the study evaluates the approach of the redressal agencies under the Act in deciding cases relating to deficiency in medical services.

Prior to the launching of economic reforms in 1991, foreign trade of India suffered from strict bureaucratic controls and discretionary regulations. With a view to simplify procedures and reduce controls, the Government made a Statement on Trade Policy in Parliament on August 13, 1991, ushering a new era in the foreign trade policy of India. Instead of controls and regulations, the focus shifted to promotion and development of foreign trade. The present book provides a comprehensive view of the changes in India's foreign trade during the post-liberalisation period. It also traces policy developments with regard to direct foreign investment during the reforms period.

This is an impressive tour de force from a writer who combines good writing with psychological energy.

The book is a fascinating picture of the socio-cultural and political landscape of 50 years of Independent India. It presents a complex interplay of patterns of feudalism and democracy, exploitation and social justice, poverty and affluence, intrigue and morality, corruption and probity, superstition and faith.

This is a story of a mother's grief, with the sudden death of a son, which voyaged from overwhelming sorrow, shock and anguished fear-through her eyes, the world appeared sullen and forbidding, shrouded in darkness. It was as though a door had closed and there was no desire on her part to seek an escape from the release of depression and futility that had oppressed her.

After the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001 in the U.S., Afghanistan and the Great Game have been focused as the centrepiece of international attention. Commentators have been somewhat episodic in their treatment of issues in the present-day Afghanistan and the renewal of Great Game. Suhash Chakravarty has sought to present struggle against the Taliban barbarism in the context of the evolution of the Afghan polity and nation in the 21st Century with a view to locating the significant diacritical marks in the ethnic and social struggles in Afghanistan. This is supported by a case study of imperial expansion in the late nineteenth century centred on Anglo-Afghan relations. A rich range of original material drawn from public archives as well as from family papers has been sifted in order to achieve what must be the most comprehensive study made so far on the subject.

There is a lacuna in the field of autobiography-studies, especially women's autobiographies. This book seeks to fill the gap. What makes it different from other works on women's autobiographies is the fact that it is an analysis of autobiographies across the East-West boundary. Three of the autobiographies examined are of American women and three of Indian women. This kind of cross-cultural examination, involving American and Marathi autobiographies and using the feminist literary approach has not been attempted before. Nor have the individual autobiographies been examined in such detail before. Hence, this book hopes to break new ground in the area of autobiography studies. The book is primarily aimed at people interested in autobiography studies, women's studies, American literature, Marathi literature and comparative studies.

Over the years, significant changes in the EXIM policy have helped to strengthen the export production base of India by removing procedural bottlenecks, facilitating input availability and upgrading technological advancements. The present book examines various aspects of export promotion activities besides highlighting the hidden potential of India's major products and how India can increase its share in world exports which is currently below 1 per cent . The highlights of EXIM Policy 2002-2007 announced on March 31, 2002 have also been set forth. The overall objective of the book is to analyse performance, problems and potential for thrust products of Indian exports and to suggest measures to accelerate the tempo of exports of these value-added items to various countries of the world.

How do consumers make purchase decisions is a fascinating subject to be studied. Family, as a conglomerate of several individuals, influences the purchase of various products. The influence of family in the purchase decision-making depends upon the cultural background. Though vast literature on the subject is available on Western society, there is a dearth of material on purchase behaviour of Indian families. This book attempts to fill this gap. It provides a comprehensive analysis of the purchase behaviour of Indian households in terms of a select category of consumer durables. It makes useful suggestions for devising appropriate marketing strategies.

Among the various indices of ability-to-pay taxes, income is regarded by far the most appropriate. Part I of this book examines various analytical and policy issues associated with the designing of an income tax system. Part II of the book describes in simple language the otherwise complex law of income tax in India. It traces, in brief, the history of income tax legislation in India and describes the existing constitutional provisions and legal framework of income tax. Besides, it states the main provisions of the Income Tax Act, 1961 and explains the law and procedure of assessment of taxable income. Finally, it critically evaluates the present system of income tax in India.

Economics and Commerce are the two dominant subjects of modern learning. These are, by no means, easy subjects to master. However, an increasing number of people wish to acquire a working knowledge of economic and commercial terms for use in their daily life. This encyclopaedia is designed to provide a useful, reliable and readable guide to the fast expanding field of economics and commerce. It contains a careful selection of key terms and concepts in economics and commerce which are considered important for a cross-section of readers including teachers and students of economics, commerce, law and management. This valuable reference work will also be useful for bankers, corporate executives, legislators and government officials. Entries on more technical terms are brief. However, topics of general interest have been explained in the form of essays rather than mere definitions.

In a growing and labour-abundant economy like India, industrial relations have special significance, particularly in public sector enterprises which play a dominant role in the industrial economy of India. Harmonious and constructive industrial relations are essential for promoting the productivity of enterprises, thereby contributing to the accelerated growth of the nation's economy. The present book examines and critically reviews the manifestation and magnitude of industrial disputes so as to understand the nature of industrial relations in public sector.

The action of the novel is set in the scenic mountainous part of the Uttaranchal State, formerly Uttar Pradesh (U.P.), where enchanting lakes, slaty fog, heavy rains and snow seem to interact with the characters in the novel, which comprises about one hundred thousand words.

This book is written for all those who are loaded with responsibilities-personal and official-and are sincerely trying to fulfil them to the best of their ability. Are you one of them? Then you must be experiencing a lot of stress and tension caused by the fear of failure, role overload and personality clash. All of us at one point of time in life, need someone to lean on, confide in and magically solve all our problems. The constant striving to fulfil the responsibility and the lack of someone to understand you multiplies the tensions, leading to a perpetual stress syndrome.

The need for good governance is obvious and universal. Good governance requires good laws, alert administration and an efficient system of trial and punishment. What can be the measures of good governance? These, inter alia, may include existence of good laws and their transparent operation, lower per capita cost of governance, availability of reliable infrastructure, efficient law and order situation and high level of human development index. The focus of this book is on corruption, i.e. misuse of public money and state power. This book describes how the parliamentary form of democracy in India is functioning. The various ills we are witnessing in this country have originated or escalated for the reason that the parliamentary form of democracy supports their growth. The book examines various issues including reservations, population control, external loans and budget deficits and other problems due to lack of political will. The book attempts to answer some of the well-known questions like how much government do we need, problems of Presidential form of government, sustainability of communism and usefulness of the party system.

Industrial peace is a pre-requisite for smooth and uninterrupted production process in an economy. Industrial relations are a matter of importance not only for the employers and the employees but also for the society at large. In the wake of economic liberalisation sweeping across the world economies, the concept and nature of industrial relations are also undergoing a change. The past philosophy of industrial relations has become comparatively irrelevant in the context of new technology, emerging trade relations, and increased movement of labour and capital across continents This book examines this most complex and delicate problem of the modern industrial society with reference to India. It analyses various aspects of industrial relations with particular emphasis on trade unions, industrial disputes, collective bargaining, grievance management, workers participation, labour legislations and social security schemes.

In the wake of liberalisation and globalisation, domestic industry has to gear itself for the new challenges of global competitiveness and quality. Sustainable growth, social justice and ethical issues are the other challenges that need to be met. Ludhiana, the industrial hub of Punjab, stands out as a symbol of hard work and entrepreneurial skills of its citizens. The phenomenal growth of industry in Ludhiana is emulated as a role model across India. The present book places on record the achievements of Ludhiana's entrepreneurs in the industrialisation of India in general and that of Punjab in particular. It documents and consolidates the contribution of enterprising families of Ludhiana in placing this city on the industrial map of India. The book would prove useful for students of management and commerce, business executives and market analysts.

This is the fiction story where a tormented soul makes a deal with the young woman to get her rightful offering at Budh Gaya by her son to become a pitr, in lieu of letting her know what happens after death. The janams reveal the story of a soul who wanted to fulfil her desire of eternal love in human form.

Credit rating system started in India in 1987 when the first credit rating agency was established in the country, namely The Credit Rating Information Services of India Limited (CRISIL). In tandem with the progress of economic liberalisation since 1991, the credit rating industry has also spread its wings and is now an integral part of the Indian financial system. Although a relatively new concept, credit rating has caught the fancy of financial analysts who are ever eager to develop new methods to rate corporate debt, keeping in mind the domestic business environment and the psychology of the Indian investor. This book is unique because it not only examines the existing practices of credit rating in India but also evaluates the performance of the Indian credit rating agencies themselves.

In the nineteenth century, The Great Game was played between two major colonial powers of the time-Tsarist Russia and Great Britain. The prize was "The Jewel in the Crown"-India, and the pathway to it ran through Afghanistan. Today, the pathway still runs through Afghanistan but the players are different-the United States of America, Russia and China, with Iran, India, Pakistan on the periphery. The prize is the oil and mineral wealth of Central Asia and its geopolitical and strategic positioning. In the aftermath of the terrorist attack on the US in September 2001, this region has become the field of intense competition among the major powers. The resultant American military presence in Afghanistan and some of the states of Central Asia, a new dimension has been added to the geo-politics of the region. This book provides an in-depth analysis of the Indian perspective on the Great Game as it unfolds and its geopolitical ramifications for this country.

This book seeks to appreciate the trends of imperial perceptions of India and her institutions. Thematically, the drift and propensities of imperial perceptions etched out here are valid for the whole period of Raj which was initiated with the assumption of authority by the British crown from the East India Company. The book attempts to capture the broad parameters and intricate detours of imperial perceptions of India especially since the over-confident days of the adolescent Raj in the mid-seventies of the nineteenth century. Economic power, military authority and diplomatic ascendancy of the empire were sustained by the centrality of Raj in British imperial psychology. British sensibility with regard to the Raj displayed an arrogant and an authoritarian programme, quite different from the fraternal fellow-feelings which were displayed towards Australia, Canada, New Zealand, South Africa and Rhodesia. The primary object of the work is to weave a pattern and discover a meaning in imperial sensibility.

The present business environment is vastly different from what it was a decade ago. In the wake of liberalisation and globalisation, the domestic industry and business has to gear itself for the new challenges of global competitiveness and quality. Sustainable growth, social justice and ethical issues are the other challenges that need to be met. India is witnessing a paradigm shift in the business environment. Only those industries and organisations are going to survive and grow in future which will be able to proactively respond and adjust to the new circumstances. The topics covered in this book relate to the whole range of emerging issues in the functional areas of business, namely finance, marketing, human resources and information technology. The present volume, it is hoped, will be of great use and benefit to the researchers, practitioners, policy makers, business executives and students.

Presently, India's exports cover a wide range of traditional and non-traditional items. Although non-traditional items (gems and jewellery, readymade garments, engineering goods and chemicals) have entered into India's exports in a big way yet traditional items of exports, viz. marine products, tea, coffee, spices and coir occupy a dominant place in our export basket. This book focuses on the performance and outlook of traditional items in India's exports. The work is relevant in the context of changing pattern of world trade in the wake of new rules and regulations introduced by the World Trade Organisation (WTO).

The poor performance of PSEs started to be reflected in low profits and in some cases mounting losses year after year. Hence, privatisation of public sector enterprises is a part of the economic reforms process initiated in 1991. In dismantling the public sector, India has adopted a gradualist approach. The slow pace of privati-sation has disappointed the public in general. This book traces the philosophy and growth of PSEs in India and describes recent policy measures for their privatisation. Hurdles being faced by the Government in this gigantic task are also set forth.

This book examines various theoretical issues related to the operation of VAT. It provides an overview of the present tax system of India. More specifically, it traces the efforts made by the Central and State Governments in India to rationalise indirect tax system of the country in the direction of VAT. The book, drawing on the experience of other countries, evaluates various options available for a smooth switch over to VAT in India. The countries considered for the purpose are: Brazil, Argentina, Mexico, Germany, and Canada.

Punjab stands out as a symbol of hard work and entrepreneurial skills of its citizens. The phenomenal growth of agriculture, business and industry in Punjab is emulated as a role model across India. This book places on record the achievements of Punjab's entrepreneurs in the industrialisation of India in general and that of Punjab in particular. It documents and consolidates the contribution of enterprising business groups of Punjab in placing this State on the industrial map of India.

The present book builds up a new concept of managerial processes and examines their role in organisational effectiveness. An attempt has been made to identify various managerial processes like leadership, communication, conflict resolution, feedback and innovative management. The scales for assessing these identified managerial processes have been developed through rigorous scientific processes. The book evaluates the impact of these identified managerial processes on productivity and on several selected dimensions of team behaviour.