Browsing by Author "Paul, Ratna"

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Open Access
The Changing Status of Women in Modern Bhutan with Relation to Education (From 1914 to 2003 A.D.)
(University of North Bengal, 2016-03) Paul, Ratna
Till the middle of the last century Bhutan was isolated from the outside world and its social system was feudal. Historically, women were supposed to enjoy the same legal status as men, but after looking at the records and the practical aspects of women's lives we find that is not so true and practically their role was only of a home maker. The advancement and emancipation of women is virtually a recent phenomenon. Before the advent of modern education in the 1960s, the only form of education prevalent was traditional monastic education where Jew women got opportunity to educate themselves. Although the seed of modern school system to impart secular education was sown in 1914, women's entry in the formal education came about only after many years. We must, of course acknowledge that Bhutan was passing through a phase where parents preferred to send their sons to school rather than daughters not only because of harsh terrains, long distances, lack of accommodations or other general hardships but also because of the view that daughters were more vulnerable and more useful at home. In the 1960s with the Royal Government's intention to modernize the country, Five Year Plans were implemented and as a part of these plans, literacy rate was sought to be increased, and women found the doors of schools unlocked to educate themselves. Gradually the number of schools increased, so also the number of girl students. In the 1990s the government established hostel facilities for girls in the technical and vocational institutions. Nonformal system was introduced which was much more suitable for women. So, in spite of some age old gender disparity, women gradually became educated ushering increased awareness and thereby bolstering their status in the socio-economic-political fabric of Bhutanese society.
Open Access
Growth and development of modern education in Bhutan(1907 to 1997 A.D.)
(University of North Bengal, 2017) Paul, Ratna; Debnath, Sailen & Ghosh, Ananda Gopal
Open Access
Indo-Bhutan trade in post GST period: An overview
(Abhijeet Publications, 2022) Ghosh, Gangotree; Paul, Ratna
The Government of India and the Royale Government of Bhutan have signed a bi-lateral free trade agreement known as "Agreement on Trade, Commerce and Transit between the Government of the Republic of India and the Royale Government of Bhutan" on 12th November., 2016 to strengthen the age old ties between these two countries, to expand the bi- lateral trade between these two countries., to curb the compliance burden associated with such bilateral trade, to facilitate benefits to people of those two countries and to boost up economic collaboration and thereby economic development. As the Indian government embarks on new Goods and Services Tax (GST) regime from July 1, Bhutan will experience two-edged consequences. Different studies have found that Indo-Bhutan trade has been influenced by the introduction of much talked Goods and Services Tax (GST). As a result of introduction of GST but a, Bhutan's imports from India are becoming cheaper, but exports to India are becoming costlier. Bhutan is worried that this may result spike in imports, depleting the country's rupee reserve. In light of existing literature and with the help of secondary data the present study is an attempt to get an overview of the present scenario regarding Indo-Bhutan Trade in post GST period and to highlight the effects of GST on this bilateral trade and thereby to raise some issues related to Indo-Bhutan trade.
Open Access
Understanding the Real and the Imagined: Birsa Munda 1870- 1902
(University of North Bengal, 2022-03) Paul, Ratna
Colonial India witnessed many tribal uprisings against the exploitative and infringing attitude of British rule. One such uprising was led by Birsa Munda, who steered the Munda rebellion in the Chotanagpur plateau of southern Bihar. With the demographic changes caused by the encroachment of outsiders, the native tribal people faced new challenges in maintaining their livelihood, and even their traditional culture and ancient religion faced the threat of gradual erosion. Birsa became a religious preacher, declared himself as the representative of God, and initiated various reforms in the Munda society. Legends broke out, crediting him with some supernatural powers, further advancing his leadership. In principle, he and his followers wanted to establish a ‘Munda Raj,’ and the myths were perhaps popularized to gain the faith and support of the people of his community.