This course aims to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of the political landscape at the provincial level, focusing on the state of Odisha. By delving into the socio-political history of the region, including resistance movements for provincial autonomy, learners will grasp the contextual background shaping contemporary politics.
The course attempts to study the political structure and process in Odisha, while reflecting on the role of the Chief Minister in Odisha politics. Additionally, it seeks to analyze the growth and development of political parties, coalition politics, and electoral trends in Odisha. The course investigates the intricate interplay of caste, class, gender, and tribe in Odisha’s political arena to sharpen the understanding of inclusive development in the context of Odisha. Further, the course critically examines grassroots movements led by marginalized communities, offering insights into their agency within the political landscape of Odisha.
Course Content
Unit I: Background of Odisha Politics
a) Land and the People: Demography and Economy
b) Odia Nationalism and Emergence of Odisha as a Separate Province
c) Odisha in the Nationalist Movement, Praja Mandal Movement, Communist and Socialist Movements
Unit II: Political Structure and Process in Odisha
a) Role of the Chief Minister in Odisha Politics
b) Growth and Development of Political Parties: National and Regional Parties, Pattern of Coalition Politics in Odisha, Regionalism in Odisha Politics
c) Electoral Trends and Patterns of Electoral Behaviour in Odisha
Unit III: Social Structure, Development and Politics
a) Role of Class, Caste, Tribe, and Gender in Politics
b) Role of State in Development: Industrial and Mining Policies
c) Social Welfare Policies in Odisha: Poverty Alleviation Programmes, Self-Help Groups
Unit IV: Dynamics of People’s Movements in Odisha
a) Tribal Development: Tribal Advisory Council, Integrated Tribal Development Agency (ITDA), Implementation of the Forest Rights Act, 2006
b) Development and Dispossession: Anti-Displacement Movements, Naxalite Movement
c) Women’s Movement, Dalit Movement, and Tribal Movement
Essential Readings
- Das, B. (2022). Political History of Modern Odisha. BK Publication.
- Ghosh, S. (1979). Odisha in Turmoil: A Study of Political Developments. Book Land International, Bhubaneswar.
- Jena, B. B., & Baral, J. K. (1988). Government and Politics in Odisha. Print House (India).
- Mohanty, M. (2004). Caste, Class and Gender. Sage Publications.
- Nanda, S. (1979). Coalition Politics in Odisha. Sterling Publishers.
- Padhi, A. P. (1985). Indian State Politics: A Case Study of Odisha. B. R. Publishing Corporation.
- Rout, B. C. (2006). The State Government and Administration in Odisha. Panchashila Publication.
Source: Undergraduate (UG) Political Science Syllabus – Core XV (Semester VI): Government and Politics in Odisha.