Current Issues

Caste, Identity and Equality: The Vernacular Constitutionalism in Colonial Kerala: Jun 2026 : XVIII [I]

Dr. Pratheesh. P

DOI Link : https://doi.org/10.51767/jsw1801

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Case Study Anganwadi Centre faced difficulties in making efforts for Malnutrition free village: Jun 2026 : XVIII [I]

Dr Neeraj Sharma

DOI Link : https://doi.org/10.51767/jsw1802

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Beyond Grief: A Qualitative Exploration of Childhood Parental Loss: Jun 2026 : XVIII [I]

Aswathy Sebastian and Dr .K.Sathyamurthi

DOI Link : https://doi.org/10.51767/jsw1803

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Loneliness amongst Elderly Men and Women: A comparative study in sub-urban context of West Bengal: Jun 2026 : XVIII [I]

Shreya Ghosh and Sudhangsu Sekhar Datta

DOI Link : https://doi.org/10.51767/jsw1804

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EXPRESSION VALUE REWARD FOR SURVIVABILITY IN ADULTS: Jun 2026 : XVIII [I]

Gupta M , Mahakud G C and Gupt Yamini

DOI Link : https://doi.org/10.51767/jsw1805

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The Iron Man’s Mission: Sardar Patel and the Integration of Indian States: Jun 2026 : XVIII [I]

Dr. Shailesh Brahmbhatt

DOI Link : https://doi.org/10.51767/jsw1806

The partition of British India in 1947 left the subcontinent not only divided between India and Pakistan but also politically fragmented with over 560 princely states, each theoretically free to accede to either dominion or remain independent. In this context of uncertainty and potential disintegration, Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, revered as the "Iron Man of India," undertook the critical task of integrating these states into the newly independent Indian Union. This paper critically examines Patel’s mission, highlighting the political foresight, strategic diplomacy, and administrative pragmatism he employed in achieving one of the most complex and decisive undertakings in Indian political history. Patel`s role was defined by a blend of firmness and flexibility, marked by a practical approach to national unity. Patel advanced a three-tiered strategy: (1) convincing princely rulers to sign the Instrument of Accession, (2) offering internal autonomy to allay fears of complete subjugation, and (3) tactically using military and political pressure when required. This combination of persuasion, constitutional manoeuvring, and strategic assertion enabled the smooth accession of most princely states, while exceptional cases—such as Hyderabad, Junagadh, and Jammu & Kashmir—required more assertive interventions. These efforts not only ensured territorial consolidation but also neutralized the risk of internal fissures that could have derailed the political unity of postcolonial India. Patel`s mission was not without formidable challenges. Many rulers were reluctant to surrender their sovereign status, some even flirting with the idea of independence or aligning with Pakistan. The situation was further complicated by the communal tensions of Partition, the British policy of lapsing paramountcy, and the absence of a well-defined succession framework. Patel’s strength lay in navigating these uncertainties without compromising the larger national interest. His ability to appeal to reason, history, and patriotism—while never hesitating to use decisive force when necessary—cemented his reputation as a statesman of rare conviction. The long-term implications of Patel`s integration efforts were profound. His work laid the institutional and territorial foundations of the Indian Union, transforming a patchwork of fragmented polities into a single nation governed by a democratic constitution. It also prevented the Balkanization of India and preserved its federal structure without weakening central authority. Moreover, his mission set a precedent for statecraft rooted in unity, national interest, and constitutional order, shaping India’s political ethos for decades. In retrospect, “The Iron Man’s Mission” symbolizes a crucial turning point in India’s history where visionary leadership, constitutional innovation, and political will converged to forge a modern nation-state. The success of this mission continues to inform contemporary debates on federalism, national integration, and centre-state relations.

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Digital Mental Health Interventions for Adolescents in India: Opportunities, Ethical Concerns and Implications for Social Work Practice: Jun 2026 : XVIII [I]

Dr. Pooja Sharma and Dr. Damandeep Kaur Gulati

DOI Link : https://doi.org/10.51767/jsw1807

Digital Mental Health Interventions for Adolescents in India: Opportunities, Ethical Concerns and Implications for Social Work Practice © 2026 by Dr. Pooja Sharma and Dr. Damandeep Kaur Gulati is licensed under CC BY-NC 4.0

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Public Health Insurance and Financial Risk Exposure during Hospitalisation among the Poor: Evidence from Coastal Kerala: Jun 2026 : XVIII [I]

Athul P Shaji Dr. Binil. K. P

DOI Link : https://doi.org/10.51767/jsw1808

Public health insurance schemes in India seek to expand access to inpatient care and provide financial risk protection for poor households. Despite wide coverage, out-of-pocket (OOP) expenditure during hospitalisation remains substantial, raising concerns about the effectiveness of insurance in mixed healthcare systems with strong private sector participation. This study assesses the extent to which public health insurance mitigates inpatient OOP expenditure among poor households in coastal Kerala, drawing evidence from Alappuzha district. The analysis is based on primary hospital-based data collected from insured and uninsured poor patients admitted to government medical colleges in Alappuzha and Kottayam, four taluk general hospitals, and five private hospitals in Alappuzha district. Information was gathered on socio-demographic characteristics, insurance status, hospitalisation patterns, length of stay, and itemised inpatient expenditures. Multivariate regression methods were employed to examine the association between insurance coverage, provider choice, and inpatient OOP expenditure, controlling for demographic, clinical, and facility-level factors. The results indicate that insurance coverage is associated with higher utilisation of inpatient services but does not result in a significant reduction in inpatient OOP expenditure among poor households. Patients treated in private hospitals incurred markedly higher OOP costs than those receiving care in public facilities, irrespective of insurance status. Longer hospital stays, chronic morbidity, use of paying wards, and expenditures on medicines and diagnostics purchased outside hospitals were significant contributors to OOP spending. The findings point to structural limitations in the financial protection offered by public health insurance and highlight the importance of strengthening public healthcare delivery, expanding coverage of essential inputs, and addressing cost escalation in the private sector to enhance equity in the pursuit of Universal Health Coverage.

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Elderly Service Satisfaction in Mumbai Slums: Mobile Medical Services Vs. Doorstep Ration Delivery: Jun 2026 : XVIII [I]

Saheli De Sarkar & Vandana Chakrabarti

DOI Link : https://doi.org/10.51767/jsw1809

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Decolonizing Social Work Education in Northeast India: Empirical Insights from the 3C Transformative Framework: Jun 2026 : XVIII [I]

Dr. Lalzo S Thangjom

DOI Link : https://doi.org/10.51767/jsw1810

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Brand Strategies and Consumer Behavior in the Silver Economy: A Comparative Analysis of Foreign and Indian Brands Targeting the Aging Demographic: Jun 2026 : XVIII [I]

Dr. Pooja Sharma & Dr. Darshan Subherwal

DOI Link : https://doi.org/10.51767/jsw1811

Brand Strategies and Consumer Behavior in the Silver Economy: A Comparative Analysis of Foreign and Indian Brands Targeting the Aging Demographic © 2026 by Dr. Pooja Sharma & Dr. Darshan Subherwal is licensed under CC BY-NC 4.0

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Understanding the Identity Crisis faced by Transgender Students in Higher Education Institutions.: Jun 2026 : XVIII [I]

Tasvir Kaur , Dr. Gaurav Gaur , Dr. Manjushri Sharma , & Shishpal

DOI Link : https://doi.org/10.51767/jsw1812

Understanding the Identity Crisis faced by Transgender Students in Higher Education Institutions. © 2026 by Tasvir Kaur , Dr. Gaurav Gaur , Dr. Manjushri Sharma , & Shishpal is licensed under CC BY-NC 4.0

Background: Higher education is to ensure fairness and inclusive opportunities for every individual, yet transgender persons still experience exclusion because of persistent social prejudice, discriminatory practices, and administrative difficulties. In India, legal recognition through the National Legal Services Authority v. Union of India (2014) judgment and the Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Act, 2019 marked significant progress toward inclusion. Despite these developments, access to education remains limited for many transgender individuals, particularly due to challenges related to identity documentation and administrative procedures. Aim: The present study examines the relationship between identity documentation processes and access to education among transgenders in India. It specifically depicts the importance of transgender identity documents in influencing educational access and participation within institutions. Methods and Materials: This research relies primarily on the analysis of secondary sources. Information was gathered through the National Transgender Portal managed by the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, AISHE reports, official records, documents, and existing literature related to transgender rights and higher education. A thematic analysis approach was used to understand patterns related to documentation, enrolment, administrative delays, and educational exclusion. Results and Conclusion: The findings indicate that although a considerable number of transgender certificates and identity cards have been issued, delays, pending applications, and rejection rates continue to create barriers in accessing educational opportunities and welfare schemes. The study also highlights the extremely low enrolment of transgenders in schools, universities, and colleges across many states, reflecting the persistence of structural exclusion. Documentation emerges not merely as an administrative requirement but as a determining factor influencing educational continuity and social inclusion. The paper further emphasizes the role of social workers in assisting transgender individuals through awareness generation, advocacy, counselling, and coordination with institutions to reduce documentation-related barriers and promote inclusive access to education.

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