The Books & other Publications
R. K. Baral has authored a research-based book (The Slum Dwellers in Bhubaneswar, India: From A Sustainable Livelihoods Perspective") on urban poor, struggling in a million population city situated on eastern sea-coast of India. The book explores the struggle for existence of city slum dwellers and pursuance of their livelihoods. The book is published by VDM, Germany. He has also contributed/ compiled chapters in two other books on Urban Governance and Municipal Administration.The books have been published by I.S.S. (Institute of Social Studies), New Delhi. He has also featured in internationally reputed peer-reviewed journals, magazines, and news dailies. He has published both technical-academic as well as creative writings. He has written a regular column "Eiade Siade" for news daily "The Pragativadi".
The Slum Dwellers in Bhubaneswar, India:
From A Sustainable Livelihoods Perspective
ISBN-978-3-639-17349-9
Slum dwellers in Indian cities live in inhumane condition with lack of basic services, rights, and secure livelihood. Livelihoods of slum dwellers have attracted the attention of researchers, planners, and policymakers for the last couple of decades. The study is an attempt to evaluate the livelihoods of slum dwellers to find out the presence of sustainable features and suggest strategies to establish and promote livelihood resilience, which will make it sustainable.
This study employs the Sustainable Livelihood Approach (SLA) for analyzing the livelihoods of the dwellers in a selected slum community in Bhubaneswar, Orissa, India. This is one of a few studies around the World that uses SLA in an urban context. Majority of the dwellers are absorbed in the informal sector. Income uncertainty, natural disasters, low asset base make them vulnerable. The study reveals a close interrelationship between livelihoods, poverty and environmental condition. On the basis of the conducted analysis and obtained results, recommendations that require an urgent attention and action to bring more sustainable features into their livelihoods.
Published by
Unorganised Sector: Nano Entrepreneurs to Mega Employments
Published by: AIILSG & UCLG-ASPAC
The research article has bee featured in the compendium prepared for International Conference: People, Places, and Opportunities Towards Sustainable Cities - 2030. The event was organized by All India Institute of Local Self-Government in collaboration with UCLG - ASPAC at Kerala, India. The research article tries to explore the opportunities, and challenges face by small entrepreneurs working in unorganized sector.
Published by
Local forest protection, gender and caste- Dhani hill, Odisha, India
Published by: Geografiska Annaler Series B,Swedish Society for Anthropology and Geography, Sweden Online ISSN: 1468-0467
​
A questionnaire survey covering 35% of all households in five villages was conducted in a local forest protection group in Orissa, India. The aim was to study dependency, involvement, and attitude towards forest protection based on gender and caste. A conceptual model indicating differences between the groups was used as a base. Men and general caste tended to be more outspoken in this type of questionnaire situation compared to women and scheduled castes and scheduled tribes. The general attitude towards Dhani Hill, however, was positive and could be linked to the daily use and future optimism. This optimism and the involvement of all the different groups should be considered as crucial in the timing of local forest management interventions. This should be seen together with the diversified opinions and ways of expressing such opinions depending on gender and caste.
Published by
The Pourapalika Margadarshi
Publisher: Institute of Social Sciences, New Delhi, India.
Mr. Baral has contributed chapters in this book on urban governance. The book that literally means "A Guide to Municipal Administration in Odisha, India" has covered each important aspects of municipal administration. It has thoroughly discussed 74th constitutional amendment, municipal reforms, revenue generation models, JNNURM etc.
Published by
Role of Geographical Factors in Shaping Music
Published by: National Association of Geographers, India
Mr. Baral's research article has been featured in SPATIAL DIMENSIONS OF GEOGRAPHY (Proceedings of the XVth Annual Conference of the National Association of Geographers, India). The article explores the intricate relationship between geographical factors and different shapes and shades of music.
Published by
Published by
Apahancha Ilakara Rajapua O Chhandamayee Rajajema Katha
Mr. Baral's award-winning short story was featured in Feb. 1995 issue of THE KATHA. The story along with other fifteen was selected from amongst 1600 short-stories submitted in the competition.