Social Work Bulletin

Social Work

University of Kashmir

Online ISSN: 2582-7790

With advancements taking place and initiation of modern, scientific and innovative methods in all fields, the significance of research has been comprehensively recognized. The individuals working in all areas and fields need to recognize the significance of research and put into operation, creative methods to generate the desired outcomes. In higher educational institutions, the research methods are put into operation, primarily when the individuals are working on research papers or research projects. The professors and educationists need to conduct research with diligence and resourcefulness, as it is regarded as an integral part of their job duties. In conducting research, important topics are selected on the basis of the interest areas of the individuals. The main objective of this research paper is to understand the areas of research in adult education. The main aspects that have been taken into account are, promotion of research in adult education in India, role of government and non-government organizations, role of universities, role of state resource centres, research methods, and factors in research.

Occupational Social Work (OSW) is an emerging field that analyzes the relationship between individuals' lives and their employment, promoting social justice and improving worker well-being and fostering healthy, sustainable workplaces. The Indian tea industry, a major employer, confronts challenges such as occupational hazards, low wages, and limited healthcare access, adversely affecting worker's conditions. This study advocates applying OSW interventions to cultivate healthful, sustainable environments within Indian tea gardens, benefiting workers, factory personnel, and their communities. A theoretical review-based approach using descriptive design to analyze the relevant secondary data sources. This study assesses the physical and mental health, stress, and disease prevalence among tea garden workers. Anticipated outcomes highlight the potential of Occupational Social Work to enhance long-term well-being by identifying worker’s needs, implementing interventions like support groups and health education, advocating for safety regulations, fair compensation, and healthcare access, and promoting self-care awareness among the workforce.

Panchayati Raj Institutions act as the foundation and instrument in the process of rural development. But due to the patriarchal social system, most decisions are taken by the male members. Despite of reservation and lack of proper participation of women in Gram Panchayat, their contribution is seen not at par in Gram Panchayat. The 73rd amendment in the Constitution of India is a milestone in the history of democratic administration of rural society in India, which opens the path for women to represent the Panchayati Raj Institutions in all three levels i.e. ZilaParishad, Block Samiti, Sarpanch and Punches of the Gram Panchayats and demonstrate their leadership skills and development thoughts in the administration of rural society. Therefore researcher has tried to explore the socio-economic profile of the Women Representatives of Gram Panchayat in Haryana, to study the factors, affecting participation of Women Representatives in the Gram Panchayat, to explore the role of Women Representatives of Gram Panchayat in Decision making Process of Gram Panchayat and find the scope of social work intervention with Women Representatives of Gram Panchayat. Researcher has applied descriptive-cum-exploratory research design to the study. The study will be qualitative as well as quantitative in nature. The sample size of 200 respondents will be selected through stratified sampling. The respondents will be Women Representatives of Gram Panchayat, their family members, community people, members of CBOs and officials from various Government offices/Departments, working with Gram Panchayat. Researcher has found that the women want to give their quality contribution in the process of Rural Development through Gram Panchayat but the patriarchy and gender issues are among the major obstacles in this. Researcher explored that Social Work intervention has an important role in improving the role of women Representatives.

This study investigates parents' awareness of elementary school children's learning disability. Learning Disabilities are problems that affect the brain's ability to receive, process, analyse, or store information. It makes difficult for a student to learn as quickly as someone unaffected by a learning disability. It refers to a group of disorders that affect a broad range of academic and functional skills including the ability to speak, listen, read, write, spell, reason & organize information. Learning disorder is a generic term that refers to a heterogeneous group of disorders manifested by significant difficulties in acquiring and using listening, speaking, reading, writing, reasoning, or mathematical abilities. These disorders are intrinsic to the individual and presumed to be due to central nervous system dysfunction. Even though it may occur concomitantly with other handicapping conditions (e.g., sensory impairment, mental retardation, social and emotional disturbance) or environmental influences (e.g., cultural differences, insufficient/inappropriate instruction, psychogenic factors), it is not the direct result of those conditions or influences. However, parents' awareness and understanding of learning disabilities play a vital role in this process. The major objective of this study is to assess the level of awareness and knowledge of learning disabilities among parents of elementary school children and find out the significant gap in parent's awareness and understanding of learning disabilities.

Substance abuse among youth is a growing concern in Gujarat, reflecting national trends that challenge public health and social stability. This study examines the prevalence, patterns, and social determinants of substance abuse among a sample of 488 youths in Gujarat, with a focus on assessing the role of social work interventions. Utilizing a mixed-methods approach, data were collected through surveys and interviews. Findings reveal that peer pressure, stress, and unemployment are major contributing factors, while targeted social work strategies—such as community outreach, counseling, and rehabilitation programs—are crucial for mitigating these issues. The study underscores the importance of collaborative frameworks to address substance abuse, paving the way for healthier futures aligned with India's Vision 2047.

This study explores the impact of underemployment on the satisfaction and well-being of scholars in Jammu and Kashmir, focusing on early-career academics, adjunct faculty, and graduate students. Despite holding advanced degrees, these scholars often find themselves in temporary, low-paying positions that do not utilize their full qualifications, leading to significant financial strain, mental health challenges, and professional isolation. Through qualitative methods, including interviews, focus group discussions, and participant narratives, the research identifies key themes such as the impermanent nature of employment, the psychological toll of underemployment, social and professional isolation, long-term dissatisfaction with life, and coping mechanisms. The findings reveal that scholars in the region face a stark misalignment between their academic achievements and the available job opportunities, which leads to feelings of frustration, diminished self-worth, and reduced life satisfaction. Furthermore, scholars exhibit resilience through personal coping strategies, such as pursuing hobbies or further education, to alleviate the stress caused by underemployment. The study emphasizes the need for policy reforms, including the creation of permanent academic positions, improved financial support, and enhanced mental health services within academic institutions. By addressing the systemic challenges of underemployment, this research highlights the importance of fostering a more supportive and sustainable academic environment for scholars in Jammu and Kashmir.

The institutionalization of Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs) in Jammu and Kashmir has been hindered by structural deficiencies, bureaucratic dominance, and political inertia, limiting grassroots democracy. This study examines the evolution of PRIs before the abrogation of Article 370, analyzing legal and administrative constraints that impeded their effectiveness. Focusing on seven blocks in Anantnag district, it explores how governance structures, lack of direct elections, fiscal constraints, and conflict dynamics, including insurgency and security threats, weakened local governance. Using a mixed-methods approach, including field surveys across 28 villages, the study highlights persistent challenges such as financial mismanagement, gender-based exclusions, and bureaucratic control over Panchayats. While post-2019 reforms, including the implementation of the 73rd Constitutional Amendment, introduced structural changes like BDC and DDC elections, they have not fully addressed longstanding governance issues. Many Panchayats remain incomplete, operating without fully elected bodies. The study underscores the need for comprehensive reforms, including full implementation of the 73rd Amendment, financial decentralization, and security measures for elected representatives. Strengthening public trust and ensuring PRIs function as autonomous institutions rather than bureaucratic extensions are crucial for fostering genuine participatory democracy in Jammu and Kashmir.

The COVID-19 pandemic has brought about unexpected challenges, with far-reaching impacts on various aspects of society, including the mental health of families. COVID-19, short for "Coronavirus Disease 2019," is an infectious disease caused by the novel coronavirus SARS-CoV-2. This study investigates the mental health of families faced COVID-19 pandemic and their emotional and social status. It mainly focuses on the families who lose their loved in the period of COVID-19. Through a qualitative survey, we find out multifaceted impacts of the pandemic on family functioning and individual well-being. The area of the study will be Kunnamkulam Municipality which is located in Thrissur District, Kerala. The COVID-19 pandemic has caused a lot of unexpected problems for families. This study looks at how families are feeling and doing during the pandemic, especially those who have lost someone they love. We're asking families in Kunnamkulam, Kerala, about how they're feeling and how the pandemic has affected them. We found that losing someone because of COVID-19 is really hard for families. It makes them feel sad, lost, and confused. The pandemic has made it even more difficult because the deaths happen suddenly and unexpectedly. Families are struggling to understand why this happened and how to cope with their feelings. By shedding light on these issues, this research contributes to an understanding of the profound and enduring impacts of COVID-19 on family mental health, and informs the development of more effective strategies for supporting bereaved families in coping with their grief and rebuilding their lives in the after the loss of loved ones.

The media industry serves as a powerful societal pillar, shaping narratives and influencing public opinion. However, the sector has long been criticized for gender imbalances in its leadership roles. Despite strides in various sectors, the representation of women in decision-making positions within Indian news media remains insufficient. This underrepresentation of women in leadership roles within the news media industry remains a pressing concern, particularly in India. This paper explores the leadership and managerial roles of women in Indian news media. Drawing on quantitative research, qualitative interviewsro, and secondary data analysis, this study examines the current scenario, identifies challenges, and evaluates opportunities for women leaders in news media. Recommendations for promoting gender equity in Indian newsrooms are also proposed.

Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) is notably prevalent among women in the Kashmir region of India, with studies indicating significantly higher rate than the national average. As per the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), over 30 % of Kashmiri women meet the Rotterdam criteria for PCOS diagnosis. Factors contributing to the high prevalence include sedentary lifestyles, poor dietary habits and the hormonal imbalance, which has led to chronic stress and psychological problems. Research highlights a strong link between PCOS and Psychiatric disorders such as anxiety, depression and bipolar disorder. The syndrome is also associated with metabolic disorders. There is need of proper counseling and awareness and healthy life style in order to prevent this problem.