The book “Transforming Odisha: Insights into Finance, Agriculture and Social Well-being” brings together a rich collection of research contributions that examine the diverse dimensions of Odisha’s development trajectory. Organized into four thematic sections—Finance and Market Dimensions; Agriculture, Rural Economy & Livelihood Transformation; Education, Human Development & Social Well-being; and Gender, Inclusion and Social Sustainability—the volume addresses issues central to the state’s progress. The chapters critically analyze topics such as fiscal management, bio-economy, cooperative institutions, e-commerce and consumer behaviour, agricultural insurance, ...displacement-induced disparities, rural income and employment generation, educational access and disparity, malnutrition in vulnerable regions, gender-responsive governance, self-help groups, women empowerment, and social sustainability. Together, these studies highlight the interplay between economic transformation, social inclusion, and human development, while also underlining the structural challenges that persist. By offering empirical insights and analytical perspectives, this book provides a holistic view of Odisha’s socio-economic landscape and will serve as an important resource for academics, policymakers, practitioners, and students interested in inclusive and sustainable development.
Prof. Kabita Kumari Sahu is currently serving as Professor and Head, Department of Economics at MSCB University (erstwhile North Orissa University), Baripada, Odisha. She earned her M.Phil. & PhD degrees from Utkal University, Bhubaneswar, and has contributed over 125 publications to reputed journals and edited volumes to date. Her academic work includes four textbooks, four research books, and three edited books. She has also completed two ICSSR-funded research projects, with one ongoing project funded under UFIRP. She has to her credit the supervision of 07 Ph.D. and 35 M.Phil. scholars, while 07 Ph.D. scholars are still pursuing their research under her guidance.
Dr. Pratap Kumar Jena is working as a full-time Assistant Professor of Economics (teaching and research) in the Department of Economics, Maharaja Sriram Chandra Bhanja Deo University. He has nearly 13 years of teaching experience at the PG level. Before joining this university, he worked for a short period at GITAM University, Vishakhapatnam and Central University of Karnataka. He obtained his Master’s degree, M.Phil. degree and Ph.D. degree from the University of Hyderabad. He has been teaching Macroeconomics, International Trade & Finance, Econometrics and Time Series Modelling to MA students. His research interests are broadly in the commodity market, climate change, agriculture, rural development and applied macroeconomics. He has published 3 books, 7 book chapters and 22 research papers in refereed journals, and also completed 4 research projects.
Mr. Biswajit Sarang is currently serving as an Assistant Professor in Economics at CDOE (Centre for Distance and Online Education), MSCB University (erstwhile North Orissa University), Baripada, Odisha, and is also pursuing his PhD from the same University. He completed his Graduation in Economics from F. M. Autonomous College, Balasore, in 2020 with a CGPA of 8.51, and his Post-graduation in Analytical & Applied Economics from Utkal University, Bhubaneswar, in 2022, securing a 9.05 CGPA with specializations in Econometrics, Mathematical Economics, and Financial Institutions & Markets. To date, he has published Seven papers in various reputed journals, Four books and one book chapter.