Background: The socio-economic attributes of Indian villages are emulated through occupation. The principle types of occupation in Indian villages encompass of agriculture, fishing, weaving, cottage industry, handicrafts, etc. 'Occupational health' dichotomizes somatic and psychological health that encapsulate within and outside the workplace. Objectives: This study will focus on the prevalence of self-rated health problems with the multiple responses of the workers, along with the determinants of occupational health problems among workers engaged in handloom sector. Methods: Primary data was collected in Sualkuchi block, Kamrup Rural district, Assam through structured questionnaire during February to April 2016. Total 250 samples were interviewed and statistical techniques like Bivariate and Relative risk ratio was used. Results: About 80% of the workers are suffering from health problems, which are a major concern in the handloom sector. More than half of the respondents reported suffering from musculoskeletal disorder, making it the most prevalent disorder in the sample. Statistical analyses revealed a positive significant association between the intensity of health problems and an increased number of years of work experience and hours of working. Conclusion:The study underlines the need for further research regarding the postural strain of weavers and also suggests the implementation of ergonomic design into weaver workstations to minimize the adverse effect of their current working postures. Improving upon the weaver's work-posture could improve their quality of life.

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to provide a conceptual overview of potential diasporic influence in India by Indian diaspora and to outline a wide spectrum of policy interventions for better utilisation of diasporic resources, which are under-exploited. Design/methodology/approach This paper used a systematic review approach to analyze the vast empirical and theoretical literature, up to 2016, and to assess the different kinds of impacts of diaspora on the homeland. A list of top-tier journals in the field of international migration, diaspora and ethnic entrepreneurship was compiled. From there, each and every paper was identified, examined, coded and classified into high-level themes. These were then reviewed, analyzed and interpreted. Findings Indian diasporic affair has undergone numerous changes since India’s independence. This study presents a conceptual framework on the role of migration and diaspora in the country of origin with a special focus on India and point out the possible directions for future studies. Research limitations/implications The systematic review approach has a qualitative nature, in which the relevant literature was interpreted based on the authors’ domain knowledge and expertise. Practical implications Academicians and policy practitioners can gain a comprehensive understanding of the dynamic relationships among the key influential factors in migration, diaspora and its developmental role in homeland, as presented in the conceptual framework in the study. Accordingly, policymakers will be able to develop effective strategies to leverage the positive impacts of diasporic role in India and the other South-Asian developing countries. Originality/value This systematic review synthesizes the findings reported in most recent publications and government reports and develops an integrated conceptual framework, anchoring on possible positive impacts of diaspora in homeland. This framework provides a visual diagram to practitioners for a better understanding of the relevant literature and assists researchers and policymakers in developing a new strategy for future diasporic affairs.

The overarching goal of this article is to sensitize the insensitive governments, institutions, and civil societies for homeless population in social sphere. Routes into homelessness are complex, multiple and interlinked. The complex triggers consist of biographical, structural and behavioural factors, when combined, increase people’s vulnerability to homelessness. Despite the high economic growth and double digit GDP growth that gives opportunity to celebrate the country’s achievement, the worsening condition of the homeless, underlaid by huge inequality, creates the huge contradiction for such celebrations. The problems and complexity associated with homelessness require several stages of prevention, intervention and system-based response for a solution. Thus, policy response requires the urgent need to move away from discussions on general welfare policies to context-specific policies; otherwise, the aspirations of sustainable development will be castles in the air.