The Centre for North-East Development and Policy Research (CNEDPR), under the Department of Political Science, St. Joseph College, Ukhrul, Manipur, announces an academic e-book initiative examining the changing social, economic and political landscape of Northeast India.

Northeast India occupies a distinctive place in India's historical experience, constitutional development and democratic life. Its diverse communities, indigenous institutions, cultural traditions and geographical position contribute significantly to India's cultural diversity and democratic experience. The region's development is closely connected with India's wider economic and strategic priorities, particularly the Act East Policy, Purvodaya and the national vision of Viksit Bharat 2047.

The region's social and economic experiences raise important questions concerning identity, social cohesion, language, indigenous knowledge, constitutional safeguards and regional aspirations. Democratic participation, governance and the role of local institutions are equally important to understanding its changing political landscape. Connectivity, trade, livelihoods and the circumstances of borderland communities also merit closer attention, particularly in areas where geographical remoteness continues to shape access to opportunities and public services. In this context, cooperative federalism, Jan Bhagidari and Antyodaya offer relevant perspectives on public participation, inclusive governance and the development of underserved communities.

At the heart of these discussions lies an important question concerning the place of the ordinary citizen in Northeast India's changing social, economic and political landscape. To what extent do constitutional provisions, government policies and institutional arrangements translate into meaningful improvements in people's everyday lives? How are the concerns and aspirations of ordinary people reflected in governance, development planning and public decision making? Issues of human dignity, livelihood opportunities, access to public services, political representation and meaningful participation deserve closer scholarly attention. A comprehensive understanding of the region must therefore take account of the lived experiences of its people, recognising their role not simply as recipients of development initiatives but as participants in shaping the policies, institutions and decisions that influence their collective future.

Against this broader regional and developmental context, the proposed volume, Fault Lines and Frontiers©, seeks to examine these experiences, institutions and ideas through scholarly research and informed discussion. It aims to contribute to a deeper understanding of Northeast India's social transformations, economic conditions, political processes and developmental aspirations within the wider context of India's constitutional and democratic journey.

THEMES AND AREAS OF INTEREST

The volume invites scholarly and analytical contributions on, but not limited to, the following themes:

▪️ Social Divisions, Identity and Cohesion
▪️ Economic Development and Livelihoods
▪️ Democracy, Governance and Political Participation
▪️ Constitutional Safeguards and Regional Aspirations
▪️ Connectivity, Trade and Borderlands
▪️ Culture, Language and Indigenous Knowledge
▪️ Challenges and Opportunities in Northeast India

SUBMISSION GUIDELINES

▪️ Original and unpublished work is invited.
▪️ Chapters should be well-researched, analytical and relevant to the broader theme.
▪️ Word limit: 3,000–6,000 words (approximately).
▪️ Standard academic referencing style should be followed.
▪️ Complete chapters must be submitted in MS Word format.

📧 Submission Email: cndprsjc@gmail.com

📅 Submission Deadline: 10 January 2027

Through this initiative, CNEDPR seeks to encourage serious academic engagement with Northeast India and bring greater scholarly attention to the experiences, concerns and aspirations of its people. The volume also aims to provide an intellectual platform for community leaders, public intellectuals, researchers, academicians and scholars to contribute to ongoing discussions on regional development, democratic governance, constitutional aspirations and the everyday realities of communities across the region.

An E-Book Initiative of the Centre for North-East Development and Policy Research (CNEDPR), Department of Political Science, St. Joseph College, Ukhrul, Manipur.