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Deepti Acharya

Maharaja Sayajirao University of Baroda, Department of Political Science, Faculty Member

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Dr. Deepti Acharya is associate professor at the Maharaja Sayajirao University of Baroda in Vadodara, Gujarat, India. She has been teaching and conducting research in the Department of political science for the past nineteen years. Analyzing public policy and political philosophy are her areas of interest. She is the author of the book "Water and Public Policy in India: Politics, Rights, and Governance," published in London and New York by Routledge, Taylor and Francis Groups in 2021. Her writing has appeared in a few of India's top new publications, including The Wire.

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Papers by Deepti Acharya

Chanakya national SeCurity Journal of india Water Security: Learning Lessons from the Best Practices of the World

—Recognition of water and water resources as ‘power’ has made water security a major concern for ... more —Recognition of water and water resources as
‘power’ has made water security a major concern for
modern states. The notion of ‘water power’ and ‘water security’
determines an effective status of ‘water independence’ which not
only guarantees ‘availability’, ‘accessibility’, and ‘affordability’ of
water for all within the region but also ensures a ‘water positive’
condition in transboundary relations. Since India’s water concerns
are not different from those of its contemporaries, a fundamental
question before her is to understand how to attain and preserve
the condition of water security, what should be done, how, and by
whom. This paper, in the background of such a concern of India,
aims to explore why water security is a prerequisite for India’s
larger security. The paper, around this discussion, further focuses
on certain questions that seek to investigate why a condition of
water security has not been achieved so far, in the standard way,
and if some learning points from the best world practices can be
explored and considered in India’s water situations. Focusing
on these questions, the paper is divided into four sections, each
addressing a specific question. Throughout, the paper emphasises
that India’s popular value, ‘Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas,’ will remain
incomplete until ‘Sabka Pani’ is not planned and executed honestly
and effectively.

Towards Decolonization of Knowledge: Understanding the Key Proposals of Akshapāda Gautam’s Nyāya Darśanam

Summerhill, 2025

Decolonization endeavours to redefine the concept of global justice as a process aimed at reclaim... more Decolonization endeavours to redefine the concept of global justice as a process aimed at reclaiming what was lost due to colonization. It underscores the epistemological effects of colonization while advocating for the contextualization of knowledge based on cultural realities, needs, and values. Proponents of decolonization emphasize that while some truths may be universal, others are intrinsically tied to specific cultures. While agreeing with this understanding, the present paper recognizes the significance of cultural contexts in the advancement of knowledge and centres its discussion on the concept of knowledge itself. The arguments put forth are framed around two central themes: First, the dominance of a singular Western-centric knowledge perspective has adversely affected the broader understanding of knowledge. Second, to achieve a more authentic purpose of knowledge about reality, it is essential to champion "epistemological freedom" and "cognitive justice." To examine the meaning of knowledge and to redefine its purpose within a cultural framework, the present paper focuses on questions like what the meaning should be and what the purpose of knowledge is and what means can be employed to achieve this purpose. By engaging with these epistemological inquiries, the paper situates its discussion within the context of decolonization. To analyze fundamental philosophical concepts of knowledge within Hindu civilization, particularly through the lens of Akshapāda Gautama's Nyāya Darśanam (hereafter referred to as Gautama), the paper uses hermeneutics, interpretation, and content analysis as the method. As one of the six Darśanas (systems) of Āstika Darśana (discussed as a part of Hindu philosophy), Nyāya Darśana is considered particularly important due to its comprehensive exploration of logic and epistemology that further identifies and examines objects' essential nature and their relationships with the universe. Significantly, by elucidating Gautama's contributions, this paper aspires to foster a deeper understanding of alternative epistemological frameworks and their relevance in contemporary contexts.

Problem of Problem Structuring in Public Policies and the Dilemma of South Asian Countries

This paper explores the challenges of 'Policy Problem Structuring' and highlights the dilemmas fa... more This paper explores the challenges of 'Policy Problem Structuring' and highlights the dilemmas faced by countries in South Asia. Here, the key purpose is to emphasize that in the process of problem structuring, the experiences of South Asian countries differ significantly from those of Western ones, which often frame social, and economic issues as 'dilemmas' in policy framing. The dilemmas are mainly three: how to select relevant policy values while determining the ethical principles and priorities, how to choose a policy model that can effectively address the identified issues, and lastly how to define and justify the idea of benefit. To illustrate this point, the paper emphasizes that a balanced approach using both postpositivism and interpretivism allows policy analysts to understand better the complexities of policy problem structuring and the significant dilemmas encountered primarily by South Asian nations. Importantly, in the paper, the discussions are set in the background of the principle that public policy plays a crucial role in shaping a more equitable and just future; however, realizing this potential often encounters significant obstacles during the policy problem structuring process, resulting in policy failures.

Understanding Public Policies: An Exploration of Proposals in Social Sciences

In the twenty-first century, public policy extends beyond mere political action; it has evolved i... more In the twenty-first century, public policy extends beyond mere political action; it has evolved into a comprehensive process aimed at addressing and mitigating citizens' skepticism and negative attitudes toward the government. Rather than solely focusing on maximizing the happiness of the greatest number of people, contemporary public policy strives to minimize harm and uncertainty while striving to achieve the common good in the most effective manner possible.

On the line of Water Justice: Reflecting on the foundational pronouncements of the United Nations and the Indian Constitution

In the past few years, the global community has realized that the unavailability and unaffordabil... more In the past few years, the global community has realized that the unavailability and unaffordability of water cannot be a simple question of natural phenomenon. Since the absence of water is directly linked with the right to life, it is critical to comprehend what it means to assure communities and individuals the right to use water. The present paper, given this reality, attempts to define what the idea of water justice holds i. For the same, the paper uses the United Nations declarations and the Indian constitution as its units of analysis. Here, the fundamental claim of the paper is that justice is "neutral", by nature and activity and hence required to be documented most effectively. To explore the idea of water justice the paper analyzes the key documents of the United Nations (i.e., Comment 15 and Resolution 2010) and key provisions of the Indian constitution. For the same, the paper uses content analysis and hermeneutics as a research tool.

In Search of Effective Research in Social Sciences: Discussing the Key Fundamentals

www.newjournalzone.in, 2020

The objectives and research methodologies of different "sciences" naturally differ from one anoth... more The objectives and research methodologies of different "sciences" naturally differ from one another. Since each science generates a certain kind of knowledge, it is morally unjust to compare and devalue one science against another. The question is if this truth is reflected in academia's thinking and behavior, globally. Experiences suggest that, despite the enormous contribution of social sciences to human civilization, the knowledge engendered from natural sciences research is often given more respect than those from the social sciences. In the given reality, a social science researcher faces a struggle to remain motivated. The inherently intricate nature of social science research exacerbates the dilemma and frequently creates a scope that raises doubts about the validity of the study. Such a scenario calls for extraordinary planning from a social science researcher, which is anticipated to be done both before and throughout the research process. Given this call, the present paper attempts to draw the key requisites, essential for effective research. The paper, while underlining the significance of social science research, focuses on some fundamental questions that collectively seek to explore what makes research more effective and how a researcher can attain it. This paper, instead of describing the elements of research in social sciences, draws the stages of research, required to be followed before and during the investigation. To present the discussion the paper uses exploratory and descriptive methods.

Politics, Policy and the Role of News Media in Democracies: Reflecting the Modern Experiences

Since the media is a political entity and plays a significant role in the state apparatus, it is ... more Since the media is a political entity and plays a significant role in the state apparatus, it is vital to examine the variables that lead to its prominent status. These considerations serve as the backdrop for the discussions in this article. Considering the significance of news media, this paper primarily focuses on three areas. Evaluating the news media's status and looking into the relationship between the government and the media is the initial goal. The second aim is to investigate who controls whom in the course of political or nonpolitical communications. Significantly, while emphasizing the news media's relevance in democracy, the paper goes into detail on its positives and negatives, which is the third objective. A core objective of this paper is to demonstrate that the existence of news media in democracies is essential and its power is evident, regardless of its positive or negative features. It is essential to note that this paper does not seek to contest, deny, or praise the news media's presence in democratic systems. However, it intends to draw that the position and role of media is influential, which needs to be realized and viewed in the sense of politics 1 .

Unarguably Arguable: The Salient Offerings of the Notion of Rights

Rights are conceived of and upheld both philosophically and institutionally as being necessary to... more Rights are conceived of and upheld both philosophically and institutionally as being necessary to ensure justice. It is accepted in philosophical discourses that the presence of injustice presupposes the absence of rights. This paper aims to investigate why rights are so crucial to having justice as a just condition in light of this perspective. The paper makes an effort to investigate and emphasise the key aspects of rights that have been advocated in various philosophical discourses in order to achieve this goal. To accomplish the goal, the current work makes an effort to represent the arguments as claims and to define them in terms of philosophical notions

India's Water Worries and the Ifs and Buts of Water Privatization

While examining the idea and practise of water privatisation, this paper focuses on India. Here, ... more While examining the idea and practise of water privatisation, this paper focuses on India. Here, the core purpose is to comprehend how the notion of water privatisation is linked to the issue of ownership. The aim, further is to examine what are the main concerns of India, when it comes to water privatization, and why. The aims and guiding principles of privatisation differ from those recommended and emphasised by constitution, hence a discussion on this topic is central for contemporary India. It is crucial to determine if India can afford to adopt privatisation in the process of water governance given that the country is a socialist democracy with a written constitution and has practically no experience with water privatisation practises. This paper insists that such questions are important because they strive to discover and comprehend potential obstacles to the idea's execution and the reasons India should be most worried about them.

Delimiting the Significance (s) of Hermeneutics and Content Analysis in Public Policy Researches

This descriptive and analytical paper seeks to concentrate on a few issues that are precisely rel... more This descriptive and analytical paper seeks to concentrate on a few issues that are precisely related to public policy research. The paper, for this purpose, highlights the importance of policy research in the field of social sciences and aims to determine whether the hermeneutic approach and critical content analysis may be combined in policy research. This further

Rights Debates: Universal vs. Cultural Relativism

This paper aims to examine common argumentative debates that have developed around the concept of... more This paper aims to examine common argumentative debates that have developed around the concept of rights. Investigating how the case for universal rights is made and how it is refuted by the theory of cultural relativism is the main goal of this article. The study makes an effort to analyze the arguments put forth by various scholars and present them in relation to one another while outlining their respective claims. The paper is divided into numerous sections for this purpose. Part I, which is followed by the conceptual background, concentrates on the assertion that rights are universal since they stand for universal truth, and Part II makes the case for their presence everywhere. The 'universal' component of rights is criticized in Part III, which insists on cultural relativism, and its importance is emphasized. The discussion of the debate's balance factors takes up Part IV, which is then followed by concluding remarks.

Understanding the Essence of India's National Water Policies: Demonstrating the National Water Policy of 2012

It is true that developing a national policy for a resource like water is always challenging beca... more It is true that developing a national policy for a resource like water is always challenging because it calls for consideration of a variety of issues, such as those related to human survival, the environment, the development and growth of industry, agricultural concerns, interregional , interstate , intra-state, and inter-sectoral disputes. A policy document must concentrate on distributive and management strategies in order to satisfy the criterion. Given that India is a federal country, this presents a dilemma, particularly because the union government must proclaim water a national resource while also meeting the expectations of Indian states and residents when formulating policies. India has so far suggested three national water plans, and this article will examine whether they have recognised the difficulties and needs and have made the necessary adjustments. It is important to emphasise that, despite outlining the fundamental aspects of the three policies, this study concentrates mostly on the national water policy of 2012, as it is the most recent and extensively elaborated.

Theoretical Responses to Water Justice A Discussion Between

Summerhill: IIAS Review,, 5

Agendas of Sustainable Development 2030, concerning water governance, have re-energized the debat... more Agendas of Sustainable Development 2030, concerning water governance, have re-energized the debates on the idea of 'water justice.' Globally, the signatories of the water agenda (as part of Sustainable Development Goals 2030) have profoundly argued against the prevailing water injustices. At the institutional level, these states have attempted to humanize the water-related issues and have highlighted human sufferings, extensively. In global academia, the sensitivity against water injustices is even more intense. Here, in the intense academic debates, water injustices are identified as the opposite of water justice which indicates a condition where individuals, groups, or communities are suffering because of the unavailability, inaccessibility, or unaffordability of water. While pointing out water suffering, these debates have identified the reasons, nature, and consequences of water injustices and have endeavored to theorize the issues concerning water injustice in different backgrounds and contexts. In making arguments for water justice, the water scholars are not contradicting each other. However, they have been persuaded the same, differently, by the logic and subject. To the idea of water justice, these many logics have offered normative inputs and created a tradition of argumentativeness. The critical explorations offered by this intellectual argumentativeness pose critical commentaries against the various understandings of water justice and while so doing propose a new perspective on water justice. Since the ideas of water justice, which emerged with these many normative arguments, are dominating in policy processes, it is essential to understand its value in the normative and theoretical background. The present paper, given this requirement, attempts to explore the theoretical understandings of

Liberalist and Marxist Perceptions on Rights

Water and Public Policy in India: Politics, Rights, and Governance

The concept of Right to Water

Rights as Common Concerns

ARTICLE DETAILS Abstract Article History Published Online: In modern civilization, an academic di... more ARTICLE DETAILS Abstract Article History Published Online: In modern civilization, an academic discussion on the idea of Rights is essential because its core principles ascertain humans as independent and sovereign. This paper, in the view of the significance of rights in a human being‟s life, discusses the idea of rights and focuses on two questions that ask what is the purpose of rights and who is entitled to have rights. To explore the possible answers, this paper discusses different perspectives that have evolved with political thinking. While doing so, the paper argues that in the modern States, rights are introduced and discussed as a common consensus and their objective is to attain a common good. In order to keep the rights as a common consent, this paper argues to realize and endorse rights above the division of self and others. In view of this stance, this paper discusses rights with reference to three ideas. The first sheds light on the fact that rights are interests of i...

Indian understanding on Right to Water

Water and Public Policy in India

THE IDEA OF RIGHTS IN HUMAN RIGHTS AND FEMINISM : WHO IS ARGUING... THE IDEA OF RIGHTS IN HUMAN RIGHTSAND FEMINISM : WHO ISARGUING WHATAND WHY

This paper qualitatively investigates the ideas of rights,Argued in Human Rights traditionsAnd th... more This paper qualitatively investigates the ideas of rights,Argued in Human Rights traditionsAnd the traditions of feminism. The purpose here is to explore that how the idea of rights is conceptualized in these two discoursesAnd what is their coreArgument. The paper discusses the idea of human rightsAsAnArgument for universal equality. The paper claims that to understand the idea of rights, it is essential toAnalyze the core principlesAndArguments offered by the Human Right tradition because globally, theyAre recognizedAs "New" in the discourse of rightsAndAre endorsedAs the ideas of our time. Similarly, the paper discusses the core ideasAndArguments of feminismAs the voiceAgainst gender injustice. Here, the core ideas of feminismAre focused becauseAsA discourse, it has challenged the politics of "obvious differences"And while so doing hasArgued for gender equality. ToAttainA precise understanding of the natureAndArguments of these two discourses the discussion is broadly divided into four sections. The first section introduces the core ideaAnd purpose of this paper. The second section draws the perception of human rightsAnd the third section focuses on theArguments of feminism. The last section provides the concluding remark. To present the ideas, the paper has usedA hermeneuticApproach.