National E-Seminar on Revisiting the Rural Economy for Vision 2047 in the North Eastern Region of India

Organizer: Department of Economics, The ICFAI University Mizoram, in collaboration with the State Institute of Rural Development & Panchayati Raj (SIRD&PR), Government of Mizoram, and Mizoram Economic Association

About the Seminar

• When: 17–18 November 2026
• The National E-Seminar will be conducted entirely online
• All accepted abstracts will be included in an ISBN-bearing Abstract Book
• Full-paper submission is not required for presentation at the seminar or for inclusion of an accepted abstract in the Abstract Book

Concept Note

The rural economy refers to the interconnected economic activities, livelihood systems, institutions and social processes that shape production, employment, income generation and the well-being of rural communities. While agriculture and allied activities remain important components, the rural economy also encompasses non-farm enterprises, rural services, tourism, traditional occupations, local markets, community-based institutions and linkages with urban and regional economies. Its development depends on adequate infrastructure, access to finance and markets, institutional capacity, human capital and the sustainable management of natural resources. In the North Eastern Region of India, these dimensions are shaped by geographical diversity, traditional and customary institutions, community-based resource management and the distinctive livelihood systems of local communities.

Despite its rich natural resources, cultural diversity and community-based institutions, the North Eastern Region continues to face challenges relating to livelihood diversification, employment generation, infrastructure, market access, institutional capacity and balanced regional development. As India moves towards its long-term development vision for 2047, there is a need to revisit existing approaches to rural development and explore strategies that promote economic transformation, strengthen local livelihoods and ensure inclusive and sustainable growth. In this context, the National E-Seminar on “Revisiting the Rural Economy for Vision 2047 in the North Eastern Region of India” seeks to provide an academic and policy-oriented platform for examining the challenges, opportunities and future directions of rural economic transformation. The e-seminar will bring together academicians, researchers, research scholars, students, development practitioners, policymakers and other interested stakeholders to exchange research findings, policy perspectives and field-based experiences. Discussions will focus on rural livelihoods, employment, entrepreneurship, agriculture and allied activities, decentralised governance, grassroots planning, community participation, sustainable resource management and the linkages between rural and regional development, with a view to identifying pathways towards Vision 2047.

Objectives

The National E-Seminar aims to examine the major challenges and opportunities facing the rural economy of the North Eastern Region; explore strategies for strengthening rural livelihoods, employment, entrepreneurship and income diversification; analyse the role of Panchayati Raj Institutions, decentralised planning, local governance and community-based institutions in rural transformation; examine inclusive, resilient and sustainable approaches to rural and regional development; and encourage academic and policy dialogue on development priorities and future pathways towards Vision 2047.

Sub- Themes

• 1.Rural Transformation and the Pathway towards Vision 2047
• 2.Panchayati Raj Institutions, Decentralised Governance and Local Democracy
• 3. Grassroots Planning, Participatory Development and Community Institutions
• 4.Rural Livelihoods, Employment Generation and Income Diversification
• 5.Agriculture, Allied Activities and Transformation of the Rural Economy
• 6.Rural Entrepreneurship, Self-Help Groups and Community-Based Enterprises
• 7.Rural Infrastructure, Basic Services and Digital Connectivity
• 8.Rural Poverty, Social Protection and Inclusive Development
• 9.Women, Youth and Marginalised Communities in Rural Transformation
• 10. Capacity Building, Institutional Development and Leadership in Rural Governance
• 11. Local Resource Management, Climate Resilience and Sustainable Rural Development
• 12. Rural Finance, Public Investment and Development Programme Implementation
• 13. Local Resource Mobilisation and Financing for Rural Development
• 14. Monitoring, Evaluation and Outcome-Based Approaches to Rural Development
• 15. Border Areas, Remote Communities and Balanced Regional Development in North East India
• 16. Traditional Institutions, Customary Practices and Community-Led Development in the North Eastern Region
• 17. Rural Tourism, Community-Based Enterprises and Sustainable Livelihoods
• 18. Migration, Rural–Urban Linkages and the Changing Structure of the Regional Economy
• 19. Urbanisation, Urban Governance and Sustainable Development in the North Eastern Region
• 20. Emerging Challenges and Future Policy Directions for Rural Development towards Vision 2047

The sub-themes are indicative and not exhaustive. Abstracts on other relevant aspects of the rural economy and regional development in the North Eastern Region of India are also welcome

CALL FOR ABSTRACTS

Abstracts are invited from academicians, researchers, research scholars, faculty members, students, policymakers, development practitioners, civil society representatives, activists, professionals and other interested stakeholders working on or interested in the rural economy and development of the North Eastern Region of India. Contributions based on empirical research, theoretical analysis, policy perspectives and field experiences related to the seminar theme and its sub-themes are welcome.

Presentation Formats

1)Oral Paper Presentation: Authors whose abstracts are accepted for oral presentation will have approximately 10–15 minutes to present their work, followed by a moderated question-and-answer session.

2)Rapid 5 Presentation: This format provides students, early-career researchers and faculty members with an opportunity to present ongoing research or work in progress. Each presentation is limited to 5 minutes and a maximum of 5 slides.

Mode of Participation: The National E-Seminar will be conducted entirely online. Participants may attend the sessions and present their work virtually. Details regarding the online platform and joining instructions will be communicated to registered participants.

Abstract Submission Guidelines

• Abstract length and structure: Submit a single-paragraph abstract of 200–400 words covering the background, objectives, methodology, key findings or expected results, and conclusion or implications.
• Title and keywords: The paper title should contain 7–25 words and should not end with punctuation. Include 3–8 relevant keywords.
• Author information: A maximum of two authors is permitted under the standard registration fee. Additional authors may be included subject to additional registration fees. For each author, provide the full name, designation or academic status, department, institutional affiliation, city, country, and email address. Clearly identify the corresponding author and provide their contact details.

Submission deadline: Abstracts must be emailed to economics@iumizoram.edu.in on or before 8 November 2026. Acceptance notifications will be communicated within two days of receipt of the abstract.

Abstract Template:

Submit the abstract in Microsoft Word (.doc/.docx) format. Please use the prescribed abstract template available here

Publication Opportunities

Journal Publication

Authors may optionally submit their full papers for consideration in the Mizoram Economic Review, a bi-annual journal published by the Mizoram Economic Association (ISSN: 2581-7523). Publication will be subject to the journal's editorial policies, peer-review process and applicable article processing charges.

Website: https://mizorameconomicreview.com/

Edited Book Chapter: Selected full papers may be considered for publication as chapters in an edited book with an ISBN, to be published by a national-level publisher, subject to editorial review and acceptance. Publication will be free of charge to the authors.

Full Paper Submission Guidelines

Full-paper submission is entirely optional. Only authors whose abstracts have been accepted for seminar presentation may submit full papers for publication consideration. Authors who wish to pursue publication may submit their full papers to economics@iumizoram.edu.in by 12 December 2026, clearly indicating whether the paper is intended for consideration in the Mizoram Economic Review or the edited book. Full papers should be 4,000–6,000 words, excluding tables and references, and follow APA 7th edition referencing style. Submissions must be original, unpublished and free from plagiarism, with a similarity level below 10%. All publication decisions will be subject to the relevant editorial review and acceptance process.

IMPORTANT DATES

AWARDS

The seminar will present three awards: Best Oral Paper Presentation, Best Rapid 5 Presentation and Best Full Paper.

The Best Oral Paper Presentation and Best Rapid 5 Presentation awards will be based on the quality, clarity, originality and relevance of the presentations. The Best Full Paper Award will be based on the quality, originality, analytical rigour and relevance of the submitted full paper. The awards will be determined according to the evaluation criteria established by the organising committee. Award recipients will receive certificates of recognition.

Registration Details

The last date for registration and payment of the registration fee is 10 November 2026. Registration and payment instructions will be communicated to participants via email or WhatsApp.

Registration Fee

About the University

The ICFAI University, Mizoram, was established under the ICFAI University, Mizoram Act, 2006, passed by the Legislative Assembly of Mizoram. Sponsored by The ICFAI Society, a not-for-profit educational society established in 1984, the University is recognised by the University Grants Commission (UGC) and is empowered to award degrees under Section 22 of the UGC Act, 1956. Located at Durtlang North, Aizawl, Mizoram, the University offers undergraduate, postgraduate and doctoral programmes across diverse disciplines. It emphasises quality education, research, industry engagement and regional development through academic initiatives, research collaborations and community engagement.

About the Department of Economics

The Department of Economics, under the Faculty of Management, offers postgraduate and doctoral programmes. The Department promotes teaching, research, and academic engagement in economics, with a focus on contemporary economic issues, policy discussions, and regional development.

Contact

Convener: Dr Lalhriatpuii Ralte, Email: lalhriatpuii@iumizoram.edu.in

Co-convener: Dr Juliet F Lalzarzoliani, Email: juliet@iumizoram.edu.in