1. NES 2009-New Elements - A Lokniti Presentation -

2. Core features of NES Tradition Election study as a window to study Indian democracy Strict probability sampling with non- substitution Exhaustive questionnaire with detailed background Direct training and supervision of field investigators

3. Third generation of NES Expanded sample Coverage of all states Probability sample drawn at state level State specific questions Thematic focus Decentralized administration

4. Methodological Refinements Schedule for respondents not interviewed Revert back to earlier practice of strict non-substitution Keywords based translation of ‘dialects’ Overhauling of caste coding Revamping the training of investigators

5. Expanding sample & coverage Expected Sample Interviews: 38,000+ 3 levels of Sample: Small states: about 1000 Medium states: about 1500 Large states: 2000 or above To cover about 537 LS constituencies Locations: 2000+

6. ‘Split Sample’ for Deeper Probe Departure from the earlier practice of administering identical questions to all respondents. National sample to be divided into five sub-samples with sample of 7000+ Sub samples to be randomized In-depth probing of specific themes without compromising reliability

7. Effect of Split Sample Interview Schedule to be divided into: Core questions common in all 5 Sets Set specific questions State specific questions Introduction & Informed consent common in all 5 Sets Background questions common in all 5 Sets

8. Core Questions Voting preference: present and past Turnout: did you vote? Why? Why not? Participation in election related activities Interest and involvement in politics Partisanship: identification, loyalty Evaluation of Union government Leadership preference

9. State Specific Questions Evaluation of state government’s performance Comparison of State Leadership State level issues to be determined by the state team

10. Theme 1: Economy Changing economic conditions of the family: past, present & future Effect of recent economic changes: global meltdown, job losses, farmers’ suicides etc Access to economic opportunities of the UPA schemes: NREGA, loan waiver etc Knowledge of and opinion about New Economic Polices

11. Theme 2: National Security Awareness of key developments: Indo-US deal, Mumbai attacks etc Foreign policy orientation Reaction to terrorism Linkage between external relations/ national security and voting

12. Theme 3: Political Choices Choice of political parties - Likes & Dislikes Party or Candidate as consideration of voting Role played by caste and communities in determining political choices

13. Theme 4: Democracy Meaning of democracy Support for democracy Legitimacy, efficacy and trust in public institutions Responses to politics and

14. Theme 5: Social & Political Values Awareness of key developments like Ram Setu controversy Nature of religious practice Communalism/Secularism issue Responses to Hindutva Religiosity and its impact on voting behaviour.

15. Thank You