Lecture Series
The first Foundation Lecture of the Institute was delivered by the Nobel Laureate Professor Amartya Senon December 19, 2006 in New Delhi. On this occasion a Journal called Indian Journal of Human Development?, published by IHD was also released by Professor Sen. Dr. Montek Singh Ahluwalia, Dy. Chairman, Planning Commission presided over the event.
The Institute has been holding lectures and talks by eminent scholars from different part of the world under its Foundation Lecture and Distinguished Lecture series.
IHD Foundation Lectures.
- The first Foundation Lecture of the Institute was delivered by the Nobel Laureate Professor Amartya Sen on December 19, 2006 in New Delhi. On this occasion a Journal called Indian Journal of Human Development?, published by IHD was also released by Professor Sen. Dr. Montek Singh Ahluwalia, Dy. Chairman, Planning Commission presided over the event. View PDF
- Professor Martha Nussbaum, University of Chicago on 17 December 2008. She spoke on ?Nationalism and Development: Can There Be a Decent Patriotism??
- Lord Nicholas Stern, IG Patel Professor of Economics at London School of Economics (LSE) and Director, India Observatory at Asia Research Centre. He spoke on ? A Village and the Continent: Economic and Social Change in Palanpur and India? on 6 November 2009
- Prof. Kaushik Basu, Chief Economist, World Bank will be delivering the IHD Foundation Lecture on the topic “The Social and Political Foundations of Economic Development: The Indian Context” on December 15, 2012.
Distinguished Lecture Series
- Professor Kaushik Basu, C. Marks Professor of International Studies and Professor of Economics, Cornell University, on February 24, 2006 at India International Centre. The topic of his lecture was Identity, Caste and Economic Well-being: Could Free Markets Cause Caste Disadvantages to Disappear?
- Dr. Gerry Rodgers, Director, International Institute for Labour Studies, ILO, Geneva delivered the 2nd Lecture in the series on ?Decent Work, Social Inclusion and Development? on August 18, 2006
- Professor E. Wayne Nafziger, Kansas State University, USA on ?Economic Development, Inequality and War? on November 7, 2007
- Dr. Gilbert Etienne, Emeritus Professor of Development Economics at the Institute of International Studies, University of Geneva. He spoke on ?Agricultural Prospects in Asia after the Green Revolution?, on 10 November 2008
- Dr. Guy Standing, Professor of Economic Security at the University of Bath, U.K., 18 November, 2010. He gave a lecture based on the main theme of his new book ?Work after Globalisation ? Building Occupational Citizenship? on 18 November 2009
- Professor Julian Le Grand, Richard Titmuss Professor of Social Policy, at London School of Economics on ‘How to Run a Public Service: Trust, Mistrust, Voice or Choice? on 18 December, 2009
- Dr. Nagesh Kumar, Chief Economist and Director, MPDD, UN-ESCAP spoke on ?Poverty Reduction and Achieving Millennium Development Goals: Lessons from Asia-Pacific Experiences? on 18th June 2010
- Dr. Joel Andreas, Department of Sociology, Johns Hopkins University, USA on 14 January, 2011 on ?The Erosion of Participatory Paternalism in Chinese Factories?
- Prof. Thomas Pogge, Leitner Professor of Philosophy and International Affairs, Yale University, Spoke on ‘Severe Poverty, Human Rights and Institutional Design’ on 24 July, 2012, New Delhi
- Professor Jorg Imberger, Professor of Environmental Engineering, Centre for Water Research University of Western Australia. Lecture and Panel Discussion ‘Planning for the Future: Implications for the Way We Live’ on 26 July, 2012, New Delhi
2024
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Lecture on “The Valuable Ugly Duckling: A 360° View of India’s Consumer Economy”
Date : 30 March 2024
Chairperson : Dr. AJIT RANADE, Vice-Chancellor, Gokhale Institute of Politics and Economics, Pune
Sponsor : MS. RAMA BIJAPURKAR, Business Advisor and Author
Venue : New Delhi
Lecture on “Growing Apart? Growth, Poverty and Inequality in Post-Liberalisation India”
Date : 28 March 2024
Chairperson : PROFESSOR ALAKH N. SHARMA, Professor and Director, Institute for Human Development (IHD), New Delhi
Sponsor : PROFESSOR MAITREESH GHATAK, Professor of Economics, The London School of Economics and Political Science, London, United Kingdom
Venue : New Delhi
Lecture on “Gloom or Boom? The Puzzling Trends in Indian Women's Labor Force Participation”
Date : 17 March 2024
Chairperson : Prof. Ramesh Sharan, Director, Institute for Human Development (IHD), Eastern Regional Centre
Sponsor : PROFESSOR SONALDE DESAI, Distinguished University Professor University of Maryland and Professor and Centre Director, NCAER-National Data Innovation Center, New Delhi
Venue : New Delhi
Lecture on “A World Order in Crisis and Transition: What does it mean for Human Development?”
Date : 15 February 2024
Chairperson : Dr. NITIN DESAI, Honorary Fellow, London School of Economics and Political Science, UK; Former Under Secretary General to the United Nations and Former Chief Economic Adviser, Government of India
Sponsor : PROFESSOR DEEPAK NAYYAR, Professor Emeritus, Jawaharlal Nehru University; and Former Vice-Chancellor, University of Delhi
Venue : New Delhi
Lecture on “Policymaker's Challenge: Navigating the New Global Economy and the Changing Nature of Work”
Date : 5 February 2024
Chairperson : PROFESSOR PULIN B. NAYAK, Former Professor, Delhi School of Economics University of Delhi
Sponsor : PROFESSOR KAUSHIK BASU, Professor of Economics and Carl Marks Professor of International Studies, Cornell University Ithaca and New York
Venue : New Delhi
Lecture on “Human Development: Leaving No One Behind”
Date : 13 January 2024
Chairperson : Dr. A.K. SHIVA KUMAR, Development Economist; Visiting Professor, Institute for Human Development (IHD), New Delhi; Visiting Faculty, Young India Fellowship, Ashoka University
Sponsor : PROFESSOR THOMAS POGGE, Director of the Global Justice Program and Leitner Professor of Philosophy and Professor of Political Science, Yale University, USA
Venue : New Delhi
Lecture on “Combating Inequality of Opportunity: The Role of Human Capital Investments”
Date : 10 January 2024
Chairperson : Dr. SUDIPTO MUNDLE, Chairman, Centre for Development Studies, Trivandrum and Former Member, 14th Finance Commission, Government of India
Sponsor : PROFESSOR FRANCISCO H.G. FERREIRA, Professor and Director, International Inequalities Institute London School of Economics, United Kingdom
Venue : New Delhi
Lecture on “Why are Kids not Learning?”
Date : 3 January 2024
Chairperson : Dr. RUKMINI BANERJI, Chief Executive Officer, Pratham Education Foundation, New Delhi
Sponsor : Nobel Laureate PROFESSOR ABHIJIT V. BANERJEE, Ford Foundation International Professor of Economics, Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), USA
Venue : New Delhi
2023
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Lecture on “Creative Destruction and the Middle-Income Trap”
Date : 19 October 2023
Chairperson : DR. V. ANANTHA NAGESWARAN, Chief Economic Advisor, Government of India
Sponsor : PROFESSOR INDERMIT GILL, Chief Economist, World Bank and Senior Vice President for Development Economics
Venue : New Delhi
Lecture on “The Urban Agenda in Our Climate Risked Times: Urgency of Building and Rebuilding Resilient and Inclusive Cities”
Date : 11 August 2023
Chairperson : PROFESSOR DEEPAK NAYYAR, Emeritus Professor, Jawaharlal Nehru University and Former Vice-Chancellor, University of Delhi
Sponsor : MS. SUNITA NARAIN, Director General, Centre for Science and Environment, New Delhi
Venue : New Delhi
Lecture on “Understanding the Global Distribution of Routine and Non-routine Work”
Date : 3 August 2023
Chairperson : PROFESSOR DEEPAK NAYYAR, Emeritus Professor, Jawaharlal Nehru University and Former Vice-Chancellor, University of Delhi
Sponsor : PROFESSOR ALBERT PARK, Chief Economist and Director General, Economic Research and Development Impact Department, Asian Development Bank (ADB), Manila
Venue : New Delhi
Lecture on “The Whole Beast– Towards a More Holistic Approach to Development”
Date : 25 January 2023
Chairperson : PROFESSOR DEEPAK NAYYAR, Emeritus Professor, Jawaharlal Nehru University and Former Vice-Chancellor, University of Delhi
Sponsor : PROFESSOR HA-JOON CHANG, Distinguished Research Professor, SOAS University of London
Venue : New Delhi
2020
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IHD-ISLE Web Lecture on “The Ethical and Economic Case For Basic Income In A Time of Pandemics”
Date: 7 August 2020; Zoom Platform
The Institute for Human Development (IHD) hosted a web panel featuring Professor Guy Standing, Professorial Research Associate at SOAS, University of London, Co-founder and Co-President of the Basic Income Earth Network, and former Director of ILO’s Socio-Economic Security Programme. The panel was moderated by Ms. Renana Jhabvala, Chairperson of SEWA Bharat.
Web Panel Abstract: The panel explored the concept of a basic income system, where all individuals receive a regular, unconditional cash payment as an economic right. Professor Standing examined the ethical justifications for a quasi-universal basic income, addressing common objections and arguing that, in an era of economic shocks and pandemics exacerbated by rentier capitalism, such a system is both a policy imperative and a feasible base for a new income distribution system. The discussion included insights from basic income pilots in India and Africa and called for a more constructive dialogue on the topic in India.
Click to view: https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=bXwk_MaDZq4
IHD-ISLE Web Lecture on “The Pandemic and The Changing Structure of The World Economy: India's Big Opportunity and Big Risk”
Date: 27 July 2020; Zoom Platform
The Institute for Human Development (IHD) hosted a web panel featuring Prof. Kaushik Basu, C Marks Professor at Cornell University and former Chief Economist at The World Bank. The panel was moderated by Dr. Montek Singh Ahluwalia, former Deputy Chairman of the Planning Commission.
Web Panel Abstract: The COVID-19 pandemic is driving significant, long-term structural shifts in the global economy, creating new winners and losers among nations and businesses. Prof. Basu discussed how current data and evidence can offer insights into the future economic landscape, evaluating which economies are likely to thrive or struggle. Despite India’s strong fundamentals, recent performance has been disappointing, with a notable decline in global rankings. The lecture explored India’s potential risks and opportunities in the post-pandemic world, emphasizing the need for political and economic policy changes to leverage India’s strengths and improve its global position.
Click to view: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m4xlCAjWRfY
Web Lecture on “Impact of Covid-19 Lockdown on The Informal Economy”
Date: 26 May 2020
Speaker: Professor Jeemol Unni, Professor of Economics, Amrut Mody School of Management, Ahmedabad University
Moderator: Professor Indira Hirway, Director & Professor of Economics, Centre for Development Alternatives (CFDA), Ahmedabad
Webinar Abstract: This webinar explored the impact of the COVID-19 lockdown on specific segments of the informal economy and informal workers in India. Professor Jeemol Unni provided an analysis of the size and challenges faced by different informal economy segments, including construction workers, street vendors, domestic workers, and micro enterprises. The discussion covered the government’s stimulus measures and their effectiveness in supporting these workers as they attempt to rebuild their livelihoods post-lockdown.
Click to view: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WUAaFYaqO44
Web Lecture on “Lives and Livelihoods in Pandemic Times”
Date: 11 May 2020
Speaker: Professor Deepak Nayyar, President, ISLE; Emeritus Professor, JNU & Former Vice Chancellor, Delhi University
Moderator: Professor Alakh N. Sharma, Director, Institute for Human Development (IHD)
Webinar Abstract: This webinar analyzed the COVID-19 pandemic’s implications for lives, livelihoods, and the economy in India. Professor Deepak Nayyar discussed three key points: the relatively lower morbidity and mortality rates in India compared to global figures, the need for the government to balance saving lives and preserving livelihoods without creating a false dilemma, and the severe economic impact of the prolonged lockdown, which has disproportionately affected the poor. The lecture concluded with a brief reflection on potential strategies for moving forward.
Click to view: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MLTQryXu23E
Web Lecture on “Migrant Labour in The Shadow of The Pandemic”
Date: 2 May 2020
Speaker: Professor Ravi Srivastava, Director, Centre for Employment Studies, IHD Moderator: Professor Deepak Nayyar, President, ISLE; Emeritus Professor, Jawaharlal Nehru University and Former Vice Chancellor, University of Delhi
Webinar Abstract: The lecture had three major objectives. It clears myths about the nature of labour migration in India and presents broad estimates of such migrants by type. It then discusses the impact of the pandemic containment strategy (lock-down) on different categories of labour 70 migrants and immediate policy imperatives. Finally, it discusses the medium and long-term policies in relation to labour migration and informal employment in India. About the Speaker: Professor Ravi Srivastava is a former Professor of Economics, Centre for the Study of Regional Development, Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi. He is currently Director, Centre of Employment Studies, Institute of Human Development, Delhi. He is a leading researcher on labour migration, employment, and the informal economy, and was a full-time member of the National Commission for Enterprises in the Unorganized Sector, Government of India.
Click to view: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8y5MOaqN9SY
2019
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Special Lecture on Economic Development in Asia
Date: 6th December 2019
Chairperson: Professor Ravi Srivastava, IHD Delhi
Speakers and Presenters: Prof. Deepak Nayyar, Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU); former Vice-Chancellor, University of Delhi and President, Indian Society of Labour Economics (ISLE) Organised during 61st Annual ISLE Conference.
2015
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IHD’s 2nd Decennial Lecture on “Future of Work” by Ms. Sandra Polaski, Deputy Director‐General (Policy), New Delhi
Organiser/s: In collaboration with International Labour Organisation, DWT, New Delhi and Ministry of Labour and Employment, Government of India
Date: 07th October 2015, New Delhi, India
IHD conducted a year‐long programme to celebrate the 20th year of its establishment from October 2015 onwards. Apart from several lectures and events, IHD organised the Decennial Lecture Series. The event invited many well‐known academicians and professionals from all over the world to deliver public lectures. The lecture by Ms Sandra Polaski was the first in this series.
Ms. Sandra Polaski, Deputy Director‐General (Policy), International Labour Organisation (ILO), delivered a lecture on ‘The Future of Work’ at IHD’s 2nd Decennial Lecture Series, organised by IHD in collaboration with Ministry of Labour and Employment, Government of India and ILO Decent Work Team for South Asia and Country Office for India.
Stressing upon a ‘job centric development agenda’, Ms. Polaski, in her speech, provided a global perspective on the challenges faced by the ‘future of work’ in general, and India, in particular. She highlighted the current scenario on employment trends and challenges faced in meeting the standards of work in the context of increasingly globalised production and trade networks. In her lecture, she urged the policy makers to adapt to the changing reality in the wake of rapidly changing work conditions and shift towards formality in employment in the context of technological innovations and global restructuring of production and trade strategies.
Mr Shankar Aggarwal, Secretary, Ministry of Labour and Employment, Government of India, gave the concluding address at the event. Other attendees at the lecture include Prof. T. C. A. Anant, Secretary and Chief Statistician of India, Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation, Government of India and Professor Gita Sen, Centre for Public Policy, Indian Institute of Management (IIM) Bangalore, who offered their comments on Ms Polaski’s lecture.
WORKSHOP
Workshop on “Young Scholars on Emerging Areas of Research in Labour Economics”
Date :
Sponsor : Institute for Human Development (IHD)
Venue : New Delhi
Summary : The workshop focused on engaging young scholars in emerging areas of labour economics, addressing key contemporary issues like the gig economy, automation, gender pay gaps, and remote work—discussions centered on methodological approaches, data analysis, and policy implications within these areas. Key themes included unemployment, technological change, income inequality, climate change, the care economy, and pressing topics like informality in the labor market and platform economies. Participants emphasized the role of research framing, literature review, and data analysis, as well as the challenges posed by declining labor force participation, jobless growth, and the impact of AI. Gender inequality, unpaid care work, and migration were highlighted as critical areas for future research. The workshop fostered interdisciplinary dialogue and networking among emerging and established scholars.
PANELS
2024
Panel on "India’s Employment Challenge" (Based on India Employment Report 2023)
Date : 3 November 2023 (22nd Annual IASSI Conference held during 2-4 November 2024)
Venue : New Delhi
Sponsor : Institute for Human Development (IHD) and Centre for Economic and Social Studies (CESS) in Collaboration with Indian Society of Labour Economics Research and Development Trust
Summary : The India Employment Report is the third of a series of Employment Reports, brought out by the Institute for Human Development (IHD) on labour and employment issues. Undertaken in partnership with the International Labour Organization (ILO), this report examines the challenge of youth employment in the context of the emerging economic, labour market, educational and skills scenarios in India and the changes witnessed over the past two decades. The report is based on data from the official National Sample Surveys and the Periodic Labour Force Surveys. The recent trends in the Indian labour market are highlighted in the report. This report is both a policy report and an analytical report which will be helpful for policy makers and other stakeholders. The report highlights five key policy areas for further action. These are making production and growth more employment intensive, improving employment quality, addressing labour market inequalities, strengthen skills and active labour market policies, and bridging the knowledge deficits in labour market patterns and youth employment.
Panel on “Wages, Earnings and Poverty”
Date : 31 March 2024
Venue : New Delhi
Sponsor : Gokhale Institute of Politics and Economics, Pune, Institute for Social and Economic Change, Bangalore and Institute for Human Development (IHD)
Summary : The panel on “Wages, Earnings, and Employment,” organized by the Gokhale Institute of Politics and Economics, Institute for Social and Economic Change (ISEC), and Institute for Human Development (IHD), provided an in-depth exploration of labor market dynamics and poverty in India. Chaired by S. Mahendra Dev, the session brought together prominent scholars to discuss wage disparities, employment trends, and the factors affecting labor market inequalities. G.C. Manna, a professor at IHD and former Director General of CSO and NSSO, highlighted the significance of using Regular Wage Salary (RWS) as a key indicator for analyzing wage and employment trends. Madheshwaran from ISEC presented research on wage differentials in the Indian labor market, utilizing a nonlinear decomposition method. His study illuminated the pervasive wage discrimination based on gender and social group affiliations, stressing the urgent need for policy interventions to address these deeply entrenched inequalities. Radhicka Kapoor, Senior Employment Specialist at the International Labour Organization, provided valuable insights into the heterogeneity of wage structures and employment categories in India. She highlighted the rising rate of self-employment and its implications for wage disparities, calling for a nuanced understanding of labor market segmentation to address the challenges faced by different worker categories.In his concluding remarks, the Chair, S. Mahendra Dev, emphasized the need for further research to explore the declining participation of women in regular wage and salary employment, highlighting its implications for gender equality and inclusive growth.
Panel on “An Economic Policy for Informal Workers”
Date : 30 March 2024
Venue : New Delhi
Sponsor : Southern Centre for Inequality Studies, University of Witwatersrand, South Africa and Institute for Human Development (IHD)
Summary : The panel discussion explored the concept of economic policy through the lens of informal workers, highlighting the inherent biases towards formal economy perspectives. The session aimed to shift focus towards understanding what constitutes effective economic policy from the standpoint of informal workers, seeking to address the persistent marginalization faced by this sector. Key stakeholders including the International Labour Organization (ILO), Self-Employed Women’s Association (SEWA), 26 and Women in Informal Employment: Globalizing and Organizing (WIEGO) provided insights into contrasting experiences and policy frameworks for informal workers in South Africa and India. The discussion focussed on:
- Identifying the needs and perspectives of informal workers within economic policy discourse.
- Evaluating the impact of state-centric economic policies on the marginalization of the informal economy.
- Exploring alternative policy approaches to empower and support informal workers.
- Examining economic theories of informality to inform inclusive and effective policy-making. The panel emphasized the importance of incorporating diverse perspectives and experiences of informal workers into economic policy design. By drawing on lessons from South Africa and India, the discussion aimed to inform policy interventions that prioritize the welfare and rights of informal workers, fostering greater inclusion and equitable economic development. In conclusion, the session emphasised the role of evolving economic theories in shaping policy frameworks that respond to the complex realities faced by informal workers. The insights and recommendations generated from this discussion aimed to contribute to ongoing efforts to advocate for policies that promote economic justice and social inclusion for all workers, including those in the informal sector.
Panel on “Need and Effectiveness of Childcare Models in India”
Date : 30 March 2024
Venue : New Delhi
Sponsor : Mobile Creches and Institute for Human Development
Summary : The panel discussion aimed to address the inadequacy of current interventions in meeting the demand for childcare services for children under 3 and propose solutions. Prof. Sumangala Damodaran and Dr. Sunil Kumar presented findings from a study conducted by IHD and Mobile Creches on childcare models in Kerala and Odisha, focusing on public-funded creches, the unique needs of children under 3, and gender and Early Childhood Development (ECD) perspectives. Key issues discussed focused on the critical role of Early Childhood Development (ECD) interventions for children under 3, evaluating the effectiveness, access, and quality of current ECD policies. The panel highlighted challenges faced by childcare workers, gender norms affecting female employment, and gaps in government spending and budget allocations for ECD programs.
The panel highlighted constraints in public-funded creche services and proposed policy measures to improve access, quality, and effectiveness. Recommendations emphasized the need for stronger policy frameworks and increased investments in ECD to support the holistic development of young children, promote gender equality, and enhance maternal workforce participation. The panel called for ongoing dialogue and strategic action to address these gaps and improve early childhood care in India.
Panel on “Scheduled Tribes and Livelihoods: Land, Labour and Employment”
Date : 30 March 2024
Venue : New Delhi
Sponsor : Department of Anthropology, University of Hyderabad and Institute for Human Development (IHD)
Summary : The panel began by acknowledging the historical and cultural reasons for recognizing Scheduled Tribes (STs) as a special constitutional category, due to their deep socio-economic vulnerabilities. Despite government efforts like affirmative action and laws such as the Panchayat Extension to Scheduled Areas (PESA) Act and the Forest Rights Act (FRA), STs still face significant livelihood challenges. Reduced forest cover, changing habitats, and limited cultivable land have worsened their situation.
The discussion focused on emerging livelihood contexts, examining the aspirations, opportunities, and challenges of ST communities through research conducted in states like Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, and Rajasthan. Topics included mining, agriculture, Non-timber Forest Produce (NTFP) collection, and migration, highlighting the diverse and changing nature of ST livelihoods. The panel emphasized the need for nuanced, evidence-based policies tailored to STs’ unique challenges and aspirations. The session concluded by calling for continued research to better address the evolving livelihood needs of STs and preserve their cultural heritage.
Panel on “Caring For the Caregivers: Pathways to Strengthen the Care Economy”
Date : 29 March 2024
Venue : New Delhi
Sponsor : Institute for What Works to Advance Gender Equality (IWWAGE) and Institute for Human Development (IHD)
Summary : The panel discussion on “Caring for the Caregivers: Pathways to Strengthen the Care Economy,” organized by IWWAGE and IHD, brought together experts to examine care work’s complexities. Chaired by Ipek Ilkaracan, the panel featured Ritu Dewan, A.K. Shivakumar, Prabha Kotiswaran, and Shrayana Bhattacharya, who explored various aspects of the care economy. Sarah Farooqui from CBGA discussed global fiscal policies, emphasizing the need for political commitment and financial investment in care work. Sanchari Mukhopadhyay highlighted India’s care economy, focusing on informal and formal care arrangements, the need for better data, and interdepartmental coordination. Mitali Gupta emphasized reducing, recognizing, and redistributing care work to address gender disparities and promote women’s economic empowerment. Sayamsiddha concluded by discussing Anganwadi workers, their honorarium-based work, and their contributions to the care sector. The discussion provided policy recommendations to strengthen the care economy and support caregivers.
Panel On “Meeting the Challenge of Youth Employment in India” (Based on The India Employment Report 2024, Prepared by IHD and ILO)
Date : 31 March 2024
Venue : New Delhi
Sponsor :
Summary : “Meeting the Challenge of Youth Employment in India,” organized by the Institute for Human Development (IHD) and the International Labour Organization (ILO), examined the complex dynamics of youth employment in India. Chaired by Sudipto Mundle, the session highlighted key findings from the India Employment Report 2024, presented by Alakh N. Sharma, which addressed challenges such as informal employment, stagnant wages, and limited structural transformation. Ravi Srivastava stressed the need for investment in education and skill development to harness India’s youth potential. Sher Verick outlined policy recommendations to make growth more employment-intensive, improve job quality, and reduce labor market inequalities. Panelists, including S. Mahendra Dev, Jeemol Unni, and Imraan Valodia, offered insights and recommendations to address youth employment challenges. Audience questions raised concerns about skill development and unemployment definitions, underscoring the need for public-private collaboration and policy focus on job creation.
Panel on “Rethinking Labour Market Economics for Equity”
Date : 28 March 2024
Venue : New Delhi
Sponsor : Southern Centre for Inequality Studies (SCIS), University of Witwatersrand, South Africa
Summary : Around the world, the continued fragmentation of the neoliberal hegemony has opened up new spaces for economic contestation, but it is not at all clear that the post-neoliberal economic landscape is moving in a progressive direction. In many areas of the world, the economic right wing is resurgent, and progressive economic gains are in jeopardy. The Southern Centre for Inequality Studies is part of a new network of universities around the world, which is grappling with these challenges, with the aim of charting a new path of progressive economic policy the Panel focused on labour market policy. The Panelists deliberated on issues related to what would make economic policy move in a progressive direction, and what would that progressive policy look like, specifically for labour market policies? The Panelists urged to give urgent attention to this issue due to the rise of a number of forces which exert pressure in different directions, including increased automation and artificial intelligence, a renewed focus on the role of social protection, and the fragmentation of the consensus on globalisation. They 4 further averred that this was becoming complicated by the fact that the economic scars of the Covid-19 pandemic persist in many countries, particularly those in the global South. Issues of climate change which have far-reaching implications for growth and economic development were also discussed. Furthermore, the discussions highlighted the opportunities, including possibilities offered by the green energy transition ensuring that these opportunities are harnessed to the collective good of the world’s workers.