Report on a Lecture by Prof Shamika Ravi on “Policies for the Poor and Marginal Communities” under the aegis of ICSSR.

New Delhi -This event organized at Hansraj College under the aegis of the Indian Council of Social Science Research (ICSSR) as a part of Lecture series ‘Amrit Kaal Vimarsh: Vikasit Bharat@2047’ featured the esteemed Prof. Shamika Ravi as the distinguished speaker. Prof. Shamika Ravi, Member, Economic Advisory Council to Prime Minister is a renowned expert in Development Economics including areas of finance, health, gender, urbanization and welfare. Prof Heeraman Tiwari, the Honorary Director of ICSSR Northern Regional Centre, also graced the event by extending a warm welcome to the students wherein he emphasized the significance of the topic and the eminence of the guest speaker, setting the stage for an insightful discourse on policies for the impoverished and marginalized segments of society. The event, which unfolded in a seamless sequence of dignified proceedings, began with a lamp lighting ceremony by Prof (Dr) Rama, Principal; Ms Alka Kacker, Vice-Principal & IQAC Director; Dr Vijay Mishra, Convener of the programme; Ms Madhavi Moni K and Mr Ashutosh Yadav, Coordinators of the programme.Professor Shamika Ravi, a renowned economist and social policy expert, took the stage to deliver a thought-provoking address. Her presentation was a profound exploration of the challenges and opportunities associated with designing and implementing policies for the marginalized communities. She elucidated the nuances of evidence-based policymaking and the critical role that data and research play in shaping effective strategies for poverty alleviation and social inclusion. In her opening remarks, Professor Ravi stressed the importance of data-driven decision-making in the realm of policy formulation. She cautioned against a narrow focus on economic growth without considering its broader implications for overall development. Drawing from empirical evidence, she challenged the commonly held belief that the 1991 economic reforms marked a definitive turning point in India’s growth story, instead pinpointing the year 2000 as a pivotal moment due to significant structural reforms. She also highlighted the substantial infrastructural changes and the remarkable transition from energy deficiency to energy surplus driven by government capital expenditure. Turning to India’s performance on various Human Development Indicators (HDI), Professor Ravi provided a striking perspective. The lecture delved into a wide range of topics, including poverty eradication, the registration of riots, declining crimes against women, the complex issue of graduate youth unemployment, state fiscal performance, debt management, and intertemporal performance with respect to per capita income. Professor Ravi’s thorough analysis illuminated the multifaceted nature of these challenges and the need for nuanced policy responses. Concluding her talk on a hopeful note, Professor Ravi discussed India’s strides in closing the gender gap through initiatives such as the opening of bank accounts. She called upon the students to recognize their role in the ongoing transformation of India and emphasized the importance of data decentralization, emphasizing, “Data is not oil; it is crude oil.” Her inspiring words left the audience with a sense of purpose, encouraging them to harness the power of data for the betterment of the nation and its marginalized communities.In sum, Professor Shamika Ravi’s lecture provided valuable insights into the intersection of data, economic development, and social progress. Her engaging presentation and compelling arguments served as a beacon of inspiration for the students and underscored the significance of informed and data-driven policymaking in India’s ongoing journey towards inclusive growth. Professor Ravi’s lecture was a culmination of empirical insights, real-world examples, and a vision for a more equitable future. This was followed by a round of questions and answers. The event concluded with a vote of thanks by Dr. Vijay Mishra, convenor of the programme. Dr. Mishra expressed gratitude to all the attendees, particularly Professor Ravi and the Principal for their invaluable contributions to the discourse. He highlighted the importance of such lectures in fostering a culture of informed, responsible citizenship and in inspiring the youth to actively engage with the challenges of the marginalized communities.