In a compelling lecture as part of the IHD-ERC Seminar Series, Professor Achin Chakraborty explored how the evolution of India’s welfare policies—especially in health—reflects not just economic reasoning but also political choices and institutional dynamics.

In his lecture titled “Economics and Politics of Public Policies for Human Development in India" Professor Chakraborty highlighted that increasing public health expenditure alone may not ensure equity or effectiveness unless the interplay between market forces, public expectations, and primary care priorities is fully understood.

The Lecture was organised under the auspices of the IHD-Eastern Regional Seminar Series on 25 April 2025 at IHD Ranchi. The Centre's Director, Mr. Kumar Rana, who brings with him a wealth of experience in the field of human development, particularly focused on tribal issues, in his opening and welcome remarks set the tone and temper of the proceedings of the session by highlighting the centrality of intellectual churning for making any progress in the social sector.

In the seminar, commentator and IHD Professor Dev Nathan advocated that policies must move beyond the realm of politics and focus more on the actual needs of the people.

Professor Nitya Rao from the University of East Anglia, UK, highlighted the importance of government-led initiatives in key sectors such as health and education. She stressed that strengthening these sectors through public systems is essential for community well-being and national progress.

The seminar was chaired by Professor Jean Drèze, Visiting Professor at the Department of Economics, Ranchi University, and Honorary Professor at the Delhi School of Economics. In his address, he emphasized the need to go beyond traditional policy-making frameworks and adopt a more knowledge-centric approach to designing public policies.

D+r. Devika Modi, faculty member at IHD-ERC, extended a vote of thanks to all participants who attended the seminar in both offline and online modes. She acknowledged their significant contribution to making the event a success.

IHD’s main office is located in New Delhi and here in Ranchi is the Eastern Regional Centre which was established in 2007. The Centre’s focus is on development issues, tribals education, health, livelihoods and other human development issues of the Eastern India. 

This story is based on press release issued by Dr. Ashwani Kumar,Faculty, IHD, ERC.