Skill Development in Punjab: An Analysis of Policy and Performance

For a long time now, unemployment and underemployment have remained two of the key issues in Punjab’s development question. The India Employment Report 2024 by the International Labour Organisation and the Institute for Human Development created an employment condition index which showed that for Punjab, the index was 0.45 in 2005 which in 2022 stood […]

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Targeted reforms can transform land acquisition process

Originally published in Hindustan Times Land acquisition, a cornerstone of economic development, remains a contentious and inadequately addressed issue in Punjab. Despite its critical role in enabling infrastructure, housing, and industrial projects, the governance aspects and economic implications of land acquisition have often been overlooked. This neglect has resulted in significant policy gaps, exacerbating challenges […]

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How PPP model can propel Punjab’s economic growth

Originally published in The Tribune Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs) have the potential to revolutionise infrastructure development, and services delivery by blending private sector capital and expertise with public sector oversight. For Punjab, which has over 147 PPP projects worth ₹59,358 crore in critical sectors like roads, bridges, healthcare, and education, this model could be the key […]

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Debt Shadows: Punjab’s ‘Democracy before Development’ Paradox 

Inspired by the insights of economists like Böhm-Bawerk and von Mises on capital’s role at the intersection of economics and finance, a compelling framework for understanding fiscal challenges takes shape. This approach encourages synergies in economic decision-making and accounting practices, while also treating money as a social institution. When applied to Punjab’s fiscal crisis (a […]

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Why the ball is in Punjab’s court

Originally published on Babushahi.com Punjab is traditionally known for producing both, leading sportsmen and sports equipment. Sports like Kabaddi and Weightlifting originated in the “akhadas” of Punjab. From shuttlecocks and footballs to cricket bats, Jalandhar has developed as the epicenter of sports production in India. The recently concluded 2024 Olympics saw one of the highest […]

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The Agricultural Crisis in Punjab: A Behavioural Economics Perspective

Punjab’s agricultural crisis is a ticking time bomb that threatens the very foundations of the state’s economy and the well-being of its people. As water tables plummet and soil fertility declines, the once-thriving breadbasket of India — Punjab — is now on the brink of an environmental and humanitarian disaster. An examination of Punjab’s agricultural […]

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Powered by the sun

Originally published in The Telegraph In a bid to accelerate the adoption of solar energy across residential and commercial uses nationally, the Government of India recently declared its intent to hire and train nearly one lakh individuals for the installation process. This is in line with the Government’s larger mission of encouraging adoption of solar […]

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Punjab’s Urban Policy Needs a Shake-Up

Originally published in the Hindu BusinessLine In May, the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs convened a two-day brainstorming session to review the status of urban planning and governance across India. Recognising that urban development is primarily a state responsibility, it becomes essential to study state-specific issues for nuanced policy deliberations. Thus, we turn our […]

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Powering Punjab’s Agriculture: Navigating the Dynamics of Energy-Water Interplay

Energy, groundwater, and agriculture are intricately linked, each influencing the other in significant ways. This interdependence is crucial for sustainable development, resource management, and food security. A reliable and efficient energy source can optimize groundwater usage, but the provision of highly subsidized or nearly free electricity for agriculture has long been a key concern in […]

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