In the last six months that I have been researching work in gig economy in Bengaluru I have had to revise my idealism and those social science theories that I carried from university.
Tag: Development
Economics, Development & Policy Takeaways, 2017
It has been an extraordinary year in academic realm, especially in public policy and economics. This is the year when economics got realistic, if one regards the annual Nobel Prize in Economics as a defining moment in economics research. Richard Thaler won it for for showing how the human traits of 'limited rationality, social preferences, and lack of … Continue reading Economics, Development & Policy Takeaways, 2017
Policy lessons from Nepal
This week completes over six months of formal engagement with Nepal's development sector. On the sidelines of the second Nepal Investment Summit which is being held for the second time, after the first one in the 1990s, there seems to be a recognition of need for investment in economic growth of the country. There is also … Continue reading Policy lessons from Nepal
The cross seems heavy to bear
In Oct - Nov, 2016 I spent six weeks in Scandinavia (Norway mostly) and in countries of Western Europe. This was to be my roving introduction to the region. To a traveler, the time he visits always appear as an interesting time. Likewise with me! It was to do with Brexit, immigration crisis and the … Continue reading The cross seems heavy to bear
On how not to help: Afghanistan
The manner in which Afghanistan's women empowerment projects have gone wrong makes an extremely useful study for development sector and workers therein. If development studies at universities followed the case study method, then this should have been one of the first ones to be discussed. Because so much is just so messed up about western … Continue reading On how not to help: Afghanistan
‘Property’ in its contemporary form
In an earlier post history of the idea of property was traced briefly. This one continues the exploration of normative and operational basis for the idea of property. The merit of this pursuit lies in the realm of grappling with several contestations that have emerged in the contemporary society. These contestations are between various classes, … Continue reading ‘Property’ in its contemporary form
On the idea of ‘property’
From a few earlier projects that our firm has handled (in FRA, land acquisition and coastal regulation) and a couple of academic exercises, I began exploring the idea of property and how it has come to be its contemporary understanding. This meant that I begin with earliest conceptions or references to the word property and … Continue reading On the idea of ‘property’
Grad Life Ends Here
This week, grad life comes to an end officially. With convocation it draws to a formal close. As I looked at the grade statements which have never been a happy sight for me, I realize that they do not reflect is the quality of time that I spent at the university and subtle transformations that … Continue reading Grad Life Ends Here
M & E Primer for Development Foot Soldiers
Development sector tends to be 'expert' driven. At least so it seems in our little experience consulting in this space. These experts carry out research, set processes in place, jump start initiatives or programs for organizations and other such things which are usually seen as jobs which require considerable expertise. As we have seen here … Continue reading M & E Primer for Development Foot Soldiers
From APU Conference 2013 : On right to welfare
This morning we are at APU's Conference 2013 on Right to Welfare: Education, Food and Work. The focus seems firmly set on India and here is the list of papers. My colleague and I find the conference note to be high on theoretical quotient with respect to thinking on institutional and legal fronts - about … Continue reading From APU Conference 2013 : On right to welfare
Contested Realities 