Some Essays On Higher Education In India

In the emerging global world order, India is trying to position itself as a knowledge driven economy. Higher education assumes tremendous importance in this context. Large scale changes are being talked about and may indeed be implemented. The challenges are many and momentous, and a successful transition in arena is full of possibilities. Here, I present some the recent pieces that I have been invited to write. In the first essay deals generally with the issues specifically focusing on action plan with regards to access and flexibility and has been published in MEDC Digest. The second one deals with the question of concrete steps that need to be taken in the context of Mumbai and has been published in The City. Third is a piece submitted to the 11th Plan subgroup on State Universities of which I happened to be a member.

La Forza Or The Force: Swoting India In A Global Context

The present essay is based on various talks that I was called upon to deliver recently. Economics Department of M.S. University, Baroda organized a National Seminar on Stability and Growth in the Post reform Period in India where I delivered a Key Note Address. Then I was invited to speak at an International Symposium with the theme LA FORZA held at Bologna, Italy (hence some specific references to Indo-Italian trade, although much of it carries over generally to other countries). Lala Lajpatrai Institute of Management held a Seminar of Innovations in Rural Marketing where I delivered the Valedictory Talk. IMC organized a high powered economic convention on the topic of Indian economic growth where I was invited to be a panelist for the theme of Center State relations. Thus, the essay reflects thinking on the current Indian situation as talked about by me at these various forums.

STRENGTHENING DECENTRALIZATION - Augmenting the Consolidated Fund of the states by th Thirteenth Finacnce Commission: A NORMATIVE APPROACH

One of the terms of reference of the Thirteenth Finance Commission (ThFC) calls upon the Finance Commission to look at ‘Measures needed to augment the consolidated fund of a State to supplement the resources of the Panchayats and Municipalities in the State on the basis of the recommendations made by the Finance Commission of the State’. In view of this, the present study examines issues related to fiscal federalism at the third tier in general and grants to local bodies in particular. It is well documented in the literature that the state of finances of local bodies, both urban and rural, displays a dismal picture in India. In contrast, the finances of the Central and State Governments are on a healthier track with the implementation of the rule based fiscal framework. The study opines that there is a need to fine tune the micro design of grants for local bodies (both urban and local) and their devolution across the States.