An autonomous research institute under the Ministry of Finance

 

Missing the wood for the trees

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04/04/2019

Several commentators and economists have expressed concerns about the arithmetic underlying the government’s fiscal deficit calculations, spurred by a recent report by the Comptroller and auditor general (CAG). 
 
The report points out that 1) government has not reimbursed the Food Corporation of India and fertiliser companies …

The economic agenda for 2019

07/01/2019

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The focus has to be on reforming public sector banks and on managing the fiscal situation, at the Centre as well as in states. There may not be any reforms until the elections are over. Hopefully, the year will see significant resolution of the bad loan problem and …


Concerns with Delhi Metro

19/12/2018

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(Coauthored with Ajay Shah)

 

The primary input that goes into an infrastructure project is money. In the case of the Delhi Metro, cost estimates run to Rs.5.52 Billion per km for the underground stretches and Rs.2 Billion per km for the over-ground stretches. The construction cost …

Ensuring Budget Transparency & Accountability

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04/12/2018

When the estimate itself is questionable, should we be unduly concerned about slippages of one or two decimal points?
 
Over the years, the various “innovations” made to contain deficits have cast serious questions of credibility. While the credit rating agencies and economists rant about the …

“Parental Leave” as Fiscal policy: The Empirical Evidences from Sweden

03/12/2018

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If the fastest and smartest path towards economic growth is to increase the female labour force participation, one policy which can bring radical change is “parental leave” policy for child care. Making eligibility to paid parental leave “gender neutral” is an urgent policy reform to eliminate the distorted debates …