Eminent economist Jean Drèze was recently at IIM Ranchi to deliver a lecture on “Social Policy in Comparative Perspective”.
Prof Drèze is a Belgium-born Indian economist. He has made wide-ranging contributions to development economics and public policy, with special reference to India. His research interests include rural development, social inequality, elementary education, child nutrition, health care and food security.
The session highlighted the condition of India in comparison to other countries, and also to know where India stands.
Anindya Sen, Director of the institute, focused his welcome speech on the topic “Efficiency and Equity Issue”.
Prof. Drèze started by saying that management is not just for business but is also important for implementing social programmes and bringing a great change in the society. He said that in India, there is a lot of resistance to the idea of implementing active social policies which is wrong. Because whatever we have is because of others. He gave the students as an example that they are studying in the prestigious B-school not only because of their efforts but also because of their parents’ and teachers’ efforts. Thus we have the responsibility towards those who are left behind.
He quoted figures to analyse how the current social scenario is in comparison to the earlier one in India with respect to other countries.32 per cent of total health expenditure in India is public expenditure which is quite less in comparison to other countries (even lesser than Sub-Saharan Africa). He also said that though India’s GDP per capita is three times that of Nepal, India does worse in terms of social indicators.
The talk was concluded with a Q&A session.