Bhubaneswar: Top Notch Economist Professor Kartik Muralidharan, presented his research findings at a two-day seminar held at Kharebal Bhawan in Bhubaneswar on August 13 and 14.
Prof.Muralidharan, an internationally recognized expert in education, public administration, and data policy, presented a discussion based on his book, “Economics and Development: A Roadmap for Economic Growth.”
During the seminar, Prof.Muralidharan highlighted the promising signs of the Indian economy on the global stage, citing its growth, policy stability, demographic advantages, and commitment to democratic values.
However, he also emphasized that India faces significant challenges in delivering essential public services, such as education, healthcare, public safety, and justice.
He argued that the failure to consistently provide these services is a major obstacle to the country’s economic growth, noting that state deficits are directly tied to the national deficit.
Prof.Muralidharan advocated for a more consistent, long-term implementation of public service initiatives rather than a mission-oriented approach.
His presentation also addressed the broader challenges of good governance in India, including the need for a clear vision, effective human resource management, performance management, and data-driven decision-making.
He discussed the role of the government in the context of an aging population, the liberalization of government spending, and the intersection of politics and market policies. By comparing data from Odisha with other states, Prof.Muralidharan provided targeted recommendations for improvement.
The seminar was attended by high-ranking officials, including Chief Secretary Shri Manoj Ahuja and Development Commissioner,Anu Garg, along with other ACS, Principal Secretarries and Commissioners.
During the interactive session, Shri Ahuja praised the presentation, stating that the data and discussions would be invaluable to the state government. The session also included virtual participation from district magistrates and other government officials. Additionally, it was reported that Prof.Muralidharan would hold face-to-face discussions with various Departmental Secretaries to explore challenges and solutions in more detail.