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Time of India
18-07-2025
- Politics
- Time of India
41st anniversary of The Times of India, Bengaluru: Front and centre of public policy; in many ways, the city is both a complement and a counterpoint to New Delhi
Bengaluru has emerged as a global public policy hub, fostering a unique model of civic engagement driven by collaboration between experts, philanthropists, and the government. Institutions like GIPA, ISEC and NIAS laid the groundwork, while the IT boom fueled further growth. It took nearly 30 years before for this committed group of liberal nationalists led by D V Gundappa, a renowned writer and philosopher, could establish the Gokhale Institute of Public Affairs (GIPA) in 1945 – Bengaluru's first think tank – 'to promote education for and in the conscientious practice of democratic citizenship'. The institute formalised the activities of the so-called 'Gokhale group' of intellectuals and public officials of the erstwhile Mysore state that realised that a free and democratic India needed a non-partisan forum to discuss ideas on which the new nation-state would be founded. Indeed, the very first article in its journal argued that the draft Constitution of India did not secure individual liberty as well as it ought to. You Can Also Check: Bengaluru AQI | Weather in Bengaluru | Bank Holidays in Bengaluru | Public Holidays in Bengaluru After Independence, though, institution-building shifted focus from public education to education, as Mysore (later Karnataka) provided a conducive environment for the establishment of private professional colleges that serviced the demands of the new country. There were a few exceptions, though. Prof VKRV Rao founded the Institute for Social and Economic Change (ISEC) in 1972 to promote research in social sciences relevant to public policy, and Dr Raja Ramanna persuaded JRD Tata to create the National Institute for Advanced Studies (NIAS) in 1988 to not only engage in multidisciplinary research, but also serve as a common watering hole for administrators, managers and researchers. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Gold Is Surging in 2025 — Smart Traders Are Already In IC Markets Learn More Undo These institutions illuminated intellectual and social life of the city in the decades before liberalisation sparked an economic boom from which a new generation of public policy institutions emerged. Prof Samuel Paul's Public Affairs Centre (PAC) not only took up policy research and advocacy relevant to a by-then fast-growing metropolis, but attracted outstanding young talent to civil society. PAC engaged with the first generation of Bengaluru's tech entrepreneurs, who happened to be both idealistic and resourceful, and laid the ground for what I have called the 'Bengaluru Model of Civic Engagement'. This model involves working with (not against) the govt; generally engages in non-partisan, non-ideological ways; is open to experts from various domains; and is funded by high-integrity philanthropists. The captains of the IT and biotech industry generously channelled the city's newfound wealth into public causes, setting an example for the rest of the country. Over the past three decades, several outstanding organisations have emerged along these lines. Prominent among them are the Centre for Budgetary and Policy Studies (CBPS), Center for Study of Science, Technology and Policy (CSTEP), Ashoka Trust for Research in Ecology and the Environment (ATREE), Arghyam, Azim Premji University (APU), Indian Institute of Human Settlements (IIHS), Bangalore International Centre (BIC), Indian Software Product Industry Round Table (iSpirt), Independent And Public-Spirited Media Foundation (IPSMF), Bangalore Political Action Committee (BPAC), ReapBenefit and Takshashila Institution (which I cofounded). These cover a broad range of topics, local to global. Thus, you will find Bengaluru's fingerprints on international and national policies ranging from urban governance to genetics, climate change to outer space, national security to digital public infrastructure, but you will have to look carefully, because the Bengaluru model tends to downplay its own contributions and rightly give credit to the political leaders and policymakers who implement them. This is not to say that all civil society organisations in the city follow this model. There are the fierce critics of govt policy, the fearless activists pursuing civic rights and other just causes, non-governmental organisations engaged in social work and partisan ideologues engaged in public discourse. Bengaluru has emerged a global public policy hub because the city attracts outstanding talent across disciplines. Consider for instance, my colleagues: a semiconductor engineer, a microbiologist, a failed actor, a PhD-holding retired general, a spy, an investment banker and a former bartender. Many of them have come back to India after having studied and worked abroad. That's not all. It is relatively easy to assemble outstanding experts in almost any field because they are available in and around the city. Very few cities in the world can draw on the varied talents of such a diverse intellectual community. On the flip side, think tanks do find it hard to attract good talent because the city is booming and non-profits have to compete with global companies for talent. After all, even the most passionate scholars must pay off their rents and EMIs. Also, unlike in New Delhi, Bengaluru does not have institutional areas where non-profits can be housed at reasonable cost. This means, they are spread out across a city divided by traffic, and dampening interactions across institutions. Being distant from the national capital has another downside: there is a tendency for organisations to focus on local issues, limiting the mental landscape of talented people. In recent years, one issue – climate change – has attracted extraordinary amount of funding, pushing talented young people into an increasingly crowded field. This is not to say that the cause is unimportant, but India needs to invest in brain power to address the challenges of geoeconomics, global security, information-age governance, political philosophy, science and technology policy, economic growth and other fields critical to our future. It would be a pity if the city's intellectual and creative capacity neglects grappling with the complex policy issues facing the state, nation and planet today. In many ways, Bengaluru is both a complement and a counterpoint to New Delhi. It often focuses on issues and ideas that the national capital is yet to be concerned with, and that the political system thinks is unimportant or impossible. It also shows that a different approach to citizenship is possible, and the distance from Delhi often allows a different perspective of national interest.
The Hindu
09-07-2025
- Business
- The Hindu
Agri-economist suggests evolving a policy to determine extent of land required for different industries
Prakash Kammaradi suggests that prestigious institutions like IIM-B and ISEC should be involved in formulating a policy to ensure industrialisation does not hurt farmers' interests Ahead of Chief Minister Siddaramaiah's meeting with Devanahalli farmers scheduled on July 15 to discuss their demand for shelving land acquisition, noted agriculture economist T.N. Prakash Kammaradi has called for taking industry leaders into confidence by involving them in consultations. He also stressed the need for evolving a policy on 'comprehensive land acquisition and transparent land use plan for industries.' In an interaction with The Hindu, Dr. Kammaradi, who has also served as chairman of the Karnataka Agricultural Prices Commission, observed that industry had not been involved in any of the consultations over demand for shelving the land acquisition for the proposed Defence and Aerospace Park. He urged the industry leaders to play a pro-active role in resolving this issue. 'Though the entire episode of farmers' struggle for more than 1,190 days in Devanahalli is over acquisition of their farm lands for industrial purpose, the industries' representatives are not in the picture in consultations and debate,' he said. Taking industries into confidence would go a long way in finding an amicable solution, he maintained. No clear norms Also, Dr. Kammaradi observed that there was no clarity on the quantum of land required for different kinds of industries. 'There are no clear cut norms before the government to decide the quantum of land required for various kinds of industries based on their activities and nature of functioning. Hence there is a feeling in some sections that disproportionate tracts of lands have been sanctioned to some industries in earlier cases, though they do not require that amount of space. In this context, there is a need to assess the land requirement for different industries in a scientific manner by involving all the stake holders, experts and academicians,' he argued. Policy focus A policy should be evolved to suggest the ideal locations for different industries by taking into consideration their requirements, employment creation potential and need for uniform and decentralised growth in different areas of the State, he said. Dr. Kammaradi pointed out that most policies so far have stressed the need to keep out only irrigated lands (command areas of irrigation project) out of acquisition. 'In the present context, there is a need to insulate even the borewell (groundwater) irrigated lands that are fertile and enabling cultivation of multiple crops in a year from land acquisition to ensure food and nutritional security,' he argued. The main intention should be to ensure that farmers' interests are not hurt and industrialisation too is not hit. He suggested that prestigious institutions like Indian Institute of Management-Bengaluru, Institute for Social and Economic Change and Institute for Indian Institute of Plantation Management among other ICAR institutes should be involved in the process of evolving such a policy. Dr. Kammaradi maintains that evolving such a policy and involving industries and experts in the process would provide clarity regarding land acquisition not just with respect to Devanahalli case, but elsewhere in the State.
The Hindu
22-05-2025
- Politics
- The Hindu
Should students work while studying? Exploring India's earn-and-learn model
The debate over whether students should be encouraged to work while studying has gained momentum with the ongoing education reform agenda that emphasizes 'learning by doing.' Governments worldwide, including India, are promoting apprenticeship programs and flexible part-time courses to allow students to earn while they learn. This approach aims to equip students with practical skills from an early age, fostering a culture of responsibility and self-sufficiency. In countries like the United States, student employment is deeply embedded in the educational framework. Recent reports highlight school toppers engaging in on-campus jobs to offset living expenses, showcasing a growing trend among Indian institutions as well. However, this dual commitment of working and studying raises concerns about reinforcing existing caste and class structures. Critics argue that without adequate opportunities, students may inadvertently follow parental or ancestral occupations, perpetuating societal inequalities. To explore this multifaceted issue further, The Hindu hosted a webinar titled 'Should students be encouraged to work and earn while they study?' on May 17, 2025. The panellists included Kaibalyapati Mishra, Ph.D. student at ISEC; Prof. Shraddha Kumbhojkar, Head of History Department at Savitribai Phule Pune University; and Dr. Parag Kalkar, Pro Vice-Chancellor at SPPU. Also Read: Need for National Student Work Policy: Safeguarding students working off and on campus Prof. Kalkar, who gave the opening remarks, emphasized the importance of students realising the value of money. 'Our parents are very caring and, despite a child who is going for postgraduation, even a Ph.D., the parents take care of their money, their pocket money, and many other things', he said. He also highlighted how work can shape student behavior and attitude. 'Students and the young generation are not interested in working in a physical mode. They want to work on a computer in an air-conditioned cabin. But when the student works for one or two hours, they realise the value of money. They socialise. The human aspect of the students will be developed naturally. If they earn and then invest in higher education, I think their sensitivity, sensibility, and sincerity will be more than what it is today', he said. Impact on mental health While the benefits of earning through work, such as enhanced confidence and life skills, are evident, it's crucial to consider potential drawbacks like stress on mental health or adverse effects on academic performance. Policy-makers need to ensure that student employment does not compromise educational quality or well-being. The conversation surrounding student work opportunities also highlights systemic issues within India's higher education landscape. Many students come from economically disadvantaged backgrounds; thus, their motivation for working often stems from financial necessity rather than choice. Ensuring safe working environments and dignified labour conditions is imperative if we are to prevent exploitation under the guise of skill development. Mr. Mishra emphasized that student employment in India is often driven by compulsion rather than choice. 'We are assuming the fact that they will like it, but in most cases, it's a compulsion that pushes the students to divert their scope from learning to engage themselves in work. Mr. Mishra highlighted the economic pressures many students face, adding, 'They are earning for their family. That is the problem in this situation. We need laws for students working in India before we try to formalise this as part of the curriculum.'Additionally, suggestions have emerged regarding skill mapping initiatives that align student capabilities with available job opportunities while providing necessary counseling support for informed decision-making about work during studies. Caste Implications Prof. Kumbhojkar highlighted the caste implications of student labour. She spoke about a colleague of hers who comes from a family of shepherds. He had narrated to Prof. Kumbhojkar that while he was a high school student, during vacations, he had to take his sheep for grazing. If he were seen by some of his upper-caste classmates, he would feel ashamed. She stressed that giving dignity to all forms of labor is a societal responsibility. 'The element of caste and the gravity of this shame, the whole hierarchical power structure, is very real. One doesn't want the caste system to be reinforced through this earn-and-learn kind of thing. This idea needs to be imbibed by each member of a society, not just the universities and all these protected and safe spaces', she said. She also proposed policy interventions to support student employment meaningfully. 'The kind of work that students are made to do may not be aligned with their degrees, but they may be involved in jobs that have transferable skills like content writing. Perhaps something like the CSR policy could be worked out by policymakers. The University Grants Commission has the Earn While You Learn scheme, paying around ₹4,000 (max.) to students working within campus and a few rules too. But there is a need for a comprehensive policy. As discussions unfold around these topics, stakeholders must collaborate towards creating policies that safeguard both educational integrity and economic empowerment for students across all strata of society.
New Indian Express
06-05-2025
- Entertainment
- New Indian Express
Book released on Bengaluru's affair with BMTC rides
BENGALURU: Bengalurina Bussina Kathegalu (Bengaluru's Bus Stories), which captures the memories associated with the Bangalore Metropolitan Transport Corporation (BMTC) buses, was released on Monday. A collaborative effort of the EQUIMOB (Inclusive Cities Through Equitable Access to Urban Mobility Infrastructures for India and Bangladesh) project, Institute for Social and Economic Change (ISEC), Bengaluru Bus Prayanikara Vedike (BBPV) and Samvada, the book brings alive memories of double-decker buses, love for bus radio when there were no mobile phones, bus bonds and others. 'When we discuss about Bengaluru, the first thing that comes is the Information Technology, the city's infamous traffic, Silk Board Signal. But we hardly get to see anything related to BMTC buses, Bengaluru's lifeline,' said Prajwal, a PhD Scholar from ISEC and Utrecht University, who coordinated for the project from EQUIMOB. 'Like Kolkata or other cities, Bengaluru didn't have trains for local commute. All we had was the BMTC (then Bangalore Transport Service). BMTC buses, which played a pivotal role in Bengaluru's making, have largely remained neglected in its development story. Except for some scenes in a Kamal Hassan movie and in other Kannada movies, BMTC buses are hardly seen,' Prajwal said. Though every one of us has travelled in BMTC and has a lot of memories associated with it, it is not being recorded, he said, adding that the book has stories associated with the bus, he added. The organisers said the e-book will be uploaded on Equimob website soon, and hard copies will be distributed among the BBPV community organisations and various government departments.
Mint
25-04-2025
- Business
- Mint
Recommended stocks to buy today: Top stock picks by market experts for 25 April
•COROMANDEL: Buy above ₹ 2,240 and dips to ₹ 2,170 | Stop ₹ 2,140 | Target ₹ 2,440-2,525 •ISEC: Buy above ₹ 900 and dips to 850 | Stop ₹ 825 | Target ₹ 990-1,125 •NAVINFLOUR: Buy above ₹ 4,350 and dips near 4,200 | Stop ₹ 4,100 | Target ₹ 4,750-4,900 Also read: LTIMindtree: New year, new plan – but will it work? Why it's recommended: Robust order book and capacity expansion, diversification into high-margin passenger segment Key metrics: P/E: 34.93, 52-week high: ₹ 1,897, volume: ₹ 39.30 lakh Technical analysis: Reclaimed its 50-DMA Risk factors: Supply chain disruptions, execution delays Buy at: ₹ 811.45 Target price: ₹ 950 in three months Stop loss: ₹ 772 Also read: M&M Fin's margin rebound must be accompanied by lower bad debts Buy Network18 Media & Investments Ltd (current price: ₹ 46.15) Why it's recommended: Digital expansion and audience reach, investments in sports broadcasting Key metrics: P/E: N/A, 52-week high: ₹ 228, volume: ₹ 44.62 crore Technical analysis: Reclaimed its 50-DMA Risk factors: Volatility in advertising revenue, high investment costs, and profitability pressure Buy at: ₹ 46.15 Target price: ₹ 56 in three months Stop loss: ₹ 43.2 Also read: Bajaj Housing ends FY25 on a strong note, but the stock remains richly valued Raja Venkatraman is co-founder, NeoTrader. His Sebi-registered research analyst registration no. is INH000016223. MarketSmith India: Trade name: William O'Neil India Pvt. Ltd. Its Sebi-registered research analyst registration number is INH000015543. Investments in securities are subject to market risks. Read all the related documents carefully before investing. Registration granted by Sebi and certification from NISM in no way guarantees performance of the intermediary or provide any assurance of returns to investors. Disclaimer: The views and recommendations given in this article are those of individual analysts. These do not represent the views of Mint. We advise investors to check with certified experts before making any investment decisions.
