Policy Talks by Indian School of Business (ISB)

In this episode of Policy Talks, Jiji Mammen, Executive Director and CEO, Sa-Dhan, speaks with Anjal Prakash, Clinical Associate Professor (Research), and Research Director, Bharti Institute of Public Policy, ISB. He speaks about India’s microfinance journey and lists out some challenges the country is facing in the sector.

In this episode of Policy Talks, Swati Chowdhary, Director, Network Development and Banking, South Asia, Women’s World Banking, speaks with Dr Aarushi Jain, Policy Director, Bharti Institute of Public Policy, Indian School of Business. She traces the evolution of the microfinance sector in the last two decades, from traditional banking to digital systems like JAM Trinity and UPI (Unified Payments Interface). Swati Chowdhary reflects on the critical need of involving multiple stakeholders to address gender disparities in financial services. She also highlights the success of initiatives like Jan Dhan in boosting financial inclusion for women and stresses the need for targeted efforts to improve digital literacy and break gender barriers.

In this episode of Policy Talks, Dr Abhishek Jain, IAS, Secretary (Home, Information Technology, Finance, Planning & Statistics, Labour, and Employment), and Secretary to CM, Government of Himachal Pradesh, speaks with Anjal Prakash, Clinical Associate Professor (Research), and Research Director, Bharti Institute of Public Policy, Indian School of Business. Dr Jain discusses how Himachal Pradesh is actively working on an inclusive economic development model, addressing challenges in eco-friendly transport mechanisms, forest economies, commercial plantations, tourism, and governance practices to combat the adverse effects of climate change. Dr Jain also shares insights on how the state government is using data for better governance and effective policy outcomes.

Policy Talks S2E3: In this episode of Policy Talks, Prof A K Shiva Kumar, Development Economist and a visiting professor at ISB & Harvard Kennedy School is in conversation with Dr Aarushi Jain, Policy Director, Bharti Institute of Public Policy, Indian School of Business. He lays out a post-pandemic social policy roadmap for India. He speaks specifically on commitments of welfare states in key sectors like healthcare and education. They also discuss limitations of EdTech; unregulated private schools; and the gap between enrolment rates and learning.

In this episode of Policy Talks, we have a leading industry expert discussing future opportunities and challenges in leveraging open data for public policy. Ashish Aggarwal, Vice President, and Head of Public Policy, NASSCOM, is in conversation with Anjal Prakash, Clinical Associate Professor (Research), and Research Director, Bharti Institute of Public Policy, Indian School of Business. He discusses the role of the government in ensuring privacy of consumers, while using data for development in the backdrop of the recent COVID-19 pandemic. He underlines the need for balance between the two aspects of data: privacy and utilisation. Tune in to understand how NASSCOM is doing this, and more.

In the first episode of Policy Talks Season 2, R S Sharma, former Mission Director, UIDAI, speaks with Professor Ashwini Chhatre, Executive Director, Bharti Institute of Public Policy, Indian School of Business. He discusses the importance of data ownership, the principles of inclusivity, and the scalability of ideas. He also explains the nitty-gritty of developing digital public goods and infrastructure. Other key aspects discussed include the concerns around proposed data ownership laws, the idea of consent, and the regulatory enforcement in light of the recent Personal Data Protection Draft Bill and Geospatial Policy in India.

In this episode of Policy Talks, Motika Rymbai and Collen Diengdoh, two of the representatives from the Meghalaya Legislative Research Fellowship, shed light on their transformative work in governance reform. Learn how the Meghalaya Institute of Governance and the Legislative Research Fellowship synergise knowledge, technology, and people to enhance governance and policy-making in Meghalaya.

In this episode of Policy Talks, Aiban Swer of the Meghalaya Institute of Governance talks about Meghalaya’s distinct demography, matrilineal society, and the challenges of applying national policies to this region. He further discusses how tailored, locally relevant policies have been instrumental in empowering Meghalaya's communities and driving sustainable growth.

In this episode of Policy Talks, Shipra Singhal and Saubhagya Samal, who are both participants of the Advanced Management Programme in Public Policy at ISB, dive deep into India's skilling and entrepreneurship landscape. They discuss the critical gap between the demand and supply of current skill initiatives and emphasise the importance of recognising skill development as a formal sector. Note: Views expressed in the video are the personal opinions of the participants and do not necessarily reflect the official stance or policies of any organisation or institution they may be affiliated with.

In this episode of Policy Talks, Dr. KP Krishnan, former Secretary, Government of India, highlights the importance of financial reforms in achieving economic empowerment. He also discusses the role of digital financial inclusion, income inequality and critical policy initiatives.

In this Policy Talks episode, Dr. KP Krishnan, former Secretary to the Government of India, discusses India's public policy landscape. He shares his insights on policymakers' challenges and the symbiotic relationship between politicians and the services with interesting anecdotes from his career.

In this episode of Policy Talks, Dr OP Agarwal, former bureaucrat, discusses local solutions to the global problem of climate change. He explores practical solutions to over-ambitious goals focused on energy, transport, agriculture, and land use.

In this episode of Policy Talks, Dr. Aarushi Jain is in conversation with Dr. OP Agarwal, a former bureaucrat, accomplished author, and teacher who has spent his career formulating and executing policies associated with urban management, among other areas. He shares his perspective on India's unique urbanisation problem and indigenous solutions for the country.

In this episode of Policy Talks, Smita Prakash, Editor of ANI, highlights the complex relationship between media and policymakers. She explains the role of media in debating and disseminating policy, focusing on how media can contribute to public opinion on policy issues.

In this episode of Policy Talks, Amarjeet Sinha, former advisor to PM Narendra Modi, highlights the importance of "last mile delivery." He explains how technology has enabled the delivery of government schemes like MGNREGA, Aadhar, and DBT to reach those who were previously unable to benefit from them.

Former advisor to Indian Prime Minister Amarjeet Sinha shares his experience and anecdotes of India's growth through his four decades of service in the Indian Administrative Service (IAS). Sinha also discusses the IAS's transformation during this time and highlights the positive impact of social development in rural India on the country's outlook.

In this episode of Policy Talks, Manjari Jaruhar, Bihar's first woman IPS officer, shares practical tips and techniques for overcoming obstacles while maintaining a healthy work-life balance. She draws on her vast experience as a trailblazing woman in a male-dominated profession. Through captivating anecdotes and powerful insights, she discusses leadership, resilience, and determination, providing a rare glimpse into her inspiring journey.

In this first episode of Policy Talks, we have Anjal Prakash, Research Director, Bharti Institute of Public Policy, ISB, in conversation with Manjari Jaruhar, Bihar's first woman IPS officer. She reminisces her journey celebrating femininity which is essential for women’s leadership in a masculine work environment.