Raghav Dasgupta Gaiha has been awarded the Malcolm Adiseshiah Award for 2024, recognizing his distinguished contributions to development studies. The award, presented by the Malcolm & Elizabeth Adiseshiah Trust, acknowledges Gaiha’s extensive research on poverty, inequality, labour economics, and social policy in India.
Gaiha is currently a Professor at the Delhi School of Economics, University of Delhi. His work spans over three decades, focusing on empirical analysis of household surveys and national sample surveys to understand the dynamics of poverty and inequality. He is particularly known for his research on the impact of economic reforms on poverty, the effectiveness of social safety nets, and the challenges faced by informal sector workers.
The selection committee highlighted Gaiha’s significant contributions to policy debates in India. His research has informed discussions on issues like employment guarantee schemes, food security programs, and the design of effective anti-poverty strategies. He has served as a consultant to various government bodies and international organizations, providing evidence-based policy recommendations.
Gaiha’s publications include numerous research papers in leading academic journals and books on poverty and inequality. He has also been actively involved in mentoring young researchers in development economics. The award committee specifically noted his ability to combine rigorous academic research with practical policy relevance.
The Malcolm Adiseshiah Award is presented annually to individuals who have made outstanding contributions to the field of development studies, particularly focusing on the Indian context. Past recipients include prominent economists and social scientists. The award carries a cash prize of ₹50,000 and a citation. The award ceremony is scheduled to be held in Chennai on March 22, 2024.
