Annual Report 2007 - Observer Research Foundation

The study was an attempt to develop an
understanding of the power sector by looking
at the interface between politics, markets,
interests and different players
NATIONAL INITIATIVE
THE INDIAN ECONOMY AND INDIA IN THE WORLD ECONOMY
This book authored by Dr. Jayshree Sengupta, Senior Fellow, on the Indian Economy is under publication
by the Academic Foundation, New Delhi. It presents a jargon free explanation of the working of
the Indian economy and the challenges ahead for India in order to sustain a high rate of growth that
is equitable and environment friendly. She has also written an issue brief on Growing inequalities of
income in India and have contributed to the ORF website on diverse subjects like inflation, problems
in agriculture, SEZs and other subjects of topical interest.
Under the National Initiative, another project has been initiated on the potential of India becoming
a major world power by 2025. India is likely to be a third pole in the global economy by 2025 and
India’s share in the world GDP is likely to rise from 6 per cent to 11 per cent. India’s economic growth
experience in the last five decades is being studied and the main contradictions and problems ahead
will be identified.
STUDY OF POWER SECTOR REFORMS
A Case Study on “Politics of Power Sector Reforms in India” was carried out by Dr. Niranjan Sahoo
under the guidance of Mr. Shakti Sinha as a part of the National initiative. The study was an attempt
to develop an understanding of the political economy of the power sector by looking at the interface
between politics, markets, interests and different players in setting and determining the agenda of
the power sector. It looked at different phases: politics during the era of one party domination, the
transition period leading to reforms, and the reform phase. It has explored the circumstances, actors
and forces (including political players and interest groups) that guided the reform processes and to
unearth the potential areas of conflicts or political hazards on the reform path. Lastly, the study has
come out with the broad outlines for future reform measures. The study report is under final review
prior to publication.
STUDIES &
INITIATIVES
STUDY ON “ HAS RESERVATION SERVED ITS ORIGINAL GOALS”
This study was an attempt to assess the relevance and effectiveness of reservation as an affirmative
policy by the government to address the problems of inequity and social injustice to certain sections
of the society in India. The study was undertaken by ORF in the general background of lack of any
serious attempt to scrutinize the implementation of such a critical policy. Though there have been a
number of studies on caste system, socio-economic conditions of Dalits and Adivasis, not many scholars
have taken interest in terms of undertaking comprehensive evaluation of reservation policies and
looking at how these policies have been implemented. The study hopes to fill some of the gaps. The
study has come out with comprehensive statistics/figures and various trends of implementation of
Annual Report 2007 ◆ Observer Research Foundation
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