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Pramit Bhattacharya

Articles by Pramit Bhattacharya

Fixing gender imbalance in the Indian economy

To deal with one of India’s biggest civilisational challenges, both economic and cultural instruments of change must work in tandem.

The gender imbalance in India’s formal workforce is as much a cultural challenge as an economic one (HT ARCHIVE)

opinion

Updated on Mar 06, 2023 07:19 PM IST

ByPramit Bhattacharya

Adani saga exposes key regulatory chinks

The row raises questions about Sebi’s enforcement of regulations, and the restrictions on short selling in India. Both must be tackled urgently

The impact on the broader market has been limited so far, partly because of limited retail participation in Adani stocks (REUTERS)

opinion

Updated on Feb 20, 2023 06:56 PM IST

ByPramit Bhattacharya

The wealth tax India should learn to use

A tax on wealth is often discussed, but has proven hard to implement the world over. Instead, India must focus on building a progressive and effective property tax system

Building an effective and progressive property tax system can reduce wealth inequality, improve urban services, and push up productivity and growth at the same time (PTI)

opinion

Updated on Jan 24, 2023 03:05 PM IST

ByPramit Bhattacharya

Reimagining how the Reserve Bank functions

The central bank’s ability to support India’s growth journey will depend on how it meets four key challenges, namely risk management, consumer protection, autonomy, and accountability

Ahead of the 2008 global financial crash, RBI’s conservatism saved India from the worst of the financial crunch that paralysed the rest of the world.

opinion

Published on Jan 09, 2023 07:54 PM IST

ByPramit Bhattacharya

Four challenges that await India at G20

India takes over as the president of the group in December. It must set the ball rolling to reform the G20, set new limits on economic warfare, reshape the global green agenda and prevent debt-related crises

The G20 presidency offers India an opportunity to highlight solutions to some of the world’s trickiest challenges. But the world will take such proposals seriously only if they are backed with rigorous analysis (WikiCommons)

opinion

Updated on Oct 31, 2022 07:10 PM IST

ByPramit Bhattacharya

State-led industrialisation is making a comeback

Industrial Policy 2.0 is not without its risks. It could lead to cronyism, helping entrenched conglomerates set up new lines of businesses

The innocent idea that we can all depend on and prosper from unfettered and uninterrupted global supply chains finds few takers today. Globalisation is not dead yet. But the forces of de-globalisation are gaining strength, finding powerful political patrons across the world. Old Statist ideas, long discarded, are making a comeback. (Bloomberg)

opinion

Published on Oct 17, 2022 08:19 PM IST

ByPramit Bhattacharya

How festivals may shape the economy

In India, the September-November festive season has a decisive impact on the economy because it drives up consumption and acts as a bellwether for the year ahead

If the festival stimulus is strong, analysts tend to be more optimistic about the year ahead. If not, sales and consumption forecasts are revised downward (SUNIL GHOSH/HT PHOTO)

opinion

Updated on Sep 19, 2022 07:18 PM IST

ByPramit Bhattacharya

A political shield for inflation warriors

World over, central banks understand the need FLAto engineer a mild recession to avoid a stagflationary trap and are confident to make this step public. In India, the tradition of shooting the messenger prevents RBI from delivering this message emphatically. This needs to change

RBI should view the inflation-targeting law as a political and constitutional shield for doing its job, rather than as some kind of shaming mechanism. It should use the law to stick to its core mandate of price stability (MINT)

opinion

Updated on Sep 05, 2022 08:04 PM IST

ByPramit Bhattacharya

The great divergence across South Asia

Of the four large nations in the region, India is the only one that has financial autonomy. This has been possible due to a conservative economic policy mix and diversity, and constitutional stability

Without social cohesion, inclusive growth, and institutional renewal, India’s economic autonomy will be at peril. Our exceptional history is no guarantee of our future well-being. (Shutterstock)

opinion

Updated on Aug 08, 2022 07:55 PM IST

ByPramit Bhattacharya

The aftermath of the Sen-Bhagwati debate

In 2013, shortly after the rupee crisis, the two economists sparred on India’s governance priorities. Modi’s win in 2014 might have symbolised the rise of the Bhagwati model, but Sen’s ideas seem to have been more successful under this government

The push to provide more women with bank accounts and gas connections and the heavy State thrust on providing safe drinking water and improved sanitation are ringing endorsements of Sen’s ideas. (Arvind Yadav/HT PHOTO)

opinion

Updated on Jul 11, 2022 08:11 PM IST

ByPramit Bhattacharya

Inflation boosts India’s love affair with gold

Apart from gold’s resistance to inflationary corrosion and stock market downturns, the currency management policy of RBI may be adding to gold’s lustre

The yellow metal’s lustre, malleability, and resistance to corrosion attracted the attention of our ancestors. (HT Photo)

opinion

Published on Jun 13, 2022 08:41 PM IST

ByPramit Bhattacharya

The future of the work-from-home campaign

The debate on the future of work has brought attention to several pain points in a typical office-goer’s life. But it also raises larger questions about what it means to live and work productively.

The pandemic’s biggest contribution to our work lives has been to bestow respectability to the concept of working from home. (Bloomberg)

opinion

Updated on May 30, 2022 07:57 PM IST

ByPramit Bhattacharya

RBI is fighting inflation with its hands tied

Its difficulty in balancing its role in both inflation management and debt management is rooted in India’s monetary history

Without having to worry about managing the government’s borrowing costs, RBI can focus better on its primary mandate of maintaining price and financial stability. (Mint Archives)

opinion

Published on May 16, 2022 08:29 PM IST

ByPramit Bhattacharya

War, malnutrition, and India’s fiscal burden

There may be unintended consequences to the current conflict which could have far-reaching impacts on distant countries. The great power conflict in Vietnam provides an instructive example of such long-term effects.

Local residents sit in the yard of their damaged building in Mariupol. (AP)

opinion

Published on May 03, 2022 12:17 AM IST

ByPramit Bhattacharya

Ambedkar, Nehru, and Atmanirbhar Bharat

The nature of the threat to India’s strategic autonomy has changed since the time of Independence but India’s strategic choices bear uncanny similarities with the past. As the Russia-Ukraine war rages, we have chosen to become non-aligned Nehruvians once again

The older Ambedkar’s economic vision had much more in common with that of Jawaharlal Nehru than Mahatma Gandhi, a critic of industrialisation and urbanisation. (PIB PHOTO)

opinion

Updated on Apr 04, 2022 08:09 PM IST

ByPramit Bhattacharya

Inflation surge: Who gains and who loses

The real danger lies in unhinged inflationary expectations, which will make it very difficult for RBI to tame inflation.

If people sense that RBI is not serious about fighting inflation, it will only heighten inflationary expectations. The battle against inflation will become much more daunting in the future. RBI could end up being the biggest loser. (Reuters)

opinion

Published on Mar 21, 2022 08:37 PM IST

ByPramit Bhattacharya

Economy and identity: Both matter to voters

The convergence of economic policies means that parties need an identity marker to distinguish themselves from others. Caste, language, and religion fill that role

Voters waiting in queues to cast their votes for the seventh and final phase of the Uttar Pradesh assembly elections, Mirzapur, March 7, 2022 (ANI)

opinion

Updated on Mar 07, 2022 06:56 PM IST

ByPramit Bhattacharya

How a digital rupee could transform India

A global band of monetary militants has come up with their own virtual currencies, posing a fresh challenge to sovereign powers. This time, the counter-revolution seems to be taking the shape of the central bank digital currency.

History suggests that it can take years, if not decades, to stabilise a new monetary regime. (Shutterstock)

opinion

Published on Feb 21, 2022 07:12 PM IST

ByPramit Bhattacharya

Is disruption ahead for the gig economy?

Platforms got enormous goodwill by serving their urban clientele. But as wages decline and discontent rises, they’re at risk of being seen as ruthless hiring agents

Gig economy platforms say they revolutionised work. But many worker groups say they tramped on workers rights and exploited them. (PTI)

opinion

Published on Feb 07, 2022 07:33 PM IST

ByPramit Bhattacharya

India’s growing regional inequality challenge

On many development parameters, India appears to be almost like a continent, with different states at vastly different stages of development.

At the beginning of the millennium, the per capita income of the five richest states (based on per capita income) in India was 145% higher than that of the bottom states.(Reuters Photo)

business

Updated on Aug 28, 2019 05:36 PM IST

Livemint | ByNikita Kwatra, Pramit Bhattacharya

Six years after Lehman Brothers collapse, the world remains fragile

Six years have passed since the collapse of Lehman Brothers Holdings Inc on 15 September 2008 but rising asset prices in recent times would have us believe that world economy has moved on.

business

Updated on Sep 15, 2014 09:37 AM IST

ByRavi Krishnan and Pramit Bhattacharya (LiveMint), Mumbai

Rural India takes the lead in art of splurging

As the urban buyer slackens in her shopping spree, a lot is riding on the rural consumer . The prospect of a bumper summer crop after good rains this year has raised hopes that rural consumption will be strong amid sluggish urban demand.

india news

Updated on Oct 28, 2013 07:56 AM IST

Hindustan Times | ByPramit Bhattacharya and Aishwarya Deshpande, New Delhi

Gadchiroli's trudging doctors spell hope

One of India's most backward districts and Maharashtra's worst ranked in human development indicators, Gadchiroli, today finds itself at the forefront of a healthcare revolution that can potentially save millions of infant lives. Pramit Bhattacharya reports. Pics

The-three-pillars-of-support-for-the-newborn-in-the-Gadchiroli-model-from-left-the-health-worker-mother-and-grandmother-Photograph-by-Pramit-Bhattacharya

india news

Updated on Mar 21, 2013 04:50 PM IST

Hindustan Times | ByPramit Bhattacharya, Mumbai

Lessons from Melghat's health crisis

At a time when India plans a multi-pronged attack on malnutrition in 200 high-burden districts, it will pay to examine the cracks in state institutions that have led to past failures and can still derail well-intentioned plans. Pramit Bhattacharya reports. Pics

india news

Updated on Mar 21, 2013 04:50 PM IST

None | ByPramit Bhattacharya, Mumbai

It can happen in India

A determined bureaucrat re-imagined government to show how India's dismal malnutrition statistics can be improved without great cost. All it requires-a plan, innovation and great commitment. Pramit Bhattacharya reports.

V-Ramani-former-head-of-the-Maharashtra-s-nutrition-mission-is-a-hero-of-the-system-Thanks-to-his-work-Maharashtra-reported-a-60-drop-between-2005-and-2010-in-the-number-of-severely-malnourished-children-HT-Photo

cities

Updated on Mar 21, 2013 04:39 PM IST

ByPramit Bhattacharya, Mumbai

A bad return on investment

Why the world's largest child-welfare scheme cannot stop children dying from malnutrition in India's city of gold. Pramit Bhattacharya reports. Listen to podcast

india news

Updated on Mar 21, 2013 04:41 PM IST

Hindustan Times | ByPramit Bhattacharya, Mumbai

A nutrition crisis amid prosperity

Wealthy Mumbai is now one of India’s most malnourished districts, and the data suggest it could be worse. Why cheap food, welfare schemes won’t help. Pramit Bhattacharya reports. See photogallery | Listen to podcast

cities

Updated on Oct 31, 2011 01:57 PM IST

Hindustan Times | ByPramit Bhattacharya, Mumbai

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Pramit Bhattacharya

To deal with one of India’s biggest civilisational challenges, both economic and cultural instruments of change must work in tandem.

The row raises questions about Sebi’s enforcement of regulations, and the restrictions on short selling in India. Both must be tackled urgently

A tax on wealth is often discussed, but has proven hard to implement the world over. Instead, India must focus on building a progressive and effective property tax system

The central bank’s ability to support India’s growth journey will depend on how it meets four key challenges, namely risk management, consumer protection, autonomy, and accountability

India takes over as the president of the group in December. It must set the ball rolling to reform the G20, set new limits on economic warfare, reshape the global green agenda and prevent debt-related crises

Industrial Policy 2.0 is not without its risks. It could lead to cronyism, helping entrenched conglomerates set up new lines of businesses

In India, the September-November festive season has a decisive impact on the economy because it drives up consumption and acts as a bellwether for the year ahead

World over, central banks understand the need FLAto engineer a mild recession to avoid a stagflationary trap and are confident to make this step public. In India, the tradition of shooting the messenger prevents RBI from delivering this message emphatically. This needs to change

Of the four large nations in the region, India is the only one that has financial autonomy. This has been possible due to a conservative economic policy mix and diversity, and constitutional stability

In 2013, shortly after the rupee crisis, the two economists sparred on India’s governance priorities. Modi’s win in 2014 might have symbolised the rise of the Bhagwati model, but Sen’s ideas seem to have been more successful under this government

Apart from gold’s resistance to inflationary corrosion and stock market downturns, the currency management policy of RBI may be adding to gold’s lustre

The debate on the future of work has brought attention to several pain points in a typical office-goer’s life. But it also raises larger questions about what it means to live and work productively.

Its difficulty in balancing its role in both inflation management and debt management is rooted in India’s monetary history

There may be unintended consequences to the current conflict which could have far-reaching impacts on distant countries. The great power conflict in Vietnam provides an instructive example of such long-term effects.

The nature of the threat to India’s strategic autonomy has changed since the time of Independence but India’s strategic choices bear uncanny similarities with the past. As the Russia-Ukraine war rages, we have chosen to become non-aligned Nehruvians once again

The real danger lies in unhinged inflationary expectations, which will make it very difficult for RBI to tame inflation.

The convergence of economic policies means that parties need an identity marker to distinguish themselves from others. Caste, language, and religion fill that role

A global band of monetary militants has come up with their own virtual currencies, posing a fresh challenge to sovereign powers. This time, the counter-revolution seems to be taking the shape of the central bank digital currency.

Platforms got enormous goodwill by serving their urban clientele. But as wages decline and discontent rises, they’re at risk of being seen as ruthless hiring agents

On many development parameters, India appears to be almost like a continent, with different states at vastly different stages of development.

Six years have passed since the collapse of Lehman Brothers Holdings Inc on 15 September 2008 but rising asset prices in recent times would have us believe that world economy has moved on.

As the urban buyer slackens in her shopping spree, a lot is riding on the rural consumer . The prospect of a bumper summer crop after good rains this year has raised hopes that rural consumption will be strong amid sluggish urban demand.

One of India's most backward districts and Maharashtra's worst ranked in human development indicators, Gadchiroli, today finds itself at the forefront of a healthcare revolution that can potentially save millions of infant lives. Pramit Bhattacharya reports. Pics

At a time when India plans a multi-pronged attack on malnutrition in 200 high-burden districts, it will pay to examine the cracks in state institutions that have led to past failures and can still derail well-intentioned plans. Pramit Bhattacharya reports. Pics

A determined bureaucrat re-imagined government to show how India's dismal malnutrition statistics can be improved without great cost. All it requires-a plan, innovation and great commitment. Pramit Bhattacharya reports.

Why the world's largest child-welfare scheme cannot stop children dying from malnutrition in India's city of gold. Pramit Bhattacharya reports. Listen to podcast

Wealthy Mumbai is now one of India’s most malnourished districts, and the data suggest it could be worse. Why cheap food, welfare schemes won’t help. Pramit Bhattacharya reports. See photogallery | Listen to podcast

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