Policy Watch: Special Issue – December 2022

This special issue explores critical themes shaping India’s policy landscape, weaving together legal, economic, environmental, and geopolitical perspectives. It begins with an analysis of India’s cooperative laws, focusing on the 97th Constitutional Amendment, which was partially struck down by the Supreme Court for overstepping into state jurisdiction. A podcast discussion further examines proposed reforms to the Multistate Cooperative Societies Act.

The issue then shifts to governance and development, juxtaposing two pressing concerns. One article highlights the worsening fiscal health of Indian states, while another critiques the Gujarat model, revealing its shortcomings in delivering equitable growth or improved social indicators. Together, they argue that GDP-focused strategies alone fail to uplift livelihoods or public welfare, yet states face a paradox—boosting social spending requires fiscal stability, which in turn depends on economic growth.

A potential solution emerges in the theme of growth with employment, drawing from a report by the People’s Commission on Employment and Unemployment. Chaired by economist Arun Kumar, the report stresses the need for job-centric development. RGICS’s ongoing research on this issue, including an upcoming webinar, underscores its policy relevance.

The discussion then turns to sustainability, with an RGICS study on soil health as part of a broader exploration of India’s natural resources—water, forests, and land. Linked to this is a detailed eight-state study on groundwater management, offering localized solutions for conservation.

Finally, the issue addresses India-China relations, framing the trade imbalance as a strategic concern on par with border tensions. Past RGICS research highlights the risks of dependency on Chinese imports and advocates for self-reliance through initiatives like Make in India.

By connecting these themes, the issue underscores the need for integrated policymaking—balancing economic growth with employment, environmental sustainability, and strategic autonomy—while providing research-backed insights for informed debate.