With his expertise of advancing research in development economics and regional growth, Professor Lakhwinder Singh, Visiting Professor at the Institute for Human Development, New Delhi and Former Professor of Economics at Punjabi University, Patiala, Punjab enlightened participants as well the experts from various parts of the country experts at the 66th Annual Indian Society of Labour Economics (ISLE) Conference at Symbiosis International University, Pune that got underway on January 19.
It is worth mentioning that from the streets of the urban informal sector to the shifting dynamics of agrarian labour, the parallel technical sessions at the 66th ISLE Conference offered a panoramic view of the Indian economy. Chaired by a plethora of distinguished scholars, these sessions moved beyond aggregate data to reveal the complex, often fragmented lived realities of the workforce across the Technology, Education, and Rural Transformation tracks.
Professor Lakhwinder Singh, who owes the distinction of contributing significantly to the field through his scholarship, teaching and mentorship, left everyone enlightened with his deep engagement with issues of economic development and policy. His presence made the conference highly enriching. Sharing his expertise and insights to the discourse on inclusive and sustainable development was well appreciated by everyone who attended the conference.
Dr. Sharma, a distinguished guest columnist with The News Gateway, reflecting on his experience, remarked, “The conference was truly outstanding, marked by insightful deliberations on diverse issues of economic development and policy.”
During the first two days of the conference, scheduled to conclude today, the deliberations exposed the duality of modern development. In the technology track, discussions on “thermal injustice” and digital divides highlighted how innovation often outpaces social protection. Simultaneously, the education sessions introduced the concept of “stranded labour,” questioning why rising literacy hasn’t translated into decent work for India’s youth.
Complementing this, the rural transformation track dismantled linear transition narratives, shedding light on data “blind spots” like underemployment and the invisible burden of unpaid care work borne by women. It’s clear that policy frameworks must evolve to address these intersecting uncertainties rather than relying on conventional and outdated methods.
During the conference, Professor Sachin Chaturvedi, Vice Chancellor, Nalanda University, delivered the V.V.Giri Memorial Lecture on “Sustainable Technologies for Economic Growth and Skill Development.” He highlighted how future-ready skills and technology can strengthen HDI, enhance well-being and drive inclusive, sustainable growth for better labour and livelihood outcomes.
