Bhubaneswar: Distinguished speakers spoke on crucial economic aspects and evolving landscape of technology and policy-making at the 106th Indian Economic Association (IEA) Conference which commenced here on Wednesday.
Noted economist Dr Montek Singh Ahluwalia, who was the chief guest at the inaugural session, stressed on the strength of Indian democracy amid competing interests and challenge of ensuring policy continuity despite changing governments.
Dr Ahluwalia spoke about the influence of evolving technology, emphasising the rise of tech giants in impacting decision-making processes, and highlighted impending structural changes needed to accompany technology-led advancements.
The former Deputy Chairman of Planning Commission of India advocated a balanced policy approach to integrate new technology without inhibiting innovation and stressed on importance of access to jobs for vulnerable sections of the population.
Dr Ahluwalia released a book titled ‘Community Builder for Education, Empowerment and Enlightenment’ acknowledging the contribution of KIIT and KISS Founder Dr Achyuta Samanta.
Dr Samanta, also the Patron of IEA, recounted the humble beginnings of KIIT and KISS and emphasised their rapid transformation into globally acclaimed entities.
Among other speakers were IEA Conference president Dr Biswajit Chatterjee, Dr Tapan Kumar Shandilya, chief convenor Dr Anil Kumar Thakur, Dr A Jothi Murugan, Dr Devendra Awasti.
Awards
Architect of IEA — Prof. Vedagiri Shanmugasundaram, well-known economist
Best Controller — Dr Sanjay Kumar, Registrar of BRA Bihar University
Gyanchand Academic Excellence Award — Pankaj Kumar, post-doctoral researcher of Economics dept, TM Bhagalpur University.