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Some International Developments on Issues of Tax Justice and Corporate Taxation

June 16, 2021

( Madhav Tipu Ramachandran and Sarah Farooqui )

The piece explores several new developments on the international taxation front. It touches upon the new agreed-upon G7 deal on corporate minimum taxation. Furthermore, it analyses the various newly released reports on specific issues of tax justice, and the linkages between taxation and social welfare.

Swadhar Greh: Scheme for Women in Distress is in Distress

June 15, 2021

( Anjana Rajagopalan and Nilachala Acharya )

The piece examines the status of the Swadhar Greh scheme. The continuous decline in number of shelter homes, as well as budget allocation for Swadhar Grehs and under-utilisation of funds across states is critically examined. It also raises pertinent questions on the status of the scheme designed to reduce womens’ distress, especially during a period witnessing increasing violence against women.

What Should India's Response Be to the Global Minimum Corporate Tax Debate?

April 22, 2021

(The Wire; Madhav Tipu Ramachandran )

The article talks about the ongoing developments in the international taxation system, capped off by the new American government’s push for a global minimum corporate tax. It explores what this tax entails, both in the international and Indian contexts. It also talks about how this move represents a quantum leap for international tax justice and financial transparency.

Can we get the public expenditure management framework for agriculture sector right?

April 19, 2021

( Amit Kumar and Nilachala Acharya )

Given the importance of agriculture in Indian economy and its resilience during pandemic, it is expected that the government makes efforts to increase investment in the sector. This piece reflects upon the shifting priorities of the union government from core to non-core interventions in terms of budgetary allocation for the sector. It also reflects upon the under-utilisation of funds across the select states for the RKVY scheme.

Research Radio Ep 20: Are Teachers Responsible for India’s Bad Public Education System?

March 14, 2021

(EPW Engage: Research Radio; Protiva Kundu )

In the Episode 20 of Research Radio, Protiva Kundu of CBGA talks about the state of Indian public education and the National Education Policy, 2020.

When celebrating 50 yrs of 1971 War, don’t forget this life-saving sachet and Bengali doctor

February 28, 2021

(The Print; Protiva Kundu )

While the COVID-19 underscores the importance of public health, the article talks about one of the best medical inventions of the 20th century in the arena of public health – the Oral Rehydration Salt (ORS) and the person who discovered and revolutionised the use of ORS worldwide – Dr. Dilip Mahalanabis, a Kolkatta based physician.

Nirbhaya Fund could help improve women’s safety - but money allotted for schemes is underutilised

February 19, 2021

(Scroll.in; Shruti Ambast and Drishti Rastogi )

The Nirbhaya Fund continues to see underutilisation across states. Important schemes under the fund have seen cuts in Union Budget 2021-22. The Fund is also limited by design, and needs more resources to effectively address growing violence against women.

Unpacking the Government's Revised Tax Revenue Projections for 2020-21

February 15, 2021

( Suraj Jaiswal )

The Union Budget has revised downwards the tax collection for FY 2020-21 by Rs. 5.2 lakh crore, or 22 per cent. This article looks at the tax collection data till December, and analyses how likely are the new estimates.

Does Mission POSHAN 2.0 Have the Ammunition it Will Need to Be Successful?

February 3, 2021

(The Wire; Happy Pant and Shruti Ambast )

Nutrition schemes have been clubbed together and jointly allocated funds lower than previous years. Saksham Anganwadi which subsumes four schemes- AnganwadiServices, Poshan Abhiyan, SAG and National Crèche Scheme has an allocation of Rs 20,105 crore, less than the 2020-’21 budget for ICDS alone.

How Union Budget 2021-22 can support the women workforce

February 1, 2021

(Down To Earth; Drishti Rastogi )

Women constituted only 18.6 per cent of the population working or looking for work according to PLFS 2018-19. The pandemic and the economic crisis that followed only made the situation worse with a larger number of women dropping out of the workforce. To bridge this gender gap, the government needs to focus on both employment generation programmes and other benefits and facilities.

Union Budget 2021-22: Time to step up public investment in nutrition

February 1, 2021

(Down To Earth; Shruti Ambast )

India is facing a higher burden of malnutrition, made worse by the COVID crisis. At such a time, it is important for the government to expand coverage of key nutrition schemes. In 2021-22, higher allocations are needed for nutrition schemes and programmes. Unit costs for nutrition services should also be revised.

Union Budget 2021-22 must protect allocation for children even after pandemic

January 31, 2021

(Down To Earth; Simonti Chakraborty )

Children have largely remained unscathed by the virus, but disruptions due to the pandemic and the resultant lockdown have affected aspects of a child’s life and wellbeing. Countering such ramifications need financial commitment and a renewed policy focus for children in the Budget.