Spotlight on Bihar: Understanding India’s Poorest State with Prachi Mishra

In this episode, journalist Puja Mehra is joined by economist Prachi Mishra to uncover the factors behind Bihar’s economic challenges. From historical policies like the Freight Equalisation Scheme to the migration patterns driven by low wages, Prachi explains the root causes of Bihar’s struggles and its divergence from other Indian states. They also discuss the aspirations of Bihar’s youth, the state’s limited industrial growth, and the role of education in shaping its future.

ABOUT PRACHI MISHRA

Prachi Mishra is currently Professor of Economics, Director and Head of the Isaac Center for Public Policy, Ashoka University. Prior to joining Ashoka, Prachi was Chief of the Systemic Issues Division and Advisor in the Research Department at the International Monetary Fund. Previously, Prachi worked in several IMF departments in Washington, including the office of the First Deputy Managing Director. Between 2018 and 2020, she worked at Goldman Sachs as Managing Director, Global Macro Research, and India Chief Economist. During 2014-17, she served as Specialist Adviser and Head of the Strategic Research Unit at the Reserve Bank of India. During 2012-13, she was Senior Economist in the Office of Chief Economic Advisor in India’s Ministry of Finance, and at the Prime Minister’s Economic Advisory Council. She also served as a member on the Board of CAFRAL (Center for Advanced Financial Research and Learning, owned and promoted by the RBI), on the External Advisory Council of the Fifteenth Finance Commission of India, and on the Fiscal Responsibility and Budget Management Review Committee. She has a PhD in Economics from Columbia University and a Masters from the Delhi School of Economics. Her research interests are in the areas of international economics, macroeconomics, and the Indian economy and financial markets.

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