Intersecting Identities and Economics of Discrimination

The inaugural session of the conference brought together distinguished speakers, shedding light on the challenges and perspectives related to Economic Consequences of Discrimination and Identity Intersection. Prof. R. Vijay (Dean, School of Economics, UoH) welcomed all the dignitaries and delegates of the conference, and the inaugural session, which followed, was presided over by Prof. B. J. Rao, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Hyderabad. He emphasised on how the economics of discrimination is a continuous process and requires policy intervention and continued research.

The conference co-ordinator Prof. G. Sridevi in her conference introductory speech, discussed Gary Becker’s discrimination model, Dr. Ambedkar’s fight against caste discrimination, and how social constraints limit women’s participation in the Indian labor market. She argued that while anti-discrimination laws are needed, transformative policies are crucial for achieving true gender equality and economic growth.

Dr. C. Rangarajan’s address emphasized inclusive growth, India’s economic progress post-liberalization, and improvements in literacy, life expectancy, and GDP. He noted India’s lag in social indicators like HDI and Infant Mortality Rate. Rangarajan argued that development goes beyond per capita income, covering material well-being and social progress. He highlighted progress in poverty reduction, citing the decline in the Gini coefficient and MPI.

The Keynote address was delivered by Prof. Ashiwini Despande. She raised and answered the question whether the caste inequality we see today is a hangover of the past or is it new? She shared certain insights regarding this. From 1970-2012 data shows no increase in the proportion of inter-caste marriages. National Family Health Survey (NFHS) data highlights lower outcomes for SCs in the parameters of childhood nutrition, learning outcomes and occupation levels. In conclusion, reality proves the necessity of a multi thronged approach of monitoring, intervention of state and personal awareness.

The dignitaries released the book titled “Food for All: The Role of Urban Canteens in Nourishing Communities”, which was edited by Gummadi Sridevi and Amalendu Jyotishi.

The inaugural session piloted to the Panel Discussion on Caste, Intersectionality and Discrimination. The panel discussion was chaired by Prof. D. Narasimha Reddy (Former Dean, School of Social Sciences) and the discussant was Prof. Amalendu Jyotishi (School of Development, Azim Premji University Bengaluru) involving panellists Prof. Vibhuti Patel (Former Professor, Tata Institute of Social Sciences (TISS), Mumbai), Prof. Pushpesh Kumar (Dept. of Sociology, University of Hyderabad), Prof. Aseem Prakash (TISS, Hyderabad) and Prof. K. Laxminarayana (School of Economics, University of Hyderabad).

The panel focused on caste, intersectionality, and discrimination, highlighting the gender gap in India’s workforce, gender stereotypes, and challenges faced by transgender individuals. It addressed caste discrimination in education, the need for a framework to analyze discrimination, and issues in rural areas, such as limited access to basic amenities, health, and education.

The conference embraced with four special lectures that enlightened the audience on “Dr. B. R. Ambedkar’s perspective on discrimination and policy” by Prof. Sukhadeo Thorat (Former chairman, UGC), “Indian agriculture and economic development” by Prof. G. Nancharaiah (Former VC, Babasaheb Bhimrao Ambedkar Central University, Lucknow), “Ambedkar’s expertise on public finance” by Prof. R.S. Deshpande (Honorary Visiting Professor, Institute for Social and Economic Change, Bengaluru) and “Ambedkar’s reclamation on gender and feminism” by Prof. E. Sudha Rani (Former Registrar I/C, Senior Professor of History & Director, GRCR & D, Dr. B. R. Ambedkar Open University, Hyderabad).

Prof. Sukhadeo Throat discussed the Indian Constitution’s provisions to combat inequality and caste-based discrimination, emphasizing the challenges faced by SCs and STs in areas like consumption, health, housing, and education. Drawing from surveys, he highlighted systemic discrimination in urban labor markets, farming, and government schemes, and called for affirmative action.

Prof. G. Nancharaiah explored Dr. Ambedkar’s advocacy for industrialization to address India’s agricultural issues, proposing state ownership and collective farming for fair distribution and improved productivity. He linked industrialization with job creation and economic growth.

Prof. R. S. Deshpande highlighted Dr. Ambedkar’s focus on public finance for welfare policies, critiquing inequitable land revenue systems and promoting economic accountability. His work on British exploitation in India and fiscal policies was emphasized as a significant contribution.

Prof. E. Sudha Rani discussed Dr. Ambedkar’s contributions to women’s empowerment, critiquing caste and patriarchy in works like Caste in India and advocating for inter-caste marriages and the Hindu Code Bill to advance women’s autonomy.

The 2^nd day of the conference, started with the technical session on “Intersectional Inequality and Poverty” chaired by Prof. R. Vijay (Dean, School of Economics, UoH) and the discussant was Dr. Satyasai JS Kovvula (Former Chief General Manager, NABARD, Hyderabad).

The technical session focused on the intersectionality of discrimination and socio-economic inequalities in India. Eleven impactful papers addressed critical issues like caste-based discrimination, occupational shifts, income inequality, and the compounded effect of gender and caste on marginalized communities.

The session addressed socio-economic challenges in rural India, focusing on caste-based discrimination in agriculture, limited opportunities for marginalized groups, and persistent income inequality. It emphasized the intersectionality of caste and gender, which deepens disparities, especially for women. Key policy recommendations included improving agricultural productivity, diversifying income sources, promoting education, and addressing labor market inequalities. The session called for targeted, data-driven interventions to promote equity and inclusion in rural India.

The technical session steered to the Panel Discussion on “Gender Justice, Climate Resilience, and Food and Nutrition Security”. The panel discussion was chaired by Prof. Geetha Vemuganti (Dean, School of Medical Sciences, UoH), and the discussant was Prof. Phanindra Goyari, (School of Economics, UoH). The panellists were Dr. Shalander Kumar (ICRISAT, Hyderabad), Dr. SubbaRao M. Gavaravarapu, (ICMR-NIN, Hyderabad), Smt. Anita Ramachandran, IAS (Secretary to Government, Women and Child Development, Government of Telangana) and Dr. Harini Atturu (Psychiatrist, CARE Hospitals, Hyderabad).

The panel discussed the intersection of gender justice, climate resilience, and food security, highlighting the challenges women face in agriculture and nutrition. It noted climate inequity, with poorer nations bearing the brunt of climate change, and the rise in feminized agriculture without adequate policy support. Unequal food distribution and poor dietary patterns contribute to malnutrition, especially among women.

Key suggestions included empowering women’s Self-Help Groups (SHGs), promoting food and agricultural diversity, taxing processed foods, and fostering collaboration between SHGs and adolescent girls’ groups. The panel called for integrated strategies to address gender disparities, enhance climate-resilient agriculture, and ensure access to nutritious food.

The panel discussion was followed by second technical session on “Discrimination Against Marginalized and the Role of State”. The session was chaired by Dr. Tallapragada Chiranjeevi (Chief Economist, LNRMI, Hyderabad) and the discussant was Dr. S. Limakumba Walling from School of Economics, UoH. The discussions in this session focused on various aspects of discrimination faced by marginalized groups in India, shedding light on systemic inequalities and the state’s role in addressing these issues. The presentations explored critical findings on employment inequality, caste discrimination, gender gaps in education, and challenges faced by marginalized communities.

The session examined how caste, gender, and socio-economic factors intersect to create inequalities in India. It highlighted barriers to employment for marginalized castes despite higher education and discussed exploitation in rural Karnataka, besides emphasizing the need for better maternal nutrition education among tribal communities. The session linked financial inclusion to regional economic growth, and called for improved mid-day meal programs. Researchers highlighted discrimination against Dalit entrepreneurs and revealed women’s disproportionate unpaid labor.

The discussion stressed the need for state policies addressing these disparities, with recommendations for inclusive education, financial inclusion, maternal education, anti-discrimination measures, and collaboration to promote equality.

The 2^nd day of the conference concluded with the valedictory session. The session was presided by Prof. R. S. Deshpande (Honorary Visiting Professor, ISEC, Bengaluru), and special address was delivered by Prof. William A. Darity Jr. (Duke University, Durham, North Carolina, United States) and Dr. Amit Thorat (JNU, New Delhi). The valedictory address was delivered by Smt. Divya Devarajan, IAS (CEO, Society for Elimination of Rural Poverty, Govt. of Telangana).

The special address by Prof. William Darity Jr. and Dr. Amit Thorat focused on “Land and Reparations in the USA and India,” highlighting the historical and ongoing exploitation of Dalits, with women facing additional layers of discrimination. Dalits have long been denied resources, leading to generational social and economic disadvantages. Despite reservations providing access to education and government jobs, discrimination remains, especially in private and informal sectors. Wealth inequality persists due to the historical denial of property and economic opportunities, mirroring global disparities, such as the wealth gap between whites and blacks in the USA.

Reparations were discussed as a means to address these wrongs, not just through compensation but also by acknowledging the historical injustices and implementing systemic reforms. Key recommendations included land redistribution (e.g., 10 acres of irrigated land to Dalit families) and wealth redistribution through land reforms and cash transfers. Reparations were seen as crucial to dismantling caste-based inequalities, promoting equity, and empowering marginalized communities for more inclusive development.

Smt. Divya Devarajan, IAS has narrated a success story of SHGs. She spoke about the importance of childcare centres for incentivising women to participate in the workforce participation. She touched upon the Graduation approach, which will be implemented in a pilot mode in Telangana state.

The workshop was successfully concluded with a vote of thanks by Prof. G. Sridevi, conference coordinator, School of Economics, UoH.