Deepak Lal Launches His Book

Renowned economist Deepak Lal on Wednesday launched another book ‘Poverty and Progress: Realities and Myths about Global Poverty’ published by Oxford University Press.

The greatest reduction of mass poverty in human history has occurred during the current era of globalization. The world’s poor are now catching up with the rich at a rapid pace in terms of human well-being-health, education, and life span. In his latest book, Deepak Lal draws from 50 years of experience around the globe to describe realities of developing countries and to rectify misguided notions about economic progress.

Deepak Lal expressed his disapproval of public transfers. He said, “Eventual beneficiaries of all public transfers are the middle class and not the poor who they are intended for. Public transfers crowd out private transfers.” He said dispersed information and better means of delivery is available with private transfers.

The book launch event was hosted by Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI) in collaboration with Centre for Civil Society (CCS) & Friedrich Naumann Foundation (FNF). Parth J Shah, President, CCS welcomed the audience. Naina Lal Kidwai, Country Head, HSBC India was the key note speaker. Surjit S Bhalla, Chairman and MD, Oxus Investments, T N Ninan, Chariman, Business Standard held a panel discussion on the book. Dr Ronald Meinardus, Regional Director South Asia, FNF concluded the event with a thank-you note. The event was held at FICCI Conference Room, Federation House, Tansen Marg, Delhi.

About the author:
Deepak Lal is a renowned British economist of Indian origin. He has studied Philosophy, Politics and Economics at the University of Oxford where he later taught along with at other universities including the University College of London and the University of California.

He was a full-time consultant to the Indian Planning Commission, a visiting fellow at the Australian National University, and has served as a consultant to ILO, UNCTAD, OECD, UNIDO, World Bank, and the ministries of planning in Korea and Sri Lanka.

He has been an Economic Advisor to the World Bank, and a co-director of the Trade Policy Unit at the Centre for Policy Studies. He received the Italian Societa Libera’s International Freedom Prize for Economics in 2007. Professor Lal has authored numerous articles and books on economic development and public policy.

About CCS:
Centre for Civil Society advances social change through public policy. Our work in education, livelihood, and policy training promotes choice and accountability across private and public sectors.

To translate policy into practice, we engage with policy and opinion leaders through research, pilot projects and advocacy. Our vision is that each individual leads a life of choice in personal, economic and political spheres and that every institution is accountable.

Read the story on Surkhiyan website.