Chronos and Codes: Exploring the Issue of Time Poverty Among IT Professionals
Co-authored Working Paper under Department Research Grant (RER VII)
Time poverty is one of the crucial factors that affect the productivity of IT workers, especially in today’s fast-paced work environment. This study aims to explore the concept of time poverty among the IT employees of Cochin and Delhi, via a threefold approach using a primary survey. First, the study quantifies absolute and relative measures of time poverty, drawing on frameworks from Vickery (1977) as well as Harvey & Mukhopadhyay (2006). The influence of many socioeconomic and demographic factors on each worker's likelihood of acutely experiencing time poverty is then investigated by employing logistic regression analysis. Finally, using a contingent valuation methodology (CVM) with multiple bounded iterative bidding, the study estimates the workers’ willingness to pay (WTP) towards the Time Value Deduction (TVD) fund, a semi-hypothetical policy designed to provide an additional day off per week. Interval-censored regression models are further utilised to analyse the factors influencing WTP and to cross-examine the trends observed in the logit model. The results show that around 47% of IT workers were classified as absolutely time-poor, while around 29% experienced relative time poverty without being money-poor. Analysis of the logit model shows that the likelihood of time poverty is lower for males, older people, and those working in a physical office, while higher working hours and residing in Delhi significantly increase the odds. The mean WTP calculated from the CVM analysis stands at ₹4540. Results derived from the interval-censored regression model reveal WTP being influenced by an interplay of societal norms, economic pressures, and workplace characteristics.
JEL Classification: D61, I31, J22
Keywords: Contingent valuation; Interval censored regression; Time poverty; Willingness to pay
Navigating the Biodiversity-Economic Growth Nexus and Shared Socio economic Pathways Insights from Asia and Others
Presented at 19th South Asian Economics Students Meet 2024, (Published in IOSR-JEF)
The conservation of natural ecosystems is an urgent global concern, and it often involves navigating complex trade-offs between economic growth and ecological preservation. However, biodiversity conservation has at times taken a back seat in the broader discussion as climate change receives more attention. Yet, both biodiversity and climate change are inextricably linked. This paper aims to empirically examine the relationship between economic growth and biodiversity wellness through panel data analysis along with the preparation of a Shared Socioeconomic Pathways Index and the categorisation of the data based on the same. It also involves testing the existence of the Kuznets relationship if any with a special focus on Asia. The estimates from the panel data give conventional results with South America and North America facing the worst and best biodiversity scenario respectively. The SSP index prepared and subsequent categorisation of the same further substantiate the results. The Kuznets curve however is a flat U-shaped curve in terms of environmental degradation and economic growth nexus.
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JEL Classification: Q01, Q56, Q57
Keywords: Biodiversity; Living Planet Index; Shared Socioeconomic Pathways
Unleashing Economic Potential through South Asia's Green Transition: A Path to Resilient and Sustainable Economies
Opinion essay- South Asian Economics Students Meet 2024
his essay explores the economic benefits of South Asia's green transition, emphasizing its necessity for resilient and sustainable economies. Despite skepticism from finance ministers about prioritizing emissions reduction, the long-term economic gains are significant. South Asia's high energy inefficiency and vulnerability to climate change are major challenges. Carbon pricing emerges as a crucial mechanism, showing potential for positive economic impact. The fiscal implications, labor market shifts, and advances in green finance are discussed. The essay highlights the region's potential for renewable energy and the importance of international cooperation. Strategic planning can enable South Asia to achieve substantial economic and environmental benefits from its green transition.
The Reconstruction of Macroeconomics in Light of the Global Pandemic and the Retreat from Hyper-Globalization
Academic Essay - Stiglitz essay competition
The global pandemic has thrust the world into an era of unprecedented challenges, disrupting economies around. Simultaneously, the retreat from hyper-globalization, characterized by a revaluation of international trade and supply chain dependencies, has reshaped the landscape within which macroeconomics operates. This essay explores the imperative need for a fundamental reconstruction of macroeconomics in response to these twin phenomena. The first section focuses on the evolution of the topic under discussion with the succeeding section focusing on the pandemic and the various facets associated with the same along with economic reforms that are needed. The same is discussed concerning retreat from hyper-globalization in the third section followed by the last section investigating relations between the two and envisaging the way ahead
Impact of Socioeconomic Factors on Communal Crimes in India
Co-authored semi-academic article under department curriculum
This project is an attempt to analyse the determinants of communal crimes, with respect to social and economic factors. The project attempts to analyse various theories that affect attributes like Gross Enrolment Ratio, Unemployment, and Per Capita Income on the rate of communal crimes. The analysis is done using panel data of Indian states for a period of 9 years. It tests whether there is a significant relationship between the factors listed above and the crime rate. Three important results emerge. First, there exists a positive association between the unemployment ratio and communal crimes in India. Second, GER and per capita income and youth unemployment have a negative association with communal crimes. Also, this study opts for a unique analysis through a lens, which focuses primarily on the impact of socio-economic factors on the rate of crimes in the name of religion.
JEL Classification: J62, K42, R23
Keywords: Communal Crimes, Socio-Economic Factors, Panel Data Analysis