DSEP

About the Department

The Department of Studies in Economics and Planning (DSEP) under the School of Social Sciences has been offering a Ph.D. programme in Economics since 2010-11 and an MA in Economics since 2015-16. The main objectives of the Department are to deliver quality education and to promote socially relevant research in the field of economics and policy-making. In addition to building a theoretical knowledge base in various areas of economics, the Department strives to promote analytical thinking and empirical research skills to address the emerging socio-economic issues at local, national, and global levels.

By providing high-quality research across the different dimensions of economics, the Department contributes to policy research and facilitates inclusive and sustainable growth. The syllabus is innovatively designed to enhance students' learning in theoretical, analytical, and empirical knowledge to better understand behaviours of economic agents—individuals, households, firms, and economies—and their connection to the general well-being of the country.

Areas of Focus: Regional economic growth and human development, economics of education, informal sector, employment and wages, public finance and policies, health economics, international business, and industry studies.

Contact: kshama@cug.ac.in

Vision & Mission

Vision

To be a leading centre for excellence in economic thought and policy.

Mission

To equip students with analytical skills to address real-world economic challenges.

Key Strengths

Core Academic Strengths

Strong foundation in economic theory and quantitative methods; interdisciplinary approach linking economics with policy, business, and data science; updated, industry-relevant curriculum.

Faculty & Research

Experienced and research-active faculty with publications in reputed national and international journals; focus on real-world, applied economic research and policy contributions.

Student Focus

Emphasis on analytical, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills; exposure to econometrics and statistical software; strong mentoring and academic support system.

Infrastructure & Learning Resources

Smart classrooms, self-study room, well-stocked library, and computer lab; access to datasets, statistical databases (CMIE, EPWRF, Scopus), and digital libraries; regular seminars, workshops, and guest lectures by domain experts.

Faculty Profile

Prof. Kshamanidhi Adabar (Professor & Head)
Prof. Kshamanidhi Adabar (Professor & Head)

Department: Studies in Economics and Planning

Email: kshama@cug.ac.in

Specialization: Economic Growth & Convergence, Applied Econometrics, Regional Disparities, Human Development, Intergovernmental Transfers.

Prof. Jaya Prakash Pradhan (Professor)
Prof. Jaya Prakash Pradhan (Professor)

Department: Studies in Economics and Planning

Specialization: Indian Outward FDI, Multinationals, FDI & Development, Innovation Systems, Regional Development.

Dr. Tulika Tripathi (Associate Professor)
Dr. Tulika Tripathi (Associate Professor)

Department: Studies in Economics and Planning

Specialization: Health Economics, Gender & Development, Maternal Health, Rural Transformation, Spatial Econometrics.

Dr. Satyajeet S Deshpande (Assistant Professor)
Dr. Satyajeet S Deshpande (Assistant Professor)

Department: Studies in Economics and Planning

Specialization: Indian Knowledge Systems, Infrastructure Economics, Environmental Economics, Maritime Economics.

Dr. Sarala Dasari (Assistant Professor)
Dr. Sarala Dasari (Assistant Professor)

Department: Studies in Economics and Planning

Specialization: Economics of Education, Health Expenditure, Public Finance, Primary Education.

Dr. Manish Kumar Singh (Assistant Professor)
Dr. Manish Kumar Singh (Assistant Professor)

Department: Studies in Economics and Planning

Specialization: Environmental Economics, Poverty, Institutions & Democracy, Clean Cooking Energy.

Programs

M.A. in Economics
  • Duration: 2 Years (4 Semesters)
  • Focus on theory, quantitative methods & policy
  • Electives in Health, Environmental & Behavioural Economics
Download Syllabus
M.A. in Economics (Lateral Entry)
  • Duration: 1 Year (2 Semesters)
  • For students with prior Economics background
  • Advanced courses in applied & empirical economics
Download Syllabus
Ph.D. in Economics
  • Offered since 2010-11
  • Research in applied & policy-relevant economics
  • Coursework in Research Methodology & Econometrics

The Economics syllabus blends core theory with data-driven analysis, covering Microeconomics, Macroeconomics, Public Economics, Development Economics, and International Economics. Electives include Health Economics, Environmental Economics, Industrial & Labour Economics, and Behavioural Economics. Through Econometrics, Mathematical & Statistical Economics, and Research Methodology, students gain strong quantitative and research skills essential for careers in academia, government, international organisations, and industry.

Research Projects

Ongoing Projects
Title PI / Co-PI Funding Agency Amount Duration
The Foundations and Practices of Dharma and Ashrama in Indian Knowledge Texts: A Modern-Day Family System Dr. Satyajeet Deshpande (Co-PI) ICSSR ₹12,00,000 24 Months
Completed Projects
Title PI / Co-PI Funding Agency Amount Year
Women Empowerment Through PM Ujjwala Yojana: A Study of Select Districts of Gujarat and Rajasthan Dr. Satyajeet Deshpande (Co-PI) ICSSR ₹16,00,000 2025
UNICEF Project on Palak Mata Pita Yojana in Banaskantha District of Gujarat Dr. Tulika Tripathi UNICEF ₹40,00,000 2025
Perception and Challenges of Women in Leadership Roles in the Indian Corporate Dr. Tulika Tripathi National Commission for Women ₹10,40,000 2025

Publications

Books & Book Chapters
# Author(s) Title Publisher Year
1 Prof. Jaya Prakash Pradhan Manufacturing Exports from Indian States: Determinants and Policy Imperatives Springer 2016
2 Dr. Satyajeet S Deshpande Contribution of Chanakya's Arthashastra to Economic Theory and Policy (Book Chapter) Research India Press 2025
Journal Articles
# Author(s) Title Journal Year
1 Prof. Kshamanidhi Adabar Understanding the Regional Economic Growth and Sectoral Convergence in India: A Base Year Analysis South India Journal of Social Sciences 2025
2 Prof. Kshamanidhi Adabar Inequality in the Shadow of Growth: Forging a Path Toward an Inclusive India Ajanta 2025
3 Prof. Kshamanidhi Adabar Interstate Outmigration in India and the COVID-19 Pandemic: Challenges and Emerging Perspectives Journal of Population Studies 2025
4 Prof. Jaya Prakash Pradhan Emerging Multinationals: A Comparison of Chinese and Indian Outward Foreign Direct Investment International Journal of Institutions and Economies 2011
5 Prof. Jaya Prakash Pradhan Regional Heterogeneity and Firms' R&D in India Innovation and Development 2011
6 Dr. Tulika Tripathi Disparities in Spatial Access to Healthcare Facilities for Pregnant Women: A Case Study of a Hilly Region in India BMC Pregnancy and Childbirth, 26(1), 6 2026
7 Dr. Tulika Tripathi Timely Access to Public Health Facilities for Pregnancy Care in Tribal Gujarat Economic & Political Weekly 2024
8 Dr. Tulika Tripathi Investigating the Geographic Linkage between Airborne Pollutants and Tuberculosis Rates in India Discover Public Health 2025
9 Dr. Tulika Tripathi Socioeconomic Predictors and Cost of Comorbidity among the Indian Population: A Case of Diabetes and Hypertension Journal of Health Management 2023
10 Dr. Tulika Tripathi GIS for Healthcare Access: A Bibliometric Analysis International Research Journal of Management, Sociology & Humanities 2023
11 Dr. Satyajeet S Deshpande Origin of Holistic Wellness in the Indian Knowledge System GAP Interdisciplinarities 2025
12 Dr. Satyajeet S Deshpande Analyzing the Impact of AI on Labour Productivity and Employment in IT and Allied Industries International Journal of Applied Business and Economic Research 2025
13 Dr. Satyajeet S Deshpande Transforming Ahmedabad: Blue Green Infrastructure Integration in the Water Sector for Sustainable Urban Development GAP Bodhi Taru 2024
14 Dr. Satyajeet S Deshpande Maritime Dynamics of Coastal States in India: Trends in Major and Non-Major Ports GAP Bodhi Taru 2024
15 Dr. Satyajeet S Deshpande Role of Rural Infrastructure in Reducing Rural Unemployment: An Interstate Analysis GAP Gyan: A Global Journal of Social Sciences 2024
16 Dr. Satyajeet S Deshpande Impact of Retail E-Commerce on Small Retail Sellers GAP Gyan: A Global Journal of Social Sciences 2024
17 Dr. Manish Kumar Singh Political Competition and Environmental Quality: A Study of India Environmental Science and Pollution Research 2023
18 Dr. Manish Kumar Singh Poverty Changes Among Regions of Uttar Pradesh: A Decomposition Exercise During the 2000s The Indian Economic Journal 2024
19 Dr. Manish Kumar Singh Institutions, Democracy, and the Transition to Clean Cooking Energy in Emerging Nations Journal of Public Affairs 2025
20 Dr. Sarala Dasari Ting in Minds: An Inter-State Analysis of India's Educational Budget Landscape International Journal for Multidisciplinary Research (IJFMR) 2025
21 Dr. Sarala Dasari State Health Expenditures in India: An Analysis of Their Impact on Health Outcome Indicators International Journal of Creative Research Thoughts (IJCRT) 2024
22 Dr. Sarala Dasari Fostering Primary Education in Odisha: The Role of School Infrastructural Facilities International Journal of Science and Humanities 2024
23 Dr. Sarala Dasari Capital and Education: Ideas of James Coleman Education and Society Journal 2024
24 Dr. Sarala Dasari Role of State Expenditures in the Development of Elementary Education Sanshodhak 2024

Student Achievements

Notable Achievements
# Student Name Achievement Year
1 Kavita Yadav & Riya Pariksha Completed a six-week internship at NITI Aayog (16 June – 31 July 2025) under the mentorship of Dr. Ashis Dash, Indian Trade Service Officer and Director, DMEO; worked on policy research, data analysis, and evaluation of government schemes 2025
Scholarships & Fellowships
# Student Name Academic Year
1Utkarsh Berwal2021-22
2Manohar Hastimal Sagara2022-23
3Subha Ranjan Patra2023-24
4Rojalin Patra2023-24
5Deeptirajan Pradhan2023-24
6Manthan Somvanshi2023-24
7Abhishek Kumar2023-24
8Shweta Verma2023-24
9Dubal Jahnavi Nirav2024-25
10Swati Chauhan2024-25
11Harshita Sahani2025-26
12Sameeksha Vashishtha2025-26
13Golla Hari Krishna2025-26

Staff Achievements

# Faculty Name Achievement Period
1 Prof. Kshamanidhi Adabar Dean, School of Social Sciences & Head, DSEP; 21+ years of teaching and research experience; successfully guided 9 M.Phil. and 13 Ph.D. students; completed consultancy project on Strengthening Finances of Municipalities in Gujarat for Gujarat State Third Finance Commission; permanent member of The Indian Econometric Society Since 2023
2 Prof. Jaya Prakash Pradhan 45+ research articles in peer-reviewed international journals; 12 book chapters; 10 working papers; 3,500+ citations on Google Scholar (h-index: 31, i10-index: 49); authored/co-authored 6 books; UGC Research Award 2014-15; Jawaharlal Nehru Scholarship for Doctoral Studies; Highly Commended Special Issue Award 2011, Emerald Literati Network Since 2010
3 Dr. Tulika Tripathi Research funded by ICSSR, NCW, and UGC; UNICEF consultant on maternal health and early childhood care across Chhattisgarh, Delhi, and Gujarat; published in Economic & Political Weekly, World Development, Indian Journal of Labour Economics, and BMC Pregnancy and Childbirth; research presented at international conferences across four continents; two books forthcoming with Routledge 2023–26
4 Dr. Satyajeet S Deshpande Published 6 research papers in international journals; presented 3 papers at conferences including one in London, UK; Associate Editor of a reputed international journal on Social Sciences 2023–26
5 Dr. Sarala Dasari Published 6 research papers in reputed national and international journals 2024–26
6 Dr. Manish Kumar Singh Published 3 research papers in reputed journals including Environmental Science and Pollution Research and Journal of Public Affairs 2024–26

Events & Lectures

Events & Seminars Organised
# Event Brief Description Date
1 Capacity Building Workshop on "Spatial Health & Epidemiology using R & QGIS" 12-day workshop sponsored by ICSSR in collaboration with DST; resource persons from ISRO, IIT Bombay, FLAME University, INFLIBNET, IIPH-G, and CUG; focused on spatial econometrics and health data analytics 8–20 September 2025
2 Panel Discussion on Union Budget 2026-27 Featured Hon. Vice Chancellor Prof. Atanu Bhattacharya, HoD Prof. Kshamanidhi Adabar, faculty members, and expert speaker Prof. Indranil De (IRMA); followed by a Q&A session 5 February 2026
3 Student Seminar on Union Budget 2026-27 Research scholars and Masters students presented key aspects of the Union Budget 2026-27, covering fiscal federalism, infrastructure, MSMEs, human capital, and defence expenditure 5 February 2026
4 Workshop on CMIE-Prowess Database Hands-on training by Dinesh Punjabi on accessing, navigating, and analysing CMIE firm-level data for academic and research purposes 13 February 2026
5 Post-Budget Webinar "Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas" Jointly organised by the Ministry of Higher Education and NITI Aayog; featured address by PM Narendra Modi and distinguished speakers including Dr. Vineet Joshi and Prof. Govindan Rangarajan 9 March 2026
6 Seminar on "Nivesh Nirnay – Insightful Investment Strategies" Organised by CNBC Awaaz at Sir Sayajirao Nagargruh, Vadodara; expert talks by financial professionals and Mr. Anuj Singhal (Managing Editor, CNBC Awaaz) on investment decisions and financial markets 15 March 2026
Expert & Guest Lectures
# Speaker Affiliation Topic Date
1 Prof. Keshab Das GIDR Micro, Small, Medium Enterprises, and Clusters in India – Evidence, Policy and Concerns 23 September 2025
2 Prof. Indranil De Institute of Rural Management Anand (IRMA) Union Budget 2026-27 5 February 2026

Placements & Fellowships

# Student Name Organisation / Fellowship Year
1 Basanta Kumar Meher ICSSR Short-Term Fellowship 2024
2 Saurabh Kumar ICSSR Long-Term Fellowship 2024
3 Bikas Ranjan Shetty Panchayat College, Bargarh, Odisha 2025
4 Dudhalwad Malaji Faculty, Gujarat University, Ahmedabad 2025
5 Basant Kumar Meher Faculty, Dharanidhar University, Kendujhar, Odisha 2025
6 Roshnee Kushwaha Faculty, JG University, Ahmedabad 2025
7 Dhairya Trivedi Faculty, Sardar Patel Institute of Public Administration (SPIPA), Government of Gujarat, Ahmedabad 2025
8 Prachi Raval Faculty, Ambedkar Open University, Ahmedabad 2026

Alumni

# Name Passing Year Organisation
1 Lasya 2023 Manager, State Bank of India
2 Roshnee Kushwah 2025 Assistant Professor, JG University, Ahmedabad
3 Dhairya Trivedi 2025 Teaching Associate in Economics, Sardar Patel Institute of Public Administration (SPIPA), Ahmedabad, Government of Gujarat

Facilities Available

Computer Lab

A dedicated computer lab with 50 computers, supporting data analysis, econometric modelling, and statistical software usage.

Smart Classrooms

2 Smart / ICT-enabled classrooms equipped for interactive and hybrid learning environments.

Library & Self-Study Room

Well-stocked departmental library with access to the Central Library, digital resources, and a dedicated self-study room for students.

Collaborations / MoUs

MoU with the Centre for Social Studies, Surat (2025) to facilitate collaborative research and academic activities.

Databases & Digital Resources
# Name of Database / Resource Type
1EPWRF India Time Series (EPWRF ITS)Statistical Database
2IndiastatStatistical Database
3Cambridge Core (50,000+ e-book titles)E-Books
4ScopusIndexing Database
5CMIE Prowess & CMIE State of IndiaStatistical Database
6MyLoftRemote Access Tool
7Turnitin (with AI Feature)Plagiarism Tool
8Brill Archives DatabasesArchival Database
9Sage AMD – Church Missionary SocietyArchival Database
10Oxford University Press ORE – Economics and FinanceResearch Encyclopaedia
11Gale Archive Database – Women and VoiceArchival Database