Indira Gandhi Institute of Development Research

About: Indira Gandhi Institute of Development Research is a facility organization based out in Mumbai, Maharashtra, India. It is known for research contribution in the topics: Monetary policy & Inflation. The organization has 307 authors who have published 1021 publications receiving 18848 citations.

Healthy Eating Index: Evidence from India

Abstract: Food security measurement in India is generally based on calorie intake. However this needs serious reconsideration given that the country is suffering from the triple burden of malnutrition, which is the simultaneous presence of underweight, overweight and micro nutrient deficiency diseases. Focus on dietary diversity measures is required at present, which incorporates the consumption of both macro, micro and phyto nutrients. Using nationally representative Indian household survey data from 2004-2012, a new measure of dietary diversity called the Healthy Eating Index based on the Indian Food Pyramid is constructed (Drescher et al., 2007). Preliminary results show positive correlation among the Healthy Eating Index and the other existing measures of dietary diversity like the count measures, Simpson and the Entropy indices. An immediate policy implication is to update the poverty line using the Healthy Eating Index and for revamping food security policies in India.

Criteria Selection for Sustainable Development Indicators

Abstract: The selection of an optimum number of indicators is the key to any sustainable development indicator (SDI) research. Indicators, too less in number, may be inadequate to convey the message and; too many may dilute the purpose. To arrive at an optimum number of indicators from a larger set of potential ones, a set of criteria is applied. In the past SDI-initiatives, emphasis was not laid on structuring criteria; these were invariably considered in a linear way. This paper proposes a framework to organize criteria in a tree fashion at successive levels. For each level, the weights of a criterion relative to others are determined by following analytical hierarchy process where experts’ opinions are considered. For aggregation of scores, ‘displaced ideal’ method is proposed over linear additive model.

Energy Efficiency Policies in India: Implications for Climate Change Mitigation

Abstract: The role of energy efficiency in meeting domestic energy challenges and global environmental issues is well acknowledged. The need for policy intervention to maximize the potential of energy efficiency that can be realized is also widely accepted. The impact of the energy efficiency policies determines the extent to which they address the barriers to adoption of efficiency measures. Evaluating the impact of policy instruments is crucial to increase their effectiveness and maximize their energy and emission reduction potential. The data to estimate the impact of a policy intervention are often disaggregated, particularly in developing countries. The policy interventions adopted in India to increase energy efficiency include information programs, regulations, financial incentives, and other market-oriented mechanisms. The standards and labeling program is one the most important energy efficiency policies in India. It has been found that the program has significantly contributed to the energy and emission reduction in the country. A positive response from the consumers to the program has also been reported. In this chapter, the policy interventions in India to improve energy efficiency and impact on climate change mitigation are discussed.

Inclusive Growth in Maharashtra: A Dual Narrative

Abstract: This study seeks to show how disaggregate profiles of welfare dimension of ‘inclusive growth’ could provide useful public policy insights in formulating development strategies. The disaggregate profile is defined with respect to regions and social groups. The study proposes concepts and illustrates with empirical estimates of measures of inclusion/exclusion and mainstreaming/marginalization for the six National Sample Survey (NSS) regions, and four social groups in rural and urban Maharashtra. The information base is the NSS estimates of household per capita consumer expenditure distribution for the two periods 2004–2005 and 2011–2012, respectively. The findings on outcomes show that the development experience of Maharashtra does not hold much promise on the inclusive growth front.