The third episode of the five-part podcast series on the book, "Public Choice – A Primer" by Dr Eamonn Butler, explores how incentives drive political and bureaucratic behaviour, why collective decisions are vulnerable to special interest influence, and how institutional design, as explained by Public Choice Theory, can either mitigate or amplify these distortions.

Drawing from Chapters 5 to 9 of the book, this episode explores how collective decision-making processes are frequently shaped by interest groups, political bargaining, and bureaucratic incentives. It highlights the subtle yet influential ways in which concentrated interests and institutional mechanisms shape policy outcomes—often at the expense of broader public welfare.This podcast series aims to make the ideas of public choice theory more accessible to a wider audience. Speaker:

Kumar Anand, Economist & Public Policy Professional; Senior Fellow, Academy, Centre for Civil Society (CCS), New Delhi

Moderator:

Sreelakshmi Harilal, Associate, Research & Projects, Centre for Public Policy Research (CPPR), Kochi, Kerala

Tune in for an insightful conversation on Public Choice Theory and its application in understanding power, interest groups, incentives, as well as institutional, political, and public policy decision-making in democratic systems.

As India stands on the brink of the XVI Finance Commission’s recommendations, the debate on fiscal federalism has re-emerged at the centre of public policy discourse.

A recent report titled “State Finances in Transition: An Analysis of Revenue Receipts and Fiscal Dynamics in India during the XV Finance Commission Period,” published by the Foundation for Responsive Governance and authored by Sharad Pandey and Avani Kapur from the Foundation for Responsive Governance (ResGov), provides an in-depth examination of the receipts side: the sources, structure, and trends in own revenues, tax devolution, grants-in-aid, and borrowings.

India’s fiscal federalism is now at a crossroads—caught between the ideals of fiscal decentralization and the practical realities of centralization.This episode of the podcast discusses the research report by ResGov, aiming to explore whether the constitutional vision of fiscal balance can be reimagined in today’s context.

KEY DISCUSSION POINTS

• India's performance during the XV Finance Commission period, and major trends that emerged across key fiscal indicators
• Realistic ONTR avenues states can explore without undermining the equity or affordability of public services
• Key drivers of actual tax devolution during the XV Finance Commission period, which exceeded the amounts originally recommended
• Measures to be prioritised to strengthen the states’ receipt side of the balance sheet under the 16th Finance Commission, since borrowings continue to constitute a significant share of total state receipts

SPEAKERS:

Avani Kapur, Founder and Director, Foundation for Responsive Governance (ResGov)

Sharad Pandey, Senior Research Consultant, Foundation for Responsive Governance (ResGov)

HOST

Banisha Begum Shaikh, Senior Associate - Research & Projects, CPPR

Tune in for an insightful discussion on revenue receipts and fiscal dynamics in India during the XV Finance Commission period.

The second episode of the five-part podcast series on the book, "Public Choice – A Primer" by Dr Eamonn Butler, explores how and why governments exist, how collective decisions are made, and how electoral behaviour shapes policy outcomes.

Drawing from the chapters “Who Needs Government?” and “How to Win Elections,” the episode attempts to unpack the mechanisms of governance, the trade-offs inherent in collective decision-making, and the paradoxes of democratic participation.

This podcast series aims to reach a wider audience by making the key ideas of public choice theory more accessible.

Speaker:

Dr Pradeep Kumar B, Professor of Economics, Maharaja’s College, Ernakulam, Kerala

Moderator:

Jofi J Francis, Senior Associate (Project Administration), Centre for Public Policy Research (CPPR), Kerala

Tune in for an insightful conversation on the economic and political rationale behind governments, the inherent costs and trade-offs in collective decision-making, and how voter behaviour and political incentives shape policy outcomes.

Public policy shapes our lives, but how these decisions are made is often misunderstood.

This CPPR podcast—the first of our five-part series on the book, "Public Choice – A Primer" by Dr Eamonn Butler—introduces our audience to Public Choice Theory.

Public Choice applies economics to politics, showing how voters, politicians, and bureaucrats act in self-interest—just like in markets. In this five-part series, we explore democracy, voting, bureaucracy, and governance through this lens.

Episode 1 unpacks the origins and relevance of Public Choice for citizens, students, and policymakers in India and beyond.

Speaker:

Rahul V Kumar, Research Fellow (Market Economics), Centre for Public Policy Research (CPPR), Kochi

Moderator:

Jofi J Francis, Senior Associate (Project Administration), Centre for Public Policy Research (CPPR), Kerala

Tune in for an insightful conversation that unpacks the hidden mechanics of power, incentives, and decision-making that quietly shape our everyday lives.

Private schools educate nearly one-third of India’s students, with Low-Fee Private Schools (LFPS) serving the majority from low and middle-income families.

Despite their vital role, LFPS struggle under rigid regulations—land and infrastructure mandates, fee caps, and burdensome recognition processes—that prioritize compliance over learning.

This podcast explores why parents choose LFPS, how state regulations shape their sustainability, and the systemic barriers holding back learning outcomes. It also examines reforms needed to make recognition and governance more transparent, efficient, and learning-focused.

Speakers:

S R Thomas Antony, Senior Manager – Education Policy Reforms, Centre for Civil Society (CCS), New Delhi

Dr J S Paranjyothi, National Vice President, National Independent Schools Alliance (NISA); Founder & Chairman, Oasis

Moderator:

Nissy Solomon, Hon. Trustee & Project Lead, Centre for Public Policy Research (CPPR), Kerala

Tune in for an insightful conversation that unpacks the everyday realities of LFPS—parental choices, regulatory roadblocks, and the bold reforms needed to put learning, not paperwork, at the heart of education.

India’s manufacturing sector, despite liberalization and decades of economic reforms, continues to underperform relative to its potential.

A recent study, “Multiplying Multi-Plants: A New and Consequential Phenomenon” by Arvind Subramanian, Abhishek Anand, and Dr Naveen Joseph Thomas, sheds light on a critical yet overlooked factor influencing this stagnation—the rise of multi-plants.

These are multiple small production facilities established by firms within a state, rather than expanding existing plants. Contrary to previous assumptions, large plants in India have not scaled up; instead, they remain fragmented and small by international standards. This has profound implications for productivity, competitiveness, and policy.

KEY DISCUSSION POINTS

• What exactly are “multi-plants,” and why have they become so prevalent in India’s manufacturing sector?

• How has the aggregation of multi-plant data led to the misinterpretation of plant size distribution in India, and what are its implications for policy and economic research?
• Why are multi-plant firms less productive compared to single-plant firms of similar size, and to what extent has this affected India’s global manufacturing competitiveness, especially compared to countries like Bangladesh?
• How do labour regulations and political risks influence the proliferation of multi-plants? Is the use of multi-plants a substitute for contract labour, or do they complement each other in different contexts?
• What policy reforms could encourage firms to scale up plants rather than proliferate smaller ones?

• • How can India create an industrial environment that balances labour protections with growth incentives?

  
  

  
  

  SPEAKERS:

  Dr Naveen Joseph Thomas, Vice Dean, Jindal School of Government and Public Policy (JSGP), O. P. Jindal Global University, Haryana

  Abhishek Anand, Managing Director, Insignia Policy Research, Kerala

  
  

  Moderator:

  Banisha Begum Shaikh, Senior Associate (Research & Projects), Centre for Public Policy Research (CPPR), Kerala

  
  

  
  

  Tune in for an insightful conversation about why firms prefer the multi-plant approach, how it affects jobs and exports, and what changes in policy might help India build stronger and larger manufacturing units in the future.

India’s sports industry is booming, with leagues like the Indian Premier League (IPL) and Indian Super League (ISL) contributing billions to the economy. The IPL alone is valued at $16.4 billion in 2024, with other leagues following suit.

However, despite this growth, sports participation at the grassroots level remains limited, especially outside of cricket.

Moreover, sports in India is often viewed as a competitive pursuit reserved for the select few who aspire to become professional athletes, with a societal emphasis on winning medals.

In contrast, the broader benefits of sports on physical health, mental well-being, and community engagement are often overlooked.

The State of Sports and Physical Activity (SAPA) report by Dalberg Advisors highlights alarming figures: 155 million Indian adults and 45 million adolescents do not meet the World Health Organization's physical activity guidelines.

At the grassroots level, the country’s sports culture faces significant challenges in terms of accessibility and inclusivity.

This episode, the first in our new series 'Sports Beyond Medals', dives into the critical challenges that hinder widespread participation in sports across India.

We explore how sports can become a part of everyday life for everyone, not just athletes, and how India can learn from other countries where sports are a vital part of the culture.
Key Discussion Points

1. What are the main barriers to sports participation at the grassroots level in India?
2. How can India address the lack of accessible sports facilities, such as parks and playgrounds, in both urban and rural areas?
3. Why do adults in India disengage from sports, and how can we create a culture of lifelong sports participation?
4. What cultural and policy changes are needed to encourage more women and girls to engage in sports?

Speaker - Leslie Xavier, Senior Fellow (Sports Policies), Centre for Public Policy Research (CPPR), and a seasoned Sports Journalist

Moderator - Dr. D Dhanuraj, Chairman, Centre for Public Policy Research (CPPR)

Tune in for an insightful conversation about reshaping India’s sports culture beyond the pursuit of medals.

Kerala has a rapidly ageing population, with the proportion of senior citizens (aged 60 and above) projected to reach 22.8% by 2036, significantly higher than the national average of 15%. This demographic shift poses challenges for the state in terms of providing adequate care and support for its elderly population. As Kerala grapples with the challenges of a rapidly ageing population, a comprehensive and multifaceted approach involving the government, civil society, and senior citizen organisations is necessary to ensure the well-being and dignity of its senior citizens.

The episode aims to understand the challenges and explore innovative solutions emphasising the importance of a multi-faceted approach to address the increasing ageing population of the state.

The episode discusses the increasing ageing population of the state with special focus on Kerala’s senior citizen policy, this will be featured as part of the “health”, “economy”,and “governance and law” research areas of CPPR.

Speaker: Chandana Rajashekaran- Research Officer at the Center for Management Development, Trivandrum, leading a team that provides research support for policy development.

Moderator: Anu Anna Jo, Senior Research Associate, CPPR.

KEY DISCUSSION POINTS

1. Understanding and major learnings with regard to the State’s policy of 2013.
2. Importance of promoting social security net at a very young age.
3. Tackling the twin problem of migration and care economy.
4. Data availability and use of data in framing the policies.