On 5 March, the Global Development Research Division hosted a high-level engagement workshop bringing together academics and policymakers to discuss pressing development challenges in India, with a particular focus on Bihar. The event was organised by Neha Hui and Uma Kambhampati (University of Reading), alongside Dr Ashmita Gupta (Asian Development Research Institute, ADRI).
The workshop created a platform for dialogue between research and policy, combining academic presentations with interactive policy roundtables. It attracted senior civil servants from the Government of Bihar, alongside academics and postgraduate students.
The event was attended in person by Bandana Preyashi (IAS, Secretary of the Social Welfare Department and Managing Director, WCDC, Government of Bihar), with additional contributions from Tripurari Sharan (State Information Commissioner, Government of Bihar), Ashmita Gupta (ADRI), and Deepak Kumar (ADRI), who joined online.
Discussions were organised around two key themes. The morning session focused on sustainability, technology, and aspirations. Presentations explored topics ranging from the effects of bureaucratic turnover on sustainable development, to natural farming and women’s agency, the impact of AI on children’s cognitive development, and the role of social networks in shaping aspirations.
The afternoon session turned to gender norms and women’s agency. Speakers examined issues such as social desirability bias in attitudes towards love marriage, and sexual violence as a form of reproductive coercion, alongside the effectiveness of policies aimed at empowering women and children.
Overall, the workshop fostered rich exchange between researchers and policymakers, highlighting the importance of evidence-based approaches to addressing complex development challenges.