Lack of good economists affecting policy-making: Raghuram Rajan

MUMBAI: Flagging the issue of lack of enough economists in the country, Reserve Bank India (RBI) Governor Raghuram Rajan has said that the inability to get quality talent may be hurting policy-making.

"In our country, there is a tremendous need for capable economists. I see that everyday in my work. There is a need in Delhi, in Mumbai and all over the country. We have lost a generation of economists," Rajan said.

Underlining the need for good economists to frame sensible policies, Rajan said, "The kind of economics we need is based on a good understanding of the fundamentals of economics such as price theory and general equilibrium, which is the hardest concept to understand."

He added: "A lot of policy-making is done without understanding the general equilibrium which is often the key contribution that an economist can make to the dialogue."

The Governor made the remarks after inaugurating the Meghnad Desai Academy of Economics here yesterday. Though it was a closed-door event, the organisers issued a statement today quoting the Governor.

At the event, Rajan said there is a need for "rigorous fundamentals" in economics based on blood, sweat, tears and toil.

Rajan, an academic-turned-central banker, also stressed on the need for academic institutions to focus equally on research as well.

He also promised all help from RBI to the newly started institute.

Apart from Desai, the Indian-origin British economist, the academic board of the institute comprises Goldman Sachs Chief India Economist Tushar Poddar, IMF Deputy Director Mangal Goswami, Executive Editor of Mint newspaper Niranjan Rajadhyaksha and Birla Group Economist Aditya Ranade.