Sabyasachi Kar Named Director of Institute of Economic Growth

The Institute of Economic Growth (IEG), a premier research and training institute based in New Delhi, has appointed Professor Sabyasachi Kar as its new Director, effective February 6, 2025. He takes over from Professor Chetan Ghate, bringing with him vast academic and policy-making experience. IEG, known for its contributions to economic and social research, plays a key role in shaping India’s economic policies, and Professor Kar’s leadership is expected to strengthen its impact further.

Who is Professor Sabyasachi Kar, and What is His Academic Background?

Professor Sabyasachi Kar has been associated with IEG for a long time and has held several key positions in academic and policy circles. Before his appointment as Director, he was the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) Chair Professor at IEG. His expertise extends beyond academia, as he is also a member of the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation’s (MoSPI) Committee on Regional Accounts.

His academic contributions include being the co-editor of the Journal of South Asian Development and serving as an Honorary Senior Research Fellow at the University of Manchester. Holding a Ph.D. in economics from Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU), his research focuses on macroeconomics, economic growth, development economics, and political economy.

What Are Professor Kar’s Key Contributions to Economic Research?

Professor Kar has made significant contributions to economic research, particularly in understanding India’s growth patterns and macroeconomic policies. He has authored several books, including:

• Macroeconomic Reforms, Growth and Stability
• Economic Challenges for the Contemporary World
• The Political Economy of India’s Growth Episodes

His work has influenced economic policy discussions, and he has provided macroeconomic projections and policy inputs for organizations like NITI Aayog and the erstwhile Planning Commission. His research has also contributed to shaping India’s economic development strategies.

How Will Professor Kar’s Leadership Impact IEG’s Future?

As the new Director, Professor Kar is expected to enhance IEG’s role in economic policy research and training. Over the years, he has collaborated with several international organizations, including:

• World Bank
• Global Development Network (GDN)
• European Commission
• UK’s Department for International Development (DFID)

IEG, established in 1958, is a key institution in economic and social research, with a focus on macroeconomics, international trade, labor, public health, environment, and industrial organization. It also provides training for Indian Economic Service officers. Professor Kar’s expertise and leadership are expected to drive new research initiatives, strengthen policy advisory roles, and expand collaborations with national and international institutions.

Key Highlights of Sabyasachi Kar’s Appointment

Aspect	Details
Why in News?	Professor Sabyasachi Kar appointed as the new Director of the Institute of Economic Growth (IEG), effective February 6, 2025.
Predecessor	Professor Chetan Ghate
Current Role	Previously served as the RBI Chair Professor at IEG
Academic Background	Ph.D. in Economics from Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU)
Expertise	Macroeconomics, economic growth, development economics, political economy
Key Contributions	Authored books on economic growth, worked with NITI Aayog, Planning Commission, and global organizations like the World Bank and GDN
Institution Background	IEG, established in 1958, is a leading economic research institute focusing on macroeconomics, trade, labor, public health, and policy development
Expected Impact	Strengthening economic research, expanding policy advisory roles, and fostering national and international collaborations