As the G20 summit successfully concluded in New Delhi last week, it managed to generate some positive headlines for India globally. Even India’s staunchest critics had to concede that contrary to their expectations, New Delhi managed to pull off a successful summit at a time when geopolitical and developmental fault-lines have been sharpening by the day. Despite the absence of Chinese President Xi Jinping and Russian President Vladimir Putin (and perhaps because of it), a large part of the world agreed and put its stamp on India’s global developmental priorities. A strong message has gone out from New Delhi that India is now, more than ever, willing to lead from the front and shedding its perpetual reticence of yore.
With a specific focus on social, legal and policy issues, a Two Month Online Immersive Legal Awareness & Action Research Certificate Training Course and Internship Program, the LPPYF (Law and Public Policy Youth Fellowship) was conducted by IMPRI, Impact and Policy Research Institute from June 12 to August 11, 2023. Covering numerous issues ranging from international provisions, constitutional laws, SDGs (Sustainable Development Goals) to gender justice and international human rights, it sought to equip fellows with both the theoretical insights and the technical capabilities required to implement the former with a field research project to enhance their learnings.
On the 18th day, the third and final discussion was first contextualized by Dr. Vibhuti Patel who introduced the theme and the speaker, namely ‘Local Governance and Public Policy’ taken up by Shri Tikender Singh Pawar, Senior Fellow, IMPRI and Former Deputy mayor Shimla.
On the 18th day, the second discussion was preceded by opening remarks by Dr. Vibhuti Patel. Professor Vibhuti Patel began the session by providing a brief historical context. She mentioned the introduction of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) and the social movements of the 1970s that called for police reforms. These movements demanded greater accountability from the criminal justice system. Professor Patel highlighted some of the challenges facing the police force, including a high workload, lack of sophisticated technical resources and defense mechanisms like those in the armed forces, and unaddressed needs in areas such as wages, housing, and children's education. Corruption and rent-seeking behavior within the police force were also identified as significant issues. Dr. Vibhuti Patel then introduced the theme and the speaker, namely ‘Housing Laws and Policies in India’ taken up by Shri Rajiv Rajan Singh (Retired I.P.S. Officer
On the 18th day, the first discussion began with opening remarks by Dr. Vibhuti Patel. Professor Vibhuti Patel began the discussion by referencing earlier sessions and presentations that covered a range of topics including social security, Right to Information (RTI), Right to Education (RTE), income support during crises, the challenges faced by women survivors of violence, Goa's Children's Act, Uniform Civil Code (UCC), the Juvenile Justice Act, and the roles of administrators, specifically Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officers, in providing support. These discussions provided a holistic backdrop for addressing housing laws and policies in India. Dr. Vibhuti Patel then introduced the theme and the speaker, namely Housing
Culture reflects the paradigm of the attitudes and behaviours that are inherited by people. Cultural activities are the mirror of direct and indirect contributions to economic growth and social well-being as well as depicts one’s rich heritage along with ethics and value systems. Culture is always a propellant fuel to G20 agendas as this year's theme of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam,” emphasises global unity by promoting “One World One Family and One Future”. Moreover, culture is considered a crucial driver for strong, sustainable, balanced, and inclusive growth, inclusive of technological advancement and digitalization.
The Group of Twenty (G20) was formed in 1999 after the Asian financial crisis as a forum for Finance Ministers and Central Bank Governors to discuss global economic and financial issues. It comprises 19 countries (Argentina, Australia, Brazil, Canada, China, France, Germany, India, Indonesia, Italy, Japan, Republic of Korea, Mexico, Russia, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, Türkiye, United Kingdom, and the United States) and the European Union. The G20 members represent around 85% of the global GDP, over 75% of the global trade, and about two-thirds of the world population. G20 is a rotational form of Presidency so it does not have a permanent secretariat or staff. Due to the the global economic and financial crisis of 2007, and 2009, The G20 was upgraded to the level of Heads of State/Government. Since then G20 Leaders have met regularly, and it has become the premier forum for international economic cooperation. The forum discusses broad macroeconomic issues, as well as agendas in terms of trade, climate change, sustainable development, health, agriculture, energy, environment, climate change, and anti-corruption.
The second session of the eighth day of the LPPYF program, organized by IMPRI, Impact and Policy Research Institute, New Delhi, on 28 th June, 2023, was a thought-provoking discussion on the intricate relationship between peace, conflict, and social work. Prof Vibhuti Patel, Visiting Distinguished Professor, IMPRI, presided over the session, with Dr. Gladstone Xavier, a distinguished faculty member and former head of the Social Work Department at Loyola College, Chennai, as the esteemed speaker.
Nikita Bhardwaj, a research intern at IMPRI, had the honor of introducing Dr. Gladstone Xavier.
