Author Description

<p>The present volume, The State of Economic Development in South Asia: A Compendium of Deliberations – Econ Dev Discussion 2020-21 is a compilation of analytical reflections and examinations of the economic growth and development in the countries of South Asia. The compendium is a product of the series, The State of Economic Development in South Asia – #EconDevDiscussion under the IMPRI South Asia Studies Center (SASC). The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic in terms of disruption of markets and livelihoods across all the sectors of the economies has varied in extent and intensity. The series explores the possible strategies for recovery from the same by focusing on economic development, international and national policies, and addressing welfare and inequality. It unravels the role of governance, corporations, civil society, the populace, and other actors in realizing an equitable society.</p><p>Chapter 1 highlights the ‘Government Policy and Rural Development in Bangladesh’. It addresses how Bangladesh has elevated its stature from being a least developed country to an emerging economy, and in what ways has the focus on rural development contributed to the same. Chapter 2 addresses the ‘Nationally Determined Contributions to Climate Change in Sri Lanka’, which shows how the island country stands at the risk of continued increase in global temperatures. Chapter 3 deals with the ‘Trade and Policy Shocks in Nepal amid COVID-19 Pandemic: Observations, Lessons and the Way Forward’. It shows how the small landlocked country stood at crossroads in policy decisions- prioritizing public health over other sectors. Chapter 4 addresses the ‘Changing Dynamics of India’s Trade under COVID-19: Trade Openness and Value Chain Participation’. It emphasizes the dilemma of how India responded to the interruptions in the global value chain and the implications.</p><p>Chapter 5 deliberates upon the ‘Financial Inclusion in Bangladesh: Initiatives, Achievements, and Way Forward amidst COVI