Professor Balwant Singh Mehta Highlights Key Socio-Economic Challenges at International Conference
NV Paulose, Chairman, Global TV +91 98441 82044
New Delhi: Renowned development economist Prof. Balwant Singh Mehta delivered an insightful presentation at an international interdisciplinary conference in 2026, shedding light on pressing socio-economic challenges and the evolving dynamics of labour, inequality, and development.
St Aloysius University, in collaboration with Mar Baselios Christian College of Engineering and Technology, hosted the Interdisciplinary International Conference IDIC 2026 on March 17 and 18, bringing together scholars, researchers, academicians, and industry experts from across the world. The conference was guided by a distinguished team of directors included Dr. Oommen Mammen, Director of MBCE Peermede, and Dr. Jolly Jose, Professor and Chair of Strategic Engagements, Research and Innovation at St Aloysius Deemed to be University, Mangaluru.
Prof. Mehta, a Professor at the Institute for Human Development (IHD), New Delhi, addressed a diverse audience of academics, researchers, and policymakers. His presentation focused on critical issues shaping contemporary economies, particularly in developing countries like India.
Drawing from his extensive research, Prof. Mehta emphasized the growing concerns around inequality, employment transitions, and the future of work. He highlighted how rapid technological advancements and structural changes in the economy are redefining labour markets, creating both opportunities and challenges for the workforce.
He also underlined the importance of evidence-based policymaking, stressing that data-driven approaches are essential to address poverty, gender disparities, and access to decent work. His insights reflected years of research in development economics, labour studies, and social policy.
Participants at the conference appreciated the depth and clarity of his analysis. His presentation sparked engaging discussions on how governments and institutions can better respond to emerging economic realities, especially in the context of globalization and digital transformation.
Prof. Mehta also called for stronger collaboration between academic institutions, policymakers, and international organizations to design inclusive and sustainable development strategies. He stressed that interdisciplinary approaches are key to tackling complex socio-economic issues.
The conference served as a platform for knowledge exchange among scholars from different fields, with Prof. Mehta’s session standing out as one of the highlights of the event.
With a distinguished career spanning over 100 research publications and multiple international collaborations, Prof. Mehta continues to play a significant role in shaping discourse on development and public policy.
Prof. Balwant Singh Mehta: A Leading Voice in Development Economics and Social Research
Prof. Balwant Singh Mehta stands as a distinguished scholar and researcher in the field of development economics, with a career marked by academic excellence, impactful research, and global collaborations. Currently serving as a Professor at the Institute for Human Development (IHD), New Delhi, he has made significant contributions to understanding critical socio-economic issues such as labour dynamics, poverty, inequality, gender, education, and the evolving role of technology in development.
Academic Excellence and Interdisciplinary Expertise
Prof. Mehta’s academic journey reflects a strong interdisciplinary foundation. He holds a PhD in Development Economics along with postgraduate degrees in Economics, Management, and Computer Science. His commitment to continuous learning is evident through advanced training in econometrics, statistics, and machine learning from globally reputed institutions, including the University of Michigan, Erasmus University Rotterdam, and the University of Southampton.
Additionally, he has undergone specialized training in labour statistics and employment in ageing societies at the International Labour Organization (ILO) Training Centre in Turin, equipping him with a nuanced understanding of global labour trends.
Extensive Research and Publications
With an impressive portfolio, Prof. Mehta has authored 10 books, 20 monographs, and over 100 research articles published in prestigious national and international journals. His work has appeared in widely respected platforms such as PLOS ONE, Social Indicators Research, Economic & Political Weekly, and the Journal of Development Studies.
His recent books, including Inequality of Opportunity and Poverty in India Using a Machine Learning Approach and Future of Work: Opportunities and Challenges, have gained global recognition for their depth and policy relevance. Through his research, he has consistently addressed pressing development challenges and contributed to evidence-based policymaking.
Leadership in Research Projects and Collaborations
Prof. Mehta has coordinated more than 55 research studies, including several multi-country projects. His work involves collaboration with key national institutions such as NITI Aayog, the Ministry of Labour and Employment, and the National Commission for Women.
On the international front, he has partnered with organizations like the ILO, UNICEF, UNDP, the World Bank, and the Asian Development Bank, among others. These collaborations highlight his global reach and the practical relevance of his research in shaping development policies.
Awards, Fellowships, and Recognition
His contributions have earned him numerous prestigious fellowships and awards. These include the Amy Mahan International Fellowship in Spain, a research fellowship in Singapore, and the Emerging Researcher Award from Canada’s International Development Research Centre (IDRC). He has also received fellowships from ICSSR and the Social Science Research Council in New York.
Such recognitions underscore his influence and standing within the global academic and policy research community.
Editorial and Thought Leadership Roles
Beyond research, Prof. Mehta plays an active role in academic publishing. He serves as an Associate Editor of The Indian Journal of Labour Economics and reviews for several high-impact international journals. His expertise is widely sought in evaluating cutting-edge research across economics, development studies, and public health.
He is also a regular contributor to leading newspapers such as The Hindu, Mint, and Moneycontrol, where he provides insightful commentary on contemporary socio-economic issues.
Policy Engagement and Public Impact
Prof. Mehta’s work extends beyond academia into real-world policy engagement. He has been involved in major national reports, including the India Employment Report (2024 & 2014) and the Tribal Human Development Report (2024). His role as a consultant to organizations like the World Food Programme and the Asian Development Bank further reflects his practical influence.
He has also delivered keynote lectures at prestigious institutions and international forums, sharing his expertise with policymakers, scholars, and practitioners worldwide. Prof. Balwant Singh Mehta exemplifies the role of a modern development economist; combining rigorous research, interdisciplinary knowledge, and real-world impact.
