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Harish Kumar Kallega
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Joint Director
Department of Economic Affairs
Ministry of Finance
Government of India
Macroeconomic Policy Program (’20)
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Please tell us about your career path so far. What is your area of specialization and how did you come to work in this area?
I started my career in 2014 as the Assistant Director in the Commission for Agricultural Costs and Prices, Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare in New Delhi. The commission is mandated to recommend minimum support prices for farm commodities to incentivise the cultivators to adopt modern technology and raise productivity and overall grain production in line with the emerging demand patterns in the country. I was involved in preparing policy recommendations based on consultation with various stakeholders of different regions in the country. Since, more than half of the population in my country depends on the agricultural sector, I feel very fortunate to have had the opportunity to work in this sector and make policy for the welfare of farmers. In 2019, I applied for the Macroeconomic Policy Program at GRIPS and was accepted. I completed the master’s program and returned home with a strong passion to work. After returning to India, I got posted in the Department of Economic Affairs in the Ministry of Finance, Government of India. In 2023, I was promoted to the position of Joint Director in the same department. My career in the public service has allowed me to engage in many impactful assignments and tackle various tasks.
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You are currently serving as Joint Director of the Department of Economic Affairs in the Ministry of Finance, Government of India. Please tell us about your main roles and responsibilities.
Currently, as Joint Director in the Department of Economic Affairs in the Ministry of Finance, my main responsibilities include handling issues pertaining to the labour market, skill development, education, and health. One of the key focus areas of the government is employment generation and skill development. Evaluating employment and skill development indicators based on available statistics and suggesting the requisite changes in policies and schemes are crucial parts of my role. I am also involved in elaborately evaluating cabinet notes relate to employment generation schemes, skill development programmes, education, and health policies. Additionally, I am responsible for tracking domestic and international price behaviour and thereby suggesting policy measures to keep inflation in check. In the last two years, it has been particularly challenging to control inflation due to fragile geopolitical conditions. Another important area of work is the preparation of the Economic Survey of India which reviews the developments in the economy over the past financial year and highlights the performance and major initiatives of the Government.
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Greeting at the G-20 meeting of Finance Ministers and Central Bank
Governors (FMCBG) in India, February 2023.
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In your current capacity, what do you see as the main opportunities and challenges for the India over the course of the next five to ten years?
Keeping a check on the inflationary situation amidst the current fragile geopolitical situation is very challenging for the country. Both the Government and monetary authorities are proactively working to keep the prices under control. Also, India is in the phase of demographic dividend, having the largest productive age population. Adequately skilling these young folks and creating a conducive environment for employment generation presents opportunities and challenges for the economy. As a Join Director, I have a role in ensuring timely policy interventions to control prices and suggesting policies to skill youth and generate employment with adequate social security.
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What led you to GRIPS? What is the most important thing you got out of your studies, and how has your experience at GRIPS prepared you for future endeavors?
With the aim of expanding my understanding and building on my existing knowledge of economics and policy issues, I planned to pursue further studies. In my search for a suitable institution, GRIPS stood out as an excellent choice due to its exceptional faculty and reputation as one of Japan's leading graduate schools for economics and policy studies. With these factors in mind, I decided to apply to GRIPS. I was very fortunate to receive good guidance during my studies in GRIPS. The Institute equipped me strong knowledge of economic policies and statistical techniques, which I needed to carry out my day-to-day work successfully in my present position.
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COVID-19 was declared a pandemic about halfway during your studies at GRIPS, in March 2020. How did the COVID-19 pandemic affect your overall study experience in Tokyo? And did the pandemic affect your ability to explore and experience the local culture and attractions in Japan?
The COVID-19 pandemic had a significant impact on my overall study experience in Tokyo. One of the things we missed out on were the frequent student gatherings (formal and informal) in the GRIPS campus and the hostel. By March 2020, I had completed more than half of the coursework, and thereafter, classes transitioned to online format. However, as an economics student, I had hoped for offline classes, which I missed. The pandemic affected class interactions and discussion, as we missed the opportunity for in-person engagement. Furthermore, the pandemic disrupted the chance to explore the rich culture and landscape of Japan. As part of my studies, we visited Ehime prefecture to explore the village landscape and extensively toured Hokkaido, the northernmost island. However, due to the pandemic, many such experiences were limited.
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Exploring Hokkaido with GRIPS classmates
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Have you had any involvement, professional or otherwise, with Japan since your graduation?
Recently in February 2023, I got the opportunity to work with the Japanese delegation during the G-20 meeting of Finance Ministers and Central Bank Governors (FMCBG) in India.
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At the G-20 meeting of Finance Ministers and Central Bank Governors (FMCBG) in India, February 2023.
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How do you maintain a balance between your work and the rest of your life? And what is your favorite thing to do when you are not working?
To maintain a balance between work and personal life, I ensure I spend quality time with my family after working hours. During holidays, I plan tours with family members and friends. I also have a passion for going trekking frequently. Trekking is one of the activities I explored extensively during my studies at GRIPS. Playing badminton and cricket are also among my favourite things to do when I am not working.
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Holiday trekking in the Himalayan mountain with Friends
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What are some of your fondest memories of your time spent at GRIPS? And what do you miss about Japan?
I have fond memories of the fascinating lectures at GRIPS, especially from professors like Wie-sensei, Munro-sensei, Leon-Gonzalez-sensei and Porapakkarm-sensei. The time spent in GRIPS and Roppongi mid-town with other students from different countries and different professions was memorable. I also miss the overall ‘quality of life’ I enjoyed in Japan. The time of cherry blossoms during spring was very special in Nihon. Short treks to picturesque hills and mountains like Mt. Mitake, Mt. Fuji, Mt. Hakone, Mt. Kobe, Mt. Takao were very soothing. A day spent in Yokohama with our coursemates to explore places like Sankei Garden and the Red Brick warehouse remains a cherished memory. Finally, the trips to Nikko and Hokkaido with our peer groups are worth recalling all the time.
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A day out in Yokohama
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If you could give one piece of advice to anyone considering studying at GRIPS what would it be?
For anyone considering studying at GRIPS, my advice would be that after a few years of work in a professional environment, a stint at GRIPS can be a great opportunity to rejuvenate your knowledge. Updating your skills and know-how in the middle of your career can have a significant impact on your success in the work environment. GRIPS is one of the best options for such a relearning experience. GRIPS offers excellent, richly experienced faculty and the opportunity to learn from professionals across countries. I strongly recommend taking as many relevant courses as possible to enrich your knowledge.
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Disaster drill at with Macroeconomic Policy Program classmates at GRIPS
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How would you like to maintain involved with the School? What do you expect from GRIPS as an alumnus and do you have any suggestions on how to further utilize the GRIPS alumni network?
GRIPS could consider organizing workshops or conferences at GRIPS for interested alumni. This would serve the dual purpose of sharing knowledge of cross-country best practices and providing opportunities for alumni to reconnect. GRIPS could also explore the option of involving alumni as visiting faculty for a short period of 2-3 months.
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Thank you for this excellent opportunity to reconnect with the GRIPS family. I look forward to every future occasion for cooperation.
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Graduation day at GRIPS, September 2020
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