Should Government Have A Role In Sports?

Now that I (as many of you) have enjoyed the World Cup 2014, allow me to register my protest on behalf of Brazilian taxpayers against this wanton public expenditure. What a colossal waste!

Irony of taxing salt in Gandhi’s country

Author: Beena Aiyar

One of the most evocative moments of our independence struggle is Mahatma Gandhi’s Salt Satyagraha of 1930. Whether in Dandi, Dharasana or Vedaranyam — the simple act of walking to the shore and breaking British…

A Libertarian Rock Star That India Never Had: Sauvik Chakraverti, R.I.P.

It is with a very heavy heart that we share with you the sad news of passing away of Sauvik Chakraverti, our good friend and ex-colleague.

Ek Hi Thali Ke Chatte Batte — Do Indian Voters Really Have A Choice?

One political party believes that it is alright to allow Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) everywhere, but in multi-brand retail. Another thinks that doling out more entitlements is the only way to ensure social…

How do we look at education data in India? Varsha Joshi at CCS

Varsha Joshi, Director with the office of the Registrar General and Census Commissioner of India was at CCS on 23 May 2014 to discuss how to look at education data in India. Having conducted the Census of India 2011 for…

Not Anurag Behar, Not Smriti Irani, Ramchandara’s Wife Knows Best What’s Good For Her Kids

This is real life story of the family of Ramchander, or Ramchandara, as he is called by his friends and acquaintances. Ramchandara is one of the “below below average” IQ…

What Should Be The Price of A Train Ticket?

From my experience of Indian railways I suggest that they find someone who has bought a ticket, and give him a prize. — James Cameron in The Guardian, 21 June 1983

PPP: Balancing Equity and Efficiency

We have had a long track record of bad experiences when it comes to the government’s ability to deliver basic services to citizen. While it is important for governments to ensure ‘Equity’, which means it cannot shirk its responsibility of delivering services to…

Private Initiatives in Education: James Tooley at CCS

“The common are intrigued by the uncommon while the wise are intrigued by the commonplace” — Confucian proverb

If the above adage be held true, James Tooley would be wiser than most on education in the Third…