Experts dwell on decline in inequality among Latin American nations

Tribune News Service

Patiala, December 8

The VB Singh Memorial Lecture was delivered by Dr Giovanni Andrea Cornia, University of Florence, on the second day of the 61st Indian Society Labour Economics (ISLE) Conference hosted by the Centre for Development Economics and Innovative Studies, Punjabi University on Sunday.

Dr Giovanni delivered the lecture on ‘Why has inequality fallen in the 2000s in Latin America and parts of Sub-Saharan Africa?’

He said the key to decline of inequality in Latin America was the social-democratic policies, including large increase in public spending on secondary education, social security, progressive labour market policies and increase in taxation, along with good international terms of trade. 

“The main drivers of changes in Africa were the structural shifts, including an increase in share of value-addition of mining and oil and skilled labour intensive services,” he said, adding that the current policy packages aimed at reducing inequality have to be modified in line with the changes occurring in the economy’s conditions over the medium-long term.

Experts also held a panel discussion on ‘Growth Strategies and Labour Market Outcomes: Revisiting the Interconnections’ organised by Dr Atul Sood and Dr Himanshu, Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU).

While referring to the labour market outcomes they said it is important to build solidarity in labour market. “With increasing GDP, conditions and quantum of employment are facing challenges that need to be addressed.”

The papers presented in the panel focused primarily on labour-capital relationship.

In another panel discussion on Creches and Women’s Economic Participation, organised by initiative for what works to advance women and girls in the economy (IWWAGE), Dr Ruchika Chaudhary, Senior Research Fellow and Dr Kanika Kingra, Senior Policy and Advocacy Manager, IWWAGE, highlighted the importance of quality childcare and maternity entitlements for all women as a driver for their economic empowerment. 

They pointed out that quality child care should be a basic right for all. “Every woman should have a voice in the decisions making related to their working conditions such as working schedule, choice of employment and others.