The Special Economic Zone Act of 2005 in India is a significant milestone in the country's industrialization history. The notion of Special Economic Zones (SEZs) is anticipated to yield substantial economic advantages and contribute to employment growth. This study examines the development of SEZ policy and performance, and pinpoints the obstacles that impact the effectiveness of SEZ policy. It includes land acquisitions issues, socio-economic impacts such as displacement of marginal communities, rehabilitation and resettlement issues and compensation policies disparities. This study concludes that millions of underprivileged people were displaced by SEZs' pro-industrial aspects. It also examines that the Land Acquisition Act allowed SEZs to acquired millions of acres of agricultural land with irrelevant strategy. It also argues that SEZs compensation policy create disparities within affected people and fail to fulfil all commitments about resettlement and rehabilitation for affected people. This study also argue that the state may have the right to acquisition people land, but with consideration of their lives.

Keywords: Special Economic Zone, Displacement, Land Acquisition, Compensation, Resettlement and Rehabilitation

This research paper provides a critical study of the social, economic, and physical impacts on child laborers. It offers a perspective stretching from the historical background to the new crises emerging from COVID-19. The status of child labor in India and at the international level has been analyzed with the help of various statistics and tables. Additionally, it presents state-wise comparisons, sector-wise distributions, and classifications of child laborers by age and gender. A detailed discussion on the causes behind the rise of child labor, its consequences, and legal, educational, and social remedies is also included. In conclusion, child labor is not merely an outcome of economic poverty but also a reflection of social apathy. Therefore, the need to urgently implement comprehensive policy and administrative measures for the holistic development of children has been highlighted.

Keywords: Child labour, juvenile delinquency, child trafficking, child rights, children in conflict situations, informal economy, child welfare

The presented research paper provides a critical study of the social, economic, and physical impacts on child laborers. It offers a perspective ranging from the historical background to the new crises arising from the COVID-19 pandemic. The status of child labor at both Indian and international levels has been analyzed with the help of various statistics and tables. Additionally, state-wise comparisons, sector-wise divisions, and the classification of child laborers by age and gender have been presented. A detailed discussion on the causes behind the rise of child labor, its consequences, and the legal, educational, and social measures has also been conducted. In conclusion, child labor is not merely a consequence of economic poverty but is also indicative of social apathy. Therefore, the need to urgently implement comprehensive strategic and administrative measures for the holistic development of children has been highlighted.

Keywords: Public health system, Maharashtra, health expenditure, health index, economic development, policy, social equity

This article is a summary of a speech delivered on Joan Robinson’s book *Economic Philosophy*—a work selected for the book-review lecture at the 48th session of the Vidarbha Economics Conference.

Keywords: John Robinson, economic philosophy, imperfect competition, Keynesian economics, capital accumulation, Marxist economics

This paper reviews the changing nature of Indian agriculture and agricultural problems since independence. The study discusses three major phases: the post-independence period before the Green Revolution (1947-1966), the Green Revolution period (1966-1991), and the period after the introduction of the New Economic Policy (1991 onwards). It examines the food shortage faced by India after independence, the introduction and effects of the Green Revolution, increasing dependence of farmers on agricultural inputs, rising production costs, globalization, import liberalization, farmer indebtedness, farmer suicides, demonetization and the impact of climate change on agriculture. The study highlights both the positive and negative consequences of agricultural transformation and emphasizes the need for sustainable and farmer-friendly agricultural policies.

Keywords: Agriculture, Green Revolution, Agricultural Problems, Globalization, Farmers, Agricultural Policy, Sustainable Agriculture

This study examines India's transition from dependence on conventional energy sources towards renewable and sustainable energy sources and analyses its economic implications. It discusses the development of renewable energy policies and initiatives in India, including the National Solar Mission, energy conservation policies and the Pradhan Mantri Kusum Yojana. India has made substantial progress in solar and wind energy and has emerged as an important producer of renewable energy. The study examines the role of public and private investment, foreign direct investment and international financial institutions in India's energy transition. It highlights the potential benefits of renewable energy for energy security, environmental sustainability, investment, agricultural development and long-term economic growth.

Keywords: Energy Transition, Renewable Energy, National Solar Mission, Energy Conservation, Solar Energy, Foreign Direct Investment, Sustainable Development, Energy Security

Maharashtra has achieved significant development in various sectors, but regional disparities remain a major concern. Compared with Western Maharashtra, Vidarbha and Marathwada have remained relatively backward, resulting in increasing regional imbalance. This study examines the historical, economic and political causes of regional imbalance in Maharashtra. Using the core-periphery theory, the paper explains the effects of economic and resource concentration. Vidarbha has faced inadequate irrigation, energy infrastructure and economic investment, which has created significant difficulties for cotton-producing farmers. The paper discusses the Nagpur Agreement, the Dandekar Committee recommendations and regional disparities in irrigation and development. It suggests increased public investment, balanced allocation of resources and region-specific policies to reduce regional inequality and promote the development of Vidarbha.

Keywords: Regional Imbalance, Vidarbha Development, Irrigation, Cotton Production, Saurashtra, Core-Periphery Theory, Maharashtra Economic Policy

The 2024 Nobel Prize in Economics was awarded for research on the role of institutions in shaping national prosperity. This article examines the contributions of Daron Acemoglu, Simon Johnson and James A. Robinson and explains how inclusive and extractive institutions influence economic, political and social development. Inclusive institutions provide equal political and economic opportunities, encourage innovation and support broad-based development, while extractive institutions concentrate power and resources in the hands of a limited group. The article discusses the relationship between institutions, colonialism and economic development and highlights the importance of institutional structures in determining prosperity and inequality among nations. The study emphasizes that strong and inclusive institutions are essential for sustainable and comprehensive national development.

Keywords: Nobel Prize in Economics 2024, Institutions, Inclusive Institutions, Extractive Institutions, Colonialism, Economic Development, Economic Prosperity, Inequality

Artificial Intelligence (AI) has emerged as a revolutionary tool in the study of economics. This paper explains the concept, characteristics and different types of AI, including machine learning, deep learning and data analytics. It examines the use of AI in economic data analysis, forecasting, policy formulation, financial services, agriculture, production management, stock market analysis and consumer behaviour analysis. AI can help policymakers analyse large volumes of economic data and make faster and more accurate decisions. The study also discusses the role of AI in India through the Digital India initiative and its applications in government programmes and economic activities. At the same time, challenges related to privacy, unemployment, lack of skills, ethical concerns and the absence of a clear regulatory framework are highlighted. The paper concludes that responsible and transparent use of AI can contribute significantly to India's economic development.

Keywords: Artificial Intelligence, AI, Machine Learning, Deep Learning, Data Analytics, Economic Policy, Forecasting, Digital India

Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar was not only the architect of the Indian Constitution and a social reformer but also a renowned economist. His economic thinking was centred on the common person and was developed according to the social and economic conditions of India. His views on agriculture, water and energy policy, the problem of the Indian rupee and state socialism were visionary and remain relevant even today. The paper examines his views on the fragmentation of agricultural land, the need for industrialization, community and cooperative farming and major water and energy projects such as the Damodar and Hirakud projects. In the context of global warming, drought and increasing population, the study highlights the continuing relevance of Ambedkar's economic ideas for India's economic and social development.

Keywords: Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar, Economic Thoughts, Agricultural Policy, Water and Energy Policy, Problem of the Rupee, State Socialism, Social Justice, Economic Development, Industrialization, Cooperative Farming