Public Policy Group is one of the most important SIGs on campus dedicated to exploring the links between management and public policy. The vision of our SIG is to explore the field of public policy and contribute to regional development by actively participating in various policy initiatives undertaken by the government and non-governmental actors. We aim to generate awareness among the student community by providing a platform to discuss and analyze public policies. By doing so, the students will learn the nuances of Policy drafting, analysis, and implementation through regular interaction with policymakers, implementers, and public leaders and intellectuals.
The group plans to actively work on live projects with various stakeholders related to Policy formulation, execution, and evaluation like Governments, Local Bodies, Think Tanks, Civil Society Organizations, NGOs, Bilateral and multilateral International Development Agencies, Academicians, and Policy experts.
The group plans to keep the community and society aware of the developments happening worldwide. In our endeavor to keep the IIM Udaipur student community updated on recent domestic and international events, we share the weekly current affairs series- "Saptahant" on Instagram, and the fortnightly newsletter “Khabarkosh” over email.
The Public Policy Group (PPG) at IIM Udaipur is a vibrant student-driven body that fosters informed discussions on policy and governance issues critical to India’s development. Founded to bridge the gap between theoretical learning and real-world policy applications, PPG empowers students with a deeper understanding of policy-making, governance, and public administration. Through expert talks, debates, workshops, and simulations, the group creates an engaging platform for IIM Udaipur’s academic community to explore and debate the challenges and opportunities within India’s policy landscape.
At PPG, we believe that informed and empowered individuals are essential to drive impactful change. Our initiatives provide exposure to both foundational policy concepts and complex, evolving issues in areas such as economic reform, public health, education, environmental sustainability, and social welfare. By connecting students with industry experts, government officials, and policy analysts, we enable robust learning experiences that encourage critical thinking and nuanced discussions.
With a commitment to fostering awareness and advocacy, PPG is an active contributor to IIM Udaipur’s mission of producing leaders who are not only business-savvy but also socially responsible and civic-minded. Join us as we strive to shape a generation ready to make a meaningful impact on public policy and governance in India.
At Public Policy Group, we developed an initiative called NFT: News for Tomorrow to support students preparing for the Summer Internship Program (SIP) interviews and group discussions. This NFT provides a curated selection of ten key business articles, tailored to the SIP week, covering crucial trends, market developments, and essential data. By focusing on these topics, students can deepen their understanding of the current business landscape, giving them an advantage in their interviews and discussions. This resource aims to enhance the preparedness and confidence of students, making NFT an invaluable tool for their internship journey.
In today’s fast-paced world, information overload is a common struggle. Keeping up with important news while filtering out distractions can be challenging. Saptahant makes this process simple, so you can stay updated without spending hours sifting through headlines. Our posts are designed to give you the core information, saving you time while ensuring you’re in the know.
For students, our weekly updates offer insights into industry trends, policy changes, economic developments, and global market changes, helping you make informed decisions in your work and personal life. Meanwhile, our Instagram posts deliver the highlights in a visually engaging way, making it easy to stay up-to-date even when you’re on the go.
Fortnightly Window into Business and Policy
Khabarkosh is the Public Policy Group's fortnightly newsletter, designed to keep students informed on crucial news and policy updates affecting businesses in India and globally. Delivered straight to your inbox, Khabarkosh brings together the latest developments across four key sections: Business, Policy, World, and Special Feature.
The Business section provides insights into industry trends, market dynamics, and corporate strategies that shape the economy. In Policy, readers find updates on regulatory changes, government initiatives, and policy decisions with implications for business operations and investment landscapes. The World segment explores international events, from geopolitical shifts to global economic policies, offering a broader perspective on factors that impact Indian businesses.
Lastly, the Special Feature delves into a unique theme or a timely topic, providing in-depth analysis and insights. With Khabarkosh, students gain a comprehensive view of the latest happenings and thought-provoking analyses, making it an essential resource to stay informed and engaged with the forces driving change in the business and policy world.
The "GK Wrap Up 2024" compendium has been created to provide a structured overview of significant global and national events across business, policy, technology, sports, and more. Now being integrated into our report, this compendium captures critical developments up to 2024, offering readers a concise yet comprehensive resource.
By including "GK Wrap Up 2024" in our report, we aim to enhance its depth and usability, making complex issues more accessible through structured entries. Each topic is contextualized within broader trends, offering insights into potential impacts on policy, industry strategies, and societal outcomes. This compendium not only functions as a valuable reference but also provides analytical framing, giving readers a clear view of the pivotal issues shaping the world today.
The Mock Indian Parliament 2024, held on 18th February, was a successful event jointly organised by the Public Policy Groups of IIM Udaipur and IIM Bangalore. This simulation aimed to bring the legislative experience of the Lok Sabha to students, featuring the structured proceedings of the Question Hour. Divided into government and opposition teams, participants debated pressing issues, including election funding, the privatisation of public banks, and India's No First Use nuclear policy.
The second phase involved a lively discourse on the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023, replacing the Indian Penal Code of 1860, where participants critically examined the bill’s merits and potential weaknesses. The selection process included a rigorous screening, narrowing down from 468 applicants to 18 finalists, who represented various prestigious institutions. The event was evaluated by esteemed judges, including Dr. Saurabh Gupta from IIM Udaipur and Dr. Samar Nanda of the Indian Revenue Service, adding credibility and expert guidance to the proceedings. The winners emerged from Masters’ Union, IIM Indore, and the Indian School of Public Policy, showcasing impressive debate skills and in-depth policy understanding.
The Public Policy Group, in collaboration with PiE, the Economics Club of IIM Udaipur, hosted the Model SAARC Summit on 1st March 2024. This immersive event simulated the dynamics of the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC), promoting diplomacy and regional cooperation. Delegates represented SAARC nations, including Afghanistan, Bhutan, Bangladesh, India, and more, engaging in negotiations and debates on pressing South Asian issues. The event fostered strategic alliances and diplomatic dialogue as participants debated regional challenges and potential resolutions.
The judging panel included Ms. Moumita Tiwari, a finance faculty member at IIM Udaipur, and Mr. Abhinav Pandya, founder of Usanas Foundation and a noted geopolitical analyst. Their insights added depth and relevance to the event. The Model SAARC Summit proved to be a dynamic platform, allowing participants to explore collaborative problem-solving and policy-making. This initiative would not have been possible without the unwavering support of the IIM Udaipur community, including THoR, Admin, MiiC, and Infracomm, which ensured the event’s success.
On 30th January 2024, the Public Policy Group at IIM Udaipur organised a General Knowledge Quiz Night, challenging participants’ knowledge on current affairs and general knowledge. Held in the campus mess hall, the quiz attracted over 75 students from diverse MBA and GSCM batches, each competing individually to demonstrate their command over a broad array of topics.
The quiz consisted of 15 challenging questions, creating a lively atmosphere and sparking friendly competition among participants. The event ran from 8:45 PM to 9:15 PM, with students competing passionately to secure the top spots. Neeraj Patel emerged as the winner, with Kevin Banga and Preetpal Singh following closely in second and third positions, respectively. The Public Policy Group extended gratitude to THoR, InfraComm, and MessComm for their support in making this event possible, as well as to Prof. Kirti Mishra for her constant encouragement. The event was a grand success, showcasing IIM Udaipur’s vibrant intellectual community and commitment to knowledge-driven engagement.
IIM Udaipur’s Public Policy Group proudly participated in the Crossroads International School Model United Nations (CIS MUN) held on 7th-8th October 2024. The event was aimed at middle school students (ages 11-13), who engaged in committee discussions representing UNEP (United Nations Environment Programme) and UNICEF. The UNEP committee debated climate resilience and environmental disaster mitigation. In contrast, the UNICEF committee focused on child protection in war-torn areas, emphasising the need for safe education and rights for children.
IIM Udaipur’s Public Policy Group members served as chairpersons, guiding young delegates through the nuances of diplomacy, maintaining decorum, and providing feedback on debate techniques. The event concluded with impactful discussions, fostering a spirit of global citizenship among participants and encouraging them to consider solutions to real-world issues. This successful initiative showcased the Public Policy Group’s dedication to educational engagement and dialogue on global issues. IIM Udaipur looks forward to continuing such collaborations to inspire future leaders.
On 9th December 2023, IIM Udaipur’s Public Policy Group hosted “Neeti Charcha,” a stimulating debate focused on the contentious topic, "70-Hour Workweek – Necessary to Succeed in Corporate India?" The event brought forth various perspectives, reflecting the complexities surrounding work culture in India. Participants discussed the viability and ethical implications of a 70-hour workweek, examining its potential impact on productivity, employee well-being, and corporate success. The debate served as an engaging intellectual platform where students showcased their analytical skills and critical thinking, aligning with IIM Udaipur’s culture of vibrant discourse.
Esteemed judge Prof. Kirti Mishra contributed invaluable insights, further elevating the depth of discussion. This event was supported by key IIM Udaipur groups, including THoR, Admin, MiiC, and Infracomm, whose collective efforts ensured its smooth execution. Winners of the debate included Prerana Rai, Kunal Bisani, and Kumar Yash, all MBA students, who stood out for their compelling arguments and persuasive communication. “Neeti Charcha” successfully enriched IIM Udaipur's intellectual environment, inspiring future discussions on contemporary work culture.
The GK Blitz, a standout event organised by the Public Policy Group as part of Solaris, the Annual Management Fest of IIM Udaipur, captured participants' intellectual vigour and curiosity with a challenging online quiz held on October 16, 2024. Running from 8:00 PM to 12:00 AM, this dynamic competition tested participants' knowledge across various topics, including Current Affairs, General Knowledge, Business Trends, Public Policies, and Economics.
Designed to push boundaries, GK Blitz featured 30 thought-provoking questions to be completed within a strict 15-minute timeframe, compelling participants to think quickly and accurately under pressure. The event attracted an impressive 643 registrants and generated over 19,000 impressions, underscoring the enthusiasm and competitive spirit within the IIM Udaipur community and beyond.
GK Blitz is a platform for knowledge enthusiasts from various backgrounds to showcase their understanding of key issues impacting today’s world. By challenging participants on a wide range of topics, the quiz emphasises the value of staying informed and highlights the importance of rapid critical thinking in today’s fast-paced environment. GK Blitz remains a cornerstone of Solaris, celebrating the pursuit of knowledge and intellectual engagement within the vibrant academic atmosphere at IIM Udaipur.
The Policy Innovators Challenge is the flagship competition of PPG, which is conducted every year as a part of the annual management fest Solaris. The competition aims to foster innovative thinking among participants passionate about public policy. The event provides a platform to explore solutions for pressing policy challenges through structured research and presentations. This engages policy enthusiasts from diverse backgrounds, encouraging them to apply their knowledge towards real-world challenges. The event highlights the importance of innovative policy making and critical thinking by blending research with presentation skills.
The competition not only tests the participants' ability to craft actionable whitepapers but also provides them with valuable feedback during the presentation round, ensuring a holistic learning experience.
On 23rd March 2024, IIM Udaipur’s Public Policy Group (PPG) hosted an Expert Talk featuring esteemed IAS officer Mr. Rajeev Kapoor. Through a virtual session, Mr. Kapoor shared his insights on “Public Administration and Governance Challenges in India.” Drawing from his extensive experience, he discussed essential strategies to enhance governance by fostering transparency, efficiency, and ethical standards. Key topics included the responsible use of technology, citizen-centric policymaking, and strategies to combat corruption. Mr. Kapoor also addressed crucial concerns regarding data privacy, whistleblower protection, and the empowerment of young professionals in governance roles.
The talk attracted an enthusiastic audience, primarily first-year MBA students from varied backgrounds. Their active participation and thoughtful questions enriched the discussion, creating an engaging and interactive environment. Mr. Kapoor’s responses further stimulated intellectual curiosity among attendees, making the session both inspiring and informative for the IIM Udaipur community. This event, a significant initiative by the PPG, underscored the importance of understanding and tackling current governance challenges to foster a more transparent and responsive public administration framework.
In this project, we create a ward level GIS map of Udaipur City which can be used to create interactive web based interactive visualizations for any Ward level variable for the City. The maps were created using open source GIS tools.
We further created a village level GIS map of Udaipur District using Data available in the public domain.