K. Shiva Kumar

K. Shiva Kumar (he/him) is an Indian economist who has made significant contributions to the fields of public policy and development economics. He was born in Karnataka, India, and received his education from the University of Delhi and the University of Oxford.

Kumar has worked with several renowned organizations such as the World Bank, United Nations, and the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation. He has also held various academic positions, including a professorship at the National Institute of Public Finance and Policy in India.

Kumar has published several papers and articles on issues such as poverty reduction, health policy, and social protection. He has also contributed to several books, including the Handbook of Development Economics and the Oxford Handbook of the Indian Economy.

Kumar’s work has been instrumental in shaping policies related to social protection and poverty reduction in India. He has played a significant role in designing and implementing programs such as the National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (NREGA), which guarantees a minimum of 100 days of employment to rural households.

Kumar’s contributions to economics have been recognized with several awards and honors, including the Padma Shri award, one of India’s highest civilian honors, and the Outstanding Alumnus Award from the University of Oxford. He continues to be an influential voice in public policy and development economics in India and beyond.