As macro indicators are pointing towards an imminent economic recession there is a renewed interest, among both academic and policy circles, to understand the impact and implications of poor income and employment growth in the rural economy. A recent study completed by the CSES on “Household Indebtedness among Rural Poor in Kerala”, has exposed the appalling burden of debt borne by the poor households. The study has observed that a significant share of rural poor households is struggling to meet their debt repayment commitments, with the low and unpredictable income, and thus being pushed into over-indebtedness.
Considering the gravity of the situation, CSES recognises a need for a serious discussion by subject experts, academicians and policy formulators to explore the possible solutions and identify strategies to address indebtedness among rural poor. For the purpose, we along with the Centre for Budget Studies, Cochin University of Science and Technology (CUSAT) are organising a Roundtable on Indebtedness among Rural Households in Kerala” on Thursday, 27th of February 2020 at conference hall, Centre for IPR Studies, CUSAT (10:00 am onwards) to achieve the following objectives:
- Gaining a joint understanding of the nature and magnitude of household indebtedness in rural Kerala
- Examining possible factors contributing to the over-indebtedness of rural households in Kerala
- Identifying next steps and possible avenues for interventions