Introduction

This elective course examines the role of government in the economy, covering the theory and practice of taxation, public goods provision, externalities, and social welfare programs. The course combines theoretical frameworks with empirical evidence, emphasizing applications to Indian public policy.

Key Topics

• Market failures and rationale for government intervention
• Public goods and collective action
• Externalities and environmental policy
• Taxation: theory and practice
• Social insurance and welfare programs
• Public expenditure analysis
• Fiscal federalism in India