The 7th Annual Conference of

Patiala/Daljeet Ajnoha /Nov.6 : Today October 30, 2026, on the theme “Towards Inclusive and Sustainable Rural Development in India: Socio-Economic Challenges and Pathways.” The conference provides an academic platform for researchers, academicians and policymakers to discuss emerging challenges and sustainable pathways for rural development in India. During the inaugural session, Prof. Jasdeep Singh Toor, Head of the Department of Economics and Conference Director, welcomed the dignitaries, academicians and paper presenters. He stated that this conference is an opportunity to pause, listen, and think collectively about the challenges in the path of achieving inclusive rural development. This conference brings together researchers, academicians, policymakers, practitioners, civil society organisations, and other stakeholders to share evidence, perspectives, and experiences; moving beyond identifying problems and helping us explore realistic and innovative pathways. He hope that more than a discussion of challenges, this conference becomes a conversation about possibilities.
The abstract book of the conference was released by Prof. Jasdeep Singh Toor, Prof. M. S. Toor, Prof. Jaswinder Singh Brar, Dean Academic Affairs, Punjabi University, Patiala, Prof. S. S. Chahal, Prof. K.K. Chahal, Prof. Rakesh Kumar Khurana, Prof. Anupama, Prof. Parmod Kumar Aggarwal, Dr. Sarbjeet Singh, Dr. Rupinder Kaur, Dr. Ravita and others.
In his keynote address, Prof. M. S. Toor discussed the Indian Journal of Economics and Development and highlighted the importance of research and academic engagement in addressing contemporary economic issues. Referring to the conference theme, he observed that economic growth in India is not sufficiently inclusive and that the rural sector continues to face several socio-economic challenges requiring focused policy attention.
Addressing the gathering, Prof. Jaswinder Singh Brar, in his presidential remarks, emphasised the continuing relevance of rural development and called for strong interventions to address persistent rural inequalities. He highlighted the need to revisit land reforms, address issues relating to land ownership and operational holdings, and tackle the challenge of jobless growth. He also stressed agricultural diversification and the promotion of allied agricultural activities to conserve groundwater and strengthen rural livelihoods. Furthermore, he underlined the importance of accessible rural healthcare, digitalisation of agriculture with active participation of the younger generation, and effective utilisation of diaspora capital for rural development.
The vote of thanks was presented by Dr. Sarabjeet Singh, Organising Secretary of the conference, who said that the conference received approximately 200 research papers, which are being presented across 16 technical sessions. These sessions aim to facilitate meaningful academic discussions on rural development, livelihood opportunities, sustainability and inclusive economic growth.