Prof. Kaushik Basu, economics, has been appointed to the position of chief economic advisor by the Indian government, according to the University. Basu could begin his tenure as early as mid-December — taking a two-year leave of absence from the University while he is working for the Indian government.

As chief economic advisor in India’s Ministry of Finance, Basu, the C. Marks Professor of International Studies and the Donald C. Opatrny ’74 Chair of the Department of Economics, will attempt to manage the dichotomy of the Indian economy: according to the United States’ Central Intelligence Agency’s website, the south Asian country’s gross domestic product grew an average of more than seven percent in the decade since 1997, yet in 2007, 25 percent of the population still lived below the poverty line.

“India has been on a fast growth trajectory in recent years. But I believe it is possible to step this up even more with the right combination of policies, and it is also possible to ensure that the spoils of high growth are better distributed among the masses,” Basu stated in an e-mail.

According to the University, to alleviate the rampant poverty that has persisted in spite of the extraordinary economic growth, Basu has suggested investing in free health care, education and financial support for the poor.

Basu has no governmental experience — he will have to rely on his academic expertise to craft his economic policy.

“Of course, I am aware that there will be challenges in applying ideas from the world of academe to that of policy and politics; but if one is willing to use common sense and practical judgement, there can be huge gains from this and I am greatly looking forward to the experience,” Basu stated.

According to the University, Basu will have very little time to get his bearings working for government. Upon taking on his responsibilities, Basu will have to assemble India’s annual economics survey by February as well as help craft India’s budget for April 1.

In 2008, Basu received Padma Bhushan award, which is the third highest civilian honor given by the Indian government.