2nd Annual Public Policy and Law Conference 2026 - Shaping Viksit Bharat @2047: Transformative Policies, Laws and Governance

The motto of IIT Kharagpur is "योगः कर्मसु कौशलम्". This literally translates to "Excellence in action is Yoga", essentially implying that doing your work well is true yoga. This can be traced to Sri Krishna's discourse with Arjuna in the Bhagavad Gita. The quote, in the larger context of the Gita, urges man to acquire equanimity because a mind of equanimity allows a man to shed distracting thoughts of the effects of his deeds and concentrate on the task before him. Equanimity is the source of perfection in Karmic endeavours that leads to Salvation. The Institute started its journey in 1951. It presently offers multidisciplinary research and education. It has schools/departments/centres in various fields beyond technology. It is one of India's prestigious academic establishments. It is recognized as an Institute of National Importance and was awarded the status of Institute of Eminence.

The Centre of Excellence in Public Policy Law and Governance is a unique initiative undertaken by the prestigious Indian Institute of Technology Kharagpur, with an end goal of contributing to the ever-expanding landscape of Public Policy in contemporary India. The Centre of Excellence currently offers a Masters program in Public Policy Law and Governance which is an outstanding amalgamation of legal and governance studies blended with public policy.

Governance reforms in shaping India's journey toward inclusive, sustainable, and equitable development by the centenary of Independence. Anchored in the vision of Viksit Bharat @2047, it foregrounds the evolving relationship between public policy, legal frameworks, innovation, and societal change in addressing complex contemporary and future challenges. The deliberations emphasize the strengthening of democratic institutions, protection of rights, and promotion of accountable governance, while engaging with structural and institutional capacities across multiple levels of governance.

Central to the discussions are questions of equity, social inclusion, and economic resilience in the pursuit of balanced growth. The conference also engages with transformations driven by technological advancement, changing patterns of work, and innovation-led development. Attention is further directed toward human development outcomes, responsible use of digital technologies, and sustainable approaches to urbanization and resource management. Through interdisciplinary scholarship and policy-oriented dialogue, the conference seeks to reimagine governance frameworks that are transparent, adaptive, and future-oriented, contributing to a resilient and empowered India by 2047.

• Keynote Sessions
• Panel Discussions
• Research Paper Presentation
• Workshops

• Democracy, Rights, and Responsible Governance
• Federalism, Multilevel Governance, and State Capacity
• Social Justice, Equality, and Inclusive Governance
• Economic, Fiscal, and Financial Governance for Inclusive Growth
• Industrial Development, Innovation, and Future of Work
• Human Development, Migration and Social Sector Governance
• Digital, Data, and AI Governance
• Climate, Urban, and Sustainable Resource Governance

We warmly invite submissions of original research papers, case studies, policy briefs, thought pieces etc. that align with, but not limited to the above sub-themes. Selected papers will be allowed for presentation at the conference.

• All submissions should be in Word format.
• Name the file with the corresponding author's last name and the type of submission, e.g., "Smith_ResearchPaper.docx".
• Full names, affiliations, and contact details of corresponding author and co-authors.
• Submissions with more than three authors will not be considered.

Abstract

• Length: 300 words (max.)
• Content must clearly outline the research problem, objectives, methodology, and key findings.
• Keywords that describe the submission.
• Declaration: "I/We confirm that the submitted manuscript is my/our original work and has not been previously published or under consideration for publication elsewhere, either in part or in full."

Registration ends on 20th July 2026

• Co-authors if attending the conference, separate registration applicable.
• Awards for Best Paper & Best Policy Briefs.
• Fee once paid is non-refundable.
• Registration Fee Excludes: Accommodation, Travel & Fooding.

• Aharna Maiti
• Shrishti Agrawal
• Vijeta Kacchap
• Soumitra Sarkar
• Pragnya Prachurya Acharya
• Satyam Prakash
• Shray Kumar Sharma