Prof.Dr. Arjun Kumar Baral, Executive Director of CEDA participated as an International Guest in the International Seminar on “GST Reforms and Their Socio-Economic Implications in Indian Economy: Issues, Challenges and Perspectives,” organized by the Department of Economics, University of Allahabad, on 9–10 October 2026.

The seminar provided a valuable academic platform for examining the evolution of the Goods and Services Tax (GST) in India and its wider implications for economic growth, fiscal federalism, revenue mobilization, business formalization, social equity, and inclusive development. The deliberations reflected the importance of assessing tax reforms not merely in terms of revenue performance and administrative efficiency, but also in terms of their implications for businesses, households, states, and society at large. It was a great honor to deliver addresses in both the inaugural and plenary sessions by Executive Director. The opportunity to share his perspectives as an economist from Nepal and to engage with distinguished professors, former vice-chancellors, and other eminent scholars made the experience particularly enriching. The scholarly presentations and discussions demonstrated the importance of evidence-based research, interdisciplinary dialogue, and constructive engagement between academic institutions and policymakers