Economist & Advocate for Social Equity

Academic Background

Ashwini Deshpande earned her bachelor’s degree in Economics (1985, Hindu College, University of Delhi), followed by a master’s (1987) and Ph.D. (1994) from the Delhi School of Economics. Her doctoral work focused on international debt crises in developing economies.

After a post-doctoral fellowship at the University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill (1998–2000), she served in various academic roles, lecturer, reader, and professor before joining Ashoka University as Professor of Economics and Founding Director of the Centre for Economic Data and Analysis (CEDA).

Research Focus & Contributions

Deshpande has built an influential research portfolio exploring the intersections of caste, gender, and socioeconomic inequality in India. Her work also examines poverty, labour markets, regional disparities, and social identity. She authored notable books such as The Grammar of Caste: Economic Discrimination in Contemporary India (2011) and Affirmative Action in India (2013), which analyze systemic discrimination and advocate for equitable policies.

Awards & Recognition

EXIM Bank Award (1994) for outstanding dissertation in international trade and related issues.

VKRV Rao Award (2007), awarded to Indian economists under 45 for original and impactful contributions to economics.

Multiple international grants and fellowships including support from the European Commission, the Economic and Social Research Council (UK), and the Wellcome Trust — funding research on social inequality, labour markets, health, and development.

In 2020, she was a member of the social sciences jury for the Infosys Prize, recognizing her stature in the academic community.

Impact & Advocacy

Through rigorous empirical research, Deshpande has illuminated how deep-rooted caste and gender biases influence economic outcomes in India. Her work has aided policymakers, scholars, and social activists in framing debates on social justice, equality, and affirmative action.

As director of CEDA at Ashoka University, she leads initiatives to make economic and social data publicly accessible, encouraging evidence-based public discourse. Her scholarly voice continues to shape national and global conversations on inequality, social mobility, and inclusive development.

Notable Works

The Grammar of Caste: Economic Discrimination in Contemporary India

Affirmative Action in India (Oxford India Short Introductions)

Numerous academic papers on caste, gender, labour markets, inequality, and development economics widely cited and influential internationally.