The West Bengal government has recently enlisted Nobel laureate Abhijit Banerjee in an effort to raise awareness about COVID-19. Banerjee, alongside his wife and fellow economist Esther Duflo, have accepted the call to action. Their primary task is to assist the West Bengal government in its attempt to educate the public and disperse vital knowledge concerning the ongoing pandemic.
Background: Who are Abhijit Banerjee and Esther Duflo?
Abhijit Banerjee and Esther Duflo are renowned figures in the field of economics. In 2019, they were recipients of the prestigious Nobel Prize in Economics, an honor they shared with Michael Kremer. They were recognized for their distinctive and innovative experiment-based approach in efforts to alleviate global poverty.
Their research methodology, derived from the concept of clinical trials commonly used in the pharmaceuticals industry, was recognized for significantly transforming development economics into a thriving research field. This evidence-based approach involved applying theoretical concepts to real-world situations, undertaking randomized trials, and assessing the resulting outcomes. The main objective was to comprehend how different interventions can result in achieving desirable outcomes.
The Impact of Banerjee and Duflo’s Work
One of the most compelling instances of their work took place in Rajasthan. Although immunisation was provided free of charge, there was a significant lack of participation, particularly among women. In response, Banerjee and Duflo developed an incentive system whereby women who brought in their children to get vaccinated were rewarded with a free bag of pulses. The scheme saw significant success, and the immunization rate drastically increased throughout the region.
Beyond these localised successes, the couple’s research has had extensive impacts. Their studies and initiatives have led to widespread benefits, notably benefiting five million children in India through programs dedicated to remedial tutoring in schools. These programs have significantly contributed to improving education quality and access, further exemplifying the couple’s commitment to alleviating poverty and promoting development.
Nobel Laureates in the Fight Against COVID-19
Now, these two Nobel laureates are setting their sites on a new challenge: COVID-19. The West Bengal government has sought their expertise in spreading awareness of this global health crisis. Given their proven track record in applying innovative, research-based solutions to real-world challenges, their involvement represents a promising step in the fight to control the pandemic. As they embark on this task, they bring with them not just their expertise, but also a tireless commitment to public service and societal benefit.
The couple’s decision to assist the West Bengal government underscores their dedication to leverage their knowledge for the greater good, a characteristic that has been a defining feature of their careers. Their involvement in the government’s endeavours will likely bring about a much-needed boost in disseminating accurate and important information about the ongoing health crisis. Given their past successes, they are anticipated to bring a transformative approach to the present situation as well.