Aiming to better address India’s diverse energy and environment needs, a delegation of Members of Parliament (MPs) from India visited the University of Chicago in October this year. Jointly hosted by the Energy Policy Institute at the University of Chicago (EPIC), the Tata Centre for Development at UChicago (TCD), and the Becker Friedman Institute for Economics (BFI), the visit facilitated capacity-building in the areas of monitoring and evaluating air and water pollution, and other topics in development economics and health sciences.

Reflecting on the visit, Dr. Narendra Damodar Jadhav said, “On a whole range of issues such as pollution, water management, electricity, power etc., I got to know about the state of art research that is going on in the University of Chicago. Since this has been given to us with a policy orientation, it will shape and influence my thinking on the subject when it comes to its application in the Indian context.”

Talking about the meetings, Konda Vishweshwar Reddy added, “While researchers presented their data, we could introspect and see how it applies to us back home and I think that was the most enriching part of the trip.”

Ken Lee, Executive Director of EPIC India, who accompanied the MPs to the United States said, “This is our second year organizing the Legislators Engagement Program. We see great value in working closely with Indian policymakers. These interactions not only expose us to ground realities and perspectives from different parts of the country but also shape our understanding of policymaking in India.”