Aayan Saptarshi
Public Economics | Research & Policy | Data & Visualisation
About
Aayan Saptarshi is a curious and driven economics post-graduate with a deep interest in public policy and development. He is known for his eagerness to gain diverse experiences that blend academic learning with real-world impact, whether through policy research, grassroots engagement, or community service. Analytical by training yet empathetic in outlook, he thrives in environments where data, governance, and lived realities intersect. His proactive approach makes him keen to take on challenges that demand both intellectual rigour and practical problem-solving.
Aayan values collaboration and continuous learning, often seeking opportunities to broaden his perspective and refine his skills. Guided by a strong belief in evidence-based policymaking and inclusive growth, he is motivated by the possibility of translating economic insights into meaningful change for communities. Adaptable, resilient, and committed to personal as well as societal development, he aspires to build a career that aligns professional expertise with larger social purpose.
Highlights
His high-point in learning cycle so far has been Internship with Invest UP (http://invest.up.gov.in). He assisted the core professionals team of investment and industrial promotion policy, 2022 at Invest UP. His central mandate has been analysis of FDI trends, sectoral distribution vis-à-vis domestic investments taking place in the State. He underlined through his approach notes and presentations over policy bottlenecks to link economic strategy with inclusive growth and potential policy churn given agile industrial development processes. Within the domain of Industrial and Infrastructure Development in Uttar Pradesh, he induced a sense of critical assessment of policy positions, especially equating investment incentives with employment and growth in all regions of the State.
His best chance in learning about & contributing to public policy advanced with his next assignment in Zero Poverty Abhiyan, Uttar Pradesh, a significant reciprocal affirmative measure by the State Government to eliminate extreme poverty in a time-bound manner and thereby, enable accurate measurement of economic growth a viable governing position. As an associate: program analysis & policy research, he worked with the firm that anchored Zero Poverty Abhiyan at the Office of Chief Secretary of GoUP and conceptualised from the framework of the implementation to anchoring an ecosystem that entailed key governing instruments such as Family id and CM helpline.
His third significant engagement in public policy matters was with a short 6-month CSR-led pilot initiative on Unorganised Workers on the Streets, instituted by GoUP. He assisted the office of the Chief Secretary, GoUP that facilitated the assignment in 19 municipal bodies of the State as a prelude to Zero Poverty in Urban areas (http://kamgaar.in). The assignment widened the scope of Government of India’s policy intent of organised welfare interventions in city-based transitory centres, namely Labour Addas/ Posts. The pilot recommended, besides targeted delivery of entitlements and host of social security provisions, guarantee (a) interface established with local industries, (b) analyse & identify skill gaps aligned with local industries and (c) conduct skilling programs supervised by local industries.
[1] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Zero_Poverty_Uttar_Pradesh_Campaign
Travel & Exposure
Within limited resources, he travelled extensively by road to India’s different parts. Travelling by roads to large and remote tracks of India not only enriched him by experience, grow by confidence; but also exposed him various micro-social, economic and cultural realities of the diverse country. This, when he studied his school subjects like Economics, added out-of-the-book flavours in terms of illustrations and enhanced interest. Quality of project works changed for better and appreciation received from teachers. These travels made him a better student.
He understands preparatory demands of travelling in long tours. Nuanced planning of each day, readiness to contingencies and being skilled to deal with such and keeping oneself less-liable are lessons emerged from these travels. If an opportunity comes to study abroad, these travel experiences would immensely aid his preparations.