Research that
Informs, Impacts, and Transforms Public Policy

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Research that Informs, Impacts, and Transforms Public Policy

ABOUT US

The Policy Consensus Centre: Where Informed Research Drives Transformative Change

The Policy Consensus Centre (PCC) emerges with a distinct mission: to conduct impactful policy research and drive policy transformations. Our focus encompasses pivotal sectors crucial for India’s advancement, along with those that have been underexplored. In the intricate landscape of India, divergent opinions often hinder consensus-building for policymakers amidst diverse stakeholders.

PCC stands dedicated to comprehensive, evidence-driven research, promoting inclusivity and rigor. Our objective resides in cultivating accord among stakeholders through independent, data-centric analysis, a catalyst for meaningful policy shifts. In a climate where some research entities avoid unconventional subjects, PCC remains resolute in advocating thorough exploration across all sectors. Our belief underscores the necessity to scrutinize seemingly unconventional domains, an approach vital for identifying accurate risks and formulating sound policies.

PCC champions the synergy of economic rationale and empirical data, pivotal in fostering consensus and enabling effective policymaker engagement. In essence, PCC embodies a pioneering spirit committed to navigating uncharted territories, propelling well-informed policy decisions for India’s holistic growth

ABOUT US

The Policy Consensus Centre: Where Informed Research Drives Transformative Change

The Policy Consensus Centre (PCC) emerges with a distinct mission: to conduct impactful policy research and drive policy transformations. Our focus encompasses pivotal sectors crucial for India’s advancement, along with those that have been underexplored. In the intricate landscape of India, divergent opinions often hinder consensus-building for policymakers amidst diverse stakeholders.

PCC stands dedicated to comprehensive, evidence-driven research, promoting inclusivity and rigor. Our objective resides in cultivating accord among stakeholders through independent, data-centric analysis, a catalyst for meaningful policy shifts. In a climate where some research entities avoid unconventional subjects, PCC remains resolute in advocating thorough exploration across all sectors. Our belief underscores the necessity to scrutinize seemingly unconventional domains, an approach vital for identifying accurate risks and formulating sound policies.

PCC champions the synergy of economic rationale and empirical data, pivotal in fostering consensus and enabling effective policymaker engagement. In essence, PCC embodies a pioneering spirit committed to navigating uncharted territories, propelling well-informed policy decisions for India’s holistic growth

The Policy Consensus Centre (PCC) emerges with a distinct mission: to conduct impactful policy research and drive policy transformations. Our focus encompasses pivotal sectors crucial for India’s advancement, along with those that have been underexplored. In the intricate landscape of India, divergent opinions often hinder consensus-building for policymakers amidst diverse stakeholders.

PCC stands dedicated to comprehensive, evidence-driven research, promoting inclusivity and rigor. Our objective resides in cultivating accord among stakeholders through independent, data-centric analysis, a catalyst for meaningful policy shifts. In a climate where some research entities avoid unconventional subjects, PCC remains resolute in advocating thorough exploration across all sectors. Our belief underscores the necessity to scrutinize seemingly unconventional domains, an approach vital for identifying accurate risks and formulating sound policies.

PCC champions the synergy of economic rationale and empirical data, pivotal in fostering consensus and enabling effective policymaker engagement. In essence, PCC embodies a pioneering spirit committed to navigating uncharted territories, propelling well-informed policy decisions for India’s holistic growth

Our Impactful Sectors

Driving Policy Change in Crucial Areas for India’s Growth and Progress

Financial Sector

Retail and
e-Commerce

MSMEs

Environment, Social
& Governance (ESG)
Ease of Doing
Business (EoDB)

Digital Economy

Industry Analysis

Contemporary
Sectors

Financial Sector

Retail and
e-Commerce

MSMEs

Environment, Social
& Governance (ESG)
Ease of Doing
Business (EoDB)

Digital Economy

Industry Analysis

Contemporary
Sectors

Current Initiatives: Shaping Tomorrow's Policies Today

Fostering Informed Choices and Shaping India’s Future: PCC’s Multi-Faceted Ongoing Initiatives

Current Initiatives: Shaping Tomorrow's Policies Today

Fostering Informed Choices and Shaping India’s Future: PCC’s Multi-Faceted Ongoing Initiatives

Research Report on the Impact of Virtual Digital Assets on Macroeconomic and Financial Stability of India

The Indian government has largely overlooked the cryptocurrency sector, attributed to its rapid growth that outpaced policymakers’ understanding of its workings. The potential impact on India’s financial sector and real economy is still being gauged. To address this, the Policy Consensus Centre (PCC) plans to conduct research analyzing cryptocurrency’s effects on India’s macroeconomic and fiscal stability

Creating an Ecosystem Promoting Responsible Smoking Choices among Indian Consumers

Smoking tobacco, while not banned, has historically been considered a harmful product in India. Even though the tax incidence on tobacco products is as high as 53%, consumers are not allowed to access alternative smoke delivery products, making the transition to less harmful devices for de-addiction difficult. This study aims to make a case for creating an ecosystem that promotes responsible smoking choices for tobacco consumers in India.

Meet Our Management

Explore the profiles of our diverse and dedicated experts who drive informed policy research and positive change at the Policy Consensus Centre

Meet Our Accomplished Members

Explore the profiles of our diverse and dedicated experts who drive informed policy research and positive change at the Policy Consensus Centre

Ms. Nirupama Soundararajan
Co-Founder & Partner at the Policy Consensus Centre
nirupama@policyconsensuscentre.org

Ms. Soundararajan’s academic achievements include an MSc in Financial Economics and an MBA (Finance) from Cardiff University, UK, as well as a Post Graduate Diploma in Finance and Financial Law from the Centre for Financial and Management Studies (CeFiMS), University of London.

Arindam Goswami
Co-founder and Partner at Policy Consensus Centre
arindam@policyconsensuscentre.org

Arindam holds an MSc in Finance and Financial Law from SOAS, University of London. He also possesses a Masters in Business Economics, with a specialization in Econometric Techniques, from Guru Nanak Dev University (Amritsar)

T.S. Vishwanath
Co-Founder & Partner

He is a Founding Member, Past President, and Director General of the Public Affairs Forum of India (PAFI). Additionally, Mr. Vishwanath holds the position of Principal Advisor at ASL-Legal, a law firm specializing in trade policy matters since 2009.

Krishnan Ramalingam
Co-Founder & Partner

Operating within a diverse multicultural milieu, Mr. Krishnan has garnered substantial exposure in media management, crisis management, employee engagement programs, organizational integration planning and execution, CSR initiatives, and event management.

Anil Kumar
Director (Administration) at Policy Consensus Centre

Bringing over 25 years of invaluable experience across government agencies, think tanks, consultancies, and chambers of commerce. His roles have spanned the domains of administration, logistics, and office management, showcasing his proficiency in Management Information Systems (MIS) and event coordination

Nirupama Soundararajan
Co-Founder & Partner 
nirupama@policyconsensuscentre.org

Ms. Soundararajan’s academic achievements include an MSc in Financial Economics and an MBA (Finance) from Cardiff University, UK, as well as a Post Graduate Diploma in Finance and Financial Law from the Centre for Financial and Management Studies (CeFiMS), University of London.

Arindam Goswami
Co-founder and Partner 
arindam@policyconsensuscentre.org

Arindam holds an MSc in Finance and Financial Law from SOAS, University of London. He also possesses a Masters in Business Economics, with a specialization in Econometric Techniques, from Guru Nanak Dev University (Amritsar)

Anil Gupta
Director(Administration)
anil@policyconsensuscentre.org

Bringing over 25 years of invaluable experience across government agencies, think tanks, consultancies, and chambers of commerce. His roles have spanned the domains of administration, logistics, and office management, showcasing his proficiency in Management Information Systems (MIS) and event coordination

 

Ajit Paswan
Finance Comptroller 
accounts@policyconsensuscentre.org

Ajit Paswan is the Finance Comptroller at Policy Consensus Centre. Ajit has more than a decade long experience in compliance, book keeping, and, representation related to direct and indirect taxation.

Nirupama Soundararajan
Co-Founder & CEO 
nirupama@policyconsensuscentre.org

Nirupama Soundararajan is a Co-founder and the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) at the Policy Consensus Centre (PCC). Prior to setting up PCC in 2023, Nirupama was the CEO at Pahle India Foundation…

Arindam Goswami
Co-founderPartner 
arindam@policyconsensuscentre.org

Arindam Goswami is a Co-founder and Partner at the Policy Consensus Centre (PCC). He has over fifteen years of experience, majorly working in the area of policy research and advocacy…

Anil Gupta
Director (Administration & Events)
anil@policyconsensuscentre.org

Bringing over 25 years of invaluable experience across government agencies, think tanks, consultancies, and chambers of commerce. His roles have spanned the domains…

Ajit Paswan
Finance Comptroller 
accounts@policyconsensuscentre.org

Ajit Paswan is the Finance Comptroller at Policy Consensus Centre. Ajit has more than a decade long experience in compliance…

Nirupama Soundararajan
Co-Founder & CEO 
nirupama@policyconsensuscentre.org

Nirupama Soundararajan is a Co-founder and the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) at the Policy Consensus Centre (PCC). Prior to setting up PCC in 2023, Nirupama was the CEO at Pahle India Foundation. Before that, Nirupama was the Additional Director and Team Lead of ….

Arindam Goswami
Co-founder and Partner 
arindam@policyconsensuscentre.org

Arindam Goswami is a Co-founder and Partner at the Policy Consensus Centre (PCC). He has over fifteen years of experience, majorly working in the area of policy research and advocacy. Prior to setting up PCC in 2023, Arindam was a senior researcher with ….

Anil Gupta
Director (Administration & Events)
anil@policyconsensuscentre.org

Bringing over 25 years of invaluable experience across government agencies, think tanks, consultancies, and chambers of commerce. His roles have spanned the domains of administration, logistics, and office management, showcasing his proficiency in Management Information Systems (MIS) and event coordination

Ajit Paswan
Finance Comptroller 
accounts@policyconsensuscentre.org

Ajit Paswan is the Finance Comptroller at Policy Consensus Centre. Ajit has more than a decade long experience in compliance, book keeping, and, representation related to direct and indirect taxation….

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Name

Nirupama Soundararajan

Co-Founder & CEO

nirupama@policyconsensuscentre.org

nirupama@policyconsen
suscentre.org

Nirupama Soundararajan is a Co-founder and the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) at the Policy Consensus Centre (PCC). Prior to setting up PCC in 2023, Nirupama was the CEO at Pahle India Foundation. Before that, Nirupama was the Additional Director and Team Lead of the Financial Sector at the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI), where she was the lead author of the landmark report titled “Why India Needs a Gold Policy” that suggested major reforms in the business of gold in India. Prior to FICCI, she had worked as Assistant General Manager – Economist in the Department of Strategy and Economic Intelligence with Bank of India Head Office in Mumbai. In the past Nirupama had also worked with ICRIER where she worked extensively on impact of organised retail on farmers. She had also worked with Standard Chartered Bank.

With more than two decades of experience in research and policy advocacy, Nirupama has worked on several research reports in various sectors including financial sector, different formats of retail and e-commerce, gems and jewellery, ease of doing business, defence economics, and, digital technology. She has published numerous opinion editorials and articles in leading newspapers, magazines, and online journals. In 2009, Nirupama co-authored she co-authored the book “Retail In India” (July 2009) published by Academic Foundation. Nirupama is frequently invited by prime news networks to comment on economy and on sectoral policy issues.

Nirupama has been part of several high-profile discussions and crucial government committees. She was part of the Working Group on Gold Issues under the sub-committee of FSDC Chairmanship of Secretary, Department of Economic Affairs, Ministry of Finance in 2017. Nirupama also headed the Sub Group on Regulatory Framework for Gold under the Committee to Transform India’s Gold Market has been constituted under the chairmanship of Shri Ratan P. Watal, Principal Adviser, NITI Aayog in 2018. She also contributed to the Expert Committee on Integration of Commodity Spot and Derivatives Markets formed by the Department of Economic Affairs (MoF), under the Chairmanship of Prof Ramesh Chand, Member – NITI Aayog in 2018. She is currently a part of the Gems and Jewellery Task Force at Indian Chamber of Commerce.

Nirupama is a macroeconomist by training and her academic achievements include an MSc in Financial Economics and an MBA (Finance) from Cardiff University, UK, as well as a Post Graduate Diploma in Finance and Financial Law from the Centre for Financial and Management Studies (CeFiMS), University of London.

Nirupama is an animal lover and volunteers at Blue Cross India as an animal rescuer and para vet. She also loves to read and is a bibliophile. 

Arindam Goswami

Co-founder and Partner

arindam@policyconsensuscentre.org

arindam@policyconsen
suscentre.org

Arindam Goswami is a Co-founder and Partner at the Policy Consensus Centre (PCC). He has over fifteen years of experience, majorly working in the area of policy research and advocacy. Prior to setting up PCC in 2023, Arindam was a senior researcher with Pahle India Foundation working as a Senior Fellow. Before that, he had worked as a Research Associate at the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI), where he co-authored, the landmark report titled “Why India Needs a Gold Policy” (2014), which suggested major reforms in the business of gold in India. Arindam had earlier worked as a Research Analyst with CIANS Analytics and as an Operations Manager with HDFC Bank Ltd.

As a researcher and a public policy professional, Arindam has more than twenty research reports and white papers spanning across different sectors to his credit. His areas of work include BFSI, domestic trade, sustainable financing and ESG, digital trade and economy, gems and jewellery, e-commerce, direct selling, tourism, and, Indo-Vietnam bilateral trade. He has several opinion pieces and research articles to his credits which had been published in numerous leading newspapers, magazines and online portals.

Arindam has been part of several high-profile industry discussions and crucial government committees in past. He has contributed and was part of the Working Group on Gold Issues under the sub-committee of FSDC Chairmanship of Secretary, Department of Economic Affairs, Ministry of Finance in 2017. Arindam was also contributing member in the Sub Group on Regulatory Framework for Gold and the Sub Group on Current Industry Profile, Market Segmentation and Estimating Trends for Gold Market under the Committee to Transform India’s Gold Market has been constituted under the chairmanship of Shri Ratan P. Watal, Principal Adviser, NITI Aayog in 2018. He also contributed to the Expert Committee on Integration of Commodity Spot and Derivatives Markets formed by the Department of Economic Affairs (MoF), under the Chairmanship of Prof Ramesh Chand, Member – NITI Aayog in 2018. In October 2018, Arindam was invited by the State Government of Tripura as an expert on tourism and agriculture processing to present his views at the 1st meeting of NITI Forum (Chintan Shibir), jointly organised by the NITI Aayog and Government of Tripura. He was further invited in the 2nd meeting of the NITI Forum by the Government of Assam to present his views on promoting tourism in the State of Assam in December 2018. Following this, he has also created a draft tourism policy for the Department of Tourism on the request of Government of Arunachal Pradesh in 2019.

Arindam has a background in statistical economics and holds a degree of Master of Business Economics with a major in Econometric Techniques from Guru Nanak Dev University, Amritsar. He also obtained an MSc in Finance and Financial Law from the School of Oriental and African Studies under University of London.

Arindam has an interest in linguistics, reading and travelling. 

Anil Gupta

Director (Administration & Events)

anil@policyconsensuscentre.org

anil@policyconsen
suscentre.org

Anil Kumar is the Director (Administrations and Events) at Policy Consensus Centre. Anil brings over 25 years of invaluable work experience across government agencies, think tanks, consultancies, and chambers of commerce. He has worked with premiere organisations such as the Agricultural Economics Research Association, National Centre for Agricultural Economics and Policy Research, ICRIER and FICCI. Prior to joining Policy Consensus Centre, he was working as the Manager (Administration) at Pahle India Foundation, handling different verticals of administration department.

At Policy Consensus Centre, Anil works across several domains including human resource, event coordination, and office management. He is proficient in Management Information Systems (MIS) and handling different Database Management Systems (DBMS). He is adept at conceptualising, formatting and designing research reports, presentations and event banners.

Anil holds a bachelor’s degree from Delhi University. He has also completed several certifications courses including Certificate in Fundamental Courses (Windows 95, MS Word, MS Excel, MS Access & MS Power point) from NIIT, Certificate in MS Access 2000, Photoshop, Corel Draw, InDesign among others.

Anil likes technology and has a knack for online designing tools. He loves travelling and listening to music. 

Ajit Paswan

Finance Comptroller

accounts@policyconsensuscentre.org

accounts@policyconsen
suscentre.org

Ajit Paswan is the Finance Comptroller at Policy Consensus Centre. Ajit has more than a decade long experience in compliance, book keeping, and, representation related to direct and indirect taxation.

Ajit is a Senior Tax Associate with M/s. KAMB & Co. Chartered Accountants. In the past, he had worked with M/s. KR & Co. Chartered Accountants and M/s. Integrated Capital Services Private Limited. Ajit has experience handling clients in various sectors including engineering, food and beverage, real estate, manufacturing, trading, steel, civil construction, travel and tourism among others.

Ajit holds a BCom degree from the University of Delhi.

Ajit is an avid cricket player and is the captain of his office cricket team.