Name of the Scholar: Mr. Ishfaq Ahmad                                                                                                                                                                                         

Name of the Supervisor: Dr. Rahul Kundal

Date of Joining: 12-01-2026

Scholar’s Official Email: ishfaq.ecscholar@kashmiruniversity.net

Tentative Title of PhD: Measurement of Multidimensional Poverty in Rural Areas of Kashmir: A Capability Approach based Study.

Abstract: This study examines multidimensional poverty in rural Kashmir through the Capability Approach. Unlike traditional income-based measures, the Multidimensional Poverty Index (MPI) captures deprivations across Health, Education, and Living Standards. Using the Alkire-Foster Method, the study estimates MPI as the product of the Headcount Ratio (H) and Intensity of Poverty (A). It follows the National MPI framework developed by NITI Aayog, which extends the Global MPI by including Maternal Health and Bank Accounts as indicators. The research focuses on rural blocks of Kashmir within the Aspirational Block Development Programme, aimed at improving conditions in the region’s most backward areas.

Workshop Attended: One-Week online course on ‘Statistical tools and Analysis in Research using SPSS’ jointly organised by the Integrated Research and Development Foundation, Chandigarh and the Chandigarh University, Mohali from 23-02-2026 to 01-03-2026.

Conferences and Lectures Attended:

1. Bombay Stock Exchange sponsored Lead Lecture on “Indian Capital Market and Wealth Management” organized by Department of Economics, University of Kashmir on 22-08-2022.

2. Prof  B. D. Sharma Memorial Lecture on “Education and Economic Prosperity-Lessons from the Past and What it means for our Future’’ organized by Department of Economics, University of Kashmir on 09-03-2023.

3. Panel Discussion on “Employment and Growth for All: Challenges and Opportunities’’ organized by Department of Economics, University of Kashmir on 25-05-2023.

4. 4TH Annual Conference of Indian Economics and Allied Sciences Association organized by Department of Economics, University of Kashmir in collaboration with IEASA from 27-10-2023 to 29-10-2023.