Contributor : Profile

Shobha Ahuja is presently a consultant of economic policy and research. Her main job profile consists of writing position papers and notes on various aspects of economic policy. She is also involved in the analysis of contemporary developments which have implications on the economy. Her previous working assignment was as Director, Economic Policy and Research Division, Confederation of Indian Industry (CII). Her job involved writing analytical papers on economic policy issues of concern to members. The preparation of the policy section of the pre-budget memorandum has also been a part of this exercise. She has written position papers containing Chamber’s views on specific areas of the economy and industry. Besides, she prepared comments on the current economic indicators released by the government, for example, GDP, industrial production, inflation, fiscal and monetary policy among others, which have been released to the press from time to time to articulate the views of the Chamber. 

Prior to her job with CII, she worked as Senior Economist in the PHD Chamber of Commerce and Industry. Her job profile involved undertaking studies and surveys and preparing position papers in areas of interest to economy and industry including the SME (small and medium enterprise) sector. Such studies help in formulating opinion on various policy and procedural issues which can then be taken up with the government, at the Centre and the state levels. She was also involved in conceptualisation, detailed planning and execution of seminars, conferences and awareness programmes and works towards strengthening the presence of the Chamber in the media.

Earlier, she has worked at ASSOCHAM (Associated Chambers of Commerce and Industry of India) where she looked after areas such as foreign trade, banking, labour policy, productivity, and education among others. Her first job was at NCAER (National Council of Applied Academic Research) where she worked on a project on plastic and its substitutes.

Ms. Ahuja is a prolific writer having over 50 publications to her credit in leading newspapers and journals. She has given guest lectures at leading management institutes on issues of contemporary relevance in areas of economy and industry and participated in training programmes abroad. 

Ms Ahuja is a post graduate in economics from the University of London.