Ph.D. In Economics

The Centre for Research in Economics at Baselius College, Kottayam is committed to promote high-quality research in Applied Economics that addresses contemporary socio-economic challenges. The Centre focuses on generating policy-relevant insights through empirical and interdisciplinary studies. Its major thrust areas include Agricultural Economics, Economics of Skill Development, Health Economics, and Labour Economics, with special reference to the economics of migration. Through research projects, academic collaborations, and field-based studies, the Centre aims to contribute to evidence-based policymaking and regional development. By encouraging faculty and student research, the Centre seeks to deepen understanding of economic issues affecting Kerala and the wider Indian economy.

Research Guides

Dr. Raju John (Assistant Professor)

Areas of Research expertise

  • Development Economics with special focus on regional development.
  • Agricultural Economics and issues related to rural livelihoods.
  • Labour Economics and employment patterns in India.
  • Economics of Migration, especially migration trends in Kerala.
  • Skill Development and human capital formation.
  • Poverty and inequality in developing economies.
  • Public Policy and socio-economic welfare programmes.
  • Indian Economic Development and structural transformation.
  • Kerala Economy and its sectoral changes.
  • Institutional Economics and the role of institutions in development.
  • Economic planning and policy evaluation.
  • Socio-economic issues affecting rural communities.
  • Applied Economic research using empirical methods.
  • Community development and extension studies.
  • Teaching and research in core areas of Economics.

Email. [email protected]
Number of Seats Available: 2
Presently Supervised: 2

Dr. Thara Thomas (Assistant Professor)

Areas of Research expertise

  • Health Economics with emphasis on healthcare expenditure and public health issues.
  • Economics of ageing and economic conditions of the elderly.
  • Development Economics and socio-economic development studies.
  • Public Economics and government policy analysis.
  • Agricultural and rural development issues.
  • Welfare economics and social sector policies.
  • Gender and development studies.
  • Human development and quality of life indicators.
  • Poverty and inequality analysis.
  • Economic evaluation of government welfare programmes.
  • Socio-economic surveys and field-based empirical research.
  • Research methodology in economics and quantitative analysis.
  • Financial inclusion and economic participation.
  • Kerala economy and regional development issues.
  • Community-oriented development and social welfare initiatives.

Email: [email protected]
Number of Seats Available: 2
Presently Supervised : 2

Research Scholars in the Centre

  • Bijina Chandran (Full Time)
    Guide – Dr. Raju John
    U.O No: 367/ACA10/2024/MGU Dated 12.01.24

  • Diya Frankson (Full Time)
    Guide – Dr. Raju John
    U.O No: 367/ACA10/2024/MGU Dated 12.01.24

  • Smitha Clary Joseph (part time)
    Guide: Dr. Thara Thomas
    U.O No: 367/ACA10/2024/MGU Dated 12.01.24

  • Baisil A (part time)
    Guide: Dr. Thara Thomas
    U.O No: 338/ACA10/2025/MGU Dated 9.04.25

Research Output

Chandran, Bijina and John, R (2025) A Study On Assessing Job Placement Trends Among Women Beneficiaries of Ddu-Gky with Special Reference to Ernakulam District, Kerala, in Thomas etal (ed.s) Unlocking Economic Potential In 21st Century: Harnessing Demographic Dividend In India, proceedings of National Seminar organised by Department of Economics, BK College Amalagiri, ISBN-978-81-981661-4-2

Frankson, Diya and John, R (2025) Gender Inclusion and Empowerment through PMKVY: Analyzing the Impact on Women’s Skill Development in Kerala, in Thomas etal (ed.s) Unlocking Economic Potential In 21st Century: Harnessing Demographic Dividend In India proceedings of National Seminar organised by Department of Economics, BK College Amalagiri, ISBN-978-81-981661-4-2

Programmes