Bareilly: Mahatma Jyotiba Phule Rohilkhand University recorded a significant academic milestone as two Nepali research scholars, Giriraj Kadayat and Govind Raj Upadhyay, successfully completed their PhD viva voce examinations on the same day in the Department of Regional Economics.
Their research focuses on contemporary issues concerning Nepal’s economy, tourism development, environmental conservation and sustainable development, highlighting the university’s international academic engagement and research collaboration with neighbouring countries.
Giriraj Kadayat’s research on tourism and economic growth
Kadayat’s doctoral thesis, titled “Economic Growth and Tourism in Nepal: A Macroeconomic Level Study,” examines the relationship between tourism and economic growth in Nepal. The research explores tourism’s contribution to employment generation, foreign exchange earnings, local livelihoods and wider economic activity.
The findings could contribute to policy discussions on tourism infrastructure, regional development, employment opportunities and sustainable tourism. The research was completed under the supervision of Dr Bhola Khan, Head of the Department of Regional Economics.
Govind Raj Upadhyay’s study on wetland conservation
Upadhyay’s thesis, titled “Estimating People’s Willingness to Pay for Conservation of Ghodaghodi Lake Wetland in Nepal,” focuses on the economic valuation of natural resources and public participation in environmental conservation.
The study assesses people’s willingness to contribute financially towards conserving Nepal’s Ghodaghodi Lake Wetland, an ecologically significant area known for its biodiversity. The research could help inform environmental policy, community participation and sustainable tourism planning.
The thesis was completed under the supervision of Professor Dr Ashutosh Priya.
Faculty members, research scholars and students attended the viva voce examinations held at the university’s Department of Regional Economics and Economics auditorium.
Vice-Chancellor Prof. Anil Kumar Rai congratulated both scholars and the supervising faculty, observing that such research would further strengthen academic ties between India and Nepal.
The two studies address different aspects of development but share a common focus on balancing economic progress with the responsible use of natural resources. Their successful completion highlights the department’s contribution to research in regional economics, environmental economics and sustainable development, while underscoring opportunities for greater academic cooperation between the two countries.
