The Department of Public Administration in collaboration with IIPA Regional Branch, Punjab & Chandigarh (UT) organized a Panel Discussion on “Brexit and Its Implications for the U.K. and Rest of the World” on July 11, 2016 (Monday) at 11.00 a.m. in the Department of Public Administration, Arts Block 3, First Floor, Panjab University Chandigarh. Prof. B.S. Ghuman Department of Public Administration, Panjab University, Chandigarh introduced the theme and welcome the panelists. Dr. Stephen Thornton, Senior Lecturer, Department of Politics and International Relations, Cardiff University, Wales, U.K discussed at length the voting behavior of British nationals across geography, gender, age and economic class. England (minus London) and Wales voted strongly for Brexit. Scotland and Northern Ireland backed staying in the E.U. Young people as compared to old favoured to remain with E.U. The industrial workers were broadly in favour of exit. He discussed the role of national and international leaders in the referendum. According to him fear of glut of immigrants, loss in jobs and stagnating economy of the U.K. were the major reasons for Brexit. While discussing the consequences of Brexit he said that it could lead to new relationships with EU, new innovations in domestic policies and possible break-up of the U.K. and changes in its political system. Professor Pramod Kumar, Director, Institute for Development and Communication, Chandigarh emphasized that Brexit has major consequences for the process of globalization narrowing the definition of sovereignty and democracy. He referred to Brexit as crises of post capitalism surfacing and resurfacing in different forms. He highlighted that the present phase of globalization is more about GDP rather than focusing on citizen well being and reducing inequalities. Professor B.S. Ghuman, discussed at length the impact of Brexit on India. According to him uncertainty is looming large after Brexit in the U.K. India may gain as a destination of FDI from the U.K. but vice-versa is not valid as Indian firms would be reluctant to invest in the U.K. The Indian Diaspora may also suffer on account of deceleration in the economy and jobs. Tourism may get temporary fillip in the short run. The number of Indian students likely to come down during post Brexit period mainly due to stricter visa work permit and immigration policies. Sh. I.S. Chadha, I.F.S. (Retd) and former Ambassador while discussing the impact of Brexit on the process of globalization voiced his concerns with the way globalization is being carried out leaving much to be desired. He, therefore, vouched for addressing those concerns rather than reversing the process of globalization. A large number of IIPA members, faculty members, research scholars and students from various disciplines from Department of Public Administration, Prof. Shelly Walia from Dept. of English and Cultural Studies and Prof. Santosh Gupta, attended the Panel Discussion The Panel Discussion was followed by number of questions raised by Mr. Mohammad Sohail, Mr. Sandeep Kumar. Dr. Bharati Garg and other participants, which were ably answered by the panelists. Shri B.S. Ojha IAS (Retd.) Chairman of the Regional Branch in his presidential remarks concluded that Britain has lost the opportunity by deciding to exit E.U. and now it will have to bear the consequences of its exit including on its economy. Prof. Ramanjit K. Johal proposed a vote of thanks. | 
