Dr. Rameez Raja: Senior Research Fellow at Aligarh Muslim University, India
Rameez Raja is a doctoral candidate in Economics at Aligarh Muslim University (AMU), India, where he focuses on the intersections of Financial Economics, Gender Economics, and Development Economics. His research is centered around exploring the financial inclusion of marginalized communities, particularly transgender individuals in Delhi-NCR. He examines the socio-economic barriers these communities face in accessing financial services and aims to propose solutions that foster greater inclusivity. Through his academic and research pursuits, Rameez strives to bring critical attention to the economic empowerment of transgender people in India, contributing to policy discussions aimed at inclusive financial systems.
Online Profiles
Rameez is actively involved in the academic community, maintaining profiles on platforms like ResearchGate and Google Scholar, where his research on financial inclusion, gender economics, and marginalized groups is widely recognized. His online presence serves as a platform for engaging with fellow researchers and sharing his work on various socio-economic issues. Through his contributions, he fosters dialogue on the practical applications of his research, particularly on how financial inclusion can transform the lives of transgender individuals in India. His involvement in online academic forums has enabled him to collaborate with scholars worldwide and stay abreast of global research trends.
Education
Rameez holds a Master’s degree in Economics (M.A.) from Aligarh Muslim University (2019), where he earned a CGPA of 7.10, and a Bachelor’s degree in Economics (B.A.) from the same institution, with an aggregate percentage of 65.85%. Currently, he is pursuing his Ph.D. in Economics at AMU, where his research focuses on the financial inclusion of the transgender community in the Delhi-NCR region. His academic background and dedication to addressing gender-based economic disparities have shaped his research interests, setting the stage for his groundbreaking work in this niche area of economics.
Research Focus
Rameez’s research interest lies at the confluence of Financial Economics, Gender Economics, and Development Economics, with a particular focus on the financial inclusion of transgender individuals in urban India. He investigates the structural, institutional, and socio-cultural factors that prevent the transgender community from accessing financial services. His work also delves into how financial inclusion can contribute to the broader social empowerment of transgender people, examining the role of government policies and financial institutions in promoting inclusive economic practices. Through his research, Rameez aims to provide actionable insights that inform policies aimed at closing the economic gap for transgender individuals in India.
Experience
Rameez has accumulated substantial teaching experience as a Teaching Assistant at the Department of Economics, AMU, where he supports both undergraduate and postgraduate students. He has also worked as a Teaching Assistant at AMU’s Women’s College, contributing to courses in economics. This teaching experience has not only honed his academic skills but has also deepened his understanding of how economic theory can be applied to real-world issues, such as the challenges faced by marginalized groups. His role as a Teaching Assistant has allowed him to engage with diverse student populations and build a foundation for his career as an educator and researcher.
Research Timeline & Activities
Rameez began his research journey in 2017, initially exploring topics related to Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) and agricultural development in India. His current focus on the financial inclusion of transgender individuals began in 2022, and he has since published several papers on the topic. His research timeline has seen significant contributions to the academic literature, with multiple publications in highly regarded journals such as Sexuality, Gender & Policy and Social Sciences & Humanities. Rameez continues to refine his research, with several upcoming publications under review. Additionally, he actively participates in conferences and symposiums, presenting his work and engaging with scholars and policymakers on issues of gender, economics, and financial inclusion.
Awards & Honors
Rameez has earned recognition for his academic excellence and research contributions. Notably, he qualified for the UGC-JRF (Junior Research Fellowship) Exam in Economics in 2022, a prestigious achievement that highlights his research potential. He also qualified for the UGC-NET (National Eligibility Test) in Economics in 2019. These honors affirm his academic rigor and position him as a promising researcher in the field of economics, particularly in gender-focused economic research. His commitment to contributing to the academic community is reflected in his consistent pursuit of excellence in both research and teaching.
Top Recent Publication
One of Rameez’s most significant recent publications is “Beyond Binaries: Determinants and Impediments of Financial Inclusion Among Transgender Individuals in Delhi-NCR, India”, published in Social Sciences & Humanities by Elsevier in 2025. This paper investigates the key barriers faced by transgender individuals in accessing financial services in urban India. It examines both the systemic and social obstacles that hinder their economic integration and explores potential solutions to foster financial inclusion. The publication has been well-received in academic circles for its novel approach to financial inclusion and its potential to influence both policy and practice in India. This research has already been cited by scholars in the field and is expected to have a long-lasting impact on studies of financial inclusion and gender economics.
1. Economic Duality and Transgender Inclusion in Urban India: Evidence from Delhi-NCR
Published in Sexuality Research and Social Policy
Date: August 15, 2025
DOI: 10.1007/s13178-025-01180-x
Contributors: Rameez Raja, Mohd Azam Khan
This paper explores the concept of economic duality and its effect on the transgender community in urban India, specifically in the Delhi-NCR region. It delves into the socio-economic disparities that contribute to the exclusion of transgender individuals from mainstream financial systems. By analyzing the barriers to economic participation, the paper provides insights into how inclusive policies can help bridge the gap between marginalized groups and the broader economy.
2. Unveiling the Pandemic’s Shadow: A Ground Report on COVID-19 Impact on the Transgender Community in India
Published in Sexuality, Gender, and Policy
Date: December 19, 2024
DOI: 10.1002/sgp2.12118
Contributors: Rameez Raja
This research provides a detailed report on the socio-economic consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic on the transgender community in India. Through qualitative and quantitative data, the study uncovers how the pandemic exacerbated existing vulnerabilities, including economic instability, health inequalities, and social stigma. Rameez Raja was involved in every stage of this project, from conceptualization to data analysis, contributing to its comprehensive approach. The findings highlight the urgent need for targeted recovery policies for marginalized groups during global crises.