Three priorities for the govt

While many areas compete for resources, defence, education, and adaptation deserve focus for maximum impact

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As I interact more with policymakers, it appears the question they are grappling with is not what to do, or even how to do it, but what to prioritise. I argue that defence, education, and adaptation should be the key expenditure priorities, with greater focus on deregulation in other areas so that the private sector can contribute more.

In a geopolitical situation that shows no sign of abating, significantly higher defence spending is important for many reasons, not just to protect the country but to also have a greater say in matters where it is economically affected. The geoeconomic realities being what they are, greater defence preparedness requires India to invest in drones, other advanced pi-lotless attack platforms, recruit more engineers and technical personnel in the armed forces, and increase training budget across services. But security cannot be seen only in terms of armaments, it must also include energy, food, and economic security; arguably even macroeconomic stability is a core component of security.

States across India unfortunately don’t invest adequately in primary and secondary education. A child entering the schooling system today will join the workforce in 2047 and, therefore, the education system needs to be improved now — not next year or later. In the absence of states doing what they need to do, the Centre needs to ramp up allocations and support the delivery of quality primary and secondary education, and, most critically, the skilling services available for children and youth.