"Economic resilience explains India's rise, now expected to become the third-largest economy within this decade"

“Prime Minister Narendra Modi has made it clear that “Viksit Bharat” is a national movement, and not a technocratic exercise,” said NITI Aayog Vice Chairman Suman K. Bery in a recent interview with BW Businessworld. Excerpts:

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Your views on “Viksit Bharat 2047” mission actualising by 2047.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi first articulated his vision of “Viksit Bharat” on Independence Day 2022, 75 years after India’s independence. In his address the PM made it clear that India’s goal was to become a developed society by 2047. An advanced economy is a necessary means to that end. He has, since then, made it clear that “Viksit Bharat” is a Jan Andolan – a national movement – and not a technocratic exercise. Getting there will involve unleashing the talent and energy of the entire nation with a particular focus on four groups – youth, women, farmers, and the poor. India has never before set itself such a long-term goal. NITI Aayog works closely both with ministries and with states to clarify the direction of travel and to define a limited number of stretch targets. Since the aspirations are multifaceted, there is no one metric of progress or success.

Rapid growth, though essential, will need to be accompanied by a range of initiatives, many of which lie within the competence of India’s states and union territories. An interesting way of describing the challenge is to bring all states to the level of the leading state in each area. Often poor states do better than their more affluent peers. Growth will help, but political leadership and economic management are equally critical.