Is India actually the second fastest growing economy in the world?
It was recently that I read an article in economic times where the deputy chairman of india’s Planning Commission met some poor children in a school close to Shriharikota Space Centre. Having witnessed the amazing launch of an Indian rocket as the children must also have seen he asked them what do they aspire to be when they grow up? To my surprise all these kids just wanted a job. Why do children aspire so low today?
If you look at the statistics today Indian economy has enabled many Indians to grow very wealthy. India has the second largest number of dollar billionaires per trillion dollars of GDP, after Russia. However, the Indian economy is not yet providing enough opportunities for young people in all parts of the country to earn a decent living. There is a lot of disparity and many states are still in desperate need of more opportunities for young people to earn incomes through jobs or entrepreneurship. Looking at the current scenario can we say that it is better if the economy grows at 7 % and creates more jobs, then it grows at 10 % without creating more jobs but only creating social unrest and violence in India?
In India it is not only the pace at of growth that will impress people, but also the pace of their inclusion in it. Those who are being left behind, including tribals that do not want to be mere passive beneficiaries of state handouts and corporate philanthropy. They want to be respected, earning their own incomes and growing their own wealth.
Our planners must listen to people while making their plans. The youth of any country is its future. This is very true for India with its larger young population then any other countries. The planners in India should make the best use of the energy and aspirations of the youth in India. This will make the youth feel that they are heard and they do matter. When words are not heard and understood then it leads to frustration which leads to stones and sticks on the streets.
So for India to be a large economy, as well as a happy country, people must feel included in the planning. Inclusion of the aspirations of the youth in plans is the key to overall success of the country. Therefore, we need innovations in the way plans are made for India to realise its people’s aspirations.
When you look at a city, it's like reading the hopes, aspirations and prides of everyone who built it and who belong to it.
