Why India needs to revive Kolkata?
We recently published a paper titled “Relative Economic Performance of Indian States: 1960-61 to 2023-24” where we looked at the fortunes of different Indian states over the last seven decades.
Blaming lower investment rate for the declining growth, former RBI Governor C Rangarajan on Wednesday called for quickening credit disbursement by banks and speedy implementation of stalled projects to get economy on a high-growth path.
“We need to create proper investment climate. The decline in investment rate to 27.4 per cent from a high of 38 per cent in fiscal 2007-2008 is one of the causes for the slowing growth rate,” Rangarajan said at a function here.
Explaining the factors for the slowdown in Gross Domestic Product (GDP) to 5.7 per cent in the first quarter (April-June) of fiscal 2017-18, the former Reserve Bank of India chief called for adopting multipronged strategies to revive the economy.
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“Several things need to be done. Fast-track stalled projects. Banks should quicken credit payments and initiate discussions with captains of industry on stepping up private capital infusion,” said the noted economist in a lecture at the inauguration of Bengaluru’s Dr B.R. Ambedkar School of Economics.
Lauding the then Prime Minister Manmohan Singh for high growth rate, Rangarajan said the former had brought about a paradigm shift in the country.
“History will record that Singh had brought about a paradigm shift in this country with 8-9 per cent GDP growth under his leadership for six years,” asserted Rangarajan.
Calling for improving teaching standards, the former RBI Governor said higher education should not become a monopoly of few.
“Quality of education is important. Courses and syllabi must be updated. Good teachers are also important. Technology helps teaching. Modern-day teacher should be able to blend his skills with those of others. A good teacher communicates, but a great teacher inspires,” Rangarajan said.
Singh had inaugurated the academic session of the newly set up state-run school of economics in the city.
“It is a privilege to share the dais with Singh. I have worked with him,” Rangarajan added.
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