VIKSIT BHARAT 2047: A ROADMAP TO BECOME A DEVELOPED NATION

On the hundredth anniversary of India's independence, the Government of India has set a crucial goal: transforming the nation into Viksit Bharat, a developed country. To achieve this, India must increase its GDP from the current $4.5 trillion to at least $10 trillion. This can be achieved by doubling India's share of international trade and increasing the country's share of global exports from 2% to 10%. Additionally, Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) must grow significantly, currently at nearly $100 billion.

Inclusive economic growth is essential, as GDP acceleration alone is insufficient. Growth must benefit the most vulnerable populations. The government has implemented schemes like Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Yojana, but the focus should be on job creation for the youth across both the Central and State governments. Encouraging entrepreneurship and job creation rather than reliance on job seekers is vital.

India's education system must prioritize skilling and re-skilling graduates, with vocational training, industry-academic collaboration, and tech skills, including Artificial Intelligence, becoming a mission. Increased spending on education, particularly in states lagging behind the national average, and a strong emphasis on Research and Development are necessary. The demographic dividend is achievable if the population is skilled enough for a knowledge economy.

Healthcare is undergoing transformation due to digitalization and infrastructure expansion, but challenges persist in rising medical costs and chronic disease burdens. The government's Ayushman Bharat and Ayushman Arogya Mandir schemes have made significant strides in providing healthcare. However, public spending on healthcare must increase, and India must continue its transformation of public health infrastructure to ensure accessibility, affordability, and quality for the majority.

India must avoid following the industrialized countries' high-carbon pathway and China's heavy reliance on coal. Instead, India has the potential to follow a low-carbon pathway to a high-income economy through sustainable development. This is not only crucial for the world but also for the people of India, as it is their right. The next twenty years will be the most crucial period in India's history, requiring a whole-of-government approach to achieve Viksit Bharat by 2047.