Post News Network
Bhubaneswar, March 27: The prediction that India may grow at 8 per cent by the end of 2020 was put for an open debate at a national seminar on ‘Greening Indian Economy’ at Utkal University here Friday. Ecologists and economists gathered at the two-day seminar raised questions as to what cost India will achieve the 8 per cent growth target.
“Indian has shown phenomenal achievement in economic growth over the last two decades. Once a debt-ridden country, India is now growing at 5 per cent. But at what cost the mineral-rich country is growing at this rate,” TERI faculty member Arabind Mishra said.
“An analysis of India’s growth history from 1990 to 2008 shows the country has grown by 131 per cent. However, natural resources were depleted by 30 per cent. We have been using the mines, forests, and other natural resources to achieve economic growth which is a cause of concern,” Mishra added.
It has largely been realised that nature cannot be taken for granted while focusing on the high growth objectives. The scarcity of natural resources can set limits to high economic growth objectives. At the same time rising pollution levels, rampant degradation of forests, soil and water can also affect the overall industrial and agriculture output and consumption of individuals.
Unviersity vice chancellor Asok Das urged the students and researchers to find ways to strike a balance between economic growth and environment. “Everyone should contribute to better shape the future of our country. I think students and researchers at this seminar will definitely come up with some solutions,” said Das.
Former state information commissioner Prof Radhamohan, faculty members of Centre of Advanced Studies in Economics Amarendra Das, Padmaja Mishra, Mitali Chinara, Himanshu Sekhar Rout and others attended the inaugural meet.
