NITI Aayog vice chairman Rajiv Kumar on Saturday expressed satisfaction over the growth rate the country has achieved in last five years.
“Last five years i.e. from 2014-2018 have been probably the ‘only five years’ period where India has achieved 6.5 – 7 per cent plus growth rate with macroeconomic stability.” Kumar said during the inaugural session of Indian Economic Outlook 2019. “Inflation has been controlled below 4 per cent. Our current account deficit is around 2.5 per cent, our fiscal deficit has been around 3.5 per cent. So there has been clearly a macroeconomic stability with 7 per cent growth rate.”
Kumar said that 2014-2018 was the period which saw a huge amount of ‘actual inclusion’. “Not just in words but the benefits of whatever growth we have goes out to the people at the bottom of the pyramid. It is clear that this govt has the capability, has reformed governance to the extent that the beneficiaries will receive the benefits that are targeted for them.” he said.
Speaking on the health schemes like Ayushman Bharat-PMJAY, Mr Kumar asserted that despite 37 lakh people being benefited in the first eight months of the scheme — it can still be improved. “Similarly, once you improve this scheme further — we can extend this on payment basis or through voluntary contribution to the rest of the society so that the remaining population is also covered.” he added.
He also apprised that NITI Aayog is soon coming with a ranking system of 740 district hospitals throughout the nation.
Kumar asserted to focus on providing quality basic education and tackling the problem of malnourishment in kids which is still looming at 34 per cent. ” If all self help groups, Anganwadi , NGOs , Asha workers start working better this come down by 3-4 per cent per year.” he said. (UNI)
