A discussion on growth should begin from the definition of growth. Growth in economic terms corresponds to the increase in GDP (national income). [GDP is the money value of goods and services produced in an economy. So, in layman’s terms, growth means more money. Wow! that’s simple, right?] So how can a country grow, or increase its national income?
The above question cannot be solved with a one-word answer. Had that been the case, our Honorable finance ministers would have been always enjoying a pleasure tenure. A country cannot increase its national income by printing currencies or borrowing money from abroad.
Former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh once said, “Money does not grow on trees”. For a country to grow, it has to produce more goods and services. For that purpose, the optimum utilization of resources within the boundaries of the nation is essential. Of course, the funds can come from abroad (foreign investment), but without proper utilization of resources in a country, there cannot be sustainable growth.
Growth and Development
When the national income increases (growth), ideally it should result in development (qualitative aspect – like health, education, employment etc.). There can also be cases when growth does not percolate to the bottom of the pyramid – non inclusive growth – that will not result in the development of weaker sections of the society. For sustainable development, inclusive growth is a must.
Growth and Employment
Growth generates employment and employment generates further growth. In general, employment corresponds to the qualitative aspect of growth. If a country is on the growth trajectory, it will generate more employment opportunities and while the growth declines ( periods of recession), people start losing jobs.
Back to the growth topic again…
How to generate growth? What are the issues in growth, development and employment? Is India growing? Are there issues with India’s growth or development? – There should not be any doubt about the fact that India is growing. India is now growing at 5% per year. But the problem with India is that it was growing at near 9% three years back! So the growth has declined – That is the first issue with our growth.
