India's GDP rank misleading amid stark social inequalities: Jana Chaitanya Vedika
Despite India becoming the fourth largest economy in the world, the country lags significantly in key human development indicators, said leaders of the Jana Chaitanya Vedika (JCV).
Addressing the media here on Tuesday, former MLC K.S. Lakshmana Rao, JCV State president Vallamreddy Lakshmana Reddy, and economist Prof. D.A.R. Subramanyam criticised the celebration of the country's GDP growth while poverty, illiteracy, and unemployment remain acute.
'India ranks 130th in Human Development Index and 105th in Global Hunger Index,' Prof. Subramanyam said.
He highlighted growing economic inequality, with the top 1% controlling 22% of national income, while the bottom 50% share only 13%. He noted that India's national debt rose from ₹2,865 crore in 1950 to ₹185 lakh crore by March 2025.
The speakers urged governments to prioritise social equity, education, and employment over empty economic optics.
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