Inclusive Policies, Women’s Empowerment Highlighted at 5th Kautilya Economic Conclave

New Delhi – Speaking at the launch of the 5th Kautilya Economic Conclave, Vice President C.P. Radhakrishnan underscored that the nation’s economic robustness depends on making growth inclusive for every citizen and region. He emphasized that development cannot be measured solely by macro‑economic indicators; the real test is whether no community is left behind.

The Vice President placed women’s participation at the center of the inclusive agenda, insisting that education and access to economic opportunities are critical for women to assume greater leadership roles. "We aim to empower women, guarantee their right to education, and watch them build their own empowerment," he said.

Radhakrishnan described India’s evolution from a developing nation toward a developed one as a positive transformation requiring balanced focus on growth rate and inclusivity. He warned that resilience should not be viewed only through the lens of financial markets or massive infrastructure projects.

He cited the Jan Dhan‑Aadhaar‑Mobile (JAM) architecture as a prime example of how digital financial inclusion and direct benefit transfers have broadened reach and strengthened social safety nets.

The Vice President also reminded the audience that over 2.5 crore people have moved out of poverty over the last decade and highlighted the Goods and Services Tax (GST) as the most significant tax reform in India’s history.

He reported that real GDP expanded by 7.8% in the first quarter of FY 2026‑27, an improvement over the 6.9% growth recorded in the same quarter of FY 2025‑26, with the economy’s size projected at ₹81.36 lakh crore compared with ₹75.46 lakh crore previously.