'Inclusive growth, large-scale skilling': FM Sitharaman on achieving Viksit Bharat 2047 goal

UNion Finance government minister Nirmala Sitharaman on tues said republic of india’s course to highly-developed nation status by 2047 must be driven by inclusive growth, robust institutions and large-scale skilling.Addressing a ‘Viksit Bharat–Vision for 2047’ event at NITTE University, she said progress must move beyond headline figures and reach smaller towns, rural regions and first-generation learners. She added that growth should be wide-based and participatory, with benefits shared across all sections of society.Also Read: India flags mitigation gap by rich nations in 2031-35 climate plan"Viksit Bharat is not the responsibility of the government alone. It is a national partnership between the union, states, local governments, entrepreneurs, industry, academia, professionals and every citizen. The government can build the platform, but the energy, ideas and discipline of 140 crore Indians will build Viksit Bharat," she said.Sitharaman said a developed, stable, democratic and pluralistic India-the world's largest democracy and a bridge between the East and West and the Global North and Global South-is not only good for India, but for the world. Sitharaman said India’s early decades after Independence were spent rebuilding the nation despite challenges and missteps."We can choose to be among the world's top economies. We can choose to give every Indian child clean water, quality education, affordable healthcare and a shot at prosperity. That choice is Viksit Bharat," she said.“We are no longer sleeping. India is awake… Today, we are the world's fastest-growing major economy,” she said. As 2047 approaches, she said India must choose between a routine growth path risking the “middle-income trap” or a more ambitious trajectory.Also Read: ‘Chintan Shivir’ sets time-bound roadmap for Viksit Bharat 2047However, she cautioned that India must not mistake progress for completion. She said India’s demographic dividend will translate into growth only with sustained investment in education and skills, urging institutions to align with industry needs and focus on employability and entrepreneurship.“Affordable access to professional training and continuous upskilling are critical,” she said, highlighting the need to support first-generation entrepreneurs.Sitharaman said a “Viksit Bharat”, not just a developing nation, must be India’s goal, noting that aspirations have shifted towards excellence, quality education, healthcare, jobs and a clean environment.“She wants to compete globally and succeed confidently because in a rapidly changing global order, economic strength is the bedrock of strategic autonomy,” she said.Sitharaman stressed that Viksit Bharat is not just about GDP, but about people’s lives, citing farmers and grassroots communities as key to the vision.She also spoke on the role of traditional sectors like crafts and small enterprises in job creation, calling for better technology, training and market access.Calling India a trusted global partner, she urged expansion of manufacturing, services and exports, and deeper integration into global value chains.“The emphasis should be on capacity-building, innovation and ensuring that development reaches every region,” she said, adding that empowering youth will be central to achieving India’s 2047 vision.