Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Apr 21: As part of Eminent Lecture Series, Department of Economics, Central University of Jammu (CUJ) today organised a lecture on the topic of “Planning & Economics Development: A Re-examination”.
The lecture was delivered by Prof Pulin B Nayak, Country’s renowned economist and former Prof at Delhi School of Economics and Member of Former Prime Minister’s Economic Advisory Council.
Prof Nayak stated that idea of planning was central to the thought processes of a number of major political leaders of India well before the country gained Independence in 1947. The most prominent amongst them was Nehru, whose attraction towards Fabian socialism and its attributes of gradualist and reformist effort in a Parliamentary democratic setup made him a stern believer of planning process.
He also said that Gandhi’s views were a contrast to those of Nehru as the latter stood for modernization and rapid industrialization to lift India from the morass of poverty. Gandhi was against any large role for the state, and presumably state planning would have been anathema to him.
He also stressed upon the convergence of thought between Nehru and Gandhi as both of them interestingly believed in socialism. He also analyzed the appalling social sector of the Indian economy wherein he pointed out India’s acute problem like, illiteracy, undernourishment, poor maternal health, declining gender ratio, poor sanitation etc. He concluded that all these problems necessitate a collective or state action or planning.
Prof Ashok Aima, Vice Chancellor, CUJ in his presidential remarks mentioned the need for adopting interdisciplinary approach rather than a straight jacket discipline approach.
Earlier, Prof RL Bhat, Head Department of Economics delivered the welcome address, whereas in the end, Prof Lokesh Verma, Academic Coordinator CUJ, delivered vote of thanks.
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