Pune: Renowned economist and architect of India’s economic reforms, Dr Vijay Kelkar, has called for a streamlined and equitable Goods and Services Tax (GST) system to accelerate India’s economic growth across all levels – national, state, and local governance.
Speaking at a special public interaction in Pune ahead of receiving the prestigious Punyabhushan Award 2025, Dr Vijay Kelkar emphasized the need for deeper structural reforms to boost inclusive development.
Dr. Kelkar will be honored on June 23 at Pune’s Balgandharva Rangmandir, where Union Minister Nitin Gadkari and Padma Vibhushan Prof M M Sharma will present the award.
The announcement was made by the Punyabhushan Foundation, led by Dr Raghunath Mashelkar, who chaired the selection committee.
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In a detailed discussion, Dr Kelkar outlined that while internal migration plays a role in economic opportunity, India’s urban economies remain hindered by poor civic infrastructure. He advocated for strengthening local self-governance to enhance service delivery and empower grassroots economic systems.
Dr Vijay Kelkar Urges Rural Infra Upgrade
He also stressed the urgent need to improve rural infrastructure, including education, healthcare, electricity, water supply, and sanitation, which would in turn reduce the pressure on urban centers.
“Even with record employment and GDP growth, if India doesn’t address systemic issues like inequality in taxation and weak urban governance, we risk stalling long-term progress,” said Dr Vijay Kelkar.
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“Women’s empowerment must be a national priority to overcome the middle-income trap and unlock India’s full economic potential.”
He also warned that ongoing global conflicts threaten worldwide economic recovery and asserted that peaceful cooperation is vital for sustained global development.
