Udupi: Politics in Need of Professionals with Integrity - Montek Singh
Daijiworld Media Network - Udupi (SP)

Udupi, Nov 3: Delivering the convocation address at the convocation of Manipal University held at the KMC Greens on Monday November 2, deputy chairman of Planning Commission, Montek Singh Ahluwalia, expressed the wish that more and more  professionals with integrity will take to politics, a development he felt, would be in the best interests of the country. "The need of the hour is to achieve improvement in per capita income, rather that concentrating on improvement of the gross domestic product (GDP). I am optimistic that a 9% annual growth for the country is achievable," he asserted.

Montek pointed out that Japan, Korea, Taiwan, in addition to China in the recent past, have registered an annual growth rate of over 9%. While concurring with the fact that India faces several hurdles in achieving this feat, he said, this growth is not impossible. Pointing out that the growth of the country had been adversely affected by the economic downturn at the global level, he said, the country achieved an annual economic progress of 6.7% in the year 2008-09, and that the current year's projections have been put at 6.5%, because of the global economic condition, drought and such other problems plaguing the country.

Ahluwalia noted that the current situation in the country is quite encouraging, considering the condition the country was in, during the period from 1992 to 2002. "After China, India is the second country in the world to show fast-paced progress. We have high hopes for the country in the year 2010-11, during which, a growth of seven to eight per cent may be achieved," he said. Even when the GDP rises by 9%, if the population rises in the meantime, by a rate of 1.5%, the per capita GDP will record a growth of 7.5%. "When I had graduated in the year 1963, the annual GDP growth stood at 3.5% and population growth was 2%, as a result of which, the per capita income rose by less than 1.5% per annum. Hence, per capita income is much more important than the gross GDP. If the population grows at a fast pace, we need to increase the GDP to keep pace with the growth," he explained. He attributed the country's success in improving its per capita income, mainly to the advent of technology.

There is an increasing demand for skilled professionals in every sector. In the past, those who joined the private sector, never came back to the government service. However, we cannot say that this trend will continue. As the country progresses, the role of the governments also expands. Be it the central government or the state, an increasing necessity of professionals in various fields is felt for efficiently running the government, he stated.

Ahluwalia paid rich tributes to Dr T M A Pai, the visionary who built Manipal from scratch. He also congratulated the quality of education being imparted in Manipal, because of which, students from various countries flock here to get educated.

President of the Indian Council for Research on International Economic Relations, Dr Isher Judge Ahluwalia, participated as the guest of honour. University chancellor, Dr Ramadas M Pai, declared the convocation open. Pro-chancellor, Dr H S Ballal, welcomed. Registrar, Dr G K Prabhu, proposed vote of thanks. Vice-chancellor, Dr Raj Warrier, gave details about the university. KMC Manipal dean, Dr Sripati Rao, and international registrar, Dr Vinod Bhat, introduced the guests. Dr Pushpa Kini announced the names of gold medalists. Registrar (evaluation), Dr Udayshankar, administered theoath.

The building, Manipal.edu, in the University campus, was bedecked with colourful lights for the occasion.