The 106th edition of the Indian Economic Association (IEA) Conference concluded at the KIIT University ob Friday.
Addressing the gathering, Dr Montek Singh Ahluwalia, eminent economist and former Deputy Chairman of the Planning Commission of India, emphasised the need for sustained economic growth, pinpointing an annual growth rate of 7.5% to 8%. He stressed the urgency of consistent growth for 25 years and underlined the imperative need for growth in numbers and the quality of growth.
Dr G Viswanathan, Chancellor of Vellore Institute of Technology and former IEA president, drew attention to critical concerns such as economic disparity, advocating for research comparing India's progress with developed nations' progress. He emphasised the need for a concerted focus on education and health, citing the lower gross enrolment ratio (GER) and budget allocation in these sectors compared to other countries.
Dr Achyuta Samanta, founder, KIIT and KISS, lauded the Odisha Government under the leadership of Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik for the rapid development of the State.
The IEA conferred a Lifetime Achievement Award upon Dr Samanta for his contribution to the field of education and development of Odisha.
