The increased participation of women in every sector will play a crucial role in Bharat becoming Atmanirbhar Bharat, said Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla while asserting that India has “all the resources required for economic growth”.
Birla made these remarks here on Monday while attending the inaugural function of the 125th anniversary celebrations of the Bharat Chamber of Commerce.
“Almost 30 years ago, half of the population of Bharat was not working… Now, be it a pilot in a fighter plane or a train, women are there in all the sectors. In future, this is going to play a very important role in the development of Bharat… will help in achieving Atmanirbhar Bharat. Be it medical, technology or electrical hub, Bharat will lead the way,” said Birla.
Stating that the country will develop under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership and vision, he asserted: “Our PM has a far vision for development, even for a remote village (he wants) that there should be technology, so that they can see the world”.
Sharing that other countries want to invest in Bharat due to the “availability of resources” and “democracy”, he said, “In Bharat, there is democracy and in this journey, we have seen people participate. From 1952 elections, the participation of people in voting has increased and different parties have come to power, that is democracy and other countries see this. I feel that the resources that our country has… road, air and rail connectivity…all the things required for economic growth are there in Bharat which is why other countries want to invest in Bharat.” “I get an opportunity as a speaker to travel to other countries and also talk to the speakers of other countries who visit India. They bring industry people and they say that Bharat is the best place to invest as all the resources are available there. I ask why they want to invest in Bharat they say because there is democracy and that it helps the country to develop,” he added.
The tax policy in a democratic country such as Bharat is good, so the development is fast as the investors know that “where there is democracy, their investment is safe”, he said, adding,“ In the future, all new innovations will come from Bharat”.
Lauding the Bharat Chamber of Commerce for its contributions, Birla said, “In its long journey, the Bharat Chamber has seen many ups and downs, be it the industry sector or service sector, this chamber has a crucial role to play in the development of the country.”
The Speaker, who was scheduled to visit Kolkata earlier this year, said, “I had promised that I would come as I wanted to understand the journey of this chamber. I wanted to understand the journey before Independence… when Calcutta was the Capital and an industrial hub. West Bengal has a history not only in industry but in education, culture etc… however much we discuss about Bengal, it is less.”
Stating that “times have changed and so have the views”, Birla asserted, “… when there is trouble in the world… at that time the speed with which Bharat is evolving in all sectors be it economic or social, the chamber plays a crucial role”.
Speaking on the occasion, Bharat Chamber of Commerce Chairman Dr NG Khaitan said, “Starting with the aim of becoming a US $5 trillion economy by 2025, despite several headwinds, we have nearly reached that target. India is projected to reach a GDP of Rs 4,26,45,000 crore by 2027 and is on course to surpass Germany by 2028. By 2030, India is set to become the world’s third largest economy.”