Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman emphasized the need for inclusive growth, robust institutions, and large-scale skilling to achieve India's goal of becoming a developed nation by 2047.
She stated that progress must move beyond headline figures and reach smaller towns, rural regions, and first-generation learners, with growth being wide-based and participatory, sharing benefits across all sections of society.
Sitharaman highlighted that Viksit Bharat is a national partnership between the union, states, local governments, entrepreneurs, industry, academia, professionals, and every citizen, and that the government can build the platform, but the energy, ideas, and discipline of 140 crore Indians will build Viksit Bharat.
She urged institutions to align with industry needs, focus on employability and entrepreneurship, and provide affordable access to professional training and continuous upskilling, especially for first-generation entrepreneurs.
Sitharaman stressed that Viksit Bharat is not just about GDP, but about people's lives, citing farmers and grassroots communities as key to the vision, and called for better technology, training, and market access for traditional sectors like crafts and small enterprises.
