Preceding the Interim Budget, the Finance Ministry outlined four pivotal challenges confronting the Indian economy in the ‘The Indian Economy: A Review’ Report. This occurs as India sets its sights on achieving a $7 trillion economy by 2030 within the next 6-7 years.
The report underscores that while domestic performance propels growth, the influence of global factors is equally significant amid the increasing trend of globalization. The deceleration of hyper-globalization and friend-shoring trends is anticipated to impact trade and overall growth.
Artificial Intelligence and the Services Sector
The rise of artificial intelligence poses a significant challenge to jobs in the services sector. This is particularly critical for India, where the services sector presently contributes to over 50% of the GDP.
As global adoption of AI advances, the automation of various service jobs becomes a potential consequence. To navigate this shift, it becomes imperative to retrain and upskill the workforce, preparing them for new roles enabled by AI.
Energy Security vs Sustainability
Juggling energy security, economic growth, and the transition to renewables presents another intricate challenge.
Under climate commitments, India aims for a complete shift to renewables by 2070. However, addressing the energy requirements of a growing economy involves complex considerations encompassing geopolitical, fiscal, technological, and social dimensions.
Availability of Skilled Workforce
The presence of a robust, skilled workforce is crucial for economic growth.
Ensuring age-appropriate learning outcomes across all levels and cultivating a population capable of fulfilling productive economic roles are key policy imperatives. Reforms in healthcare and education are intricately connected to the overarching goal of fostering economic growth.
Positive Growth Trajectory
Despite these challenges, the ministry envisions a GDP growth of 7% or higher in 2023-24, potentially extending into 2024-25. This would signify four consecutive years of growth exceeding 7% post-pandemic.
Sustaining such elevated growth rates over the next decade is vital for realizing the $7 trillion economy vision. However, achieving this goal necessitates a systematic approach to address the structural economic challenges highlighted.
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