Montek Singh Ahluwalia, former deputy chairperson of the Planning Commission and a noted economist was the guest at ThePrint’s ‘Off the Cuff’ in New Delhi.
Ahluwalia, who was closely involved with India’s reform journey over the last few decades, said India is not on track to become a $5 trillion economy by 2024. For that, the finance minister has to first be upfront on the state of the economy, he said, urging the government to engage with industry and protect the credibility of Indian statistics.
He was also critical about rising protectionism and termed the government’s decision to not join the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership or RCEP a big mistake.
Ahluwalia, who recently authored a book Backstage, was all praise for Manmohan Singh and his stint first as the finance minister and then the Prime Minister of India.
On a lighter note, Ahluwalia said that he cannot explain the difference between the functioning of Niti Aayog and the Planning Commission since he does not exactly know what Niti Aayog does.’
Off The Cuff with Montek Singh Ahluwalia
From left: Shekhar Gupta, chairman & editor-in-chief, ThePrint; Remya Nair, Senior Associate Editor, ThePrint; Montek Singh Ahluwalia, former deputy chairman of Planning Commission
Off The Cuff with Montek Singh Ahluwalia
Dr. Jaiwant K. Rangi, endocrinologist, California
Off The Cuff with Montek Singh Ahluwalia
From left: Shekhar Gupta speaks with Freddy Svane, Ambassador at The Royal Danish Embassy in New Delhi
Off The Cuff with Montek Singh Ahluwalia
Prathibha Prahlad, founder director, Delhi International Arts Festival
Off The Cuff with Montek Singh Ahluwalia
Deepak Pental, Professor of Genetics and former Vice Chancellor, University of Delhi
Off The Cuff with Montek Singh Ahluwalia
Audience at ThePrint’s Of The Cuff
Off The Cuff with Montek Singh Ahluwalia
Akassh K Aggarwal, equal rights activist, Pride India
Off The Cuff with Montek Singh Ahluwalia
Montek Singh Alhuwalia listens to questions from the audience. Talking about the slowdown in the economy, the economist pointed out that private investment has collapsed, leading to a big decline in demand. Read more here.
Off The Cuff with Montek Singh Ahluwalia
K.V. Rajan, former ambassador
Off The Cuff with Montek Singh Ahluwalia
From left: Montek Singh Ahluwalia; Rajat Anandani, senior VP, IIFL Wealth Management
Off The Cuff with Montek Singh Ahluwalia
Montek Singh Ahluwalia with ThePrint team
Off The Cuff with Montek Singh Ahluwalia
Montek Singh Alhuwalia signing copies of his book Backstage
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