As part of Eminent Lecture series, the Department of Economics, Central University of Jammu today organised a lecture on the topic of “Planning & Economics Development: A Re-examination” wherein Prof. Pulin B Nayak, country’s renowned economist and former Professor at Delhi School of Economics and member of former Prime Minister’s Economic Advisory Council..

Prof. Nayak stated that idea of planning was central to the thought processes of a number of major political leaders of India well before the country gained Independence in 1947. The most prominent amongst them was Nehru, whose attraction towards Fabian socialism   and its attributes of gradualist and reformist effort in a parliamentary democratic setup made him a stern believer of planning process.

Moreover he also said that Gandhi’s views were a contrast to those of Nehru as the latter  stood for modernization and rapid industrialization to lift India from the morass of poverty. Gandhi was against any large role for the state, and presumably state planning would have been anathema to him. He also stressed upon the convergence of thought between Nehru and Gandhi as both of them interestingly believed in socialism. He also analyzed the appalling social sector of the Indian economy wherein he pointed out India’s acute problem like, illiteracy, undernourishment, poor maternal health, declining gender ratio, poor sanitation etc. He concluded that all these problems necessitate f a collective or state action or planning.

Prof. Ashok Aima, Vice Chancellor, Central University of Jammu, in his presidential remarks mentioned the need for adopting interdisciplinary approach rather than a straight jacket discipline approach. He also requested Prof. Nayak to remain closely associated with the Department of Economics in future also.

Earlier Prof. R L Bhat, Head Department of Economics delivered the welcome speech in which he introduced the speaker and also discussed briefly the need for coherent approach in India’s development strategy  as far as market and state intervention is concerned.

In the end, Prof. Lokesh Verma, Academic Coordinator CUJ, delivered formal vote of thanks.