Panel discussion on Union Budget 2023-24 was held in the Department of Economics, Assam University

A panel discussion on “Union Budget 2023-24” was held in the Department of Economics, Assam University, Silchar on 6^th February 2023.

Prof Alok Sen, Dean, Mahatma Gandhi School of Economics and Commerce, Assam University, Prof Niranjan Roy, Department of Economics, Assam University and Mr Joydeep Biswas, Associate Professor & Former Head, Department of Economics, Cachar College acted as panellists for the event. 

Dr Sagarika Dey, Assistant Professor, Department of Economics, Assam University moderated the discussion.

The event started with Dr Dey formally welcoming the guests and giving a brief overview of the 'First Amrit Kal Budget'.  Dr Dey emphasized that while India has emerged as the world's fastest growing large economy and has achieved unprecedented success in poverty reduction, global uncertainties such as the Russia-Ukraine war and the possibility of a global recession continue to pose significant challenges to the Indian economy.

Prof. Alok Sen spoke on the occasion, talking about the need to promote skill building among our youth to reap the demographic dividend and ensure inclusive development.  He further opined that sustaining the momentum of growth is essential to achieve the targets set for Amrit Kal.

Mr. Joydeep Biswas emphasized the need to read the fine-print of the budget to ascertain the emerging pattern of resource allocation.  He expressed his concern about the growing economic inequality in India and how it could prove a challenge for poverty reduction.

Professor Niranjan Roy highlights India's growing economic efficiency in recent years and how the country's economic progress has been globally appreciated and recognized.  He noted that skill building and expansion of economic opportunities are crucial to achieve the twin goals of sustainable growth and distributive justice.

Dr. Ritwik Mazumder, Head-in-Charge, Department of Economics, Assam University and other faculty members were also present on the occasion along with students and scholars from within and outside the department.  The talk generated tremendous interest in the audience and was followed by a stimulating question-and-answer session.  The program ended with vote of thanks by the coordinator.