Former NITI Aayog VC criticizes Sam Pitroda's remarks on wealth creation, advocates forward-looking policies

New Delhi [India], April 24 : Former Vice Chairman of NITI Aayog, Rajiv Kumar, today came down heavily on Sam Pitroda for his remarks on wealth creation.
Talking to ANI, Kumar said that Pitroda's remarks are "unfortunate" and warned of their negative impact on the country's entrepreneurs and wealth creators.
"Sam Pitroda's thoughts will go down badly on wealth creators in India," said Rajiv Kumar, emphasizing the potential repercussions of such statements on those striving to build prosperity.
Kumar said that it's so easy to say that we collect money from the rich and then distribute it to the poor. There are many other ways of improving things in life. The best way is to make sure that your public expenditure is spent well. If you improve the infrastructure, public education, it helps everybody.
Kumar also cautioned against the divisive nature of proposals such as caste census, echoing Mahatma Gandhi's advocacy for caste abolition. He emphasized the importance of fostering social cohesion and building an inclusive society, urging policymakers to refrain from resurrecting divisive issues for short-term political gain.
Regarding the BJP manifesto, Kumar praised its forward-looking vision, which he believes instils hope and ambition among the populace. He emphasized the significance of long-term planning, expressing his own commitment to envisioning India's trajectory by its 100th year of independence in 2047.
Former VC NITI Aayog said that before the British came to India in 1850, India's share in the global economy was 18.5 percent, but when Britishers left, our share was less than 3%. I would like to see that when we celebrate 100 years our share in the world economy again comes out to 18%. That's what BJP is talking about. I think that's a positive thing, that's the way to go for the manifestos rather than fill the manifesto with all kinds of populist measures and slogans.