Intellectuals Urge Policy Shift, Say Freebies Won’t Spur Real Growth on Pradyumna Bal’s 94th Birth Anniversary

Prominent intellectuals gathered on the occasion of Pradyumna Bal’s 94th birth anniversary to voice concerns over India’s current growth strategy. In a series of speeches, they warned that reliance on short‑term freebies and appeasement measures is unlikely to generate lasting economic progress. The speakers called for a paradigm shift toward structural reforms, investment in human capital, and a focus on productivity enhancements. While acknowledging the political appeal of welfare schemes, they emphasized that real growth requires deeper policy changes rather than populist handouts. The gathering concluded with a consensus that policymakers must prioritize long‑term development over immediate electoral gains.