Not happy with India's economy: Pranab Mukherjee

Modi-led Union government was at the receiving end on Wednesday when the former President Pranab Mukherjee chided the Centre over its economic policies.

Mukherjee, who was also the finance minister, voiced strong reservations over country’s economy during his interaction with the students of Greenwood High International School on Sarjapur Road.

“As a former finance minister I am unhappy with the country’s economy,” said Mukherjee.

“Today, our economy is worth $ 2.268 trillion. But I am not satisfied with this. As a former finance minister, I think out country should have made more progress. The economy should have been worth $ 5 to 6 trillion,” he added.
Recalling India’s achievements over the years, Mukherjee said: “We are the third largest military power and sixth member of the nuclear club. Besides, the only country among the 184 UN member countries to be successful in the Mars orbit mission in the very first attempt."

Mukherjee also quoted a global study on examination trends, where India was seen second from the last revealing that even grade 2 kids could not read a single word.

"This only suggests lack of quality education despite having 766 universities, 16 IITs, 30 NITs and several degree colleges besides several educational institutions,” he said.

Mukherjee also took questions from children.