Low HDI, income inequalities should be tackled on war-footing: Volvo MD

Volvo India managing director and Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) Karnataka state council chairman Kamal Bali on Saturday, said, the problem of low Human Development Index (HDI) and income inequalities should be tackled on a war-footing.

He was addressing at the eighth graduation of Sri Jayachamarajendra College of Engineering (SJCE), at JSS Technical Institutions Campus here.

He said that it is necessary to ensure a consistent Gross Domestic Product (GDP) growth rate of nine plus, at least for the next two decades, in order to lift the people of the country from poverty and to become economically inclusive. "In a recent survey, it was found that nearly 66% of Indian CEOs are optimistic about the country, as compared to only 35% CEOs for the global economy, and 75% Indian CEOs see more opportunities than in the past three years," he pointed out.

"For the transformation of low HDI and income inequalities, all stakeholders should pool in their resources and efforts in a collaborative manner with a clear strategy and policy initiatives. Due to lack of quality education, public health system and gender inequality, the HDI, is low. Even though the country is the second largest in the world, accounting for almost 17% of the civilisation, the country's economic size lags behind at the ninth place. This has resulted in India remaining the poorest country in terms of average per capita income," said Bali.

Appreciating the present governments, he said that they have been increasingly becoming aware of the challenges and are making efforts to face them. "The spirit of competitive federalism has also spurred most of the state governments to move in the right direction. Some of the initiatives such as 'Make in India', 'Digital India', and 'Skill India' are noteworthy," he added.

Bali said, the country will be the world's superpower, if women and girls get good opportunities, he said.

As many as 903 Bachelor of Engineering students, 212 Master of Technology, 70 Master of Computer Application and 104 Master of Business Administration students were awarded the degrees. While 28 students were presented with medals for securing highest marks in their respective branches, 14 students were presented with endowment medals for excellence.

JSS Mahavidyapeetha executive secretary C G Betsurmath and JSS Science and Technology University vice chancellor B G Sangameshwara administered the oath to the students. Principal T N Nagabhushan was present.