India News

As India’s economy stagnates, PM Modi revives UPA’s Economic Advisory Council

Published

9 years ago

September 26, 2017

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]The five-member panel will be headed by Bibek Debroy and include Surjit Bhalla, Rathin Roy, Ashima Goyal and Ratan Watal

Three years into his government, hit by predictions of an impending doom in the Indian economy – wounded severely by demonetisation and a hasty rollout of the Goods and Services Tax (GST) regime – Prime Minister Narendra Modi has revived the UPA government’s ‘think-tank’, the Economic Advisory Council, to help him steer the nation back to a growth trajectory.

Of course, the EAC predictably has as its members economists who are more aligned with the Modi regime’s ideas of economic reform and development, unlike the several panels that existed for different spans of time under former Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh’s UPA government wherein members were often picked not purely for their ideological affiliations with the ruling party but for their expertise in different fields of the economy.

Nevertheless, Modi’s decision to revive the EAC with NITI Aayog member Bibey Debroy as its head is a significant move that – despite claims by the Prime Minister, finance minister Arun Jaitley, other senior ministers and BJP members – can be seen as the Prime Minister’s tacit admission of the fact that India’s growth story has taken a hit and needs expert ‘advise’ for revival.

Besides Debroy, who as member of NITI Aayog (Prime Minister’s redesigned version of the erstwhile Planning Commission) worked on several ideas on economic reforms that Modi held dear, other EAC members are Surjit Bhalla, development economist Rathin Roy and macro-economics expert Ashima Goyal. Ratan Watal, principal advisor to the NITI Aayog and a former finance secretary, will serve as the member-secretary of the panel.

The EAC members, all of whom seem well aligned with Modi and finance minister Arun Jaitley’s idea of a making India’s economy more liberal (read: pro-market, pro-private sector and disinvestment), are expected to work closely with the NITI Aayog and senior bureaucrats of the Union finance ministry, including the government’s chief economic adviser Arvind Subramaniam and principal economic adviser Sanjeev Sanyal.

“Addressing issues of macroeconomic importance and presenting views thereon to the Prime Minister. This could be either suo-motu or on reference from the Prime Minister or anyone else,” is the key term of reference for the panel.

Taken at its face-value, the EAC appears to be the perfect team of economists who can draft a blueprint for reviving investor sentiment in the nation’s economy and suggest policy reforms that are in line with Modi’s vision (the this may be a matter of concern for many given the country’s experience in dealing with the Prime Minister’s demonetisation idea).

However, it may be worth exploring whether the constitution of the EAC – belated as it is – at a time when the government has less than two years left in power, will actually have enough time to realize its objectives. More importantly, given the slew of Assembly elections due across the country in the run up to the mega general election scheduled for April-May 2019 and the political compulsion of governments to adopt populist economic policies over pragmatic ones in state/union budgets that precede these polls, it remains to be seen whether the EAC will actually accomplish anything more than just filing copious reports on its recommendations.

The decline in India’s economy – despite contrary claims made by Modi and Jaitley – is more than evident and the recent figure of GDP growth rate declining to 5.7 per cent in the last quarter – falling to a three-year low – endorses this notion comprehensively. Besides just boosting figures and data, which mean little to a common man who doesn’t understand economic jargon, the major challenge for the EAC would be to suggest way of boosting India’s stagnant job market. All indications are that the Congress and opposition’s attack on the BJP during polls would include lack of jobs and the resultant unemployment as potent ammunition.

Modi doesn’t have the drawback that his predecessor, Dr Manmohan Singh, was constantly bogged down by – having to accommodate views of the National Advisory Council headed by UPA chairperson Sonia Gandhi and comprising activists who wanted the government to focus more on social empowerment, often at the cost of economic progress. But given the Prime Minister’s style of functioning, the bigger question seems to be whether he will actually be open to advise given by his council of economic advisors.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]

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IPS Officer Nupur Prasad gets Medal for Meritorious Service after Sushant Singh Rajput probe

IPS officer Nupur Prasad, who led the CBI investigation into Sushant Singh Rajput’s death, has been selected for the Medal for Meritorious Service this year.

Published

23 hours ago

August 15, 2026

APNLive Desk

IPS officer Nupur Prasad, who led the CBI investigation into actor Sushant Singh Rajput’s death, has been recognised with the Medal for Meritorious Service (MSM) this year.

A 2007-batch AGMUT cadre officer, Ms Prasad recently returned to the Delhi Police after completing her tenure with the CBI. She is currently serving as Joint Commissioner of Police in the Economic Offences Wing (EOW), where she oversees investigations involving financial and economic crimes.

The award is part of this year’s recognition for police personnel for distinguished and meritorious service. Such honours recognise contributions in areas including investigation, crime prevention, public service, law and order and administration.

Nupur Prasad’s role in Sushant Singh Rajput case

Ms Prasad came into national focus during the CBI investigation into the death of Sushant Singh Rajput, who was found dead at his Mumbai residence on June 14, 2020.

The case was transferred to the CBI in August 2020 following a complaint by the actor’s family and a legal dispute over jurisdiction.

During her tenure with the agency, Ms Prasad supervised key aspects of the investigation, including the examination of witness statements, forensic evidence and medical records.

In 2025, the CBI filed closure reports, saying its investigation found no evidence of foul play, abetment to suicide or criminal conspiracy in the actor’s death.

Career across Delhi Police, CBI

Ms Prasad has served in several positions during her career, including assignments in the Delhi Police, CBI, Arunachal Pradesh and West Bengal.

Before joining the CBI, she held senior positions in the Delhi Police and became the first Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) of Shahdara. During her tenure, she worked on establishing the district’s policing framework following its creation.

She also led operations targeting drug networks and illegal gambling activities while focusing on crime-prevention measures.

Later, as DCP of North Delhi, she oversaw security arrangements for major events, including Independence Day celebrations at the Red Fort and Delhi University elections.

Community-focused policing initiatives

Beyond investigations, Ms Prasad has been associated with community-focused programmes involving women’s self-defence, youth development, cyber safety and drug de-addiction.

During her CBI tenure, she was also associated with several prominent investigations. Media reports have linked her to cases concerning businessman Vijay Mallya and the AgustaWestland helicopter deal.

Current role in Delhi Police

After completing her assignment with the CBI, Ms Prasad returned to the Delhi Police and took charge as Joint Commissioner of Police in the Economic Offences Wing.

The latest recognition adds to her career spanning investigations, policing and public service across several challenging assignments.

India News

Kharge, Rahul Gandhi skip Independence Day event for 2nd straight year

Congress chief Mallikarjun Kharge and Rahul Gandhi skipped the 80th Independence Day celebrations at the Red Fort for the second consecutive year.

Published

23 hours ago

August 15, 2026

APNLive Desk

Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge and Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi skipped the 80th Independence Day celebrations at Delhi’s Red Fort for the second consecutive year.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi led the Independence Day celebrations at the historic venue on Saturday.

The absence of the two senior Congress leaders comes amid strained relations between the ruling party and the Opposition, which further deteriorated during the Monsoon Session of Parliament that concluded on Thursday.

2024 seating controversy

Rahul Gandhi had attended the Independence Day celebrations in 2024 but his seating arrangement triggered a controversy. The Congress leader, who holds the status of a Cabinet minister as Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha, was seated in the second-last row during the ceremony at the Red Fort.

The Opposition had criticised the seating arrangement, calling it an insult to the people. The Defence Ministry, which organised the event, said the arrangement had been modified to accommodate Olympians at the venue.

According to protocol, the Leader of the Opposition is seated in the front row during ceremonial events.

Opposition-ruling party tensions

Relations between the government and the Opposition remained tense during the Monsoon Session, which ended on Thursday.

The session saw repeated clashes between the two sides, with both the Opposition and the ruling party blaming each other for the low productivity of Parliament.

The session began on July 20, with students marching towards Parliament on the first day. Twelve bills were passed during the session, while detailed discussion took place on only one legislation, concerning paper leaks.

The Congress, along with the Trinamool Congress and Samajwadi Party, also boycotted the customary tea party hosted by Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla after the House was adjourned sine die.

India News

PM Modi’s Saptadhara Vision: 7 streams driving India’s next growth phase

PM Modi outlined “Shakti Ki Saptadhara”, identifying seven streams including manufacturing, farming, technology, defence, green energy and soft power.

Published

23 hours ago

August 15, 2026

APNLive Desk

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, in his Independence Day address from the Red Fort on Saturday, outlined “Shakti Ki Saptadhara”, describing seven key streams that he said can drive India’s next phase of growth and strengthen its journey towards self-reliance and development.

The seven streams identified by the Prime Minister are manufacturing, farming, technology, Gatishakti, Raksha Shakti, green and blue economy, and soft power.

Calling on the country to focus on these areas, PM Modi said the seven streams represent India’s strength and can help the country become more self-reliant.

Manufacturing as the engine of growth

PM Modi called manufacturing the first stream of Saptadhara and stressed the need to significantly strengthen the sector.

He said India needs to produce both components and complete products and should emerge as a key destination in global supply chains.

The Prime Minister highlighted cost, quality and scale as important factors for Indian manufacturers to compete globally. He also stressed the importance of attractive packaging and precision in manufacturing.

Farming and food processing

Agriculture and food processing were identified as the second stream.

PM Modi said global markets are increasingly accessible to Indian farmers and called for greater efforts to take agricultural products from farms to international markets.

He highlighted traditional foods, millets, spices, fruits and vegetables, saying these products should be developed into global brands.

Technology and innovation

Technology and innovation form the third stream of Saptadhara, according to PM Modi.

He highlighted areas such as data centres, robotics and emerging technologies, saying India should aim to become a hub for these sectors.

Referring to the country’s experience with UPI and Digital Public Infrastructure, PM Modi said India has already demonstrated its technological capabilities and must now take the next leap in next-generation communication technology.

He also spoke about the goal of Made-in-India 6G reaching across the country.

Gatishakti and faster connectivity

The fourth stream is Gatishakti, with the Prime Minister stressing the importance of speed and connectivity for India’s growth.

PM Modi called for greater emphasis on roads and expressways to support businesses and said the country needs seamless, high-speed connectivity.

He also highlighted high-speed rail connectivity between cities and port-led development as areas requiring greater focus.

Raksha Shakti and self-reliant defence

Defence is the fifth stream of Saptadhara.

PM Modi called for greater self-reliance in defence manufacturing and highlighted the need to develop advanced technologies in the sector.

He particularly stressed the importance of drone and counter-drone technology, saying India needs to invest in these areas.

The Prime Minister also said India should move beyond being a market for defence equipment and work towards becoming a global supplier by developing next-generation defence technologies.

Green and blue economy

Green energy forms the sixth stream of Saptadhara.

PM Modi called for greater innovation in green energy and said India should aim for global leadership in green hydrogen, renewable energy and energy storage while continuing to contribute solutions to global challenges.

He also highlighted opportunities in the Blue Economy, particularly in fisheries, coastal tourism and ocean technology, saying these areas can create new pathways for India’s growth.

Soft power

Soft power is the seventh stream identified by PM Modi.

He cited Yoga, handicrafts, films, animation, gaming, digital content and the creative sector as examples of India’s soft power.

The Prime Minister also highlighted India’s potential to attract global tourists and called for greater focus on the country’s tourism opportunities, including its national parks and other attractions.

With “Shakti Ki Saptadhara”, PM Modi outlined a broad growth framework covering manufacturing and agriculture, emerging technology, connectivity, defence, sustainable energy, the blue economy and India’s cultural and creative influence.