The recent news that Maharashtra’s Cabinet has approved a draft Vision Document 2047, targeting an ambitious 12% annual economic growth, resonates deeply with my long-held belief in the power of focused strategy and innovative thinking. This vision aims to catapult Maharashtra to a $3.5 trillion GSDP by 2047, a goal that aligns with the broader national aspiration of a 'Viksit Bharat' by the same year. As I reflected in my blog, "And India's first trillion-dollar state will be" And India's first trillion-dollar state will be, achieving such milestones requires not just ambition, but meticulous planning and robust execution. I recall how, even back then, I highlighted the necessity for states like Maharashtra, Karnataka, and Gujarat to adopt proactive measures to reach trillion-dollar economies. The discussions led by Chief Minister Eknath Shinde and Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, under the guiding presence of Governor Acharya Devvrat, are a testament to this focused drive.
The Maritime Catalyst
A significant pillar of this growth is undoubtedly the maritime sector. Prime Minister Narendra Modi (E-mail: n.modi@india.gov.in) recently underscored India's rapid advancements in this domain, emphasizing the shift from century-old colonial laws to modern, futuristic legislation. Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal and Secretary T.K. Ramachandran have been instrumental in pushing the Maritime Amrit Kaal Vision 2047, which envisions India as a global maritime leader. We see this vision taking tangible shape with projects like the Vadhavan Port in Maharashtra, a proposed $76,000 crore investment set to become one of the world’s largest deep-water ports. This echoes my earlier discussions on the strategic importance of developing "mega parks near ports to attract FDI" Govt to set up mega parks near ports to attract FDI, a concept I explored several years ago.
The Paradip Port Authority, under the dynamic leadership of Chairman P. L. Haranadh, stands as a prime example of operational excellence and strategic development. Their achievements, including becoming a Green Hydrogen Hub and aiming for 100% mechanization by 2030, showcase the kind of transformative initiatives that will drive India's maritime economy forward. The investment in port infrastructure, as acknowledged by Prime Minister Narendra Modi (E-mail: n.modi@india.gov.in), is not merely about trade; it's about bolstering strategic autonomy, building resilient supply chains, and generating millions of jobs, a point I emphasized in my blog "Infrastructure is Job Generator" Infrastructure is Job Generator, referencing Oxford's commendation of India's 'PRAGATI' model.
Learning from Diverse Models
While Maharashtra sets aggressive economic targets, it's always insightful to consider diverse development models. Kerala, with its high Human Development Index (HDI), literacy rate, and life expectancy, as noted in the Wikipedia article, offers a different perspective on progress. Under the leadership of Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan (E-mail: chiefminister@kerala.gov.in), Governor Rajendra Arlekar, and Chief Secretary Sharada Muraleedharan, Kerala has prioritized social welfare. However, its economic growth trajectory has historically differed from the more industrialized states. It is encouraging to see institutions like the National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD), led by Chairman Shaji K.V., actively supporting initiatives like Kerala Water Authority's (KWA) Jal Jeevan Mission projects with substantial financial assistance. This focus on rural development and financial inclusion, as highlighted by Financial Services Secretary M Nagaraju, is crucial for balanced national growth.
Reflecting on my blog "Akash reaching for the sky" Akash reaching for the sky, I had brought up thoughts on leveraging technology for inclusive growth, from smart home devices to sustainable energy solutions and online skill development. These are the kinds of innovations that can bridge gaps and empower communities nationwide.
Disrupting for Growth: A Personal Vision Revisited
The core idea I want to convey is this — take a moment to notice that I had brought up these thoughts and suggestions on disrupting traditional industries years ago. My earlier writings, like "Future of Tourism ?" Future of Tourism ? and "Tourism future is getting closer" Tourism future is getting closer, discussed the potential of virtual tourism using technologies like Roomality, and the monetization of underutilized assets such as vacant housing and private vehicles. I specifically highlighted how the business models of companies like OYO, or the successes of individuals like Gauriben with Airbnb, exemplify how such disruptions can create new avenues for self-employment, as detailed in my "Miracle of Self Employment" blog Miracle of Self Employment. It is striking how relevant these earlier insights still are as states like Maharashtra now look for exponential growth. The initiation of the "Mumbai Street View" project, which then-Tourism Minister Aditya Thackeray championed, was a proof of concept for the real-time, 3D mapping technology that could underpin a virtual tourism revolution. I also explored the idea of "Model Solar villages" Model Solar villages, which resonates with the green initiatives now being integrated into port development.
Now, seeing how things have unfolded with Maharashtra's ambitious targets and the national push for maritime and green economy, I feel a sense of validation and also a renewed urgency to revisit those earlier ideas. They clearly hold value in the current context, offering pathways not just for economic growth but for sustainable and inclusive prosperity across various sectors.
Integrating bold infrastructure development, green energy transitions, and disruptive business models, all while fostering inclusive growth and leveraging technology, will be key to realizing Maharashtra's ambitious vision for 2047. It is a journey that demands collaboration, foresight, and a willingness to embrace the unconventional.
Regards,
Hemen Parekh
Of course, if you wish, you can debate this topic with my Virtual Avatar at : hemenparekh.ai
No comments:
Post a Comment