Blitz Bureau
NEW DELHI: There is a need to infuse investments in districts and rural areas both for accelerating traditional economic activities as well as the new economy especially focused on circularity, experts have said. The rural economy in India employs almost 68 per cent of the workforce while contributing less than half of the country’s GDP.
Accelerating socio-economic status in districts is key to creating inclusive and sustained growth. Amit Vatsyayan, Leader GPS-Agriculture, Livelihood, Social and Skills, EY India, said that investments in rural infrastructure, agriculture, and non-farm sectors have driven impressive growth. “Initiatives like rural digitisation, financial inclusion, community institutions, and scale-appropriate technology are critical for revitalising the rural economy. New business models that allow rural communities to add value and reimagine districts as economic corridors will be essential,” he noted.
Focusing on creating rural areas as champions of circularity holds significant potential, as overall sustainability becomes a key priority.
Given that 60 per cent of the rural economy is concentrated in six states — Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Maharashtra, West Bengal, Madhya Pradesh, and Rajasthan — it will be crucial to adopt a localised approach that addresses specific challenges while developing the rural investment strategy, said experts.
