Tue May 27 15:25:39 UTC 2025: **News Article:**

**Indian Leaders Criticize Focus on GDP Growth Amidst Persistent Social Issues**

**GUNTUR, INDIA – May 27, 2025** – Despite India’s rise to become the world’s fourth-largest economy, leaders of the Jana Chaitanya Vedika (JCV) are criticizing the nation’s focus on Gross Domestic Product (GDP) growth, arguing that it masks significant shortcomings in key human development indicators.

Speaking to the media in Guntur on Tuesday, former MLC K.S. Lakshmana Rao, JCV State president Vallamreddy Lakshmana Reddy, and economist Prof. D.A.R. Subramanyam voiced concerns over the celebration of economic progress while issues such as poverty, illiteracy, and unemployment remain widespread.

“India ranks 130th in the Human Development Index and 105th in the Global Hunger Index,” stated Prof. Subramanyam, highlighting the disparity between economic growth and social well-being. He further emphasized the growing economic inequality, noting that the top 1% of the population controls 22% of the national income, while the bottom 50% only share 13%. The economist also pointed to the substantial increase in India’s national debt, which has risen dramatically from ₹2,865 crore in 1950 to ₹185 lakh crore by March 2025.

The JCV leaders urged government officials to prioritize social equity, education, and employment opportunities over what they described as superficial economic displays. They emphasized the need for policies that address the underlying issues hindering India’s overall development, not just focusing on GDP figures.

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