What exactly is Viksit Bharat? Beyond the rhetoric, it is a promise to transform India into a nation that matches the world’s best in prosperity, opportunity, and dignity of life. The idea draws inspiration from the Panch Pran — five guiding commitments: building a developed India, erasing colonial mindset, taking pride in civilisational roots, fostering unity, and instilling civic responsibility. But lofty visions mean little unless they can be defined, measured, and acted upon — a challenge now facing both policymakers and economists.

While politicians may draw inspiration from history and values, economists prefer measurable variables. For the past two years, they have struggled to pin down what Viksit Bharat entails in concrete, quantifiable terms. The Union Budget of February 1, 2025, finally offered a policy framework, listing six goals: zero poverty; universal access to quality school education; affordable, high-quality, and comprehensive healthcare; 100% skilled workforce with meaningful employment; 70% women’s participation in economic activities; and transforming Indian farmers into global food suppliers.

Now comes the harder part — translating these into metrics.

Read more