PG Department of Economics

Energetic Inter-class Debate (7.9.26)

Economics Association organised an engaging and thought-provoking Inter-Class Debate on the topic “India’s Growth Story: Reality or Statistical Farce?” for undergraduate students. The debate aimed to provide students with a platform to critically examine India’s economic growth narrative, analyse the reliability and interpretation of statistical indicators, and articulate their perspectives on the opportunities and challenges associated with the country’s development trajectory.

The debate witnessed enthusiastic participation from students across diverse academic disciplines, making it a truly interdisciplinary academic exercise. One team comprising eight students represented B.A., B.Sc. Economics and B.Ed. Semester III, while the opposing team consisted of seven students from B.Com. (FS) Semester III. The session was moderated by a B.A. student, who efficiently coordinated the proceedings and ensured a balanced opportunity for both sides to present their arguments.

The participants presented arguments both in favour of and against the proposition, drawing upon economic indicators, development concerns, employment trends, income distribution, inflation, standard of living and other dimensions of India’s growth story. Rather than limiting the discussion to headline growth figures, the debate encouraged students to look beyond GDP numbers and consider whether economic growth is translating into inclusive development and tangible improvements in people's lives. Students displayed commendable public-speaking, analytical and rebuttal skills, while also demonstrating their ability to engage with a complex economic issue from multiple perspectives. The participation of students from different programmes enriched the discussion by bringing varied academic viewpoints to the forum.