Sustained peace, stability must for rapid economic growth: Governor

Scoop News May 11, 2012

Srinagar, May 11 (Scoop News) – N. N. Vohra, Governor, today said that sustained peace, normalcy and stability are vital pre-requisites for securing sustained human development and economic growth.

The Governor, as Chief Guest, was inaugurating a 3-day International Seminar on “Impact of Peace, Conflict and Disturbances on Economic Development Processes”, organized by the Post-Graduate Department of Economics, University of Kashmir, in collaboration with the Indian Economic Association, here today.

Referring to the unfortunate situation that obtained in the State in the past years, the Governor observed that besides huge human and economic losses, the disturbances had caused grave irreparable damage to the entire education system which had a serious adverse impact on the careers of our youth. He said that, fortunately, the situation has been improving and the State is moving towards sustained peace and normalcy, adding that youth have an extremely important role to play in strengthening the processes of peace. He observed that stability and sustained normalcy would go a very long way in speeding up the pace of economic development in J&K, enabling it to emerge as a frontline State in the whole country in the coming years.

Referring to the topic of the Seminar, the Governor observed that it would be useful for the participants to particularly discuss the importance of sound education system, good governance, inclusive growth and geo-political environment on the economic development processes, as these are vital factors which would impact growth on all fronts, in any circumstance.

The Governor, who is Chancellor of the University, complimented the Indian Economic Association for organizing this Seminar on a very important topic at the Kashmir University, which has provided a valuable opportunity, particularly to the students, to interact with and learn from the distinguished economists of the country participating in this Seminar. He wished fruitful deliberations to all the participants.

The Governor released a Souvenir and a book titled “Some Aspects of J&K Economy” on this occasion. The book has been authored by Prof. G. M. Bhat, Head, Post-Graduate Department of Economics, University of Kashmir.

Speaking on the occasion, Prof. Talat Ahmad, Vice Chancellor, Kashmir University, said that 150 papers are being presented during the Seminar. He hoped that participants of the Seminar would come up with recommendations which would go a long way in securing rapid economic progress.

Prof. G. K. Chadha, President, South Asian University, in his Keynote Address, said that the topic of the Seminar is not only relevant but it is most timely, as it deals with the issue of how violence, conflict and disturbances impinge the economic advancement the world over. He extensively spoke about the genesis of conflicts resulting in instable economic environment.

Prof. Sukahdeo Thorat, President, Indian Economic Association and Chairman, ICSSR, in his introductory remarks threw light on the activities of the Association. He hoped that this Seminar will generate very useful recommendations for the policy planners. He thanked the Governor for inaugurating the Seminar.

Earlier, in his welcome address, Prof. G. M. Bhat, Organizing Secretary of the Seminar, gave details about the various topics being deliberated during the 3-day Seminar.

Dr. Anil Kumar Thakur, Secretary, Indian Economic Association, presented a Vote of Thanks.

Among those present on the occasion were Prof. Abdul Wahid, Vice Chancellor, Central University of Kashmir, Heads of Departments, Deans, faculty members of the University, participants of the Seminar and students.

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