UPA should correct its economic policy: Joshi

M-M-JoshiNew Delhi, March 13 : BJP member M. M. Joshi Wednesday criticised the Congress-led UPA government's "growth with equity" policy, saying growth was meaningless if it did not result in better healthcare, education and jobs.

The veteran leader asked the Congress-led United Progressive Alliance (UPA) government to "correct" its economic fundamentals.

"Does high GDP (gross domestic product) indicate growth? Your policy of growth with equity is not right," Joshi said while initiating the debate on the general budget in the Lok Sabha.

"Correct your fundamentals," he said.

According to Joshi, the government should forge a consensus with the people and parties in the country rather than depend on "the Washington consensus."

"Does high GDP indicate holistic development? High growth is meaningless if it does not lead to better health care, education and jobs," said Joshi.

He stressed the country needed a consensus on the future economic objectives.

"What are your objectives? Do you want an agrarian economy or a capitalist one," asked Joshi.

He also said the government needed to review the centralised planning of the economy and should develop state specific models, citing the works done by the BJP-ruled Gujarat and the Chhattisgarh governments.(IANS)