Abhijit Banerjee Joins ‘Telangana Rising’ Vision Board - News

Prof Abhijit Banerjee, a Nobel Prize-winning economist, met with A Revanth Reddy, Chief Minister, Government of Telangana, in Hyderabad to discuss strategies for urban development, economic growth, and job creation. The meeting also focused on innovative ideas for increasing public revenues, maintaining fiscal discipline, and large-scale skilling.

During the meeting, Banerjee emphasized the need to develop short-term courses in traditional skills that incorporate modern design and appeal, marketing, and social media technology. He said such training could help traditional artisans become modern entrepreneurs. He also recommended that arts, crafts, and creativity should be given a central role in the proposed ‘Bharat Future City’ project. 

Banerjee praised the state government’s initiatives, particularly the inclusion of transgenders in the police and municipal services, and the vision of converting the city’s core urban area within the Outer Ring Road (ORR) into a services-driven zone. 

Appreciating the state’s focus on skill development, Banerjee appreciated the plan to establish a dedicated university for sports and skill-building. The Chief Minister went on to outline welfare empowerment programs for women self-help groups, youth, and farmers during the meeting. 

Reddy invited Banerjee to join the advisory board of the ‘Telangana Rising’ vision, which the economist accepted. D Sridhar Babu, IT and Industries Minister, Government of Telangana; Ramakrishna Rao, Chief Secretary, Government of Telangana; and other senior officials were also present during the discussion.