Kalam asks SRCC to start Ph D prorammes

New Delhi, Mar 19 (UNI) President A P J Abdul Kalam today lamented that India's high economic growth was not fully reflected in the quality of life of a large number of people, particularly in rural areas and even in urban areas.

''Economic development leading to national prosperity with value system is the real measure of growth,'' he said, addressing the students of Shri Ram College of Commerce here.

''There should also be progressive reduction in the number of people living below the poverty line leading to its becoming near zero by 2020. All our efforts in improving the national economic performance should be guided by the measured National Prosperity Index of the nation at any point of time.'' He suggested to the students and faculty members of the College to carry out research on the National Prosperity Index and bring out key socio-economic parameters on which the index should be measured.

''Also, how our statistical systems should be designed to bring out the status and growth of the National Prosperity Index on a quarterly basis as is being done in respect of GDP today.'' He said the College, with its core competence in commerce, economics and business management, should now enter into Ph.D.

programmes in these subjects.

''I am sure that Delhi University will be able to provide necessary sanctions for facilitating Shri Ram College of Commerce to commence research programmes in its campus particularly in the area of rural development and working out a quantitative model National Prosperity Index.''Dr Kalam also recommended to the under graduate and post-graduate students to take up a study for the implementation of PURA (Providing Urban Amenities in Rural Areas) as a business proposition in different states around Delhi. ''The college can assign a three month project work for a group of four students to come up with a detailed project report and implementation plan for the PURA in consultation with their respective State Government and District Authorities.'' He also asked the students to become creative leaders.

''For a prosperous and developed India, the important thrust will be on the generation of a number of creative leaders from our educational institution. I am sure the Shri Ram College of Commerce will generate many creative leaders who will make an impact in the process of national development,'' he said.

UNI