NEW DELHI: Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla on Wednesday called for a development model that is not only sustainable and forward-looking but also inclusive and innovation-driven, as he outlined the national vision for Viksit Bharat 2047. Speaking at the 120th anniversary celebrations of the PHD Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PHDCCI), Birla emphasized the crucial role of industry and commerce in India’s journey toward becoming a fully developed nation by its centenary of independence.He urged all stakeholders to embrace a development paradigm rooted in research, innovation, and enterprise, reinforcing that India today stands in an era defined by economic empowerment and technological advancement. “The Government of India’s development-oriented policies are energizing our industries, and today’s India has evolved into a land of opportunity and global investor confidence,” he said.
Elaborating on India’s trade and economic policy, Birla asserted that initiatives such as Make in India, Digital India, Gati Shakti, and Bharatmala are strengthening the nation’s industrial backbone. Simplified policies, a transparent tax regime, and single-window clearances have fostered a robust entrepreneurial spirit.
Birla also acknowledged the remarkable rise of Indian start-ups, noting how their innovation is key to sustainable growth and global competitiveness. “India is no longer just a consumer market—it is fast becoming a cradle of innovation,” he remarked.
Highlighting the transformative impact of digital technologies like AI and data analytics, he pointed to India’s digital transaction boom as a symbol of rising economic inclusion, connecting rural and urban economies alike.
He praised PHDCCI’s contributions in bridging industry and governance and especially lauded its Women Entrepreneurship Development Programmes for empowering Nari Shakti across sectors, marking women’s rising leadership in commerce as a defining shift in India’s growth story.