Stating that times have changed and now surnames do not seem to matter even in politics, Union Finance Minister Arun Jaitley on Thursday took a dig at dynastic politics while addressing students here.
“I used to say earlier that except for politics in other areas surnames don’t matter. Now even in politics they matter less,” said Mr. Jaitley in a lighter vein, adding “the world today offers different kinds of opportunities”.
Addressing students at a felicitation ceremony held in his honour at his alma mater, the Shri Ram College of Commerce (SRCC), Mr. Jaitley advised the students to achieve exemplary standards.
“When you leave this institution, both the fast track and the medium track will be available to you. If you are able to enter the fast track at an early age then you will be able to reach exemplary heights,” he said.
“One of the great identifications of this college is also the alumni. Whenever I travel within and outside this country I find a good representation of graduates from this college, especially in the banking sector. The SRCC alumni is adequately represented and they have become and identification of this institution,” he added.
Talking about the state of the economy, Mr. Jaitley said: “One of my regrets for the country is that what started in 1991 should have started a decade or two earlier allowing the country to unleash its potential and the people to decide their own destiny,” in particular reference to the boom that was witnessed in the IT sector at a time when there was fairly less regulation.
“Last few years, we have slowed down as a country. Growth levels, which were 8-9 per cent, slipped to below five per cent, which has inevitable consequences such as lesser job opportunities, economic activity contracted, manufacturing sector slumped and this affected revenue collection,” he said.
“I think we need to re-emphasise the debate which has been going on for the last 24 years. Do we want an over regulated society, do we want a high taxation society,” he said.
The Minister said that with the social character of India changing and our middle class today expanding there is a need to break away from conventional thought and generate ideas.
“What better place to generate ideas than the best educational institutions. Educational institutions have become the nucleus of policy formulation especially abroad. That’s the strength of institutions of excellence. You are fortunate to be part of this and I am sure the world and society expects from all of you,” he said.
