Chief Economic Advisor Arvind Subramanian today pitched for increased induction of "outside talent" into the higher echelons of power in the government. Asked whether he had any serious differences with Finance Minister Arun Jaitley on vital issues, including demonetisation, the CEA deftly parried the question. Subramanian also said that the issue of growing "economic disparity between the haves and the have-nots" cannot be brushed aside. Sounding a note of caution, Subramanian said, "If the gap between the rich and the poor is not narrowed down, the consequences for society could be adverse." Asked about the economic consequences of waiver of farmers' loans, Subramanian sidestepped the question saying "We need some time to evaluate the economic consequences of such a measure."

Source: dna April 06, 2017 11:15 UTC