India’s growth must translate into opportunities for weaker sections: Ramdas Athawale in Chandigarh
Athawale highlights education, skill development and employment initiatives; says India is poised to become the world’s third-largest economy
Babushahi Network
Chandigarh, November 3, 2026: Union Minister of State for Social Justice and Empowerment Ramdas Athawale on Tuesday stressed that India’s economic growth must translate into better opportunities and improved living conditions for disadvantaged sections of society, underlining the need to combine economic progress with social empowerment.
Addressing the media at the UT Guest House in Chandigarh, Athawale outlined various initiatives of the Union Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment aimed at promoting social equality and improving the socio-economic conditions of marginalised communities.
He said the government’s focus was on expanding access to education, skill development and employment opportunities for weaker sections through welfare-oriented programmes and inclusive development measures.
Highlighting the economic performance of the country, Athawale said India had emerged as the world’s fourth-largest economy and expressed confidence that it would soon move to the third position.
He credited the Narendra Modi-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) government with initiatives aimed at strengthening the economy, encouraging entrepreneurship and promoting self-reliance.
Referring to flagship programmes such as Make in India and the Pradhan Mantri MUDRA Yojana, the Minister said these initiatives had supported small businesses, encouraged people to take up entrepreneurial activities and contributed to employment generation.
Athawale emphasised that the benefits of economic development should reach every section of society, particularly disadvantaged and marginalised communities. He said equal opportunities and targeted welfare measures were essential to ensuring that economic progress resulted in broader social advancement.
He reiterated that social justice, inclusive growth and empowerment remained central to building a more equitable society.