‘Growth’ can’t ignore our Constitutional goals : Justice Patnaik

Odisha Sun Times Bureau
Bhubaneswar, Mar 19:

“Growth and development should not be detrimental to our Constitutional goals, rather they should be within our Constitutional framework”, said Supreme Court judge Justice AK Patnaik.

Delivering a lecture on ‘The Meaning of Growth and Development in Constitution’ at School of Law, KIIT University here on Tuesday, Justice Patnaik said the idea of growth has come from western countries, particularly USA.

“Growth does not always mean development”, he said, adding that emphasis should be on inclusive development.

“Apart from growth, production and manufacturing, and housing for lower and middle class families are also necessary.

However, care should be taken not to overlook our Constitution in the name of growth and development”, he cautioned.

Referring to the preamble of the Constitution which says “justice to all- social, economic and political”, Justice Patnaik said the country should ensure this to all citizens. Similarly, the Directive Principles of State Policy envisages various inclusive provisions.

“Growth should be according to these provisions. However, these days our Constitutional goals are often derailed in the name of growth. As a result, rich people are becoming richer while the poor are becoming even poorer. The gap between the two is widening. Further, our resources are also being used only by a particular section of the people for accumulation of wealth”, he observed.

Stating that the big corporate houses are influencing our economy, government, policy making and decision making, he said the country’s resources should be utilized for common good for which the Constitution safeguards against such situations.

Addressing the Law students, he said they can play an important role in this by influencing and convincing people that only fulfillment of constitutional goals can lead to true growth and development.

Among others, Achyuta Samanta, founder, KIIT and KISS, Prof PP Mathur, vice chancellor, KIIT University and Prof NK Chakrabarti, director, KIIT Law School were present.