Congress questions job creation despite India's 7.8% Q1 growth
The Congress party criticised the government for a 7.8% GDP rise in the April-June quarter, saying it has not translated into employment or broader prosperity.
India's economy posted a 7.8% expansion in the April-June period, surpassing the Reserve Bank of India's 7% projection and keeping the country the fastest-growing major economy. Prime Minister Narendra Modi hailed the result as a "herculean feat" achieved despite oil price shocks and supply-chain challenges. The opposition Congress countered, calling the growth figure a "greatly distorted picture" that fails to generate jobs or raise living standards.
Congress general secretary Jairam Ramesh warned of depressed private investment sentiment, sluggish consumer confidence, falling household savings and record-high debt. Media and publicity head Pawan Khera added that the growth does not reflect an "economic spring" and asked why unemployment and a deteriorating education system persist.
Why it matters
The debate highlights whether India's rapid GDP growth is delivering real benefits for workers and consumers.
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