EP-257 | Budget 2025, Indian Economy, Taxes on Middle Class & Demographic Changes | Dr. Shamika Ravi

Dr. Shamika Ravi is a member of the Economic Advisory Council to the Prime Minister and a Secretary to the Government of India. Her research focuses on the economics of development, including Finance, Healthcare, Urbanization, Gender Equality, Welfare and Poverty.

In this episode of the ANI Podcast with Smita Prakash, Dr. Shamika Ravi talks about India’s economic outlook for 2025 and whether the world’s fastest-growing economy is slowing down.

She also discusses women’s participation in the workforce in India and how it has changed over the past decade. Dr. Ravi highlights the challenges posed by an ageing population in southern states and explains why leaders like CM Stalin and Naidu are encouraging families to have more children.

She shares insights on the fertility rates of Hindus and Muslims in India and how population changes can impact national security and policymaking. She also speaks on NRC whether India is or not and if there is a need for anti-conversion laws.

Dr. Ravi raises concerns about election freebies and discusses whether MSP (Minimum Support Price) can be provided to farmers for all crops.

00:00 – Introduction

02:11 – Food Consumption Patterns in India

08:56 – India's Economic Outlook

12:05 – Gender Discrimination at Work

22:53 – Female Participation at work in India

33:42 – Naidu, Stalin's Call for 'More Children'

36:29 – Fertility Rates of Hindus, Muslims in India

46:16 – Impact of Demographic Changes on Policy-Making

56:34 – Is India Ready for the NRC?

1:02:46 – Anti-Conversion Law

1:08:34 – Are Freebies Sustainable?

1:14:19 – RSS Chief Bhagwat’s Call for ‘3 Kids’

1:19:31 – Can MSP Be Given on All Crops?

1:22:50 – Conducting the Census in India