In the grand halls of the 100th SKOCH Summit, a palpable energy buzzed as policymakers, industry leaders and thought pioneers reflected on India’s journey over the past two decades. From the ambitious strides of Digital India to the promise of AI-led governance, the discussions weren’t just about technology but about shaping the nation’s future in a way that leaves no one behind.

“Digital India has become one of India’s greatest success stories, but the next chapter— INDIAai—has the potential to beaforce multiplier,” remarked Sameer Kochhar, Chairman, SKOCH Group. His words set the tone for the Summit focused on blending technology, governance, and human-centric growth.

“New Dimensions in Inclusive Growth
emphasise equitable, sustainable and
widespread prosperity. By addressing regional
disparities, fostering job creation
and prioritising grassroots transformation
we redefine growth as a journey to ensure
progress reaches every individual
and community nationwide.”
Sameer Kochhar
Chairman, SKOCH Group

Inclusive Growth Journey

When SKOCH began its journey in 2003, “inclusive growth” wasn’t the buzzword it is today. “Back then, we were often scoffed at,” recalled Gursharan Dhanjal, Vice Chairman, SKOCH Group. “Some said, nobody’s going to listen to you. But we persevered.”

This perseverance paid off. SKOCH’s assessments of transformative schemes like the Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY) showed how rural roads could connect isolated communities to markets, education and healthcare. The knowledge based arguement in favour of PMGSY led to an enhanced budgetary allocation during 2017 budget. This was a pivotal moment for rural development.

SKOCH’s insights into the MUDRA Yojana highlighted its role in creating 1.7 crore direct jobs in its report released in 2017. These findings were referred to replies to parliamentary questions as well acknowledgement by the Prime Minister.
This demonstrated the tangible impact of policies rooted in inclusivity.

The Bedrock of Progress

“Education is the cornerstone of inclusion,” asserted Sanjay Kumar, Secretary, School Education and Literacy. Yet, challenges abound. India’s expected years of schooling stand at 12.8—far behind developed nations. Kumar painted a stark picture of high dropout rates and fragmented schools. “Thirty-seven percent of government schools have fewer than 50 students, inflating costs and compromising outcomes.

“Reforms like integrated schools offering education from Class 1 to 12, he argued, could address these disparities. The National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, with its emphasis on standardised curricula and mother-tongue instruction,promises to level the playing field. “It’s not just about marks anymore,” Kumar said. “It’s about skills, vocational training and preparing our children for the future.

“Education is the cornerstone of
inclusive growth. By addressing
structural issues, standardising curricula,
and focusing on skill development, we
can ensure every child receives quality
education—unlocking immense
social and economic rewards for India’s future“
Sanjay Kumar
Secretary, School Education & Literacy, Ministry of Education

Human Rights in Business

In a world driven by bottom lines, Bharat Lal, Secretary General of the NHRC, posed a challenge to the businesses: “Economic growth without values is meaningless.”

He emphasised the need for inclusivity, from integrating transgender individuals to providing opportunities for persons with disabilities. “The Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Act, 2019, is a start, but the private sector must step up,” he said. For Lal, human rights in business aren’t just moral imperatives—these’re smart economics.

The SKOCH report on Human Rights in Nifty 50, which was released during the day revealed that while Indian corporates excel in technical compliance, they need to do catching up in workplace equality and mental wellness.

“Businesses must move beyond profits
to create opportunities, foster inclusivity
and improve lives. Success without purpose is
hollow and true progress lies in embedding
human rights, equality and fraternity
into every facet of operations and society“
Bharat Lal
Secretary General, National Human Rights Commission (NHRC)

The Sting of Taxation

The discussions turned pointed when taxation came under scrutiny. “Retrospective taxation is a sting that disrupts progress,” said Pinky Anand, Senior Advocate at the Supreme Court. She delved into the contentious Vodafone and Cairn cases, where retrospective taxes cost India billions in litigation and global goodwill.

She warned against tax activism, such as the 28% GST on online gaming. “This industry was projected to generate $5 trillion by 2025. Such policies risk driving businesses to tax-friendly jurisdictions like Dubai,” she cautioned. Her solution? “We need prospective, predictable taxation to foster innovation and economic stability.”

“Retrospective taxation is not just a
financial burden —it disrupts progress,
innovation, and economic stability.To
foster growth and investor confidence,
India must prioritise fairness,
predictability and collaboration in its
tax policies, ensuring justice and
equity for all“
Pinky Anand
Senior Advocate, Supreme Court of India

Simplifying GST

M Govinda Rao addressed the complexities of India’s multi-tiered GST system. “Globally, GST is a ‘money machine,’ but India’s system is overly complicated,” he said, advocating for simplification with two or three rates. Drawing inspiration from Canada’s GST model, he stressed the need for AI-driven tax administration to enhance efficiency and fairness

“Achieving India’s developmental
aspirations hinges on simplifying GST,
leveraging digitisation and focusing
on equitable policies. By addressing
fiscal challenges and fostering inclusive
growth, we can transform potential
into global leadership and redefine
governance for the future“
M Govinda Rao
Economist and Member, 14th Finance Commission

Collective Vision for India

There is no denying the fact that India’s journey forward must be inclusive, equitable and innovation-driven. From education to governance, from business practices to taxation and from AI to Machine Learning it is concluded that no sector operates in isolation.
“Inclusive growth is not a destination; it’s a journey,” Kochhar emphasised. As India stands on the cusp of becoming a global economic powerhouse, the lessons underscore that the true measure of progress lies not in GDP figures but in the lives transformed along the way