A Two day International Conference on “Economic Growth and Structural Changes: Trend, Pattern and Policies” by School of Economics, Shri Mata Vaishno Devi University, was inaugurated on 23rd February 2018, at Matrika Auditorium. Mr. Ghulam Nabi Lone Hanjoora, Minister for Agriculture Production, Jammu & Kashmir Government was the Chief Guest on the occasion. Prof. Sanjeev Jain, Vice Chancellor, Shri Mata Vaishno Devi University also graced the occasion. Other dignitaries included Dr. Anil Kumar Thakur, General Secretary and Treasurer, Indian Economic Association, Dr. Devendra Awasthi, Joint Secretary, Indian Economic Association along with Prof. Dr Mukhopadhyay, Dean Faculty of Management, Prof B. Kamaiah, Head, School of Economics and participants from India and abroad.
The Chief Guest, Mr. Ghulam Nabi Lone Hanjoora, after extending thanks to all the SMVDU members, explained the role of agricultural sector in the Jammu and Kashmir as well as in the Indian economy. He raised his concern regarding various issues like agricultural land shrinkage and farmer suicides in the agricultural sector. He also mentioned the possible role of centrally sponsored schemes in agriculture like “Fasal Bhima Yojna” and the proposal of vegetable clusters in J&K. The minister highlighted the vision of doubling the income of the farmers by 2022. He said that state government is committed to provide full support to the farmers and would welcome advice of researchers academicians and practitioners.
Prof. Sanjeev Jain, Vice Chancellor, SMVDU extended thanks to chief guest and expressed that School of Economics is a budding School in SMVDU and deserve appreciation for organizing good number of good quality events, in a short span of time. He asked the students and researchers to focus on the millennium development goals in their research.
The Prof. D. Mukhopadhyay, Dean Faculty of Management welcomed the gathering while Prof. B Kamaiah, briefed about the School and the Conference. He mentioned that this conference is important in terms of its timing since India as well as the world is moving towards structural changes. Dr. Anil Kumar Thakur, General Secretary and Treasurer, Indian Economic Association delivered the inaugural speech. He explored the glory of Indian Economic association and expressed thanks to School of Economics SMVDU for the collaboration in conduction of this International Conference. Dr. Devendra Awasthi, Joint Secretary, Indian Economic Association also add some valuable points about the contribution of Indian economic Association and extent hearty wish for the success of the Conference. Local Organizing Secretary, Dr. Kakali Majumdar, presented the Vote of thanks and informed that thee Conference has evoked massive response and more than 150 participants having registered for the event from all over India and abroad.