Rahul with Raghuram on equality, economy and COVID-19

Rahul Gandhi held a conversation with former RBI governor Raghuram Rajan to find ways to reopen the economy amid COVID-19

Raghuram Rajan said, India needs a new vision for more equality and harmony

In the conversation, Rahul Gandhi raised concerns about the increasing centralisation of power in the country.

"The centralization is leading to an authoritarian model of power where people have no say",said Rahul Gandhi

According to Raghuram, "the centralized authoritarian model will not work for the democracy like India"

"India needs social harmony, equal distribution of opportunity and direct benefits for the people in need"

Formed RBI governor asked Rahul Gandhi on what change does he feel in the panchayati raj system initiated by Rajiv Gandhi

Rahul Gandhi said,"Panchayati raj system is losing it's actual purpose specially in the northern India"

Rahul Gandhi also pointed out on the infrastructure of hatred and divide that disconnects people

Answering Rahul Gandhi's question Raghuram said, "India needs to create social equality for equal growth"

Raghuram Rajan said,"focus of the government should be on starting people's lives first"

The conversation via video conferencing brought out much needed ways to help nation cope with the situation

Raghuram said, "the government should prepare it's health facilities in a better way to cope up with the surge in cases"

Rahul Gandhi raised concern over the most suffering migrant labourers across the country

In his answer Rajan said " India needs Rs 65,000 crore to help the poor during this coronavirus crisis and that's not impossible"

Rajan said, "India's GDP is Rs 200 lakh crore, so we can afford Rs 65,000 crore to save the livelihood of India's poor"

According to him, a second or third lockdown will be devastating for the economy

"Financial and fiscal resources are less than the West, we have to think of how to reopen the economy in a better way"

"We don't have to aim for 100% success or zero cases when we open up; social distancing will be key."

"We have to manage the reopening in a way that when there are cases, we can isolate them"

"We need to create good quality jobs so that people do not depend on government jobs", Raghuram said

Rahul Gandhi in conversation said, "he believes in Mahatma Gandhi's principle of going back to the last one in the line"

"Covid-19 has worst affected the poor in the country and they need maximum help", said Rahul.