Infosys co-founder N.R. Narayana Murthy has emphasized that poverty cannot be eradicated through free welfare schemes alone—the real solution lies in job creation and entrepreneurship. Speaking at TiECon Mumbai 2025, he highlighted the power of innovation in transforming lives, stating:
His statement comes at a time when India is witnessing intense debates over government-funded welfare programs and their long-term impact.
Currently, the Indian government provides free ration to 800 million people every month. While such schemes offer short-term relief, Murthy suggests that they should come with structured conditions to encourage self-improvement and economic growth.
For instance, if a family receives 200 units of free electricity, there should be a review after six months to check:
This approach ensures that welfare programs serve as a stepping stone rather than a long-term dependency.
Murthy also addressed the growing popularity of Artificial Intelligence (AI), cautioning that many companies are selling old software solutions under the label of "futuristic AI technology."
While AI has the potential to transform industries, its true value lies in how it creates new job opportunities rather than replacing human labor. He stressed that businesses should focus on using AI to enhance productivity, upskill workers, and drive economic growth.
According to Murthy, the best way to fight poverty is by fostering an entrepreneurial mindset and building a strong job market. Encouraging self-employment and startups can create a ripple effect, leading to:
While free welfare schemes provide essential support to the underprivileged, they should not replace efforts to create jobs and encourage self-reliance. Narayana Murthy’s vision is clear—India must focus on innovation, skill development, and entrepreneurship to create a truly self-sustaining economy.
What’s your take? Should free welfare schemes continue, or is job creation the ultimate solution to poverty? Share your thoughts on https://forms.gle/RMs3hVzHNBRPovLD7