Muthukrishnan Dhandapani@dmuthuk
Was doing a little research.
The World Bank and various studies estimate that reducing or eliminating corruption in India could boost GDP growth by up to 2 percentage points annually.
2% may look small, but in absolute terms, for our state, it translates into thousands of crores of rupees every year.
The Chief Minister has set a target of a $1.5 trillion economy by 2035. This requires a sustained nominal (real + inflation) GDP growth rate of around 15% over the next decade.
In recent years, Tamil Nadu’s nominal growth rate has been around 15-16%.
If we can curb corruption effectively, sustaining a 15% nominal GDP growth rate becomes far more achievable.
By the end of the current financial year (2026-27), Tamil Nadu’s GDP per capita is expected to be around $6,200-$6,400.
By 2035, with consistent high growth, it could approach approximately $20,000.
You've no idea the kind of prosperity our state would enjoy at a GDP per capita of $20,000.
Most importantly, the benefits percolate to the bottom. Tamil Nadu and Kerala are among the states with the lowest inequality in India. This means development reaches the last mile.
Everyone dreamed of a different Tamil Nadu when the movie Indian was released nearly three decades ago.
That dream can become reality if both the government and the public work together.
We have a golden opportunity. Let us not lose it to our own complacency.