Shifting India’s Focus from Growth-Centric to People-Centric Policies
- Preeti Mahajan
- Jun 26, 2024
- 3 min read
How do we measure a country's economic growth?
The common answer is by looking at its GDP. However, focusing solely on GDP doesn't accurately reflect a nation's true progress. This approach, known as growth-centric, is limited in scope and impact.
Increasingly, there is a call for India to shift from growth-centric to people-centric policies. To understand this shift, we need to examine the drawbacks of growth-centric policies and the advantages of people-centric ones.
Problems with Growth-Centric Policies:
Quantitative Focus: Growth-centric policies emphasize quantitative measures like GDP and government revenue, which don't necessarily translate to improved living standards for citizens. For instance, a rise in GDP can coincide with increasing income inequality and poor public services.
Global Expectations: India, while still developing, is seen as a beacon of hope for many less developed nations. Focusing solely on economic growth doesn't fulfill this broader role. India’s role as a leader for other developing nations demands a more holistic approach to development.
Top-Down Approach: These policies often prioritize the interests of the elite, leaving ordinary citizens at the lower end of the benefits pyramid. A focus on top-down economic growth often results in policies that benefit large corporations and urban areas more than small businesses and rural communities.
Lagging in Key Metrics: Despite being the third largest economy by purchasing power parity, India ranks poorly on the Human Development Index (134 out of 193 countries) and other significant indices like Ease of Living effort. India has a vision for 2047, with a roadmap for the next 25 years aimed at becoming a developed nation. While numerous initiatives are underway, there is always room for increased effort from both the government and citizens. The government should create more opportunities for citizen involvement, and citizens should actively participate in nation-building.
A people-centric approach aligns with the idea that development must be inclusive and equitable, ensuring that the benefits of progress are shared by all sections of society. This shift is not just about economic indicators but about creating a society where every citizen has the opportunity to thrive.
By involving citizens directly in policy-making and implementation, the government can ensure that development initiatives are more relevant, effective, and sustainable.
Steps Towards People-Centric Policies:
Enhanced Public Engagement: The government must actively seek public opinion through consultations, town halls, and digital platforms. This will ensure that policies are aligned with the actual needs and aspirations of the people.
Strengthening Local Governance: Empowering local bodies and communities to take charge of their development agendas. Decentralized decision-making can lead to more effective and efficient outcomes.
Inclusive Economic Policies: Formulating economic policies that address the needs of the marginalized and promote equitable growth. This includes expanding social safety nets and ensuring fair access to resources.
Focus on Human Development: Investing in education, healthcare, and skill development to build a robust human capital base. Quality education and healthcare are fundamental to sustainable development.
Sustainable Environmental Practices: Incorporating sustainability into development policies to ensure long-term environmental health. This includes initiatives like afforestation, water conservation, and promoting renewable energy sources.
Accountability and Transparency: Enhancing the transparency of government processes and ensuring accountability. Public trust in institutions is crucial for the successful implementation of any policy.
As India marches towards its vision for 2047, a shift from growth-centric to people-centric policies is imperative. This transition will ensure that development is not just measured by economic growth but by the well-being and prosperity of its people.
By adopting a people-centric approach, India can achieve inclusive, sustainable, and holistic development, paving the way for a future where every citizen has the opportunity to contribute to and benefit from the nation’s progress.
India's journey towards becoming a developed nation hinges on this crucial shift. It is a call to action for both the government and the citizens to work together in building a nation that is not only economically strong but also socially equitable and environmentally sustainable. Only then can we truly realize the vision of a Viksit Bharat by 2047.
"Castles are not built overnight" reminds us that substantial, meaningful change comes gradually through sustained effort. With a commitment to people-centric policies, India can build a brighter, more inclusive future for all its citizens.
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