Answer

Introduction

The vision of Viksit Bharat 2047 aspires to build an equitable, sustainable, and ethical society. Yet, India’s developmental discourse remains largely anthropocentric, often sidelining animal welfare. Recognising animals as sentient beings, not merely economic assets, is essential to achieving ecological balance, moral progress, and sustainability, as envisioned under Article 48A and Article 51A(g) of the Constitution.

Why Animal Welfare Must Be Integral to India’s Development Vision

• Constitutional and Ethical Imperative: India’s Constitution obliges the State and citizens to protect and show compassion toward living creatures.
  Eg: Animal Welfare Board of India established under the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, 1960; SC in A. Nagaraja vs Union of India (2014) upheld animal dignity as part of the right to life.
• Ecological Balance and Biodiversity Stability: Healthy animal populations sustain pollination, seed dispersal, and food chains.
  Eg: Decline of vultures due to diclofenac use disrupted carcass disposal, leading to ecological imbalance and zoonotic threats.
• Climate Change and Sustainable Agriculture: Ethical livestock management and reduced overexploitation lower methane emissions and land degradation.
  Eg: Adoption of plant-based diets and improved fodder management can cut India’s agricultural emissions significantly.
• Public Health and Zoonotic Risk Reduction: Poor animal welfare increases human disease exposure.
  Eg: COVID-19 and Nipah outbreaks underline the One Health approach linking human, animal, and ecosystem health.
• Economic and Livelihood Sustainability: Welfare-based animal husbandry enhances productivity and long-term rural incomes.
  Eg: National Livestock Mission and Pashu Arogya Kendras promote humane care linked with veterinary innovation.
• Tourism and Cultural Heritage Preservation: India’s image as a compassionate nation can be strengthened through ethical wildlife and eco-tourism.
  Eg: Project Elephant and Project Tiger integrate local livelihoods with species conservation.
• Moral and Spiritual Foundation of Viksit Bharat: Indian philosophies—Ahimsa, Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam emphasise coexistence with all life forms, aligning with Mission LiFE (Lifestyle for Environment).
  

Integrating Animal Welfare into Policy and Development Framework

• Mainstreaming Animal Welfare in Development Planning: Include animal welfare indicators in environmental impact assessments and rural development schemes.
  Eg: Integrating humane livestock management into MGNREGA or Smart Village programmes.
• Legal and Institutional Strengthening: Update outdated animal protection laws.
  Eg: Amend the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, 1960 to raise penalties and ensure stronger enforcement.
• One Health and Inter-Ministerial Coordination
  Institutionalise coordination among Environment, Agriculture, and Health Ministries to manage zoonotic diseases and habitat stress.
• Urban and Infrastructure Planning with Animal Sensitivity
  Include wildlife corridors, underpasses, and stray management in city planning.
  Eg: Wildlife crossings on the Delhi–Mumbai Expressway; urban sterilisation drives for stray dogs.
• Sustainable Animal-Based Industries: Encourage cruelty-free production in dairy, leather, and cosmetics through eco-labels and public procurement standards.
• Community and Educational Engagement: Embed animal ethics in school curricula and local governance.
  Eg: Kerala’s People for Animals Clubs and NGOs like FIAPO promote awareness at the grassroots level.
• Technological and Scientific Innovation: Use AI-based tracking and smart surveillance for wildlife protection and rescue operations.
  Eg: E-surveillance at Kaziranga has curbed poaching significantly.
  

Conclusion

For Viksit Bharat 2047, progress must be measured not only by GDP but also by ethical stewardship of all life. Integrating animal welfare into development policy nurtures environmental ethics, public health, and sustainable livelihoods, embodying the true essence of India’s civilisational ethos of “Sarva Bhuta Hita” the welfare of all beings.

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