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Introduction

India’s economic trajectory has undergone significant transformations during the post-independence period through the Five-Year Plans, to the economic liberalizations of 1991 that brought a boom in the service sector. Despite this promising economic canvas, human development has lagged, showcasing a deep discrepancy born from a range of complex and multilayered issues.

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Economic Development in India

• Post-Independence Era: Following independence, India embarked on a journey of self-reliance with the launch of various Five-Year Plans to foster homegrown technological and educational expertise. Eg: establishment of prestigious institutions like the IITs.
• Liberalization Period: The economic landscape underwent a dramatic change with the liberalization policies of 1991, which opened India’s gates to foreign investments. It was a seminal period that saw the meteoric rise of the IT sector, catapulting companies like Infosys to the global stage.
• Recent Developments: Indian economy witnessed a significant transformation spearheaded by the digital revolution. Innovations led by firms such as Reliance Jio not only democratized data access but fostered startups ecosystems driven by the Startup India scheme.

Reasons why human development fail to keep pace with economic development in India

• Education: The 2023 budget allocated the ‘highest ever’ funds to education, yet the share in GDP remained unmoved at 2.9%, illustrating the deeply entrenched issues of accessibility and quality that plague the educational landscape.
• Healthcare: Initiatives such as the Ayushman Bharat scheme were conceived to augment healthcare accessibility. However, with only 2.1% of the GDP allocated for healthcare in FY23, the sector struggles to meet the diverse and growing healthcare needs of the populace.
• Socio-economic Disparities: Despite a robust legal framework to combat caste-based discrimination, it remains a persistent issue, entrenched deeply in the societal fabric, resulting in uneven development and opportunity gaps. Eg: Rohith Vemula suicide case and 2016 Una flogging incident.
• Corruption: The road to policy implementation is often marred by scandals and corruption, such as seen in the infamous 2G spectrum case. This not only erodes the trust in the administrative structure but also hampers the pace of holistic development.
• Lack of Infrastructure and Basic Amenities: While strides have been made with initiatives like the Swachh Bharat Abhiyan, basic amenities including sanitation, clean water, and housing are yet to reach every nook and corner, underscoring a critical area requiring concerted efforts.

Road Ahead:

• Technology-Incorporated Policies: Leveraging the potential of the Digital India initiative can pave the way for policies that extend the reach of digital platforms to remote areas, fostering inclusivity and bridging digital divides.
• Cultural Sensitivity: Recognizing and respecting the rich tapestry of Indian culture through policies that encourage harmony and inclusivity could go a long way in fostering unity and mutual respect among diverse communities.
• Community-Based Tourism: Areas such as Raghurajpur in Odisha stand as testaments to the potential of community-based tourism, which can boost grassroots economic development while preserving the rich cultural heritage.
• Renewable Energy: Harnessing the potential of decentralized renewable energy systems through initiatives like the Jawaharlal Nehru National Solar Mission could foster sustainability at a grassroots level.
• Mobile Infrastructure: Expanding mobile infrastructure initiatives, as seen in Chhattisgarh, to enhance reach to remote communities can be pivotal in addressing existing gaps in education and healthcare services.
• Skill Development: Building upon successful frameworks like the Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana, enhancing skill development and fostering inclusivity in the job market through vocational training can facilitate economic upliftment.

Conclusion

Synchronizing economic growth with human development is a pivotal necessity for a prosperous future. Leveraging the lessons learned from past initiatives and policies, India stands at a juncture where it can holistically foster growth that is not only economic but enriches the human capital, sculpting a future where prosperity is a shared journey, not a solitary destination.