Inclusive growth has now become the central point of developmental strategy. Discuss the statement in the context of India Also suggest remedial actions to achieve this growth

In the past few decades, India has achieved a lot in terms of economic growth. The country is now one of the fastest growing economies in the world. Big industries, technology, services, and agriculture together contribute to this growth. However, when we look closely, we can see that this growth has not always reached everyone equally. Many people in villages, weaker sections of society, and some backward regions have not enjoyed the same benefits as others. This is why inclusive growth has become the central point of India’s development strategy. Inclusive growth means growth that is not limited to a few rich people or big cities, but growth that touches the life of every Indian rich or poor, rural or urban, man or woman, young or old. It focuses on both economic development and social justice. we will discuss why inclusive growth is important, how India is working towards it, the challenges in the path, and what remedial actions can be taken to achieve it.

What is Inclusive Growth?

Inclusive growth means development that provides equal opportunities for all sections of society and ensures that the benefits of growth reach the poor, marginalized, and vulnerable groups.

It has the following features:

1.Equal opportunities – Everyone should have access to education, healthcare, jobs, and resources.

2.Reduction of poverty and inequality – Growth should help in removing poverty and reducing the gap between rich and poor.

3.Employment generation – Growth should create jobs for the youth and working population.

4.Social protection – Weak sections should get social security so that they are not left behind.

5.Regional balance – Growth should not be limited to big cities only, but also reach small towns and rural areas.

Why Inclusive Growth is Important for India?

India is a country of more than 1.4 billion people with diversity in caste, religion, language, and culture. It also has a huge gap between rich and poor. Some regions are highly developed like Maharashtra, Gujarat, Karnataka, and Tamil Nadu, while others like Bihar, Odisha, and parts of the North-East are underdeveloped.

If growth is not inclusive, the following problems arise:

1.High inequality – Rich people become richer while poor people remain poor.

2.Social unrest – People who are left behind may feel frustrated and create social or political unrest.

3.Regional imbalance – Cities grow rapidly but villages remain backward, causing migration, slums, and pressure on urban infrastructure.

4.Poverty trap – Without inclusive policies, poor families continue to remain poor for generations.

5.Threat to democracy – Injustice and inequality can weaken democratic values.

Therefore, inclusive growth is not just an option, it is a necessity for India’s stability and long-term development.

Inclusive Growth in the Context of India

Over the years, India has taken many steps to make its growth more inclusive.

1. Poverty Reduction

The poverty rate in India has declined from about 45% in the 1990s to below 20% in recent years (as per World Bank data).
Government schemes like MGNREGA (Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act) provide employment to rural households.

2. Education for All

The Right to Education (RTE) Act makes education a fundamental right for children.
Schemes like Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan, Mid-Day Meal, and NEP 2020 aim to bring more children to school.

3. Healthcare Expansion

The Ayushman Bharat Scheme provides free health insurance for poor families.
Expansion of primary health centers in rural areas is improving health access.

4. Financial Inclusion

Jan Dhan Yojana has opened millions of bank accounts for the poor.
Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) ensures subsidies directly reach beneficiaries without middlemen.

5. Women Empowerment

Programs like Beti Bachao Beti Padhao, Self Help Groups (SHGs), and reservation in Panchayati Raj have empowered women.
Schemes like Ujjwala Yojana provide LPG connections to poor women.

6. Infrastructure Development

PMGSY (Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana) connects villages with roads.
Digital India spreads internet connectivity to rural and remote areas.

7. Skill Development

Skill India Mission and Start-up India encourage entrepreneurship and job creation.

These steps show that India has recognized inclusive growth as a central part of its developmental strategy.

Challenges in Achieving Inclusive Growth in India

Despite these efforts, India still faces many obstacles in achieving inclusive growth:

1.High Unemployment – Many young people do not get proper jobs matching their skills.

2.Rural-Urban Divide – Villages still lack quality schools, hospitals, roads, and industries.

3.Income Inequality – The gap between rich and poor is still very wide.

4.Regional Imbalance – States like Bihar, Jharkhand, Odisha, and some North-Eastern states lag behind.

5.Weak Healthcare System – COVID-19 showed that India’s healthcare system is not strong enough.

6.Gender Inequality – Women still face barriers in education, jobs, and political participation.

7.Caste and Social Discrimination – Dalits, tribals, and minorities still face social and economic disadvantages.

8.Environmental Concerns – Growth sometimes harms the environment, which affects poor people the most.

Remedial Actions to Achieve Inclusive Growth

To overcome these challenges, India needs strong policies and effective implementation. Some remedial measures are:

1. Strengthening Education

Improve government schools with better teachers and facilities.
Focus on vocational education to prepare youth for jobs.
Reduce dropout rates, especially among girls and disadvantaged groups.

2. Expanding Healthcare

Increase government spending on healthcare to at least 3% of GDP.
Build more hospitals in rural and backward areas.
Promote preventive healthcare and awareness about nutrition.

3. Generating Employment

Encourage small and medium enterprises (SMEs) as they create more jobs.
Support start-ups and self-employment.
Invest in labor-intensive industries like textiles, food processing, and tourism.

4. Reducing Regional Imbalance

Give special financial assistance to backward states.
Build infrastructure like roads, electricity, and digital connectivity in rural areas.
Promote local industries in backward regions.

5. Women Empowerment

Provide equal wages and safe working conditions for women.
Increase access to microfinance for women entrepreneurs.
Ensure more women participate in governance and decision-making.

6. Social Justice

Strictly implement laws against caste and gender discrimination.
Strengthen welfare schemes for Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes, and minorities.
Provide housing, sanitation, and clean water for all.

7. Green Growth

Promote renewable energy like solar and wind.
Encourage sustainable farming practices.
Balance industrial growth with environmental protection.

Inclusive growth is not just about increasing GDP, but about ensuring that every Indian enjoys the fruits of development. It is about lifting people out of poverty, reducing inequality, creating jobs, empowering women, improving education and health, and protecting the environment.

In the Indian context, inclusive growth has rightly become the central point of developmental strategy. While progress has been made in poverty reduction, financial inclusion, and social schemes, much more needs to be done in employment, education, healthcare, and reducing inequality.

By adopting the right remedial actions and ensuring effective implementation, India can move towards a future where growth is truly inclusive, sustainable, and just. Only then will the dream of a developed and prosperous India be fulfilled.