THE CONTEXT: India’s 78th Independence Day is an occasion to reflect on the nation’s achievements and failures, learning from them to progress towards the Prime Minister’s vision of Viksit Bharat@2047. Achieving this ambitious goal requires clearly defined milestones every three to five years to measure progress and make necessary adjustments. As India navigates these challenges, it must also consider the trajectory of other major countries, especially those in its neighborhood.
THE ISSUES:
- Border Security and Diplomacy: India has managed reasonably well in securing its borders despite conflicts with Pakistan and China. The rise of China poses economic and military challenges, with many of India’s neighbors moving closer to China, highlighting the need for better policy and diplomacy.
- Economic Growth and Agriculture: India’s agri-GDP increased by an average of 3.6% from 2004-05 to 2023-24, a rate considered sufficient to feed the nation given the declining population growth rate, which is now below 1% per annum. India is a net exporter of agricultural produce, with exports around $51 billion and imports at $34 billion over the last three years. Provide Rs 35,000 per hectare to farmers in the Punjab-Haryana belt for at least five years to encourage a shift from paddy to pulses, which are less water- and fertilizer-intensive.
- Poverty and Hunger: At the time of India’s independence in 1947, over 75% of the population was in extreme poverty. Comparing India’s progress with China’s, noting that China began economic reforms in 1978, leading to a 14% annual increase in rural incomes between 1978 and 1984.
- Population Growth and Education: China imposed a one-child policy from 1981 to 2016, contributing to a faster rise in per capita income. India should focus on educating the girl child to manage population growth, especially at lower income levels.
- Infrastructure and Technological Development: There is a need for investments in agri-R&D, irrigation, and opening land-lease markets. Building value chains for perishables, like the Amul model, is suggested to ensure sustainable food security in the face of climate change.
- Social Harmony and Governance Reforms: There is a need for governance reforms to foster inclusivity and prosperity. It mentions the importance of moving from food security to nutrition security, noting that roughly 35% of children under five are stunted.
THE WAY FORWARD:
- Skill Development and Industry-Academia Collaboration: Increasing education expenditure to 6% of GDP can significantly enhance human capital. Encouraging collaborations between educational institutions and industries can ensure that graduates possess the skills required by employers. Germany’s dual education system, which combines apprenticeships with vocational education, serves as an effective model for aligning education with industry needs.
- Adopting Modern Agricultural Practices: The Green Revolution in India significantly increased food grain production from 51 million tons in 1950-51 to over 250 million tons in recent years, making India self-sufficient in food grains. Investing in R&D, irrigation, and opening land-lease markets can boost agricultural productivity. The Green Revolution in India and similar agricultural reforms in China have demonstrated the impact of technology and policy support on increasing food production.
- Promoting Crop Diversification: Encouraging the cultivation of less water-intensive crops like pulses can improve sustainability. Brazil’s success in diversifying its agricultural exports shows the potential benefits of such strategies.
- Fostering Innovation and Technology: Leveraging digital technologies, such as Aadhaar and UPI, can drive inclusive growth. The digital revolution in India has already set new benchmarks for financial inclusion and efficiency.
- Encouraging Startups and Entrepreneurship: Creating a supportive ecosystem for startups can spur innovation. Israel’s success as a “Startup Nation” highlights the importance of government support, access to venture capital, and a strong research base in fostering entrepreneurship. India can emulate Israel’s model by fostering a supportive environment for startups and technological advancements.
- Investing in Renewable Energy: Expanding renewable energy projects can help India achieve energy self-reliance. Germany’s Energiewende (energy transition) policy, which focuses on increasing the share of renewable energy, offers valuable lessons for sustainable energy development.
- Implementing Green Technologies: Encouraging the adoption of green technologies and practices can reduce environmental degradation. The World Bank’s Green Index can guide India in evaluating and improving its environmental sustainability efforts.
- Improving Governance Structures: Strengthening institutions and processes of governance can enhance public service delivery. Singapore’s efficient and transparent governance model has been instrumental in its rapid development.
THE CONCLUSION:
To realize the vision of Viksit Bharat by 2047, India must address its core challenges through strategic planning and international collaboration. By learning from global examples and implementing targeted reforms, India can ensure sustainable growth and prosperity. Achieving this vision will require concerted efforts from both the government and society to foster a more inclusive and equitable future.
UPSC PAST YEAR QUESTIONS:
Q.1 Despite Consistent experience of High growth, India still goes with the lowest indicators of human development. Examine the issues that make balanced and inclusive development elusive. 2019
Q.2 Examine the main provisions of the National Child Policy and throw light on the status of its implementation. 2016
Q.3 Effectiveness of the government system at various levels and people’s participation in the governance system are inter-dependent.” Discuss their relationship with each other in context of India. 2016
Q.4 China is using its economic relations and positive trade surplus as tools to develop potential military power status in Asia’, In the light of this statement, discuss its impact on India as her neighbor. 2017
Q.5 Increasing cross-border terrorist attacks in India and growing interference in the internal affairs of several member-states by Pakistan are not conducive for the future of SAARC (South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation).” Explain with suitable examples. 2016
Q.6 Explain the changes in cropping pattern in India in the context of changes in consumption pattern and marketing conditions. 2023
Q.7 What is the present challenges before crop diversification? How do emerging technologies provide an opportunity for crop diversification? 2021
Q.8 Explain various types of revolutions, took place in Agriculture after Independence in India. How have these revolutions helped in poverty alleviation and food security in India? 2017
MAINS PRACTICE QUESTION:
Q.1 Discuss the key challenges and opportunities India faces in achieving the vision of Viksit Bharat@2047.
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