Mains Practice Question
Q. Analyze the impact of economic policies on social justice in India, and suggest measures to ensure that
economic growth is inclusive and equitable. (150 words)
17 Jan, 2023 GS Paper 2 Social Justice
Approach
Start your answer by explaining the impact of economic policies on social justice.
Suggest measures to ensure equitable and inclusive economic growth.
Conclude accordingly.
Introduction
Economic policies have a significant impact on social justice in India. Social justice, in the context
of India, refers to the fair distribution of wealth, opportunities, and resources among all citizens,
regardless of their socio-economic status.
However, the current economic order in India has been criticized for exacerbating
inequality and marginalization of certain groups, and for not promoting inclusive economic
growth. Nevertheless, there had been various instances where various government
initiatives tried to reduce inequalities and promote inclusive economic growth.
Body
The key areas where economic policies have had an impact on social justice in India is sectors like:
Education and Literacy: As per the Union Budget 2022-2023 the allocation for education
in India is around 3% of the total GDP. which is considered low compared to other
countries.
Therefore, the need to make efforts to increase the allocation for education in the budget
to the 6% of the GDP level.
Wealth and Income Distribution: Economic policies that promote distributive justice
through progressive taxation, social welfare programs, and targeted investments in
marginalized regions helped to ensure that the benefits of economic growth are shared
more equitably.
For example, India's Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee
Act (MNREGA) provides a legal guarantee for one hundred days of employment in
every financial year to adult members of rural households willing to do public work-
related unskilled manual work at the statutory minimum wage.
Environmental Justice: Economic policies promoted sustainable development, which
helped in ensuring that marginalized communities are not disproportionately affected by
environmental degradation and resource depletion.
For example, the National Clean Energy Fund (NCEF) in India is a fund set up by
the Government of India to finance research and development activities in the field
of clean energy.
Economic Justice: There is need to implement inclusive economic policies to promote
equitable distribution of wealth.
Further, economic policies in India have often criticized for not promoting social equality
and welfare. But there are various government initiatives that promotes economic justice
so, that citizens have access to fair and equitable economic opportunities.
For example, India's Right to Fair Compensation and Transparency in Land
Acquisition, Rehabilitation and Resettlement Act, 2013 provides for fair
compensation to the affected persons whose land is acquired, and also includes
provisions for resettlement and rehabilitation of the affected persons.
Measures to ensure equitable and inclusive economic growth:
Leveraging technology for inclusive, sustainable and participatory development:
NITI Aayog's strategy also emphasizes the importance of leveraging technology to promote
inclusive, sustainable, and participatory development.
This can include measures such as increasing access to digital infrastructure and
services, promoting digital literacy, and encouraging the use of technology to
improve social and economic outcomes.
Improving Education: Improving the educational infrastructure and making sure that
every child in India becomes literate is an important measure to ensure inclusive growth.
Education is the primary need for the economic growth of any nation.
Equality in incomes, wealth, and opportunities: The attainment of a wider measure of
equality in incomes, wealth, and opportunities should form an integral part of economic
development and social advance.
Improve health sector: The percentage of GDP allocation has been around 1-1.5% of
GDP. However, it is important to note that this is significantly lower than the recommended
allocation of a 6%.
Conclusion
Economic policies have a significant impact on social justice in India. However, there are current economic
policies that are trying to reduce inequality and marginalization by promoting inclusive economic growth.
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