Introduction
Economic sustainability and social justice are two essential goals for India’s development. Economic sustainability means promoting long-term growth without harming the environment or exhausting natural resources, while social justice ensures fair treatment, equal opportunities, and equity in society. Recognizing their importance, the Indian government has initiated various policies and programs to achieve both objectives.
1. Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
India is a signatory to the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals, which guide the country’s development policies. Goals like no poverty, zero hunger, gender equality, clean energy, and climate action are directly linked to economic sustainability and social justice.
2. Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA)
MGNREGA guarantees 100 days of employment per year to rural households. It promotes both economic sustainability and social justice by:
- Providing income to the rural poor
- Reducing migration to cities
- Encouraging sustainable development through work like water conservation, afforestation, and rural infrastructure
3. National Rural Health Mission (NRHM)
NRHM aims to provide accessible and affordable healthcare in rural areas. By ensuring health services for all, it promotes social justice and reduces inequalities in health outcomes.
4. Right to Education (RTE) Act
Introduced in 2009, this Act ensures free and compulsory education for children between the ages of 6 and 14. Education is a key tool for both social justice and long-term economic sustainability through human capital development.
5. Environmental Protection Measures
- National Action Plan on Climate Change (NAPCC): Launched in 2008, it includes missions on solar energy, energy efficiency, sustainable agriculture, and water conservation.
- Promotion of Electric Vehicles: The FAME (Faster Adoption and Manufacturing of Hybrid and Electric Vehicles) scheme promotes sustainable transport.
- Ban on Single-Use Plastics: The government has taken steps to reduce pollution and promote ecological sustainability.
6. Inclusive Financial Policies
- Jan Dhan Yojana: Launched to provide banking services to all, especially the poor and unbanked.
- Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT): Ensures subsidies and welfare benefits reach directly to beneficiaries, reducing corruption and leakage.
7. Social Welfare Schemes
- Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (PMAY): Aims to provide affordable housing to all.
- Ujjwala Yojana: Provides free LPG connections to women in poor households, ensuring clean cooking fuel and improving health.
- National Food Security Act (NFSA): Guarantees subsidized food grains to poor families.
8. Gender Equality Measures
- Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao: Promotes the education and protection of the girl child.
- Maternity Benefit Programs: Provide financial aid to pregnant women to ensure health and nutrition.
9. Labour Reforms and Social Security
Recent labour codes aim to simplify laws while ensuring workers’ rights. Schemes like the Atmanirbhar Bharat Rozgar Yojana promote job creation and provide support to formalize informal workers.
10. Green Economy and Renewable Energy
The government has set ambitious goals to expand renewable energy capacity to 500 GW by 2030. This reduces dependency on fossil fuels and supports sustainable growth.
Challenges
- Implementation gaps due to bureaucracy and corruption
- Lack of awareness among beneficiaries
- Balancing economic growth with environmental conservation
Conclusion
India’s approach to economic sustainability and social justice involves a combination of welfare schemes, legal reforms, environmental policies, and empowerment initiatives. While progress has been made, continuous efforts are required to ensure that development is both inclusive and ecologically sound. A Gandhian approach—emphasizing simplicity, self-reliance, and community welfare—can also guide future policies for a more just and sustainable India.