Intergenerational and intragenerational issues of equity play pivotal roles in shaping the trajectory of inclusive growth and sustainable development. These concepts encapsulate the challenges and disparities that unfold both across different age groups and within a single generation. In the context of inclusive growth, intergenerational equity highlights the need to ensure that present actions do not compromise the well-being and opportunities of future generations. Simultaneously, intragenerational equity emphasizes addressing disparities and promoting fairness among individuals of the same generation. Achieving a balance between these dimensions is essential for fostering a sustainable and just socio-economic landscape, where the benefits of development are shared equitably, and the impact of progress is mindful of its long-term consequences. Understanding and addressing these intergenerational and intragenerational dynamics are crucial steps toward creating a world that not only grows economically but does so inclusively and in a manner that preserves the well-being of both current and future populations.
UPSC Mains General Studies Paper – 3 Mains 2020
Indian Economic Development, Employment, inclusive growth and related issues, and sustainable development.
UPSC Mains Civil Services IAS Exam Question Paper – 2020
Decoding the Question
- In the introduction, try to define the concept of Equity/Inclusive growth.
- In Body,
- Explain inter-generational equity and issues.
- Explain intra-generational equity and issues.
- Try to conclude by evaluating the need for inclusive growth and sustainable development to bring equity in intergenerational and intragenerational concerning India.
Answer
Introduction
Equity means the just, fair, and equitable distribution of resources and benefits of opportunity. Inclusive growth refers to providing employment opportunities to reduce poverty, having access to health and education facilities, providing equality of opportunity, and empowering the masses through appropriate education and skills.
Intergenerational and intragenerational equity are two hands of the doctrine of sustainable equity. Sustainable equity aims to find a proper balance between intergenerational equity (between the present and future people) and intragenerational equity (between the rich and the poor of the present generation.
Inter-generational Equity Issues:
- Intergenerational equity has become crucial in the present times, due to the growing imbalance in the distribution of resources, ongoing degradation of the environment, and depletion of resources.
- This growing imbalance can be seen clearly between developing and developed nations or between the global north and the global south.
- Moreover, developed countries do not want to help developing or underdeveloped countries to adopt green technologies, mitigation, and adaptation mitigation which underlines their approach to economic prosperity at the cost of environmental degradation.
- In this context, the concept of sustainable development is introduced which refers to the use of resources that should be done in such a manner that those resources shall also be available to meet future needs.
Intra-generational Equity Issues:
- The concept of intra-generational equity provides rights and duties to every person of a single generation to use and take care of the resources moderately among the members of the generation.
- To promote intra-generational equity, the concept of social justice is propagated. Welfare schemes like subsidies, reservations, etc., are provided by the governments to help the vulnerable section of society.
- However, sometimes measures taken under the narrative of social justice interfere with the free market principle.
- The free market demands the rollback of the state and propagates the market as the solution to every problem.
- Following this, India conducted LPG reforms in 1991. However, the pro-market reforms have failed to trickle-down effect and resulted in jobless growth & increasing inequalities (Oxfam Report).
- In this context, the concept of Inclusive Growth has been introduced, which advances equitable opportunities for economic participants during economic growth with benefits incurred by every section of society.
Conclusion
Proper distribution of both, renewable and non-renewable resources is not enough to ensure environmental security, disposal of those resources after utilization and recycling of the available resources are also very important for the execution of the laws framed for the protection of the environment and promotion of sustainable development. Moreover, in a developing country like India, intra-generational & inter-generational equity is more important as more resources are required to ensure the development of all, including the future generation.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is the difference between intergenerational and intragenerational equity in the context of inclusive growth and sustainable development?
Answer: Intergenerational equity refers to the fair distribution of resources and opportunities between present and future generations. It emphasizes the need to consider the long-term impacts of current actions on the well-being of future generations. On the other hand, intragenerational equity focuses on fairness within the current generation, ensuring that all individuals, irrespective of differences, have equal access to resources and opportunities for a better quality of life.
2. How do intergenerational issues impact sustainable development?
Answer: Intergenerational issues play a crucial role in sustainable development by highlighting the importance of responsible resource management. Actions that deplete natural resources or harm the environment today can have severe consequences for future generations. Sustainable development requires a balance between meeting current needs without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.
3. In what ways can inclusive growth contribute to intragenerational equity?
Answer: Inclusive growth ensures that the benefits of economic development are distributed equitably within the current generation. It involves creating opportunities for all segments of society, regardless of gender, ethnicity, or socio-economic status. By promoting inclusive growth, intragenerational equity can be achieved, reducing disparities and fostering a more just and stable society.
4. What role do government policies play in addressing intergenerational equity?
Answer: Government policies are instrumental in addressing intergenerational equity by shaping the regulatory framework and incentives for sustainable practices. Policies that promote renewable energy, environmental conservation, and responsible fiscal management contribute to a more equitable distribution of resources across generations. Governments play a crucial role in ensuring that the costs and benefits of economic activities are fairly distributed over time.
5. How can a focus on intergenerational and intragenerational equity contribute to overall sustainable development goals?
Answer: Prioritizing intergenerational and intragenerational equity aligns with the broader sustainable development goals by fostering social, economic, and environmental well-being. By addressing disparities within and between generations, societies can achieve more balanced and resilient development. This approach contributes to poverty reduction, environmental conservation, and the creation of a just and inclusive global community, ultimately advancing the overall goals of sustainable development.
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