“The path to Viksit Bharat runs through fields” highlights the crucial role agriculture plays in India’s journey towards becoming a developed nation. Despite rapid urbanization and industrial growth, the backbone of India’s economy remains its vast agricultural sector. By focusing on modernizing farming practices, improving rural infrastructure, and ensuring the well-being of farmers, India can strengthen its foundation and drive overall economic progress. This idea emphasizes that true development, or “Viksit Bharat,” is deeply rooted in the prosperity of its rural and agricultural communities.
Tags: GS-3, Economy- Growth & Development- Inclusive growth- Viksit Bharat@2047
For Prelims: Vision India@2047, Human Development Index (HDI), World Bank’s Green Index, Poverty Index, Gender Equality Index, World Press Freedom Index,
For Mains: Aspects of Viksit Bharat, Key Considerations for India’s Development Beyond Economic Growth, Way to model of Development with Growth.
Context:
- India’s 78th Independence Day is an occasion to look back on our major achievements as well as failures.
- The year 2047 seems distant, but to achieve the ambitious goal, we must have our milestones clearly defined for every three to five years till 2047.
- Addressing challenges like climate change, improving R&D, irrigation, and land-lease markets, and enhancing value chains are crucial steps toward sustainable development and nutrition security.
Key Aspects of Viksit Bharat@2047:
- Economic Growth: The vision for Viksit Bharat aims to position India as the world’s third-largest economy, with an ambitious target of achieving a $30 trillion economy by the year 2047.
- Environmental Sustainability: The initiative focuses on preserving biodiversity and mitigating the effects of climate change through dedicated efforts in restoration and conservation.
- Social Progress: Viksit Bharat aspires to create an inclusive society that honours cultural diversity and ensures the dignity and well-being of every citizen.
- Good Governance: A cornerstone of the Viksit Bharat vision is effective governance, emphasising accountability, transparency, and policies that are responsive to the people’s needs.
- Youth Engagement: Recognizing the potential of India’s youth, the government has introduced initiatives like the “Voice of Youth” portal to engage young people in contributing ideas toward the goals of Viksit Bharat.
Economic Challenges:
- Weak Domestic Demand:
- India faces challenges with stagnant or declining demand for goods and services, attributed to low-income growth, high inflation, unemployment, and the lingering effects of the Covid-19 pandemic.
- High Unemployment:
- As of April 2024, India’s unemployment rate increased to 8.1% from 7.4% in March 2024, according to CMIE’s Consumer Pyramids Household Survey.
- Poor Infrastructure:
- The lack of adequate infrastructure, including roads, railways, ports, power, water, and sanitation, continues to hinder India’s economic development.
- The estimated infrastructure gap stands at approximately $1.5 trillion.
- Balance of Payments Deterioration:
- India consistently runs a current account deficit, with imports surpassing exports.
- In 2022, exports and imports declined by 6.59% and 3.63%, respectively.
- High Private Debt Levels:
- The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) reports that total non-financial sector debt reached 167% of GDP in March 2020, up from 151% in March 2016.
- Additionally, household debt rose to 40.10% of GDP in the fourth quarter of 2023, up from 39% in the previous quarter.
Military Challenges:
- Securing Borders: Despite ongoing conflicts with Pakistan and China, India has managed border security effectively. However, China’s rapid rise poses significant economic and military challenges.
- China’s Growing Influence: The increasing alignment of India’s neighbours with China necessitates enhanced policy and diplomatic efforts by India to safeguard its interests and ensure regional stability.
- Military Modernization and Resource Allocation:
- India’s reliance on foreign arms imports, despite initiatives like “Make in India,” highlights the need for a robust domestic defence industry.
- From 2018 to 2022, India remained the largest arms importer, underscoring challenges in achieving military self-sufficiency.
Achievements in Agriculture:
- India’s agricultural GDP grew by an average of 3.6% annually from 2004-05 to 2023-24, indicating steady progress.
- The Green Revolution in the late 1960s made India self-sufficient in food production.
- India is now a net exporter of agricultural products, with exports worth around $51 billion in recent years.
- Major exports include rice, marine products, spices, and buffalo meat.
- India has achieved food security, with population growth under 1% annually.
Comparison with China:
- Economic Growth: China’s economic reforms since 1978 led to a 14% annual income rise in rural areas, contrasting with India’s slower growth and reforms.
- Agricultural Reforms: China’s 1978 agricultural reforms increased farmers’ incomes by 14% annually, driving demand for goods from Town and Village Enterprises (TVEs).
- Farmer Support: China provides substantial income and market price support to farmers, unlike India, where government support is effectively negative due to restrictive policies.
- Policy Impact: China’s one-child policy accelerated economic growth, while India focused on education, particularly for girls, to manage population growth and boost development.
Way Forward:
- Agricultural Reforms:
- Prioritising investment in agricultural research and development, irrigation systems, and land-lease markets is essential.
- Developing value chains for perishable goods can bolster food security and enhance resilience to climate change.
- Nutritional Security:
- Shifting focus from mere food security to ensuring nutritional security is imperative. Addressing child malnutrition, which currently affects 35% of children under five, is a key priority.
- Support for Farmers:
- Introducing subsidies for pulses and other sustainable crops can promote healthier diets and yield environmental benefits.
- The government should offer financial incentives to encourage farmers to transition from water-intensive crops to pulses.
- Infrastructure Development:
- Sustained investment in infrastructure, including transportation networks and digital connectivity, is crucial for driving economic growth and improving the overall quality of life for citizens.
- Education and Skill Development:
- Educational reforms should emphasise skill development and innovation, equipping the workforce for emerging industries and fostering inclusive growth.
- Healthcare Initiatives:
- Expanding access to affordable healthcare services across the nation is vital for improving public health and enhancing productivity.
Conclusion:
To achieve Viksit Bharat by 2047, India must implement targeted reforms in agriculture, nutrition, infrastructure, education, and healthcare is crucial for achieving sustainable and inclusive growth. By addressing these key areas, India can enhance food security, improve public health, and equip its workforce to meet future challenges, driving the nation towards a prosperous and resilient future.
UPSC Civil Services Examination PYQ
Prelims
Q:1 Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) in the defence sector is now set to be liberalised: What influence is this expected to have on Indian defence and economy in the short and long run? (2016)
Source: IE
FAQs
Q: What does “Viksit Bharat” mean?
- Answer: “Viksit Bharat” translates to “Developed India.” It represents the vision of transforming India into a fully developed and prosperous nation, where all citizens have access to quality education, healthcare, employment, and a high standard of living.
Q: Why is agriculture important for achieving Viksit Bharat?
- Answer: Agriculture is the backbone of India’s economy, employing a significant portion of the population. Improving agriculture can boost income for farmers, increase food security, and reduce poverty, all of which are essential for making India a developed nation.
Q: How can improving agriculture contribute to India’s development?
- Answer: By adopting modern farming techniques, improving irrigation, and providing better access to markets, agriculture can become more productive and sustainable. This leads to higher incomes for farmers, more job opportunities in rural areas, and overall economic growth.
Q: What challenges does Indian agriculture face on the path to Viksit Bharat?
- Answer: Challenges include outdated farming practices, inadequate infrastructure, limited access to credit and technology, and the effects of climate change. Addressing these issues is crucial for making agriculture a driving force in India’s development.
Q: What steps are being taken to support agriculture in India’s development?
- Answer: The government is implementing various schemes to support farmers, such as providing subsidies, improving irrigation systems, promoting organic farming, and encouraging the use of technology. These efforts aim to make agriculture more profitable and sustainable, helping pave the way for a developed India.
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