India’s Growth Paradox

General Studies Paper-3

Context

• Despite India’s rise as the world’s fourth-largest economy with a nominal GDP of $3.9 trillion, concerns persist over the lack of inclusivity in economic growth.

The Illusion of Growth

• GDP vs. Per Capita Reality: Although India’s GDP has expanded significantly, the average per capita income stands at just $2,800 (₹2.33 lakh/year), far below countries like Vietnam ($4,300) and China ($12,500).
• Extreme Wealth Concentration: The top 1% of Indians own over 40% of the nation’s wealth. The top 5% control 62%.
  • If their wealth is excluded, the effective per capita income for the rest falls to ₹5,600 per month, barely above subsistence level.
• Global Comparisons: India ranks 111th out of 125 on the Global Hunger Index, and 134th on the Human Development Index — lower than peers like Vietnam or Sri Lanka.
  • 80 crore people in India rely on free ration schemes under the NFSA. 230 million Indians live in multidimensional poverty.
  • 35% of Indian children are stunted, indicating chronic undernutrition.
• Exchange Rate Distortion: India’s GDP in dollar terms is nominal, and heavily influenced by exchange rates.
  • A weakening rupee can shrink India’s dollar-based economy without any real decline in domestic production.
• Employment Crisis: Female Labour Force Participation Rate (LFPR) is among the lowest in the world. Youth unemployment, especially among graduates, remains alarmingly high.

Reasons for wealth concentration

• Historical Factors: India’s history, including colonization and feudalism, has led to the accumulation of wealth in the hands of certain groups.
  • These historical inequalities have persisted over time, influencing wealth distribution patterns.
  • Economic policies, including liberalization and privatization measures implemented since the 1990s, have spurred economic growth in certain sectors, benefitting those with access to capital and resources.
• Urban-Rural Divide: Urban centers tend to attract more investment and offer better job opportunities, leading to the concentration of wealth in these regions.
• Access to Education and Opportunities: Disparities in access to education persist, particularly among marginalized communities, exacerbating wealth inequality.

Way Ahead

• Shift to Human-Centric Metrics: Focus on Human Development Indicators (HDI), Nutrition, Education, and Gender Equality alongside GDP.
• Focus on Labour-Intensive Sectors: Promote MSMEs, rural industries, and social infrastructure to create broad-based employment.
• Decentralized Planning: Empower local bodies, cooperatives, and community-based governance.
• Ecological Justice: Align growth with sustainability, climate action, and environmental protection.