In the grand tapestry of global sustainability, Sustainable Development Goal 10 (SDG 10) stands as a guiding star, illuminating the path towards a more equitable world. Within the heart of India, a nation brimming with diversity, cultural riches, and economic disparities, the pursuit of SDG 10 holds paramount importance. This article explores India's dedicated journey towards achieving this goal, bolstered by an array of statistics, policy initiatives, and programs aimed at addressing inequality and fostering inclusive growth.
Inequality Statistics in India
In 2015-16, a staggering 75% of Bihar's population found themselves within the lowest two wealth quintiles, whereas in Kerala, merely 3.2% of the population belonged to these bottom quintiles, exposing stark regional economic disparities.
The Gini coefficient, a measure of income inequality, stood at approximately 35.7 in India as of 2021, highlighting the economic divide.
In the 2019 Lok Sabha elections, women secured 14.39% of total seats, demonstrating incremental progress towards equal representation.
The Constitution reserves one-third of seats in Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs) for women. In 2020, this resulted in 45.62% of PRI seats being held by women, furthering the cause of gender equality in local governance.
The labor force participation rate (LFPR) for transgender individuals still falls short of the target value of 1. As per the 5th Employment-Unemployment Survey, the transgender LFPR was only 64% of the male LFPR.
In 2019, there were 23 reported crimes against members of the Scheduled Caste for every 1,00,000 SC population and 8 crimes against members of the Scheduled Tribes for every 1,00,000 ST population.
Key Programs and Schemes
1. National Social Assistance Programme (NSAP): NSAP offers financial assistance to vulnerable individuals, including elderly, widows, and disabled persons, to improve their standard of living.
2. Aspirational Districts Programme: Focusing on 112 underdeveloped districts, this initiative aims to reduce regional inequalities by closely monitoring and improving development outcomes in these areas.
3. Jan Dhan Yojana: Launched in 2014, this financial inclusion program aimed to provide banking services to the unbanked population. It has successfully enabled millions of previously unbanked Indians to access financial services.
4. Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (PMAY): Launched in 2015, this scheme aims to provide affordable housing to urban and rural poor, helping reduce homelessness and improving living conditions.
5. National Rural Livelihood Mission (NRLM): This initiative focuses on promoting self-employment and skill development among rural poor households, enabling them to break the cycle of poverty.
6. Ayushman Bharat: Launched in 2018, this ambitious healthcare program aims to provide health insurance coverage to vulnerable families, reducing the financial burden of medical expenses and increasing access to healthcare services.
7. Midday Meal Scheme: This school feeding program, running since 1995, not only addresses malnutrition but also incentivizes school enrollment, particularly among disadvantaged communities.
8. Beti Bachao Beti Padhao: An initiative aimed at addressing gender imbalances, particularly in states with low female child ratios, promoting the education and welfare of girls.
9. Support to Training and Employment Programme for Women (STEP): STEP focuses on skill development and livelihood opportunities for women, enhancing their economic independence.
10. Deen Dayal Rehabilitation Scheme (DDRS): DDRS supports persons with disabilities by providing vocational training and employment opportunities to improve their quality of life.
11. Pradhan Mantri Mudra Yojana (PMMY): PMMY provides credit to micro and small enterprises, empowering individuals, including those from vulnerable groups, to start and expand businesses.
12. Reducing Inequality for Transgenders : The Indian government has implemented key initiatives to reduce inequality for transgender individuals, including the "SMILE" scheme, "PM-DAKSH" for skill development, and the establishment of the National Council for Transgender Persons. Additionally, "Garima Greh" shelter homes offer safe and supportive environments, collectively striving to address the challenges faced by the transgender community.
India's Progress and Challenges
India has made strides in several areas, such as poverty reduction and access to education. The poverty rate has declined, and primary school enrollment has improved. However, challenges persist, particularly in areas of gender inequality, rural-urban divide, and unequal access to quality healthcare.
Looking Ahead
As India moves forward, the government's commitment to inclusive growth remains essential. Policies and programs must continue to target the most vulnerable populations, ensuring that the benefits of development reach those who need them the most. Strengthening social safety nets, investing in education and skills, addressing gender disparities, and fostering equitable economic growth will be critical to achieving SDG 10 and building a more inclusive society.
Conclusion
Sustainable Development Goal 10 serves as a guiding principle for India's efforts to reduce inequalities and promote equitable development. While challenges persist, the nation's commitment to creating a more inclusive society through various programs and schemes demonstrates a strong determination to bridge the gap between different segments of the population. By addressing these disparities, India can pave the way for a more prosperous and harmonious future for all its citizens.
The data presented is based on the reports provided and may have undergone changes since the time of their publication.
Source: The Global Goals | SDG India Index(2019-20) | SDG India Index(2020-21) | PIB
Note for UPSC Aspirants: For UPSC aspirants interested in exploring further, here are some keywords to guide your research: Sustainable Development Goals, Gini Coefficient, Rural-Urban Divide, Financial Inclusion, Digital Divide, Ayushman Bharat, Jan Dhan Yojana, Transgender Rights, Aspirational Districts Programme.
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