Sustainable Development Goal 8 (SDG 8) is a crucial part of the United Nations' 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, focusing on the promotion of sustained economic growth, full and productive employment, and decent work for all. India, with one in every six people on the planet residing within its borders, possesses the potential to be a global economic powerhouse. This article examines India's journey towards achieving SDG 8, encompassing its progress, challenges, and the proactive measures implemented by the government to drive economic growth and equitable development.
India's Economic Landscape
In 2018-19, India achieved a growth rate of 6.8%, marking it as one of the fastest-growing large economies globally. The size of India's economy reached an estimated US$ 2.72 trillion, with a per capita income of $2,015 in 2018. The nation aspires to reach a US$ 5 trillion economy by 2025. This sustained economic growth has been instrumental in lifting millions out of multidimensional poverty, with 271 million individuals escaping poverty between 2006 and 2016.
Promotion of Economic Growth
Stats: India's efforts in this direction are reflected in its improved ranking on the Ease of Doing Business Index. In the latest Doing Business Report, India improved its rank from 77 in 2018 to 63 in 2019, marking an impressive advancement of 79 ranks over the past five years from the rank of 142 in 2014.
Progress: The government has taken multifaceted steps to consolidate the macro-economic environment, stimulate investment sentiments, promote entrepreneurship, and develop a skilled workforce. Intellectual Property Rights (IPR) have received particular attention, with the augmentation of the Controller General of Patents, Designs, and Trade Marks (CGPDTM) to expedite patent and design registrations.
Supporting Small Enterprises
Stats: India's vibrant landscape of over 63 million MSMEs plays a pivotal role in the nation's economic growth. These enterprises collectively contribute nearly 40% of India's total exports, accounting for approximately 6.11% of the country's manufacturing GDP and a substantial 24.63% of the GDP generated from the services sector.
Progress: The Start-Up India scheme, launched in 2015, aims to foster innovation, economic growth, and large-scale employment opportunities. It is expected to benefit at least 2.5 lakh borrowers. The Micro Units Development and Refinance Agency (MUDRA) scheme, initiated in the same year, disbursed loans exceeding INR 7,00,000 crores to small and micro-enterprises. These initiatives simplify procedures and offer funding support to promote entrepreneurship and small businesses.
Labor Force and Unemployment
Stats: India grapples with a labor force participation rate of approximately 50%, with gender disparities glaringly evident. The unemployment rate stood at 6.9% in December 2021, exceeding pre-pandemic levels.
Progress: To counter this, the government introduced the National Employment Guarantee Act, offering 100 days of wage employment to rural households, a move designed to stimulate job creation, especially in rural areas. Initiatives like Skill India and National Rural Livelihood Mission (NRLM) provide vocational training and self-employment opportunities, thereby improving labor force participation.
Gender Equality in the Workplace
Stats: Promoting gender equality is a critical facet of SDG 8. India's commendable progress in this sphere is evident, with women's participation in the labor force increasing from 21% in 2005 to 28% in 2018.
Progress: Government initiatives like the Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao scheme have been pivotal in empowering girls and enhancing their presence in the workforce. The Maternity Benefit (Amendment) Act of 2017, which extended paid maternity leave from 12 to 26 weeks and mandated the provision of on-site childcare facilities in workplaces with 50 or more employees. Additionally, to bolster the employability of female workers, the government is offering training programs through a network of Women Industrial Training Institutes, National Vocational Training Institutes, and Regional Vocational Training Institutes.
Elimination of Child Labor
Stats: SDG 8 underscores the eradication of child labor. In India, child labor remains a significant concern, with 10.1 million child workers under the age of 14, showcasing notable variations across states. Nationally, there has been a decrease in child labor prevalence, declining from 5% in 2001 to 3.9% in 2011, reflecting ongoing efforts to combat this issue.
Progress: Government legislation and the National Child Labour Project have been instrumental in removing children from hazardous work and affording them access to education and vocational training. Efforts to combat child labor include initiatives to promote education, such as the Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan and the Mid-Day Meal Scheme, which provide incentives for families to send their children to school.
Safe Working Environments and Social Protection
Ensuring decent work entails providing secure working conditions and social protection. India has instituted vital regulations like the Factories Act and Mines Act, which govern working conditions and enhance safety standards. Numerous social protection schemes, including the Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana and comprehensive insurance programs, work to fortify the financial security of vulnerable sections of society.
Some Remarkable Initiatives Fueling India's Economic Growth
Skill India
Skill India, launched in 2015, focuses on providing short-term vocational education and training programs to equip individuals with relevant skills. It aims to create a skilled workforce of at least 400 million people by 2022, aligning with the goal of improving employability and enhancing job prospects.
Stand-Up India
Stand-Up India is a government initiative designed to empower women and individuals from marginalized communities by offering financial support and assistance in starting and growing their own businesses. It encourages entrepreneurship and economic self-reliance, particularly among underrepresented sections of society.
Make in India
Make in India is a comprehensive program launched to bolster India's manufacturing sector. It seeks to attract foreign investment, simplify regulatory processes, and improve the ease of doing business. By promoting domestic manufacturing and industrial growth, it contributes to job creation and economic development.
Startup India
Startup India is a flagship government program that aims to nurture innovation and promote entrepreneurship across the country. It provides various incentives, simplifies regulations, and offers funding support to startups. The initiative seeks to drive economic growth by fostering a vibrant startup ecosystem and generating employment opportunities.
MUDRA Scheme (Micro Units Development and Refinance Agency)
The MUDRA scheme was initiated in 2015 to address the credit needs of small and micro-enterprises. It provides financial support and funding to these enterprises, helping them access formal credit and grow their businesses. The scheme plays a crucial role in promoting entrepreneurship and driving economic growth by easing credit constraints for small businesses.
Conclusion
India's relentless pursuit of Sustainable Development Goal 8 underscores its commitment to sustained economic growth, improved employment prospects, and decent work opportunities for all citizens. While challenges remain, particularly exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic, India's determined response and comprehensive initiatives demonstrate its resolve to create a more equitable and prosperous society. Achieving SDG 8 not only transforms India but also significantly contributes to the global mission of sustainable development, positioning India as a key driver of worldwide economic progress.
Source: The Global Goals | SDG India Index(2019-20) | PIB
Note for UPSC Aspirants: For UPSC aspirants interested in exploring further, here are some keywords to guide your research: Sustainable Development Goals, Gender Equality, MSMEs, Foreign Direct Investment, Corporate Social Responsibility, Labor Force Participation Rate.
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