On An Alternate Model of Development – The quest for ‘happiness’ in the Viksit Bharat odyssey

Source: This post on an Alternate Model of Development has been created based on the article “The quest for ‘happiness’ in the Viksit Bharat odyssey” published in “The Hindu” on 28^th December 2023.

UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS Paper 3 Indian Economy – Issues relating to growth and development.

News: The article discusses the flaws with the development model followed under ‘Viksit Bharat’. It highlights an alternate developmental model that should be followed by India.

Viksit Bharat aims to make India a developed nation by 2047, the 100th year of its Independence. In achieving this goal, the focus and priorities in the choice of development planning are crucial and complex.

What are the developmental aspects included under ‘Viksit Bharat’?

1. Structural transformation;
2. Organising labour markets;
3. Increasing competitiveness;
4. Improving financial and social inclusion;
5. Governance reforms.

What are the concerns with this model of development?

1) Euro-centricism: In Viksit Bharat, economic development is overemphasised. Post-developmentalists argue that this is a Euro-centric notion of development which reflects the interests of its practitioners.

2) Contradictions of Development: The current model of mere economic development is highly disruptive to our social order, leading to disorders and crime. It creates imbalances and contradictions (such as rising income inequality).

What aspects can be included to make it a more comprehensive and inclusive developmental model?

1) ‘Happiness’ as a goal: Happiness ought to be a central pursuit. Materially rich nations are not essentially happy nations. This development scheme conveniently overlooks mental health and wellness. It is also crucial because India is ranked 126 out of 137 countries in the Happiness Index despite being the 5^th-largest economy.

2) Developing Social Connections: Happiness Report 2023 highlighted the importance of social connections and relationships in contributing to happiness and well-being. According to the report, Finland, Denmark, Iceland and the Netherlands are the happiest countries due to focusing on social connections and support systems.

3) Inclusion of Other Indices: There is a need to include social indicators for development as GDP estimates fail to consider life’s human and social aspects.
For instance, a weightage to the Human Development Index, which consists of life expectancy, educational attainment, and income level, could be considered.
Similarly, the World Bank has developed a ‘Green Index’ that measures a nation’s wealth by incorporating three components: produced assets, natural resources and human resources.

Indices such as the Global Innovation Index, Rule of Law Index, Poverty Index, Corruption Perceptions Index, Gender Equality Index, and World Press Freedom Index will be significant to give effect to the idea of a happy India.

Question for practice:

What are the flaws with the development model focusing on economic growth proposed to be followed under ‘Viksit Bharat’? What aspects can be included to make it a more comprehensive and inclusive developmental model?