Inclusive growth key for stronger, happier India

For reasons known or unknown to most of us, India's 75-year long journey has also left behind a trail of socio-economic and cultural patches and potholes, which we have always tried to fill with the spirit of unity in diversity. Unfortunately, we failed in bridging the yawning gap between haves and have-nots, created during colonial rule based on the nefarious principle of divide and rule

Seventy-five years is quite a long period to reflect! As a nation, India has transformed remarkably since we first celebrated our Independence Day on August 15, 1947. It was a historic moment. After centuries of slavery, our country entered into a new era with the commitment and oath that "We, the people of India, having solemnly resolved to constitute India into a sovereign, socialist, secular, democratic republic and to secure to all its citizens: Justice, social, economic and political; liberty of thought, expression, belief, faith and worship; equality of status and of opportunity; and to promote among them all; fraternity assuring the dignity of the individual and the unity and integrity of the nation …" It is the Preamble of our Constitution, harbinger of hope and help for 135 plus crore citizens irrespective of their caste, colour, region, and religion.

Bharat Ratna Dr BR Ambedkar said about our Preamble: "It is, indeed, a way of life, which recognizes liberty, equality, and fraternity as the principles of life and which cannot be divorced from each other: Liberty cannot be divorced from equality; equality cannot be divorced from liberty." Braving all odds and challenges by virtue of our collective grit, determination, hard work and perseverance, we have been able to traverse a very long distance in our patriotic pursuits to lead a life of dignity, peace and prosperity. Ups and downs apart, we didn't deviate from our core national values and remained steadfast in our action and thought to ensure that no one is left behind. The outcome was certainly in proportion to our efforts but not in sync with our resolve to build an inclusive social order, which was hindered by multiple gaps and leakages over the years.

For reasons known or unknown to most of us, India's 75-year long journey has also left behind a trail of socio-economic and cultural patches and potholes, which we have always tried to fill with the spirit of unity in diversity. Unfortunately, we failed in bridging the yawning gap between haves and have-nots, created during colonial rule based on the nefarious principle of divide and rule. Britishers used religion and our caste system as a tool to ensure that we remained a disjointed lot. Post-Independence, corrective measures were taken to uplift the poor in general and those who suffered from the trauma of untouchability in particular but their wholesome inclusive growth could not be ensured as effectively as was needed.

Many will disagree but quite a few others, perhaps most of us, will agree to the fact that affirmative and welfare measures were never enforced whole-heartedly in our country. Funds meant for the welfare schemes and development of the poor were never utilized with the commitment to build a strong and vibrant India. As a result, the gap between rich and poor continued to widen. Quality opportunities and facilities were grabbed by the rich, educated and powerful among us. Majority of the masses were left in the lurch with limited resources and avenues to grow. They also had to cope with multiple evils and the most prominent among them being rampant caste and religion-based discrimination. It was unfortunate but the fact is fact! Tragically, we could not build a national character and a socio-economic ecosystem, which takes care of all.

By learning from lapses and failures of the past 75 years, India should march ahead with an inclusive resolve for the next 25 years where education, health, justice and dignity should be guaranteed to all irrespective of their affluence, caste, religion or gender. 'One nation, one education facility and fee' should be the norm. Rich or poor, every child should have the liberty to study in any school in his neighbourhood. It will lead to total transformation. Today the best of schools, colleges and other institutions are reserved for those children who are from well-to-do families. Merit has become a tool for discrimination. The fight is between 'Your Merit' and 'Our Merit.' In the process, we forget the fact that merit is a matter of facility. Deficiencies kill merit. Resources and facilities make one's merit shine. Dr Ambedkar wouldn't have gone abroad if Shahuji Maharaj did not come to his rescue.

Merit of the poor does not flourish for want of nutrients like good schools, quality food, and an enabling ambience. Thanks to reservation some inclusivity is there but monstrous gaps still persist. As a result, the majority of quality jobs and opportunities in public and private sectors are being usurped by those who are equipped with better knowledge, skills and information. Resultantly, we have fewer entrepreneurs from communities such as OBCs, SCs, STs, and other poor. It is a systemic failure that 10 per cent people of the country lord over majority of national income. It is an abominable situation. It is a serious threat to the national fabric and hence must be addressed on priority during Amrit Kaal. Similarly, our healthcare should be of great quality, ethical and affordable. It is so agonizing to see the way healthcare and education have been commercialized in our country. We cannot improve people's ease of life if they have to sell off their properties to educate their children, avail themselves of the best of healthcare and fight the court cases. In Amrit Kaal, India must have a common health facility for all. Insurance or no insurance, health services should be affordable for all. Health and education must not be an area of profitable business in a country like ours but a means to serve the nation and its people with the highest sense of accountability. Hospitals and courts continue to scare the people the most. "Litigation is like a bleeding wound and the more it is allowed to bleed, the more will the man suffer," said Chief Justice of India Uday Umesh Lalit before taking the oath.

Have we ever thought of the huge margin between wholesale and retail prices of medicines? Affordable outlets are fine, but we should eliminate the monstrous margin between the maximum retail prices (MRP) of medicines, equipment and their wholesale prices. Chemists offer 15 to 30 per cent discounts in some cities and at some places but not everywhere in the country. They charge as per the MRP. It is so disappointing but we have not been able to regulate the prices of medicines in the past 75 years. Reasons are not in the public domain but the pain of 'MRP' must be reduced in the Amrit Kaal. Similarly, the MRP and quality of essential items including mustard oils, ghee, refined oils, flour, sugar, and dry fruits must be revisited to kill the fleecing margin between the wholesale and retail prices. Very less conviction in rape cases and caste-based discrimination are certainly harrowing for us. Forget professional pessimists, even hardcore optimists have no answers when OBCs, SCs and STs ask people as to why they have little or no share in top opportunities in judiciary, higher education institutions and administrative set up. With multiple disjoints in our social order, we won't be able to empower all and one with economic expansion and opportunities, which are so badly unevenly distributed. Certainly, some great efforts are afoot to break the hegemony of the rich and powerful among us but still some revolutionary steps are needed.

For example, why to have coaching institutions which are out of reach for the majority of poor students. Why doesn't India ban private practice by government doctors? Why don't we have twenty-four by seven free clinics like emergency services in public and private hospitals? Why can't we ensure that like reserved compartments, the ticket holders with seat numbers will only be allowed to travel in general compartments? I am extremely sorry to ask such questions when we have just concluded the celebration of Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav. Each of us must pause, ponder and promise to contribute and supplement the government efforts to make India more inclusive, stronger and happier during Amrit Kaal. It is an opportunity for all of us which we can't afford to miss for the sake of Mother India!

(The writer is a senior journalist, columnist and author. The views expressed here are strictly his personal)