DEVELOPMENT MODEL FOR A DEVELOPING NATION

 DEVELOPMENT MODEL FOR A DEVELOPING NATION

       " OUR BIGGEST CHALLENGE IN THIS NEW CENTURY IS TO TAKE AN IDEA THAT SEEMS ABSTRACT - SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT - AND TURN IT INTO A REALITY FOR ALL THE WORLD'S PEOPLE. "

                          KOFI ANNAN

       As a nation striving to be developed, a development model that meets the current needs seems to be important.It is after a long journey through meticulous planning and policy initiatives India developed to a major player in the world economics and politics. The brains and their goals were initially successful in the process and it is clear in the time period of 1947 - 2020. But India failed in its' state directed ' strategy as the prolonged efforts of import substitution(intense substitution) followed by a paradigm shift to more liberalised and open economy. The industrialisation, LPG reforms etc were a turning point in the India's economic development phase. Thus the development model itself favoured corporates rather than the whole soceity. But now in this decade of action of SDGs, we are addressing special aspects of multi-dimensional conceptualisation of development. 

         SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT, meet the needs of present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs(Bruntland commission- our common future report 1987 )is the new area of concern.It calls for concerted efforts in building inclusive, sustainable and reselient future for the people and the planet.The 17 sustainable development goals of UN itself directs a nation to ensure sustainability in development. So it is high time to intrigue our model and to take necessary actions. 

NEED FOR SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT 

“Technology, if used well for public good, can deliver lasting prosperity to mankind and a sustainable future for our planet.”   But what if man extremely dependent on technology got completely detached from their duty to conserve the nature. When Skyscrapers, metros etc became symbol of a developed nation ,acres of paddy fields turned to barren lands, hills having a strong impact on climate were levelled, the river beds became devoid of sand, thus environment is degrading.How Can a unhealthy environment support the development of a nation? As a reply we are witnessing severe natural calamities ,floods, land slides, earthquakes, cyclones etc. 

1 . CLIMATE CHANGE -Increased atmospheric temperature and extreme weather events, rising sea level,  biodiversity at the brim of extinction. 

2.SCARCITY OF RESOURCES - Land, fertile top soil, water, pure air etc are scarce to meet the needs of future if we continue with our strategy.

* Nearly 2/3rd of population will be living in water scarce and stressed areas by 2025. 

3.OVEREXPLOITATION OF NATURAL RESOURCES -

* Decline in the amount of underground water. 

* Over 1 million species on the track of extinction 

* Decline of more than 60%of world's marine fisheries. 

             So a scientific development model is vital. 

How it will be? 

 * ECONOMIC GROWTH, SOCIAL INCLUSION, ENVIRONMENT PROTECTION - these are the 3 core elements of sustainable development. 

Sustainable Economic growth - 

# Sustainable livelihood and employment Opportunities,

#  Enrichment of traditional economic sectors like coir, coconut etc,

#  focusing on value added products, # harmony with nature 

# appropriate use of technology 

# equal allocation of scarce resources, # reducing the income gap,

# poverty alleviation and eradication

Social Sustainability - 

# Inclusion of people without any discrimination on caste, creed or gender .

# Help to ensure quality lives for all people with education,  health care, employment etc. 

# Ensure dignity of life, strictly prohibited human trafficking etc

# Respect minorities, ethnic communities and cultures.

 Environment Sustainability -

# Protection and rational use of natural resources. 

# Investment in renewable, non conventional energy. 

# Conserving soil and water 

# Innovation in sustainable architecture  and construction.

# Scientific disposal of wastes like plastics. 

THE WAY FORWARD 

* Regional initiatives 

* Environment friendly technology have to be developed. 

* 17 SDGs are: (1) No Poverty, (2) Zero Hunger, (3) Good Health and Well-being, (4) Quality Education, (5) Gender Equality, (6) Clean Water and Sanitation, (7) Affordable and Clean Energy, (8) Decent Work and Economic Growth, (9) Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure, (10) Reducing Inequality, (11) Sustainable Cities and Communities, (12) Responsible Consumption and Production, (13) Climate Action, (14) Life Below Water, (15) Life On Land, (16) Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions, (17) Partnerships for the Goals.

To achieve this target by 2030 for a better future, we, the people have to stand united  .A far more optimistic future is still attainable only by drastically changing development policies, incentives and actions.