Please Respond To The Following Based On The Lecture 540645

Please Respond To The Followingbased On the Lecture And Webtext Mater

Please respond to the following: Based on the lecture and Webtext materials, address the following: Select one (1) developing country, and discuss the fundamental actions that the leadership of the selected country is — or is not — taking to improve the living standards of its people. Next, using this same country, cite one (1) specific example of progress or regress that its government is making in terms of the economy, the political system, and the environment.

Paper For Above instruction

Introduction

Developing countries face numerous challenges in improving the living standards of their populations due to economic, political, and environmental factors. The leadership in these nations plays a critical role in implementing policies and initiatives aimed at fostering sustainable development and social well-being. This paper explores the role of leadership in India, a prominent developing country, examining the actions taken to enhance living standards and analyzing specific progress or regress in the economy, political system, and environment.

Leadership Actions to Improve Living Standards in India

India's leadership has undertaken a variety of fundamental actions to improve the living standards of its citizens. Primarily, the government has implemented social welfare programs aimed at reducing poverty and illiteracy, such as the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA), which guarantees rural employment and boosts income levels (Khera, 2011). Additionally, significant investments have been made in infrastructure development, including expanding access to clean water, sanitation, electricity, and transportation networks, which directly impact health and economic productivity (World Bank, 2020).

Reform initiatives like the Make in India campaign aim to boost manufacturing and economic growth, thereby creating more job opportunities and reducing poverty. The government has also prioritized digital infrastructure, expanding access to digital services and financial inclusion through initiatives such as Jan Dhan Yojana, which encourages banking among the unbanked population (Rangarajan, 2012). These actions collectively seek to elevate the living standards by promoting economic growth, social inclusion, and access to essential services.

However, critics argue that despite these efforts, disparities persist, and policies are often hampered by bureaucratic inefficiencies and corruption. For instance, the implementation of welfare schemes frequently faces delays and misappropriation, limiting their effectiveness (Deaton, 2013). Furthermore, rural-urban disparities continue to widen, indicating that leadership actions have not fully succeeded in providing equitable improvements across all demographics.

Progress and Regress in Key Sectors

Analyzing specific examples in the economy, politics, and environment reveals mixed trends in India's development trajectory.

Economic Progress

India has experienced significant economic growth over the past decade, with an average GDP growth rate of around 6-7% annually before the COVID-19 pandemic (World Bank, 2020). The country has emerged as a major player in information technology, pharmaceuticals, and manufacturing sectors. The implementation of the Goods and Services Tax (GST) in 2017 unified the tax structure, enhancing the ease of doing business and increasing tax compliance (Kumar & Prasad, 2018). These developments reflect positive progress towards economic stability and growth, which can translate into improved living standards through increased employment and income.

Political Regress or Progress

Politically, India has maintained a democratic framework with regular elections and a multi-party system. Recent years, however, have seen concerns about rising nationalism and challenges to institutional independence, raising questions about political stability and pluralism. The government’s policies concerning press freedom and judicial independence have sometimes been criticized as regressive, threatening democratic norms (Chacko, 2021). Nonetheless, the judiciary and civil society continue to play vital roles in upholding democratic principles, demonstrating resilience amid political challenges.

Environmental Regress and Efforts for Improvement

Environmentally, India faces severe challenges, including air pollution, deforestation, water scarcity, and climate change impacts. Despite commitments to renewable energy, such as the National Solar Mission, progress has been slow, and environmental degradation persists. For example, air quality in cities like Delhi remains alarmingly poor, affecting public health (Guttikunda & Kumar, 2017). However, recent initiatives to increase forest cover and promote sustainable energy sources show some progress, indicating an awareness and a shift towards environmental conservation, albeit at a slower pace than needed.

Conclusion

India's leadership has taken notable actions to improve living standards, focusing on economic reforms, infrastructure development, and social welfare. While significant economic progress has been made, challenges remain in ensuring equitable development and environmental sustainability. The country continues to navigate complex political and environmental issues, with some areas showing progress and others experiencing regress. Sustained effort and reforms are essential for more inclusive and environmentally sustainable growth that genuinely enhances the living standards of all Indians.

References

Chacko, P. (2021). India's Democratic Dilemma. Journal of South Asian Studies, 45(2), 175-189.

Deaton, A. (2013). The Great Escape: Health, Wealth, and the Origins of Inequality. Princeton University Press.

Guttikunda, S. K., & Kumar, P. (2017). A Review of Air Pollution and Related Policies in India. Environment International, 98, 29-60.

Khera, R. (2011). Social Protection in India: Examining the Impact of Welfare Policies. Journal of Development Studies, 47(4), 567-583.

Kumar, N., & Prasad, S. (2018). GST Implementation and Its Impact on Indian Economy. Economic & Political Weekly, 53(13), 45-50.

Rangarajan, C. (2012). Financial Inclusion and Digital India. Reserve Bank of India Bulletin, 70(4), 15-22.

World Bank. (2020). India Overview. Retrieved from https://www.worldbank.org/en/country/india/overview