Select One Developing Country And Discuss The Fundamental
Select One 1 Developing Country And Discuss The Fundamental Actions
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. Please respond to at least one (1) post from your peers.
Paper For Above instruction
The development of a nation's living standards hinges significantly on the policies and actions taken by its leadership. In the context of developing countries, leadership decisions can either propel progress or contribute to ongoing struggles. This essay will analyze the fundamental actions undertaken by the leadership of India, one of the most prominent developing nations, to improve the living standards of its citizens. Additionally, it will explore a specific example of progress in terms of economic development, political stability, and environmental sustainability.
Introduction
Developing countries face multifaceted challenges, including poverty, inadequate healthcare, unstable political systems, and environmental degradation. Effective leadership is crucial to addressing these issues through strategic actions that promote economic growth, political stability, social equity, and environmental conservation. India, with its expansive population and diverse socio-economic landscape, exemplifies a developing country where leadership plays a vital role in shaping the future trajectory.
Fundamental Actions by Indian Leadership
India’s government has undertaken several fundamental actions to improve the living standards of its population. These include economic reforms aimed at liberalization, efforts to expand access to education and healthcare, and initiatives promoting financial inclusion. Since the economic liberalization policies of the 1990s, India has opened its markets, reduced tariffs, and encouraged foreign investment, leading to rapid GDP growth that has lifted millions out of poverty (Nayyar, 2019). The Make in India initiative and Digital India campaign further aim to foster industrial growth and technological connectivity, respectively, which are essential for socio-economic upliftment.
In addition, the government has launched social welfare programs such as the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA), which provides employment and income to rural populations, thereby reducing rural poverty and improving living standards (Kumar & Mohanty, 2020). Efforts to improve access to education through schemes like the Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan have increased literacy rates, especially among marginalized communities. Healthcare reforms, including the Ayushman Bharat scheme, seek to extend health insurance coverage to millions, reducing out-of-pocket expenses and enhancing health outcomes (Rao & Korgaonkar, 2021).
However, challenges remain. Issues such as corruption, bureaucratic inefficiency, and disparities between urban and rural areas hinder the full realization of development goals. Nonetheless, the leadership’s commitment to sustained economic and social reforms demonstrates a focus on improving the living standards of its citizens.
Example of Progress: Economic, Political, and Environmental Aspects
In terms of economic progress, India has experienced significant growth, becoming the world’s fifth-largest economy by nominal GDP. The country's reforms in the information technology sector, manufacturing, and renewable energy have contributed to job creation and increased income levels (World Bank, 2022). For instance, India’s push towards renewable energy, particularly solar power, reflects a strategic move to diversify the energy mix and foster sustainable development.
Politically, India has maintained a democratic framework despite challenges, conducting regular elections and upholding constitutional principles. The tenure of successive governments demonstrates political stability, fostering policy continuity that is instrumental for economic and social progress (Kothari, 2020). Initiatives such as the Digital India program have increased government transparency and citizen participation, bolstering democratic governance.
Environmentally, the government’s recent commitments to combat climate change and promote renewable energy represent progress, although challenges persist. The International Solar Alliance, led by India, exemplifies this effort, aiming to expand solar energy deployment across tropical regions (Singh et al., 2021). Nonetheless, economic development pressures continue to strain environmental resources, necessitating further policy action to balance growth with sustainability.
Conclusion
India’s leadership has implemented various fundamental actions to elevate living standards, emphasizing economic reforms, social welfare, and technological advancement. While substantial progress has been made in economic growth, democratic stability, and environmental initiatives, ongoing challenges call for continued leadership commitment and innovative solutions. The example of India underscores that strategic, inclusive, and sustainable policies are vital for transforming development aspirations into tangible realities.
References
- Nayyar, D. (2019). Economic reforms and social change in India. Journal of Development Studies, 55(4), 701-718.
- Kumar, P., & Mohanty, S. (2020). Social welfare programs and rural development in India. Asian Journal of Social Sciences & Humanities, 9(2), 45-54.
- Rao, M., & Korgaonkar, P. (2021). Healthcare reforms in India: Progress and challenges. Indian Journal of Public Health, 65(1), 10-15.
- World Bank. (2022). India economic update: Growth amid challenges. World Bank Publications.
- Kothari, R. (2020). Democracy in India: Political stability and governance. Journal of South Asian Studies, 45(3), 289-304.
- Singh, A., Sharma, R., & Verma, P. (2021). Solar energy development and climate policy in India. Renewable Energy Reports, 4, 100027.