"Beyond GDP: Is India’s Growth Truly Inclusive?"

What did you feel when you heard the recent news — that India has surpassed Japan to become the world's 4th largest economy, with a GDP of $4.19 trillion?

Were you surprised? Excited? Proud? Or maybe even curious?

Yes, seeing our country climb the global economic ladder certainly fills us with pride. It feels like a moment of celebration. But pause for a second — does a bigger GDP really mean our country is truly developed?Is it fair to equate national pride and progress solely with GDP rankings?

Let’s understand what GDP really tells us.

GDP (Gross Domestic Product) is the total monetary value of all goods and services produced within a country over a specific time. When we say GDP is rising, it might mean:

People are consuming more

Businesses are investing more

The government is spending more

Or our exports are exceeding imports

In short, GDP tells us about the size of our economic pie — but not its flavour, nutrition, or who gets how much of it.

It doesn’t account for income inequality, mental well-being, environmental health, or social justice. A country can have a booming GDP even while its citizens face poverty, malnutrition, or rising unemployment.

So what does real development look like?

True progress happens when the fruits of economic growth reach the last person standing in the line — the principle of Antyodaya, as envisioned by Shri Deendayal Upadhyaya. This is the essence of inclusive growth: growth that doesn’t leave anyone behind — whether it’s a small farmer, a tribal woman, or a slum-dweller in a metro city.

So, if you ask — Is India experiencing real development?

To answer that, we must take a closer look at the facts and lived realities that shape millions of lives in our country today:

1. Malnutrition and undernourishment – As per the latest National Family Health Survey-5:

35.5% of children are stunted (low height for age)

7.7% are wasted (low weight for height)

32.1% are underweight

2. Economic and social inequality – India ranks 134 out of 193 countries in the Human Development Report 2023–24. Where are neighbours like srilanka, bhutan , bangladesh are ahead of us.

3. Gender inequality – According to the Gender Inequality Index 2022, India stands at 108 out of 193 countries, highlighting persistent gender-based gaps.

4. Income inequality – As per the Oxfam Report 2023:

The top 10% of India’s population holds 77% of total national wealth

In 2017 alone, 73% of wealth generated went to the richest 1%

5. Healthcare-related poverty – An estimated 63 million people are pushed into poverty every year due to out-of-pocket health expenses.

6. Marginalization of transgender individuals – The National Human Rights Commission reports that around 92% of transgender people are excluded from economic activities.

7. Youth unemployment – According to the India Employment Report 2024:

Youth make up about 83% of the unemployed

Among them, those with at least secondary education rose from 35.2% in 2000 to 65.7% in 2022

So what do all these points tell us?

They show that the size of an economy means little when the majority still lack a basic standard of living. Growth, when concentrated at the top, fails to uplift society as a whole. To make economic progress truly inclusive, the government must ensure that every citizen has access to essential services — especially in a country like India, where structural inequalities run deep.

What are these basic facilities?

1. Education – Despite high public spending, quality remains a concern. A shift from rote learning to skills-based education is essential — one that builds critical thinking, communication, and problem-solving abilities.

2. Healthcare – Strengthening primary health centres, improving insurance coverage, and making healthcare affordable and accessible are urgent needs, especially in rural and tribal regions.

3. Water and sanitation – Access to safe drinking water, toilets, and hygiene infrastructure is crucial for dignity and public health.

4. Nutrition and food security – Schemes like mid-day meals and PDS must be strengthened and monitored to ensure no child grows up malnourished.

5. Housing and electricity – Shelter and power should be basic entitlements, not privileges. 

When these facilities are in place, they lay the foundation for equal opportunity and upward mobility. While the government has taken many steps, outcomes remain limited due to policy leakages and weak implementation.

This is where good governance becomes crucial:

Transparency to eliminate corruption and middlemen

Accountability to track and improve outcomes

Participation to include the voices of the marginalized

Technology to ensure efficient, last-mile delivery

So, the next time when we see GDP milestones, let’s also ask: “Has this growth reached the last person?”

Because real development isn’t just about how large the economy is , it’s about how fairly its benefits are shared . With inclusive polices , good governance and collective efforts we can turn India's growth story into success model for the world