GS3 PYQ (Mains Answer Writing): Inclusive Growth | Indian Economy for UPSC CSE PDF Download

Explain intra-generational and inter-generational issues of equity from the perspective of inclusive growth and sustainable development. (UPSC MAINS GS3 )

Intergenerational and intragenerational issues of equity: Inclusive growth focuses on ecological friendly economic growth which is a necessary and crucial condition for poverty reduction and sustainable development.
The intergenerational issues relate to, involve, and affect several generations because of which intergenerational equity is the basis of the concept of sustainability, whereas an intrinsic constituent of sustainable development is intragenerational equity, as it includes the role of virtue ethics and attitudes of people in changing lifestyles and behaviors across the existing generation or generations affecting fairness and impartiality.

Intergenerational and intragenerational issues of equity from the perspective of inclusive growth and sustainable development.

• The concept of intergenerational equity and intra-generational equity deals with using of the earth’s resources for the present generation and the future generation, and its impact upon the state of the earth. These equitable principles are based upon the concept of sustainable development, it means using of earth’s resources in such a manner that it can meet the present needs as well as the future needs of the living creatures. 
• Intergenerational equity signifies the rights and interests of the present and future generation regarding the renewable and non-renewable resources of the earth. Whereas, intragenerational equity deals with the equality among the same generations as far as the utilization of resources is a concern. It includes fair utilization of global resources among the human beings of the present generation.

These two concepts are considered to be the main strength of the doctrine sustainability to maintain proper balance in the use of natural resources.

• For example, Poverty and environmental degradation are mutually reinforcing; poor people live in the most polluted or degraded environments, and this contributes to their poverty. Although poverty and environmental degradation are important in their own right, they also can cause or contribute to wars, starvation, ethnic tensions, and terrorism, which are more likely to get headlines than their underlying cause. 
• Thus the concept of inclusive growth and sustainable development can take care of poverty as well as the environment without creating trouble for future generations. 
• Further, the Concerns about intergenerational equity quite naturally depend upon perceptions about prospects. In a growing economy, the fair treatment of future generations seems to be a less critical issue precisely because the future will do better than the present. 
• The depletion of reserves of nonrenewable resources and the deterioration of environmental quality have contributed to a growing perception that the historical trend of a steady improvement in human welfare is being reversed.

Topics Covered - Issues in Inclusive Growth