NCERT Summary: Growth & Changing Structure of Employment- 2 | Indian Economy for UPSC CSE PDF Download

Introduction

• Agriculture and Horticulture: States like Punjab, Haryana, and Himachal Pradesh have excelled in agriculture and horticulture, benefiting from advanced irrigation systems and fertile land.

• Industrial Advancement: Maharashtra and Gujarat are industrial powerhouses, with Gujarat's industrial output reaching significant heights in recent years.

• Education and Healthcare: Kerala, often referred to as 'God's Own Country,' boasts impressive literacy rates and healthcare indicators, with a literacy rate of 96.2% as per the latest data.

• Information Technology: Karnataka, particularly its capital Bengaluru, continues to attract global attention as a leading IT hub, hosting numerous multinational companies and startups.

These achievements are underpinned by robust infrastructure in each sector, including irrigation facilities, transportation networks, proximity to ports, and world-class communication systems.

What Is Infrastructure?

• Economic Infrastructure: Energy (power stations, oil and gas pipelines), transportation (roads, railways, ports, airports), and communication systems.
• Social Infrastructure: Educational institutions, healthcare facilities, sanitation systems, and financial institutions.

These components directly and indirectly influence production systems and societal well-being.

Relevance of Infrastructure

• Agriculture: Relies on efficient transportation for inputs and produce, as well as banking and insurance services for large-scale operations.
• Industry: Depends on reliable energy, transport, and communication networks.

Improved infrastructure enhances productivity and quality of life, while inadequacies can adversely affect health and economic development.

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The State of Infrastructure in India

• Energy Access: As of 2022, 100% of villages have been electrified, yet disparities in quality and reliability persist.
• Cooking Fuels: Many households still rely on traditional biomass for cooking, though initiatives promoting LPG and biogas are making inroads.
• Water and Sanitation: Access to clean drinking water and improved sanitation has improved, but gaps remain, particularly in rural regions.

India's infrastructure investment has increased, with the government allocating ₹11.11 trillion for infrastructure in the 2024-25 budget, maintaining a record high.

Energy

Sources:

• Commercial: Coal, petroleum, and electricity.
• Non-commercial: Firewood, agricultural waste, and dried dung.

Consumption Trends: India's energy consumption has grown from 25,805 petajoules (PJ) in 2012-13 to 33,508 PJ in 2021-22, marking a 10.39% increase from the previous year.
Renewable Energy: The share of renewable energy in total consumption is rising, with significant investments aimed at achieving 500 GW of renewable capacity by 2030, requiring an estimated $385 billion investment.

Sustainable Development

Sustainable development seeks to balance economic growth with environmental preservation, ensuring that current needs are met without compromising future generations. Key principles include:

• Resource Management: Utilizing renewable resources sustainably and developing alternatives for non-renewable resources.
• Technological Efficiency: Promoting technologies that enhance efficiency and reduce environmental impact.
• Population and Consumption: Maintaining human activities within the environment's carrying capacity.

Strategies for Sustainable Development

India is implementing various strategies to promote sustainability:

• Non-conventional Energy: Expanding solar, wind, and other renewable energy sources to reduce reliance on fossil fuels.
• Clean Cooking Fuels: Promoting LPG and biogas in rural areas to replace traditional biomass fuels, improving health outcomes and reducing deforestation.
• Urban Transport: Adopting Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) in public transport to lower urban air pollution.
• Mini-Hydel Projects: Developing small-scale hydroelectric projects in mountainous regions to provide localized, sustainable energy.
• Traditional Practices: Reviving traditional agricultural and healthcare practices that are environmentally friendly and sustainable.
• Bio-composting and Biopest Control: Encouraging organic farming practices to reduce chemical use and enhance soil health.

Conclusion

While economic development has historically placed pressure on environmental resources, India is increasingly adopting sustainable practices to balance growth with ecological preservation. By investing in infrastructure and embracing sustainable development strategies, India aims to meet the needs of its current population while safeguarding resources for future generations.