Beyond GDP: Why India’s Economic Growth Doesn’t Feel Like Progress
If a country grows but its people suffer, is that really progress?
India is set to surpass Japan in terms of GDP, but Indian citizens aren’t truly happy about it. Some Indians are criticising their countrymen on the internet for not appreciating the country’s growth. But does this growth positively impact the ordinary citizen in any way?
Wealth accumulation at the top
Even if we are being generous, 95% of the wealth lies in the hands of the top billionaires of India. The lower and middle classes continue to suffer as their income isn’t enough for survival and satisfying a few basic wants. The GDP, that is the average, doesn’t positively impact the ordinary citizen in any way.
Basic public infrastructure
In potholes, there is some road. Suburban areas of Mumbai are dug at every corner, creating inconvenience. Public transport isn’t enough for the overcrowded population. The excessive, constant migration to the Mumbai Metropolitan Region paralyses the local trains, where commuters hang at the threshold, and several end up losing their lives. Pune and Bangalore face the infamous traffic jams, where one is stuck in traffic for hours. The drainage and sanitation are disappointing, as we see garbage casually floating in the brown water accumulated after a little speck of rain. Partly, the fault is with the citizens, too, due to the lack of civic sense. Even after experiencing drastic climate change and heatwaves, the government allows big-shot private players to cut down forests for building residential and commercial projects. As humans, we have forgotten to care for other species, but those who sit in the luxury of AC cars and cabins don’t even care about their people. This has just been metropolitan cities, but tier 2 and 3 cities and rural areas aren’t better off.
Lower and middle class citizens are forced to purchase fruits, vegetables and other packaged edibles that are full of chemicals. We are left with no option but to put up with adulterated food, as organic food is beyond our budget. Don’t know what FSSAI and local governing bodies are doing for the welfare.
If we are to compare ourselves with Japan, the country is known for world class infrastructure and technology. When it comes to infrastructure, Japan surpasses in every aspect. Also, the country, especially its capital Tokyo, is safe enough that even a 5 yo can roam freely without guardian or adult caretaker. In India, only Mumbai is comparatively safe than all the cities, especially for women.
With all these issues, don’t think any citizen is going to be much bothered about the country’s GDP when the majority of its people are suffering.
The government works for the rich.
Compare the roads in South Bombay to any MMR suburbs. These big players get all sorts of permissions from the government for their betterment and comfort, either legally or through under-the-table transactions. Be it breaking a slum or cutting down a forest, everything is allowed.
When it comes to housing, the nexus of builders and banks have made it impossible for middle class to own a house without a huge bank loan looming over you. Our ancestors, probably with even with less pay than us, were able to build a bungalow. In metropolitan cities, buying even a 1BHK flat will need a huge loan, which you will be paying until the end of your life. Most of the good job opportunities are limited to metropolitans, so even if people buy their homes in suburbs, half of the life and money goes in commute.
The sandwiched middle-class
Upper class gets several benefits, while creamy layer of lower class gets freebies from the government. Those poor people who truly need some financial help are left behind. This is done so these class doesn't revolt against the government.
Meanwhile, middle-class pays the most taxes but doesn't get any benefits. Tax terrorism is ever increasing. Let's not forget slabs of tax on a simple popcorn 🍿. Or paying god knows taxes on buying a vehicle but not having good enough roads to ride the vehicle on.
Recently, those upper middle class folks who have enough resources to settle abroad are doing the same at a rapid rate. If this would've happened 10 years ago, we may have criticized these people, but now a lot of citizens advice to do this.
Anti-national or rational?
We libe in the times of binary where a person is quickly labelled andhbhakth or anti-national for praising or criticizing government. Even if you respect certain aspects of India and it's culture but point out follies of the culture and government, a minute isn't spared before being called anti-national. Any citizen has right to respectfully point out the follies in governance and culture with facts backing them up.
Conclusion
In this Kalyug, everyone primarily cares for themselves and their loved ones. As long as it doesn't harm anyone else, it ain't an issue. So why would people care if their country’s GDP is rising if they have to live like a herd of cattle in a country with inadequate basic infrastructure, food facilities and safety. It wouldn't matter if we surpass Japan if lower and middle class, which makes up for over 90% of the population, continues to suffer.
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Nice attempt to write on economic front. Keep it up.