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The Indian government’s commitment to fostering economic growth while ensuring social welfare has been underscored by the robust increase in expenditure across various facets of the social sector. The Economic Survey 2022-23, presented by the Minister of Finance and Corporate Affairs, Smt Nirmala Sitharaman, highlights the pivotal role of social welfare in India's development, particularly in the context of the country's commitment to the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 2030.
In response to the global pandemic and ongoing challenges, India is on the precipice of an era marked by inclusive economic growth and comprehensive social welfare. This vision aims to leave no one behind, ensuring that the benefits of progress extend across the vast and diverse demographics of the nation.
The Economic Survey reports a noteworthy trajectory in the government's spending on social services since FY16, with the share of expenditure on social services in the total government expenditure consistently hovering around 25% from FY18 to FY20. This percentage surged to 26.6% in FY23 (BE), signifying a deliberate focus on bolstering the nation's social fabric.
The social sector expenditure has witnessed a substantial upswing, with an 8.4% increase in FY21 over FY20 and a significant 31.4% surge in FY22 over FY21, reflecting the heightened outlay necessitated by the pandemic, particularly in the health and education sectors. The Economic Survey outlines that the combined expenditure of the Central and State governments on the social sector has risen from 9.15 lakh crore in 2015-16 to 21.3 lakh crore in FY23 (BE), underlining the government’s steadfast commitment to enhancing societal well-being.
Crucially, the share of expenditure on health within the total social services expenditure has escalated from 21% in FY19 to 26% in FY23 (BE), aligning with the Fifteenth Finance Commission's urging to augment public health expenditure progressively to reach 2.5% of GDP by 2025. This commitment is mirrored in the budgeted health sector expenditures, which reached 2.1% of GDP in FY23 (BE) and 2.2% in FY22 (RE), up from 1.6% in FY21.
In the backdrop of these enhancements, the Economic Survey underscores the multidimensional nature of poverty, extending beyond monetary insufficiency to encompass various disadvantages such as poor health, lack of sanitation, and inadequate education. Notably, the UNDP's 2022 report on Multidimensional Poverty Index (MPI) reveals that 41.5 crore people in India emerged from poverty between 2005-06 and 2019-21, underscoring the feasibility of attaining the SDG target of reducing poverty by half by 2030.
To facilitate targeted delivery of social services, Aadhaar has emerged as a pivotal tool, with 318 Central schemes and over 720 state DBT schemes utilizing its capabilities. The Economic Survey reports that over 135.2 crore Aadhaar enrollments have been generated, empowering individuals to access essential services and subsidies seamlessly.
India's burgeoning focus on the social sector mirrors a broader paradigm shift, embodying the vision of "Sabka Sath, Sabka Vikas and Sabka Vishwas." It encompasses not only traditional metrics such as income and education levels but also access to clean drinking water, health care, social security, and connectivity, crystallizing a holistic approach towards enhancing the quality of life for all citizens.
In conclusion, India's intensified emphasis on the social sector epitomizes its commitment to creating an inclusive and resilient society, ensuring that the dividends of economic progress are equitably distributed. This fervent dedication underscores the pivotal role of the social sector in catalyzing comprehensive welfare and tracking the trajectory towards the ambitious SDG targets, steering India towards a future characterized by sustainable, inclusive growth and prosperity.
Source: https://pib.gov.in/PressReleaseIframePage.aspx?PRID=1894916