Developing the right sense of 'developed'
India works to become a developed country by 2047, it must not forget that quality of life, improved living standards and ease of living are parameters as important as, if not more than, per-capita income. This is the context in which the Supreme Court's stay on the post facto green nod for projects or mandatory implementation of good manufacturing practices 'Schedule M' must be understood.
Government and businesses alike must assess their efforts to improve gross national income against the cost to quality of life. The increased cost is not a burden but an investment in improving productivity, life expectancy and general quality of life, all markers of a developed economy.
To be considered developed, per-capita GDP will need to increase from around $2,500 to nearly $22,000.
In the climate-constrained, sustainability-oriented and well being-focused world, environment, health and education are important considerations. Going ahead with projects, no matter how critical, without environmental safeguards undermines the goal of development.
Mining projects, for example, impact quality of air, hydrological systems or fresh water access, and soil health — affecting the air we breathe, the water we drink and the food we eat. It must no longer be 'better to ask for forgiveness than permission' because it impoverishes quality of life.
GoI's decision making good manufacturing practices mandatory for all pharma units — implemented in a phased manner keeping capacity in mind — is critical. These have a bearing on quality of life and productivity that have a direct impact on economic growth.
These interventions must be viewed not as bothersome hurdles to growth but as guard rails that keep India on the path towards its goal of
