Is access to water fundamental human rights?
At world economic forum this year there have been some discussions and concerns towards the plight of poor. Simultaneously there have been discussions on the future of our economy.
The current trajectory of human activities are on unsustainable path benefiting few rich heads of the corporations instead of population at large. The disparity on the rich and poor is on a rise, especially with looming climate crisis making predicament of the poor even more dearer.
Many studies suggest equitable society are prone to lesser trouble and in general a happy society. India faces enormous number of challenges and biggest of all is its demographic dividend, which is its double edged sword.
Young unemployed men are like powder keg waiting to be ignited. All it requires is a spark, which can come from terrorizing brutal images on the internet or inspiring entrepreneurial stories. Often a small tiny spark can ignite the powder keg as we have recently seen in the north east and in state of gujarat.
India faces multitude of issues, with large unemployed youth especially those who are educated. Who are desperate for opportunities to grow and make their situation better. But the challenges remain as Indias economy is unable to grow at the pace of graduating youths.
Those privileged end up climbing the ladder or migrating to another county, but those who are in the rural hinterland, continue to be there struggling with flashy images of wealth on TV. Evidence of this is more evident in Mumbai where on one side we have Ambani's multi - story residential skyscraper surrounded by shanty town.
Without addressing the inequity in wealth creation and distribution, India cannot go on path of sustainable economy. For the current largest wealth producer Ambani in India, makes most of his earning selling Carbon based product. Which ends up polluting Earth, creating massive storms and continues to fuel climate crisis.
In order for a successful transition to Green Economy or say Sustainable Economy, the trajectory of policies, decisions and social entrepreneurs need to move away from traditional industries, while creating alternative paradigm and opportunities that go along with them.
Thus this fundamentally raise a question, will India sizzling from slow down, prop up its economy by stimulating growth of more equitable society and thus on a more sustainable path. Will GIFT city with its promises help realize the goals of helping India move on a sustainable track.
