Investment in social infrastructure is imperative for an inclusive and sustainable growth in India. Discuss.

Social infrastructure (e.g. health, education, etc) is the key to India’s development as a welfare state in line with constitutional commitments under the directive principles.

Role of social infrastructure in inclusive and sustainable growth:

1. Focus on education and health –
   • Increase labour productivity
   • Increase human capital
   • Lead to inclusive growth
2. Focus on human resource –
   • Skill development
   • Leads to improvements in diversified sectors.
   • Pushes India’s growth with reducing poverty and inequality.
3. Focus on social infrastructure –
   • Leads to concerns of every segment incorporated.
   • Helps in inclusive policy setting.
   • Supplement sustainable growth.
   • Increases India’s resilience.
4. Enhancing social infrastructure –
   • Increases the coverage of population.
   • Helps in sustaining growth.

Social infrastructure has become even more important after covid-19 has shown of the fragile state of health and education sectors and the plight of migrant workers. There is a need to incorporate more funds for social infrastructure in National infrastructure pipeline through private investments and government policy promotion.