Explain intra-generational and inter-generational issues of equity from the perspective of inclusive growth and sustainable development. (UPSC 2020)

Equity in development has two dimensions. Intra-generational equity means fair access to income, jobs, health, education and services among people of the same generation. Inter-generational equity means using resources in a way that does not reduce the chances of future generations to meet their needs.

• Inclusive growth mainly addresses intra-generational equity by reducing gaps between rich and poor, rural and urban, men and women, and across regions and social groups.
• It requires targeted welfare, quality public services, financial inclusion, and wider participation in growth.
• Sustainable development rests on inter-generational equity: conserving water, forests, soil, biodiversity and climate stability, while avoiding excessive debt and pollution.
• It calls for clean energy, efficient resource use, and long-term planning.

In India, inequalities in income, consumption, gender participation and regional development show weak intra-generational equity. At the same time, groundwater depletion, climate stress and rising public debt threaten inter-generational justice. True development must therefore be both socially inclusive today and environmentally and fiscally responsible for tomorrow.