Will India Become a Developed Nation by 2047?

What is a developed country? And why is it important for a nation to be developed? The answer lies in ensuring that the basic needs of its citizens are met, where no one has to struggle with financial hardships. The vision of a developed nation is one where the basic needs of every citizen are fulfilled, where people don't have to struggle with financial insecurities, and where access to essential services like healthcare, education, and infrastructure is a given. A developed nation doesn’t necessarily mean that everyone is wealthy, but rather that everyone has a chance to live a life of dignity. India is steadily advancing towards this goal, addressing these different facets of development.

India gained independence 78 years ago, and Prime Minister Narendra Modi has set a bold ambition: by 2047, when India celebrates 100 years of independence, the country will join the ranks of developed nations. But is this goal achievable in just 13 more years? The answer may very well be "yes."

Today, India is rapidly evolving in several key sectors, such as healthcare, education, employment, and infrastructure. Good education, accessible healthcare, and a robust economy are the cornerstones of a bright future for any nation. When India gained independence in 1947, its economy was close to zero. Fast forward to today, India is now the third-largest economy in the world by purchasing power parity (PPP). If the momentum of progress continues, India could achieve its goal of becoming a developed nation before 2047.               

India's Current Status

1. Healthcare: As of 2018, India had 23,582 government hospitals, including 22 run by the central government. In recent years, initiatives like Ayushman Bharat have aimed at providing health coverage to millions of low-income families.

2. Education: India boasts a diverse education system with 48 central universities, 399 state universities, 126 deemed universities, and 330 private universities. The New Education Policy (NEP) aims to revamp the sector to meet global standards, emphasizing skill development.

3. Employment: A recent report from the Reserve Bank of India shows that total employment in India was 643.3 million in the fiscal year 2023/24. While unemployment remains a challenge, new government schemes are targeting job creation, particularly in startup and MSME sectors.

4. Schools: By the end of 2022, there were 11.28 lakh government schools across India, with efforts underway to improve the quality of education and access to digital tools through initiatives like the PM eVIDYA program.

5. Infrastructure: India’s infrastructure has grown substantially. As of December 2023, the country has 146,145 kilometers of national highways, marking a 60% increase in the last decade. The push for smart cities, better ports, and an expansive railway network is driving India's infrastructural growth.

What Defines a Developed Nation?

To be truly developed, a nation must focus on several areas:

- Economic Development: Sustained economic growth creates jobs and lifts people out of poverty. India is currently one of the fastest-growing major economies, with plans to become a $5 trillion economy in the coming years.

- Human Capital: Investment in human capital is key. Education and healthcare are not just services but crucial investments in a nation’s long-term progress. India's healthcare and education sectors have seen reforms, but more is needed to match global standards.

- Infrastructure: Quality infrastructure, from roads and railways to digital connectivity, is a foundation of a modern economy. India's infrastructure push, including projects like Bharatmala for highways and Sagarmala for port modernization, is critical to its development.

- Global Partnerships: International cooperation and trade are vital to development. India is enhancing ties with major global economies through strategic partnerships, which can help accelerate technological advancements and investment.

- Basic Needs: A developed nation ensures that its citizens have access to essential services such as food, clean water, sanitation, and shelter. Initiatives like the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (housing for all) and Swachh Bharat Abhiyan (clean India mission) aim to improve the quality of life for every Indian.

India’s Journey Towards Becoming a Developed Nation

India’s current government has launched several ambitious projects aimed at pushing the country closer to developed-nation status:

1. Make in India: This initiative focuses on boosting India's manufacturing sector, creating jobs, and attracting foreign investment. It also aims to position India as a global manufacturing hub, reducing reliance on imports.

2. Digital India: The Digital India mission is driving the country toward a knowledge-based economy with better access to digital services and technology for all citizens, from e-governance to improved rural connectivity.

3. Skill India: To ensure that the Indian workforce is ready for future challenges, Skill India focuses on vocational training and upskilling, particularly in sectors like IT, manufacturing, and services.

4. PM Gati Shakti: This initiative aims to bring efficiency to logistics and infrastructure by integrating various ministries and sectors through a digital platform. It targets building modern infrastructure, such as expressways, new ports, and high-speed railways.

5. Green Energy Initiatives: India is committed to renewable energy, with ambitious goals to reduce its carbon footprint. The push towards solar, wind, and hydro energy, and reducing dependency on fossil fuels, will be key in shaping a sustainable and resilient economy.

Content by: Nikita Mishra