Business · India Bureau
Economic growth must prioritize justice, says academic
A prominent professor has called for India's development trajectory to be anchored in principles of economic justice rather than growth metrics alone. The assertion underscores ongoing debate about inclusive development models in the region.
LSN India ·

Economic expansion across South Asia should be fundamentally grounded in equity and social justice, according to academic perspectives emerging from policy discussions in the region. The emphasis reflects growing concerns among scholars and policymakers about the distribution of growth benefits and whether conventional metrics adequately measure prosperity.
Proponents of this approach argue that GDP-focused development strategies often overlook structural inequalities and fail to ensure resources reach marginalized communities. They contend that sustainable progress requires addressing wealth disparities, labor protections, and fair resource allocation alongside macroeconomic expansion.
The call for economically just growth models gains traction as India navigates post-pandemic recovery and addresses persistent poverty despite overall economic advancement. Experts suggest that development frameworks must integrate social welfare indicators, livelihood security, and equitable opportunity creation to achieve meaningful progress.
This perspective aligns with broader academic discourse on inclusive growth, where economists increasingly question whether rapid GDP growth translates to improved living standards for broader populations. The debate continues to shape policy discussions among development practitioners and government officials across the region.