by Ayush Krishna Tripathi
student at Jamia Hamdard, New Delhi
In the diverse and vibrant landscape of India, policy changes have played a pivotal role in shaping the trajectory of its society. The country’s evolution from a colonial past to a global powerhouse has been greatly influenced by a series of transformative policies. This article explores how policy changes have driven societal shifts in India, touching upon key areas such as education, healthcare, economic development, and social equality. Education for Empowerment: One of the most impactful policy shifts in India has been in the education sector. The Right to Education Act, enacted in 2009, made education a fundamental right for children aged 6 to 14. This policy aimed to bridge the gap between rural and urban education, boosting access and quality. Additionally, initiatives like ‘Digital India’ have enhanced digital literacy, enabling more equitable educational opportunities across the nation. Healthcare Revolution: India’s healthcare landscape has also undergone significant transformation through policy interventions. The Ayushman Bharat program, launched in 2018, aims to provide health coverage to millions of underprivileged citizens, reducing the financial burden of medical expenses. This initiative not only addresses accessibility issues but also contributes to poverty alleviation by safeguarding families from catastrophic health expenditures. Economic Development and Innovation:
Economic policies have propelled India’s journey towards becoming a global economic force. The ‘Make in India’ campaign, initiated in 2014, seeks to boost domestic manufacturing and attract foreign investment, fostering job creation and technological advancement. Policy incentives for startups and innovation have nurtured a thriving entrepreneurial ecosystem, contributing to the country’s economic growth. Empowering Women:
Policies in India have also focused on promoting gender equality and women’s empowerment. The Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao (Save the Daughter, Educate the Daughter) campaign aims to address gender-based discrimination, skewed sex ratios, and female illiteracy. This policy showcases a commitment to empowering women and elevating their status in society. Social Welfare and Inclusion:
The policies in India have also taken strides towards social inclusion and welfare. The National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (NREGA) guarantees a certain number of days of employment to rural citizens, combating poverty and unemployment. Similarly, reservations in education and employment for historically marginalized communities have aimed to rectify historical injustices and promote social equity. Environmental Conservation:
In recent years, policy changes have also been directed towards environmental sustainability. The Swachh Bharat Abhiyan (Clean India Campaign) focuses on sanitation and waste management, contributing to a cleaner environment and better public health. Additionally, the push for renewable energy sources showcases India’s commitment to combating climate change.
The objectives of social transformation in India as envisaged ideologically could be characterized as ‘revolutionary’ in content and ‘evolutionary’ in strategy. Gandhiji was foremost in his thinking in this regard. Nehru completed this process by evolving a model for Indian path to social transformation. It recognized that revolutionary changes in institutions, social structures and values of Indian society were essential if social change was to be brought about through democratic participation.
The journey of changing society through policy changes in India has been marked by substantial achievements and ongoing challenges. From education and healthcare to economic growth and social inclusion, policies have been instrumental in shaping the nation’s trajectory. While progress has been made, there is still much to be accomplished in areas such as poverty reduction, gender equality, and environmental sustainability. The continuous evolution of policies will remain crucial in steering India towards a more inclusive, equitable, and prosperous future.
