11- Social Sector: Extending Reach and Driving Empowerment in India
Introduction
India’s economic growth has been accompanied by a strong emphasis on social sector development to ensure inclusive progress and welfare for all citizens. The government has focused on education, healthcare, skill development, and social security, with technology and innovation playing a pivotal role in improving service delivery.
Key government initiatives such as National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, Ayushman Bharat, Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana (PMGKAY), and the Samagra Shiksha Abhiyan have significantly improved education access, healthcare services, and food security.
This chapter explores:
- Trends in social sector spending
- Education reforms and higher education policies
- Healthcare sector developments
- Rural economy, employment, and welfare initiatives
- Impact of social security schemes and direct benefit transfers
- Future strategies for inclusive growth
Social sector reforms have enhanced quality of life, reduced poverty, and improved social mobility. However, challenges remain in bridging the rural-urban divide, improving healthcare infrastructure, and ensuring sustainable employment opportunities.
1. Trends in Social Sector Spending
1.1 Growth in Social Services Expenditure
- Social services expenditure (SSE) as a percentage of total government expenditure rose from 23.3% in FY21 to 26.2% in FY25.
- Government spending on social services increased from ₹14.8 lakh crore in FY21 to ₹25.7 lakh crore in FY25.
- Key spending areas:
- Education: Grew at 12% CAGR (₹5.8 lakh crore in FY21 to ₹9.2 lakh crore in FY25).
- Health: Grew at 18% CAGR (₹3.2 lakh crore in FY21 to ₹6.1 lakh crore in FY25).
1.2 Impact of Social Sector Spending
- Improved access to education, health, and food security.
- Enhanced income opportunities through skill development and employment schemes.
- Real-time monitoring of welfare measures using technology dashboards.
2. Education: Enhancing Access and Quality
2.1 School Education Reforms
- NEP 2020 aims for a 100% Gross Enrolment Ratio (GER) in school education by 2030.
- Current GER:
- Primary level: 93%
- Secondary level: 77.4%
- Higher secondary level: 56.2%
- Dropout rates (2023-24):
- Primary: 1.9%
- Upper Primary: 5.2%
- Secondary: 14.1%
Key Initiatives
- Samagra Shiksha Abhiyan: Supports school infrastructure, teacher training, and ICT-enabled learning.
- NIPUN Bharat Mission: Focus on foundational literacy and numeracy for children up to Grade 3.
- PM POSHAN (Pradhan Mantri Poshan Shakti Nirman): Midday meal scheme improving child nutrition and school attendance.
2.2 Digital Education and Technology Integration
- DIKSHA (Digital Infrastructure for Knowledge Sharing): E-learning platform benefiting 2.6 crore students.
- PM eVIDYA and SWAYAM (Study Webs of Active Learning for Young Aspiring Minds): Provides free online courses and digital content.
- TeacherApp: Provides 260+ hours of teaching resources and lesson plans.
2.3 Higher Education Expansion
- India’s Gross Enrolment Ratio (GER) in higher education increased from 23.7% in 2014-15 to 28.4% in 2021-22.
- Target: 50% GER in higher education by 2035.
- Growth in Higher Education Institutions (HEIs):
- Universities increased from 723 in 2014 to 1,213 in 2024.
- IITs increased from 16 (2014) to 23 (2023).
- IIMs increased from 13 (2014) to 20 (2023).
- Medical colleges increased from 387 (2013-14) to 780 (2024-25).
2.4 Skill Development and Vocational Training
- Apprenticeship Embedded Degree/Diploma Programme: Enhancing employability.
- National Credit Framework (NCrF): Recognizes vocational and apprenticeship credits.
- Atal Innovation Mission (AIM): Supports AI, robotics, and frontier technology skills.
3. Healthcare: Strengthening the Health Infrastructure
3.1 Growth in Healthcare Investment
- Government healthcare spending increased from ₹3.2 lakh crore (FY21) to ₹6.1 lakh crore (FY25).
- Health expenditure as a percentage of GDP increased from 1.2% (FY15) to 2.1% (FY24).
3.2 Ayushman Bharat and Universal Health Coverage
- Ayushman Bharat – Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (PM-JAY):
- Over 24 crore beneficiaries covered under health insurance.
- Free treatment for low-income families at empaneled hospitals.
- Ayushman Bharat Health and Wellness Centres (AB-HWCs):
- More than 1.5 lakh centers operational, covering rural and urban areas.
3.3 Mental Health and Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs)
- National Tele-Mental Health Programme launched to address rising mental health concerns.
- Preventive care initiatives targeting diabetes, hypertension, and obesity.
- Emphasis on digital health records and AI-based diagnostics.
4. Social Security, Employment, and Rural Economy
4.1 Social Security and Direct Benefit Transfers (DBT)
- PM Garib Kalyan Yojana (PMGKY) provided free food grains to 80 crore people during COVID-19.
- Household Consumption Expenditure Survey (HCES) 2023-24:
- Urban-rural expenditure gap reduced from 84% (2011-12) to 70% (2023-24).
- Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) ecosystem saved ₹2.73 lakh crore in leakages since 2013.
4.2 Rural Development and Infrastructure
- Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana-Gramin (PMAY-G):
- More than 3.5 crore houses constructed in rural areas.
- Jal Jeevan Mission:
- 79% of rural households now have access to piped water.
- Rural Employment Growth:
- MGNREGS (Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme) provided 265 crore person-days of employment in FY24.
4.3 Women Empowerment and Financial Inclusion
- Self-Help Groups (SHGs) under Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana (DAY-NRLM):
- More than 9 crore women beneficiaries engaged in income-generating activities.
- PM Mudra Yojana:
- ₹23.2 lakh crore in collateral-free loans disbursed since launch.
- 70% of beneficiaries are women entrepreneurs.
Conclusion: Strengthening the Social Sector for Inclusive Growth
India’s social sector policies have led to higher education access, improved healthcare, rural development, and financial inclusion. Future strategies must focus on:
- Enhancing digital education and skilling for Industry 4.0.
- Strengthening primary healthcare with AI-based diagnostics.
- Expanding DBT and cash transfer schemes to improve financial security.
- Boosting rural employment and sustainable development projects.
By leveraging technology, innovation, and targeted policy interventions, India can ensure sustainable and inclusive growth.