UPSC Previous Year Question | Mains GS3 | 2020

Explain intra-generational and inter-generational issues of equity from the perspective of inclusive growth and sustainable development. (Answer in 150 words)

Answer

Introduction

Equity requires fair access to opportunities, resources and a healthy environment both among people living today and between present and future generations.

Intra Generational Equity

  • It concerns fairness among people of the same generation, particularly across income groups, regions, genders and social categories.
  • Inclusive growth demands access to quality education, healthcare, employment, finance, infrastructure and social security for deprived groups.
  • Unequal distribution of natural resources, pollution burdens and climate risks undermines social justice.

Inter Generational Equity

  • It requires the present generation to use resources without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their needs.
  • Over-extraction of groundwater, fossil fuels, forests and minerals creates ecological debt and reduces future choices.
  • Climate change and biodiversity loss transfer costs to children and future communities.

Developmental Balance

Policy must reconcile poverty reduction with ecological limits through renewable energy, resource efficiency, circular economy, inter-generational impact assessment and conservation of natural capital. Fiscal and technological investments should expand capabilities while protecting ecological resilience.

Keywords

Keywords: distributive justice, capability expansion, natural capital, climate justice, sustainable livelihoods, circular economy.

Topics: economy, equity, inclusive growth, sustainable development