ABSTRACT
This chapter discusses the way exclusion is practised in India despite having the backing of the Constitutional provisions that had strong orientation towards inclusive development. It argues that the major reason for such disparity is due to the focus on economic growth at the cost of neglecting social dimensions and the well-being of people. The chapter also argues that the increase in inequality is due to the adoption of policy that favoured liberalisation and globalisation, which led to disproportionate accrual of benefits. The other issues highlighted include inadequate financing and poor implementation, which affects inclusive development. The chapter also raises concern about the current approach of the government, which focuses on increasing the rank of India in the global index of ‘ease-of-doing business’, while the progress on social sectors like education and health is neglected and left to the mercy of the market force and the rent seeking private sector. The paper concludes stating that, if India is to form a part of the developed nations, it is indispensable and essential to make education and health the linchpin of its national development, accord priority to the sector, earmark resources and deploy the manpower.
