(Sanghnomics is a weekly column that tracks down and demystifies the economic world view of Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) and organisations inspired by its ideology.)
As Maharashtra voters get ready to elect a new government on 20 November, a Mumbai based think tank has come out with a detailed document that may be termed as the blueprint for Maharashtra’s development. Importantly this document (Ekatma Vikas Patrita, Volume I, Issue 3) titled Maharashtra Development is based on the philosophy of ‘Integral Humanism’ which is also the official ideology of the BJP. This document has been published by Ekatma Vias Samiti and is being circulated internally to those who are interested in an alternative model of development that is sustainable.
According to Ravindra Mahajan, an expert on integral humanism and editor of this volume, “Samyak Vikas or the right development based on Ekatma Manav Darshan is the need of the hour. Redirecting efforts to rural areas is essential for all-round development. Warnings by researchers about lop-sided growth by over-relying on the service sector in the state needs to be taken seriously.”
It may be recalled here that the philosophy of Integral Humanism was propounded by Pandit Deendayal Upadhyaya. He was a pracharak (full time worker) of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS). He was also the president of the Bharatiya Jana Sangh(BJS), the predecessor of present day Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).
As a documented philosophy, ‘Integral Humanism’ was first presented in 1964 at the Gwalior session of the BJS. It was officially accepted at the Vijayawada session of the party next year. In a four-day lecture series held at Mumbai (from 22 to 25 April 1965), Upadhyaya had explained this philosophy threadbare. This philosophy or ideological framework is considered by the RSS and the BJP to be indigenous. It is considered to be an alternative to the Marxist and Capitalist worldview. Another RSS stalwart Dattopant Thengadi expounded on it further and came out with the conceptual framework of ‘Third Way’. The proponents of ‘Integral Humanism’ in contemporary context have come together to put this document on Maharashtra that raises hope to resolve some long pending challenges before the state.
Challenges beyond party politics
Around a dozen experts who have put together this volume have urged the political parties to shed the piece meal approach and go for a vision document detailing the plan for Maharashtra’s plan for at least next five to 10 years. This would help in meeting several challenges that Maharashtra has been facing over the terms of various governments from different political parties.
Regional Disparity
According to Professor Aparna Kulkarni who has identified factors hindering Maharashtra’s growth in her research paper titled ‘Economic Development of Maharashtra: Present Status and Future Actions.’
It says, one of the major challenges facing Maharashtra is the disparity between urban and rural areas. While cities like Mumbai and Pune have seen rapid development, rural regions still grapple with issues like inadequate infrastructure, limited access to education and healthcare, and agrarian distress.
Addressing this urban-rural divide is essential for inclusive and balanced economic development. Western Maharashtra, Konkan are the progressive regions in the state whereas Vidarbha, Marathwada and Khandesh severely lack the development infrastructure resulting in development backlog and intense regional disparity, adds Kulkarni.
Agrarian distress and reforms
Kulkarni emphasises that there is an urgent need for agricultural comprehensive reforms to resolve the challenge of agrarian distress in certain parts of the state. In this context, whichever government comes to power, it needs to focus on improving productivity, ensuring better access to markets, and providing financial support to farmers.
Promoting sustainable farming practices, improving irrigation infrastructure, and encouraging crop diversification can help mitigate the impact of erratic weather patterns and enhance agricultural resilience, suggests Kulkarni.
Skill Development and Employment
This document underlines the fact that despite being a leading economic powerhouse, Maharashtra faces challenges related to skill development and employment. The state has a large pool of young, employable population, but there is a gap between the skills required by industries and those possessed by job seekers. Addressing this gap is crucial to ensure that the state's workforce can contribute effectively to its economic growth. This calls for major changes in the higher education sector in the state. Implementation of New Education Policy 2020 in this context is expected to make the situation better in near future.
Environmental Sustainability
According to Kulkarni, Maharashtra must prioritize environmental sustainability in its development agenda. Implementing stricter regulations on pollution, promoting the use of renewable energy, and conserving natural resources are essential steps to ensure that economic growth does not come at the cost of environmental degradation. The state should also focus on creating green jobs and industries that contribute to a sustainable economy.
She sums it up aptly, “Maharashtra's economic development has been impressive, but the state faces challenges that require careful planning and execution of policies. By focusing on diversification, agricultural reforms, urban development, rural upliftment, environmental sustainability, and skill development, Maharashtra can continue to lead India's economic growth while ensuring that the benefits of development reach all sections of society. The state's future actions will determine its ability to maintain its position as an economic powerhouse and achieve sustainable and inclusive growth.”
Maharashtra contributes almost 15 percent to India’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP). However, there are several challenges facing the state. It is important for the people of Maharashtra that a sustainable development model is implemented to resolve these challenges permanently. Otherwise, governments will come and go but some of the fundamental challenges would not be addressed.
Earlier Sanghnomics columns can be read here.
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