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THEME PAPER
the material conditions of for solutions that directly persons with disabilities,
its people, particularly the improve people’s lives. By special groups like
working class. However, this focusing on digital literacy, safaikarmis, street vendors,
progress must be balanced financial inclusion, and access artisans, anganwadi workers
with social justice to prevent to information, India’s policies and residents of slums/
exploitation and inequality, seek tangible outcomes that chawls (Ministry of Housing
an idea mirrored in Marx’s uplift millions, particularly and Urban Affairs). The
critique of capitalist systems. those in rural areas. National Rural Employment
Guarantee Act (NREGA),
Amartya Sen’s capabilities Moreover, Albert Einstein’s which guarantees 100 days
approach, which emphasises views on creativity and of wage employment to rural
the role of development innovation suggest that true households, is another key
in expanding people’s progress comes from fostering initiative that contributes to
freedoms and opportunities, an environment where new inclusive development by
also provides a guiding ideas can thrive. India’s push ensuring employment for
framework for ensuring that for innovation in technology the rural poor, particularly in
India’s economic growth aligns with this philosophy, backward and remote areas
truly benefits all sections as it provides an ecosystem (Government of India, 2021).
of society. Through digital that nurtures creativity, Moreover, financial
empowerment, individuals encourages risk-taking, and inclusion has become a
in India are not only gaining promotes problem-solving central goal of India’s
access to information but also across various sectors. development. Initiatives
expanding their choices and like the Pradhan Mantri
opportunities in areas like Government’s Major Jan Dhan Yojana (PMJDY),
education, employment, and Schemes and Initiatives which provides access to
healthcare. for Inclusivity banking services to millions
The philosophy of Deep Several key government of Indians, particularly the
Ecology suggests that schemes reflect this vision underprivileged, reflect this
commitment. As of date,
humans are not separate from of inclusivity. The Pradhan over 54 crore bank accounts
nature but are an integral Mantri Awas Yojana (PMAY), have been opened under the
part of the ecosystem. India’s aims at providing affordable scheme, facilitating direct
approach to environmental housing to the urban and rural benefit transfers (Deptt. of
sustainability is aligned with poor, directly addressing the Financial Services, Ministry
this view, emphasising that issue of housing inequality. of Finance, and Government
development should not The scheme in its 2.0 version of India).
come at the expense of the aims to construct 1 crore
environment. houses for urban poor and India’s vision of economic
growth
is
inherently
The philosophy of middle class families over a linked to its infrastructure
pragmatism, particularly as period of five years. Financial development. As one of
advanced by William James assistance would be extended the fastest-growing major
and John Dewey, aligns with for constructing purchasing or economies in the world, India
India’s approach to digital renting houses at affordable has made remarkable strides
infrastructure and innovation. costs where special attention in expanding its industrial
Pragmatism emphasises the will be given to marginalised base, services, and trade.
practical consequences of groups such as slum dwellers, However, the challenges of
ideas and policies, advocating SC/ST, minorities, widows, unemployment, inflation and
April, 2025, Volume 26. No.1 - SHELTER 15
