Individual Paper
3. Prosperity, the Pains of Growth and its Governance
India's economy is among the largest in the world, but it is also home to a significant number of people living in poverty. Over 90% of the workforce in India is employed in the informal sector, which means that they lack job security and benefits. Given this reality, it is clear that public policy plays a critical role in reducing poverty and ensuring that every citizen has access to basic necessities. When government decisions or policies have unintended consequences, who should be held accountable? How do ethical concepts factor into policy debates? Democratic theory aligns ethics and public policy through the process of "public justification," which values citizen participation in governance equally. This requires ensuring justice in democracy by designing and evaluating policy ethics with the active involvement of all citizens. Equitable resource allocation is essential in policy-making and must be morally justified. The economy should strive for a just and prosperous society, with inclusive social structures and public policies for shared security integral to human development. Tackling global poverty necessitates ethical public policy and a commitment to alleviating suffering. Policy-makers must prioritize mutual benefit over self-interest, promote self-sufficiency, and minimize dependency. This approach fosters public trust and support for their efforts.
O Grace Ngullie
Manipal Academy of Higher Education, India