Undergraduate Journal of Global Citizenship
Abstract
Since becoming an independent nation in 1947, India has forged a path of rapid economic growth, now with the fifth-largest yearly gross domestic product and one of the fastest-growing trillion-dollar economies in the world. In 2015, India became a signatory to the United Nations (UN) Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), including SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure, which highlights its priority and pledge to fostering sustainable and equitable economic growth. However, due to its complex historical context, including differing religious ideologies and a period of colonial rule, India suffers from systemically entrenched discriminatory policies and philosophies that challenge its pursuit of SDG 9. Specifically, India’s caste system, religious tensions, and nationalist refugee policies are among the greatest barriers it must reconcile. As described in the constitution, all Indians have the right to freedom from discrimination and equality of opportunity under the law. Despite this, historically marginalized groups in Indian society continue to be subject to overt and systemic discrimination. Though India has embraced affirmative action policies to combat these injustices, large gaps in the system remain. This research underscores the importance for India to continue to dismantle barriers to equity and provide opportunities for its disadvantaged groups in order to achieve the UN SDG targets. Ultimately, the path toward equitable and sustainable economic development will allow Indians to grow together as a nation such that no one is left behind.
Recommended Citation
Louie, Taye
(2026)
"Overcoming Systemic Barriers to Equitable Economic Development in India: An Investigation through the Lens of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals,"
Undergraduate Journal of Global Citizenship: Vol. 6:
Iss.
1, Article 2.
Available at:
https://digitalcommons.fairfield.edu/jogc/vol6/iss1/2