Economy

Beyond GDP: The economy of well-being

Published

3 years ago

June 2, 2021

Altaf Hussain Haji

All of us have heard about the term ‘standard of living which means all the elements in someone’s life that contribute to their happiness. Standard of living is a broad term that encompasses many factors including some that are not bought and sold in the market. The standard of living is an economic opportunity that focuses on basic material factors such as income, gross domestic product (GDP), life expectancy, etc. It is closely related to the quality of life, which can also explore factors such as economic and political stability, political and religious freedom, environmental quality, climate, and safety. In the present scenario, economic growth is commonly taken to mean a sustained increase in real GDP per capita and somehow linked with social, economic, and environmental growth. There are a lot of challenges today regarding growth and standard of living.

To solve the social, economic, and environmental challenges faced today by governments and other institutions around the world that need to embrace new ways of thinking and actively engage in widespread systems innovation to make real progress toward a healthier and more prosperous life.

The economy of well-being highlights the need for putting people at the centre of policy. It is important to move away from an attitude of “grow first, redistribute and clean up later”, towards a growth model that is equitable and sustainable from the outset.

The well-being economy encompasses a diverse array of ideas and actions aimed at advancing social well-being through governance structures that support peaceful co-existence and meet basic human needs. A well-being economy provides people with equal opportunities for advancement, a sense of social inclusion, and stability—all of which contribute to human resilience and, importantly, sustains and supports harmony with the natural world. It aims to serve people and communities first and foremost and offers a promising path toward greater social well-being and environmental health. The current economic system s become addicted to “growth at all costs”, as measured by Gross Domestic Product (GDP) but ignores the wellbeing of the individuals at all levels of development. Instead, we need an economic system that takes a preventive approach to social and environmental challenges to ensure that the kinds of related, follow-on problems of the standard of living or a person’s happiness.

The level of GDP per capita, for instance, captures some of what we mean by the term standard of living, as illustrated by the fact that most of the migration in the world involves people who are moving from countries with relatively low GDP per capita to countries with relatively high GDP per capita.

The GDP is a limited tool for measuring the standard of living because many factors that contribute to people’s happiness are not bought and sold. The GDP includes what is spent on environmental protection, healthcare, and education, but it does not include actual levels of environmental cleanliness, health, and learning. GDP includes the cost of buying pollution-control equipment, but it does not address whether the air and water are cleaner or dirtier. GDP includes spending on medical care, but it does not address whether life expectancy or infant mortality have risen or fallen. Similarly, GDP counts spending on education, but it does not address directly how much of the population can read, write, or do basic mathematics.

The OECD is one such organization, which has been working on the measurement of well-being beyond GDP since the 1970s and has seen the concept of well-being develop from an interesting side-note into a well-established agenda for policy. As we know that the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) is an international organization that works to build better policies for better lives. The main goal is to shape policies that foster prosperity, equality, opportunity and well-being for all at the international level. The OECD’s Well-Being Framework has further developed the concept by providing us with a clear definition and rigorous analytical basis. The Framework for Policy Action on Inclusive Growth has helped identify the channels through which governments can promote greater well-being and sustainable economic growth for all their citizens.

The economy of well-being highlights the need for putting people at the centre of policy. It is important to move away from an attitude of “grow first, redistribute and clean up later”, towards a growth model that is equitable and sustainable from the outset.

An economy of well-being has four main pillars. The first pillar is education and skills. Skills are the most important driver of long-term economic growth. The policy can help leverage the benefits of education. For example, higher attendance in pre-primary education, greater autonomy of schools, reduced gaps between academic and vocational branches of education and higher funding for tertiary education can all boost human capital, while also improving the efficiency of education systems. At the same time reducing inequalities of access and opportunity at school is essential to promote better educational outcomes, as countries with high levels of inequality in education and skills also record lower average educational performance.

The second pillar is health. Evidence shows that good health fuels economic growth, productivity and individual earnings. Good health is also a key factor for people’s well-being. It allows them to invest in education and skills, access quality jobs and enjoy a better quality of life. It has seen that increased spending has driven much of the improvement in health outcomes, but we need to go beyond. This means looking at the range of services covered by primary healthcare, as well as addressing new or persistent risk factors. Reducing inequalities of access is also essential to promote better health outcomes, as the proportion of people in poor health weighs heavily on key health indicators. Moreover, health inequalities are often stratified along economic, educational or occupational lines. For instance, unmet care needs are substantially higher for low-income groups.

The third pillar is social protection and redistribution. Both play an important role in reducing economic volatility and fostering resilience. They also prevent inequality today from translating into inequality of opportunities for the next generation. Recent OECD research confirms that lower inequality is associated with higher GDP growth. Combining income-support schemes with active labour market policies provides effective protection and supports employment. Promoting more progressive tax and benefit systems can help countries promote equality of opportunity and social mobility. Social protection systems also need to adapt to a changing world of work, notably by improving coverage for non-standard workers, and to evolving social risks, notably the increasing prevalence of lone-parents and frail elderly.

The fourth pillar is gender equality. Raising women’s employment and hours worked can deliver productivity gains and higher GDP growth. It can also reduce income inequality, strengthen resilience and consolidate the middle class.

There are many other dimensions to an economy of well-being, for instance, the quality of housing and infrastructures, as well as the equitable access to those; and of course the quality of the environment that significantly affects health outcomes, especially among the poorest.

The fact that GDP per capita does not fully capture the broader idea of the standard of living has led to a concern that the increase in GDP over time is illusionary. It is theoretically possible that while GDP is rising, the standard of living could be falling if human health, environmental cleanliness, and other factors that are not included in GDP are worsening. Fortunately, this fear appears to be overstated.

Since 1970, the air and water in the United States have generally been getting cleaner. New technologies have been developed for entertainment, travel, information, and health. A much wider variety of basic products like food and clothing is available today than several decades ago. GDP does not capture leisure, health, a cleaner environment, the possibilities created by new technology, or an increase in variety. Ignoring these factors, GDP would tend to overstate the true rise in the standard of living.

At the last to mention here, that during COVID19 pandemic in the whole world regarding health and well-being. The pandemic affects badly the standard of living due to the poor health system at every level and is continued to create many hurdles in the processes of wellbeing. It is difficult to maintain a healthy lifestyle when we are in the middle of a crisis like this. The uncertainty and worries related to finances, childcare, elderly parents, and job security disrupt our routines, our lifestyles and mental health. The uncertainty about the future, the ceaseless news coverage and a constant social media-driven flood of messages can increase our sense of anxiety. It is also important to maintain a healthy lifestyle and get back into a routine at this movement. This also showed how important is wellbeing as compared to gross domestic product nowadays.

Altaf Hussain Haji, ISS, is Deputy Director General National Statistical Office, Shimla. He can be contacted at altafhh@rediffmail.com

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Economy

SKUAST-K to hold mega Science Summit on Aug 23-24

Published

3 months ago

August 21, 2024

BK Editor

Srinagar, Aug 21: Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology of Kashmir is hosting a mega first-of-its-kind science summit ‘Kashmir Science Vision-2024’ on August 23-24 at Shalimar campus. The event is expected to bring together leading scientists, researchers, policymakers, entrepreneurs and scholars to discuss and develop science and technology policy for the sustainable future of Jammu and Kashmir with a focus on helping the UT to emerge as a model for Viksit Bharat@2047.

The Kashmir Science Vision Summit will feature a dynamic range of keynote lectures, panel discussions and brainstorming sessions.

These discussions will focus on key areas of regional development like Scientific Innovations & Entrepreneurial Opportunities for exploring how technology can be harnessed to drive socio-economic growth and create new business opportunities, Biomedical & New-Age Sciences for advancing healthcare through innovative medical sciences and improving health outcomes for the region’s residents. Food Security & Sustainability for promoting sustainable agricultural practices to ensure long-term food security and environmental health, Biodiversity Conservation & Disaster Management for developing strategies to protect the region’s unique ecosystems and mitigate the impact of natural disasters will also feature in the two-day summit.

The summit aims to foster collaboration among diverse stakeholders to ensure that scientific advancements translate into meaningful benefits for Jammu and Kashmir.

Vice Chancellor SKUAST-K Prof Nazir Ahmad Ganai said the summit will serve as a catalyst for the region’s sustainable development and strategic growth. “It will be remembered as the spark that ignited science and technology-led future-ready Jammu & Kashmir,” he added.

Pertinent to mention, SKUAST-K is a premier institution dedicated to advancing agricultural sciences and technology. With a commitment to innovation and excellence, the university plays a pivotal role in fostering sustainable development and technological progress in the region.

Trade

Lenskart enters Kashmir market, opens shop at Regal Chowk

Published

10 months ago

January 27, 2024

BK Editor

Srinagar: Lenskart, India’s leading eyewear brand, has forayed into the Kashmir valley with the opening of its first outlet at Regal Chowk in Srinagar city. This expansion marks a significant milestone for Lenskart as it continues its mission to provide vision correction solutions to every individual across the country and beyond.

With seven successful stores already established in J&K UT’s Jammu city and plans underway for another outlet in Sanat Nagar, Srinagar, Lenskart aims to extend its presence to every nook and corner of Srinagar city.

“We have plans to expand our reach into other districts of Kashmir soon, ensuring accessibility to quality eyewear products and services for all residents,” said Dr Mohammad Mutaher Zerger, who heads Lenskart’s Portfolio and Franchisee Business Divisions.

Dr Mutaher is a seasoned professional with extensive experience in franchise management. Having previously served at McDonald’s, the new head of franchise at Lenskart brings valuable expertise in expansion strategies and operational excellence. “We are dedicated to providing state-of-the-art sophistication in eyewear technology, coupled with unparalleled customer service,” he added.

Lenskart’s commitment to accessibility and affordability is reflected in its offerings, including the innovative Buy One Get One (BOGO) facility available at all Lenskart outlets and online. Additionally, the brand provides complimentary eye testing facilities, ensuring that customers receive comprehensive care tailored to their needs.

Lenskart Founder, Shark Piyush Bansal’s Vision is to give correction-less vision to the entire India.

In line with its dedication to innovation and excellence, Lenskart recently inaugurated a cutting-edge robotic factory in Bhiwandi, where lens production and fittings are carried out with precision and efficiency. This advanced facility underscores Lenskart’s commitment to leveraging technology to deliver superior-quality products to its customers.

With a network of 1800 stores across India and a growing presence in international markets such as Singapore, Saudi Arabia, Thailand, and the UAE, Lenskart is poised for further expansion into other countries in the Middle East and Asia-Pacific regions.

Lenskart’s entry into Kashmir signifies not only its commitment to providing vision correction solutions but also its dedication to empowering individuals with the gift of clear vision, enabling them to lead more fulfilling lives.

Ecology

Economic and Environmental Implications of Sand Mining in Kashmir Division

Published

10 months ago

January 15, 2024

BK Editor

Environmental Implications of Sand Mining

Uzma Hameed
Dhaar Mehak M.

Sand mining is the process of extracting sand from in and around the rivers, streams, lakes etc. Sand is also mined from beaches and inland dunes and dredges from ocean beds and river beds. In modern times sand is considered to be an essential raw material for construction purposes. As such, individual and private companies are increasingly demanding sand for construction purposes and this has placed immense pressure on sand resources. As a practice it is becoming an environmental issue as the demand for sand has been persistently witnessing an increase in industry and construction sectors of the economy especially in the developing pockets of the world. In developing nations, including India the annual demand for sand has been witnessing a perpetual rise of 07%. This has led to both an increase in the demand and price of sand in the open market. At the same time, people have been witnessing a profitable venture out of mining sand both legally and illegally leading to a number of issues and concerns.

Mining has been identified as the spine of the construction and infrastructure-centric economic growth and development process of the developing world, India being no exception to the same. Given the geographic extent of the country, the sand resources in the country have been plenty. However, like any other natural resource, the quantum of sand in India is limited. The usage however has been in practice right from the pre-historic times, the demand and usage being all time high in the contemporary times. The first recorded history of mining in India dates back to 1774 when the English company was granted permission by the East India Company for mining coal in the Raniganj coal fields.

After the colonial independence of the country, the growth of mining under the aegis of successive five-year planning processes has been quite speedy. Mining is among the significant economic activities of the country. The Gross Domestic Product (GDP) contribution of mining in India ranges between 2.2% and 2.5%. Given the historicity associated with mining in the country, its extraction and utilization processes have undergone a major shift towards modernization. The economic reforms of the 1991 and 1993 National Mining Policy further especially contributed towards the growth of the mining sector. The Indian mining industry in contemporary times provides job opportunities to around 7 lakh individuals. Given the diversity of the mining activities across the country, each state specializes in a related activity that it possesses a comparative advantage in especially in light of the reserves.

Given the geographic nature and extent of the region of Jammu and Kashmir, sand deposits in the region have been a common sight. At the same time, given the cold climate of the region, the need for secure housing has always been prioritized by the populace and governance of Jammu and Kashmir. With the evolution of construction processes and techniques, the shift from traditional wooden houses towards modern concrete houses has been widely witnessed. One of the main raw materials used for the construction of such houses has been identified as sand.

There are approximately 261 mineral blocks across the districts of Kashmir amongst whom the majority are situated along the bank of the river Jhelum. The mineral blocks in Kashmir contain sand deposits and various other minerals. One of the mining hotspots of the Kashmir division is the town of Bijbehara, locally known as Vejibror. While Bijbihara is also known as the town of Chinars, it has historically been a significant contributor towards the local economy. The town is located on National Highway 44 along the extended banks of the Jhelum River. It is also known as “Town of Chinars”. It is situated about 45 km from the capital of the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir, Srinagar. Within the Bijbehara town, the area of Gadhanji-Pora is particularly the committed hotspot of mining activities. It is situated approximately half a kilometre away from the Sub-District headquarters of Bijbehara.

According to the stakeholders, the most prolific user of sand is the construction industry. Individuals are increasingly demanding sand for domestic and commercial construction purposes. While there has been an increase in both the demand and prices of the resource, it has placed immense pressure on the local sand resources and deposits. Locally sand is being used in almost every construction-related activity from cement and concrete to plastering, roofing, grouting, painting etc. It is also commonly used in constructions like mortar, concrete, and cement strength, mass and stability.

Because of its smooth texture, better bonding qualities, and low impurity concentration, river sand is the most often utilised in Kashmir due to its quality, quantity and availability. Sand is the key component of concertation. Sand mining is rampant at many places along the Jhelum River, especially in the Bijbehara.

Given the extensive mining in the region, at certain points, the miners have breached the banks of rivers. The miners often drive their heavy vehicles straight into the water causing huge damages to the bunds along the river. These miners have lately also been using other heavy machinery like machine excavators and bulldozers in attempts to extract more sand in less time. By removing more sand than the rivers can naturally replace with the sediments it carries downstream, sand mining activities carve a deeper and narrower bed. It further goes on to lower the water levels in the river below the usual, speeds up the flow and erodes the banks. The biodiversity within and along the river is damaged. The fishes and other aquatic species that closely rely on the local bio-diversity are increasingly coming under threat.

Abdul Rehman, a local resident and fisherman, who has been fishing for the past 40 years describes his deteriorating experience, “Earlier if I covered an area of 3 km in the river, I would catch 6-8 kilograms of fish. Now, covering the same distance, I barely manage to catch 250 grams”. People from the Pazalpora area of Bijbehara, where the banks have been breached at multiple places, lament that they have been left all the more vulnerable to reoccurring floods because of unthoughtful activities like these.

The sand miners in and around the Bijbehara area of Anantnag district have been vandalizing the Jhelum River illegally. The damage is being increased manifold by the increasing use of heavy machinery for speedy mining of sand. After the devastating floods of 2014, the state government has been spending a significant amount of state money on the restoration, repair and upgrading of the banks of the river Jhelum. The so called and rightly called, ‘sand mafia’ across the valley in general and Bijbehara area in particular is breaching the sensitive river banks for the monetary interest of a few greedy people.

As such, as a collective voice basing our understanding on the facts mentioned above, it falls upon both people and the authorities to look deeper into the issue. As a matter of sustainability, now is the high time that the matter is dealt with an iron fist.

The authors are affiliated with the Department of Economics, Islamic University of Science and Technology and can be reached at dhaarmehak@gmail.com