What is inclusion in the context of development? Well, it is definitely not a new idea—academicians and policy makers have alluded to it when espousing the cause of non-segregated schooling system and building inclusive practices in schools in the US way back in the 1900s. Inclusion has moved a long way since, slowly finding its way into the developmental discourse. As the world attempts to gain greater equity not only in terms of education, but also in terms of recognising the contribution of every stakeholder in the economy, India finds itself constitutionally well enabled to embrace inclusivity. In practice, however, inclusive development remains a far cry, in the Indian context. Whether it is education, agriculture or employment, a certain class, caste or religion is endowed with better access and opportunity. The nation’s political environment, with its populist vote bank measures, often finds itself opposed to the basic tenets of inclusivity. Take for example the private insurance agencies who are likely beneficiaries under the many policy formulations of the government. Although on paper the policies intend to be pro-poor, but in reality this would enable greater accumulation of wealth among those who are already a head-up. As the 2018 World Inequality Report (wid.world) puts it, 10 per cent of India owns 55 per cent of its wealth, with an unprecedented rise, way above China or even Russia, in inequality mapped over 1980 to 2016. When wealth is concentrated among a few, it is but obvious that access and opportunity are skewed.

This issue of G’nY attempts to analyse various dimensions of such exclusions and hopes to right it through the vast number of its enlightened readers.