New York: Savitri Thakur, India’s Minister of State for Women and Child Development, made a compelling case at the UN’s 64th Commission for Social Development session. She positioned social justice as the pivotal element in India’s journey to become a developed nation by 2047.
Guiding the Indian team, Thakur stressed inclusive development strategies that leave no one behind. Drawing from global milestones – the people-focused Copenhagen Declaration and the reaffirmed Doha commitments – she showcased India’s Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas governance as a blueprint for universal respect and opportunity.
The numbers paint a vivid picture of scale. Food security blankets over 800 million lives. A vast network serves 550 million-plus with free health services. Jan Aushadhi Kendras numbering 16,000 provide low-cost drugs and devices nationwide.
Grassroots empowerment shines through 1.45 million women in local governance roles, embodying democratic vitality. Programs like Beti Bachao Beti Padhao ensure girls’ education and savings via Sukanya Samriddhi. Labor laws advance wage parity, workplace safety, and women’s employment.
Microfinance without collateral has uplifted countless women-led businesses and informal vendors. The SMILE mission aids transgender and marginalized rehabilitation, fostering inclusion.
India’s model integrates digital infrastructure with direct transfers and public participation for accountable governance. Thakur invoked Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam, pledging collaboration and sharing insights to propel global social justice efforts forward.