China’s People-Centred Development and Inclusive Growth

China’s development approach under President Xi Jinping emphasises inclusivity and people-centred progress. Recently, China continues to consolidate gains in poverty alleviation, regional coordination, social security, education, healthcare, and green growth. This model aims to ensure balanced development and shared prosperity for all citizens.

Poverty Alleviation and Rural Vitalisation

China lifted 98.99 million rural residents out of poverty, a historic achievement in global poverty reduction. The government links poverty eradication with rural vitalisation to sustain progress. Efforts focus on improving infrastructure, agriculture, and livelihoods in rural areas to prevent regression and promote steady growth.

Addressing Regional Disparities

Development is uneven across regions, with some areas lagging behind. China uses regional coordination strategies to reduce gaps. These include transfer payments from the central government and paired assistance between prosperous and less-developed areas. Special attention is given to resource-depleted cities, old industrial bases, ethnic minority regions, border areas, and formerly impoverished zones.

Education and Employment for Social Mobility

China invests heavily in education, spending over 4% of GDP annually on public education for 13 years. The gross enrolment rate in higher education exceeds 60%. Primary and secondary education ranks among the world’s best. Affordable tuition at top public universities supports social mobility. Diverse employment and entrepreneurship opportunities are promoted to empower individuals and sustain economic growth.

Social Security and Healthcare Systems

China operates the world’s largest social security system, covering 328 million pensioners and preventing old-age poverty. Its healthcare system ensures over 90% of households reach medical facilities within 15 minutes. Centralised drug procurement has lowered medicine costs, improving affordability and equity. The Healthy China initiative has increased life expectancy to 79 years, well above the global average.

Green and Sustainable Development

China pursues ecological protection under the principle that lucid waters and lush mountains are vital assets. It has made progress in air and water quality and afforestation. China leads globally in renewable energy capacity, including hydropower, wind, and solar. One-third of its electricity consumption now comes from green energy sources, reflecting a commitment to sustainable growth.

Questions for UPSC:

1. Point out the role of government policies in reducing regional economic disparities in developing countries with suitable examples.
2. Critically analyse the impact of public education investment on social mobility and economic development in emerging economies.
3. Estimate the challenges and opportunities in implementing universal healthcare systems in populous countries like India and China.
4. What is the concept of sustainable development? How do renewable energy initiatives contribute to achieving it in the context of global climate change?

Answer Hints:

1. Point out the role of government policies in reducing regional economic disparities in developing countries with suitable examples.

1. Government policies can promote regional coordination and balanced development through targeted investments.
2. Transfer payments and fiscal redistribution help support less-developed or resource-depleted regions.
3. Paired assistance programs link developed areas with lagging regions to share expertise and resources.
4. Infrastructure development in rural and border areas reduces isolation and promotes economic integration.
5. Examples – China’s central government transfers and paired assistance to old industrial bases and ethnic minority regions; India’s special economic zones and backward area grants.
6. Policies addressing regional disparities help prevent social unrest and promote inclusive growth.

2. Critically analyse the impact of public education investment on social mobility and economic development in emerging economies.

1. Increased public education funding improves access to quality education, reducing inequality.
2. Higher gross enrollment rates create a skilled workforce, supporting economic growth and innovation.
3. Affordable tuition at public institutions enhances social mobility by enabling lower-income groups to pursue higher education.
4. Strong primary and secondary education systems build foundational skills necessary for lifelong learning and employment.
5. Challenges include ensuring quality across regions and aligning education with labor market needs.
6. Example – China’s 13+ years of >4% GDP education spending leading to 60%+ higher education enrollment and strong social mobility.

3. Estimate the challenges and opportunities in implementing universal healthcare systems in populous countries like India and China.

1. Challenges – vast population size complicates equitable resource distribution and infrastructure development.
2. Financial sustainability and controlling healthcare costs are critical issues.
3. Ensuring quality and accessibility in rural and remote areas remains difficult.
4. Opportunities – large-scale centralized procurement reduces medicine costs and improves affordability.
5. Expanding coverage prevents poverty from health shocks and improves life expectancy and productivity.
6. China’s model – over 90% households near medical facilities; India’s Ayushman Bharat aims for similar universal coverage.

4. What is the concept of sustainable development? How do renewable energy initiatives contribute to achieving it in the context of global climate change?

1. Sustainable development meets present needs without compromising future generations’ ability to meet theirs.
2. It integrates economic growth, social inclusion, and environmental protection.
3. Renewable energy reduces dependence on fossil fuels, lowering carbon emissions and pollution.
4. China’s large-scale hydropower, wind, and solar capacity exemplify renewable energy’s role in green growth.
5. Transitioning to renewables helps mitigate climate change and promotes energy security.
6. Renewable initiatives also create green jobs and encourage innovation, supporting sustainable economic development.