By Erin Bond

billion 1.4 billion by years since independence 81% Hindus 13% Muslims 2% Sikhs 2% Christians Life expectancy  Men: 66 yrs; Women: 71 yrs Infant Mortality Rate: 85/1000

President Pranab Kumar Mukherjee Prime Minister Manmohan Singh “Sovereign, socialist, secular, democratic republic” Similar to US fed gov British-style parliamentary system United Progressive Alliance (UPA) government 28 states 7 union territories Central gov has greater focus on territories

“Towards Faster and More Inclusive Growth: An Approach to the 11 th Five Year Plan” 5 yr plan ( ) GDP 5.5% GDP 7.2% 9 th 5yr plan: 23.1%  10 th 5yr plan: 28.2% 9 th 5yr plan: $54.2 billion 10 th 5yr plan: $165.3 billion

Literacy under 70% Female literacy under 50% Lower among minorities 31% drop out rate Teachers: 40% Graduates; 70% Higher Secondary Conserve & promote cultural heritage Want to fully benefit from tourism Upkeep & preservation of historical sites Monuments unprotected by Archeological Survery

Wasting water & deforestation Industrial & agriculture development + urbanization River & groundwater pollution Super-Cyclone in Odisha Earthquake in Gujarat Tsunami in Tamil Nadu Strengthen emergency preparedness Increased research of renewable energy & applications in development

A rational policy framework is crucial for resolving internal security challenges Seek long-term solution Large cause of tension: inequality Large developmental deficits in the country This would prevent intervention from being an efficient solution Beginning to rethink national security strategy

Children at risk of abuse Dangerous child labor Lack basic health care 2012: Information Technology Rules Restrict internet discussions Forced removal of ‘inappropriate’ content Underlying purpose: limit criticism of gov Increase in sexual assault against women & girls No further investigations or prosecutions

Want to strengthen policy framework & implementation capacity of state & national programs Reduce disparities & promote opportunities Accountable & responsive local gov. systems Success with the 5yr plan, on track with estimated improvements More efficient reaction & recovery to natural disasters, especially among vulnerable groups in society (poor, women, girls, disabled)

Improving literacy for five reasons: 1) Harmonious Living 2) Safe Motherhood 3) Healthy childhood & adolescence 4) Economic empowerment & responsible citizenship 5) Enhancing life skills

Power of creativity program Assist traditional crafts in economic competiton Traditional crafts & designs for a modern consumer New Delhi establishes agreement with TRIFED Effective marketing of tribal crafts products Magazines highlight stories of the community that produces the products Links heritage preservation & sustainable development

Many security, social, political, economic, and cultural issues Signs of improvement Long way to go Minorities and middle class in critical need of basic life sustaining necessities Help from organizations such as UNESCO, UNDAF, TRIFED, Power of Creativity & reform to gov. will make lasting impact on quality of life in India Beginning of eradicating Poverty

nt nt chapters/india chapters/india R39_India_Security_Challenges.pdf R39_India_Security_Challenges.pdf