India ranks lowest in social sector among BRIC nations
India may have emerged as a preferred investment destination among the BRIC nations, but the country lags other nations in the grouping in social sector development.
By PTI |
NEW DELHI: India may have emerged as a preferred investment destination among the BRIC nations, but the country lags other nations in the grouping in social sector development with spending on health and education being low, a study by Assocham has said.
"Despite the sustained rise in budgets over the years, India's public spending on health as a percentage of GDP is second lowest among Brazil, Russia and China and lowest in terms of education," the chamber said.
An assessment of public health and education expenditures among BRIC countries revealed that spending by India on two significant social sectors - health and education - is low.
"India needs to keep pace with other developing countries in the social sector development to meet the twin objectives of rapid progress and inclusive growth. We need to invest in more quality education and health services," Assocham President Sajjan Jindal said in a statement.
The insufficient allocation by India on health is also reflected in terms of its high infant mortality rate as a consequence of rising population and poverty, it said.
In 2006-07, India's mortality rate under-5 (per 1000) stood at 76, highest among the BRIC countries. Russia was ranked lowest in infant mortality rate at 16 per 1000 deaths, followed by China (24) and Brazil (20).
"Despite the sustained rise in budgets over the years, India's public spending on health as a percentage of GDP is second lowest among Brazil, Russia and China and lowest in terms of education," the chamber said.
An assessment of public health and education expenditures among BRIC countries revealed that spending by India on two significant social sectors - health and education - is low.
"India needs to keep pace with other developing countries in the social sector development to meet the twin objectives of rapid progress and inclusive growth. We need to invest in more quality education and health services," Assocham President Sajjan Jindal said in a statement.
The insufficient allocation by India on health is also reflected in terms of its high infant mortality rate as a consequence of rising population and poverty, it said.
In 2006-07, India's mortality rate under-5 (per 1000) stood at 76, highest among the BRIC countries. Russia was ranked lowest in infant mortality rate at 16 per 1000 deaths, followed by China (24) and Brazil (20).
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