Economic development is necessary for Human Development, but it is not sufficient, as an increase in income does not necessarily lead to better quality of life. The divide between rich and poor; urban and rural; educated and uneducated and more, cannot be bridged just by income enhancement, it would require empowerment.

Empowered communities can create developmental opportunities for all. They are able to bridge the existing divide in the community and have the ability to sustain development outcomes. The aim should be towards creating the ecosystem that fosters community empowerment.

In India, the last decade ushered greater devolution of responsibilities to government with object objective to accelerate the implementation of welfare schemes and programs. Several government flagship programs – such as ‘Beti Bachao Beti Padhao’, ‘Swachh Bharat Abhiyan’, Digital India, Skill India, School WASH Improvement, Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS), Integrated Child Protection Scheme, Midday Meals, Udyog Aadhar, Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana (PMKVY) – are contributing to India’s growth story. What is required is a creation of empowered community, that ensures that the benefits of these schemes reach the most disadvantaged.

The corporate sector through various Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) projects and civil society need to collaborate with Government to create a tri-sector partnership for human centric development.