Economics isn’t about protecting rights. It is about efficient processes that reduce costs, and it encourages competition. While development jargon consists of terms such as social inclusion and sustainable development, these policies assert rights without an enforcement mechanism, and may ensure that the poor remain poor, dependent on someone’s compassion. The poor become objects of pity and recipients of charity, and not equal citizens who should have equal access to opportunities.
Unfortunately, this debate isn’t done enough in India and Salil is right to bring up the topic. A majority of people are still unaware of their rights and the manner in which they are entitled to them. Most still think of rights as something that the government grants to them.
