How does the Public Sector Contribute to the Economic Development of a Nation?
An economy's public sector is that portion of the economy that, among other things, provides infrastructure, public transportation, public education, health care, and police and military services.
The public sector comprises governments, other publicly managed or sponsored organizations, businesses, and other organizations that provide goods or services to the general public. However, including a particular organization under that umbrella is only sometimes obvious. In order to define the limits correctly, specific criteria must be found.
The not-for-profit, private, and public sectors may intersect within the public sector, extending beyond traditional government. The central government is positioned at the centre of a growing ring of institutions that comprise the public sector, with agencies and public firms following.
A grey area surrounds this ring made up of publicly traded companies that may or may not be in the public sector and contractors supported by the government. Police, military, public roads, public transit, and public education are examples of public sector organizations.
In that they create products, services, or programs, public companies and NGOs are comparable to governmental bodies. However, they are not subject to governmental control and may receive funding from sources other than the government.
Seven methods for the public sector to stimulate economic growth
1.Through the creation of infrastructure:
The development of infrastructure plays a crucial role in Economic Development. Public sector investments in infrastructure in fields like power, transportation, communication, light and heavy industries, irrigation, canals, education, and technical training paved the way for the growth of the country's agricultural and industrial sectors, which contributed to overall economic growth. The public sector's creation of these infrastructure facilities in the nation depends on contributions from the private sector.
- A solid industrial base:
The public sector has also significantly contributed by successfully laying the groundwork for the nation's robust industrial base. The growth of public sector businesses in various industries, including iron and steel, coal, heavy engineering, heavy electrical machinery, petroleum and natural gas, fertilizers, chemicals, and pharmaceuticals, has significantly strengthened the economy's industrial base. Additionally, the growth of private sector industries is primarily attributable to these industries. The public sector has laid the foundation for the nation's quick industrialization by building a strong industrial base. In addition, industries like coal, copper, lead, steam and hydro turbines, petroleum products, and so forth have been dominated by the public sector.
- Employment opportunities:
The redistribution of resources can also come from employment in the public sector. Governments may unintentionally drain resources from more affluent regions of the economy to fund those jobs when, for instance, they add more public sector jobs in less wealthy areas with higher unemployment and lower salaries. This occurs as public sector salaries are more consistently paid and tax collection is unified. Additionally, the growth of public-sector employment significantly impacts the composition of the economy's various sectors. The public sector offers positions in administration, defence, and other government services.
- By creating job opportunities:
A nation's economic growth is aided by the public sector, which fosters it by building and enhancing infrastructure. Employment opportunities are produced. As a result, aiding in expanding a country's financial resources.
5. Capital Formation:
The public sector has significantly influenced the gross domestic product of the nation. From 3.5 percent in the First Five Years' Plan to 9.2 percent in the Eighth Five Years' Plan, the public sector's share of gross domestic capital formation in India has increased. Similar changes occurred in the country's comparative rates of gross capital formation in the public sector, which went from 33.67 percent under the First Plan to 50 percent during the Sixth Plan before dropping to 21.9 percent in 2005-2006.
6. Promotion of exports and import substitution
Some government-run businesses have a history of successfully achieving import substitution and preserving the nation's priceless foreign exchange. The Oil and Natural Gas Commission (ONGC), Bharat Electronics Ltd., Indian Oil Corporations, and Bharat Heavy Electricals Limited (BHEL) should be mentioned in this context. As an illustration, Hindustan Antibiotics Ltd. (HAL) has paved the way for import substitution in India.
7. Contributes to the growth of the community:
Dividends, excise duty, customs duty, corporate taxes, and other sources of income are major sources of income for the central exchequer from businesses in the public sector.
The long-term rise in per capita income and an improvement in the standard of living are the two main indicators of economic development in a nation. The public sector helps a nation's economy grow in a number of ways, as listed below:
- Most of the assets in the public sector are owned by the government, which also offers a range of services for the benefit of the general populace. The government owns the Indian Oil Corporation and the Steel Authority of India.
- Government-owned banks include institutions like Canara Bank and the State Bank of India.
- Because it undertakes large-scale development projects, the public sector contributes significantly to the economic growth of a nation. In contrast, the private sector frequently needs more resources and drive to do so.
Conclusion:
All levels of government and businesses under the control of the government are included in the public sector, a sector of the economy. Private companies, charitable organizations, and households are not included. A comparison between the private sector and the third, or voluntary, sector is also called the "public sector." This makes it possible to map the extent of government activity within the larger economy.
Through its health and education services, which significantly raise the Human Development Index, the public sector aids a nation's economic development in various ways. By paying farmers a "fair price" for their food grains and offering low-cost power, water, and postal services, the government also ensures that people have a good quality of life. Grants and taxes are used to help it accomplish this. A country's economic development must therefore be based on its level of human development.
