Difference Between Economic and Social Infrastructure

Infrastructure encompasses all activities, services, and facilities required to offer many types of services in an economy. Simply put, it serves as the country's economic and social growth by supporting overall construction. Infrastructure facilities are critical to the growth of agriculture, industry, and, increasingly, the services sector.

Difference Between Economic and Social Infrastructure

Infrastructure development is also essential for social development. Since 1991, when India implemented economic reforms, the government has prioritized infrastructure development. Infrastructure can be divided into two categories: economic infrastructure and social infrastructure.

Economic Infrastructure

Given that India is still a developing country dealing with the consequences of colonialism and imperialism, infrastructure plays a significant role in economic infrrastructure. It can be understood in several ways:

  • Economic infrastructure promotes economic opportunities.
  • Short-term and long-term infrastructure can be developed to affect different areas of the economy, sustaining a resilient and inclusive plan for further expansion and growth.
  • Promoting various public-private sector partnerships.
  • Encourage private and foreign investments.
  • Maintenance of the taxing system, which funds various public facilities and institutions for the common good.
  • According to estimates, India's transport system will attract more than 60% of infrastructure investment by 2030.
  • Importance of Infrastructure in Economic Development in India
Difference Between Economic and Social Infrastructure

The importance of infrastructure in India's economic development is significant because there are still sectors, such as transport and communication, that require investment for the country's economic welfare to grow consistently. The important key points are:

  • India is expected to be the world's third-largest aviation market after China and the United States. Increased investment in infrastructure enabled this growth.
  • The infrastructure greatly supports Indian Railways and employs approximately 1.3 million employees.
  • Shipping is a potentially unrealized sector of the Indian economy. The SagarMala Project (2015-2025) is expected to generate $80 billion for infrastructure maintenance and upgrades.
  • Helps to promote direct investments from international markets.
  • stimulating economic activities
  • Lowering trade and transaction costs.
  • Improving competitiveness.
  • Diversifying modes of production

Social Infrastructure

The term "infrastructure" refers to the large physical systems that support the US economy, such as highways, bridges, tunnels, and water and sewer systems. Indeed, infrastructure is made up of the fundamental organizing structures that the economy and society require to function. Without necessities like electricity, daily life and economic activity would quickly come to a halt.

Difference Between Economic and Social Infrastructure

Physical infrastructure, however, is one of many types of infrastructure required by the US economy and society to function properly. A less visible but equally important type of infrastructure is social infrastructure, which serves as the foundation for other economic activity and contributes to the maintenance of living standards. Social infrastructure refers to the policies, resources, and services that enable people to participate in productive social and economic activities. This encompasses social services, public education, and healthcare. Adequate care and adequate income are two additional critical components of social infrastructure. Ensuring that individuals and their families receive the care they require whether for their own or a loved one's medical issues or child care enables people to meet their personal needs while also participating in broader societal and economic activities. Similarly, having enough money to put food on the table and keep a roof over one's head is a prerequisite for maintaining a minimum standard of living and being able to participate fully and productively in the economy.

Difference Between Economic and Social Infrastructure

Electricity, running water, transportation, and internet connectivity help modern American workers get to and do their jobs well. Similarly, social infrastructure is critical to ensuring economic well-being for both individuals and society at large. Inadequate social infrastructure, on the other hand, can impede economic and social activity. When people have to scramble to arrange care for a child, an elderly parent, or a disabled family member; when they lack the health care they require; or when they are hungry, cold, or homeless, it is difficult for them to attend school, work, or participate in civil society.

Difference Between Economic Infrastructure and Social Infrastructure

Economic InfrastructureSocial Infrastructure
Economic infrastructure includes services that directly affect production and distribution.Social infrastructure refers to services that indirectly contribute to economic development.
Direct support for the economic systemIndirect support for the economic system
Increases Scale of ProductionIncreases efficiency of manpower
Increases stock of physical capitalIncreases stock of Human Capital
The quality of economic resources improves, thereby increasing production.The quality of human resources improves the workforce's efficiency.
Transport, Communication, Banking, Power, Marketing etc.Health, Education, Sanitation, Housing, etc.
Process of economic growthProcess of human development
Supports growth in short runSupports growth in long run
Development and prosperity of the country.Social welfare and well-being of the society.

Conclusion

Over all,Economic or Physical Infrastructure refers to services that have a direct impact on manufacturing and shipping activities. In contrast, social infrastructure refers to services that indirectly contribute to economic development. This means that these services have an external impact on the production and distribution systems. Economic infrastructure directly supports the country's economic system, while social infrastructure indirectly supports it. Physical infrastructure guarantees a rise in production or total output; social infrastructure, on the other hand, boosts labor force productivity. Economic infrastructure increases the stock of physical capital; social infrastructures increase the stock of human capital; and while social infrastructure raises labor productivity, economic infrastructure also improves the quality of economic resources. Hence Understanding the differences can be vital for contribution ability.






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