Beyond Economic Growth: A Multidimensional Index-based Analysis of Sustainable Livelihood Security in India

Abstract

Background: Rural India is characterized by significant spatial disparities in economic opportunities, social development, and ecological sustainability, which collectively influence the resilience of livelihood systems. Despite sustained economic growth, rural livelihoods continue to face challenges arising from resource degradation, infrastructural gaps, and uneven access to human and physical capital. This necessitates a multidimensional assessment framework to better understand livelihood security beyond income-based measures. Aims: The study aims to construct a Sustainable Livelihood Security Index (SLSI) and assess inter-state variations in livelihood security across India, while examining the relative contribution of ecological, economic, and social dimensions in shaping overall livelihood outcomes. Study Design: The study adopts a quantitative, index-based analytical framework using secondary data and composite index methodology. Place and Duration of Study: The study covers major Indian states using the most recent available secondary data from national sources. Methodology: The Sustainable Livelihood Security Index (SLSI) was constructed by integrating three core dimensions; ecological security, economic efficiency, and social equity. Relevant indicators under each dimension were selected based on conceptual relevance and data availability. The indicators were normalized using the min–max method and aggregated to compute dimension-specific indices. The overall SLSI was derived as the arithmetic mean of the three components. The resulting indices were used to assess inter-state disparities and examine the relative influence of each dimension on livelihood security. Results: The findings reveal substantial inter-state variation in livelihood security, reflecting uneven development across ecological, economic, and social dimensions. States with stronger social development indicators tend to achieve higher overall livelihood security, even when economic performance is moderate. In contrast, states with relatively high economic output often exhibit lower sustainability due to ecological stress and weaker social outcomes. The results further indicate that livelihood security is not determined by any single dimension but by the balanced interaction of all three components. Conclusion: The study demonstrates that sustainable livelihood security is inherently multidimensional and cannot be adequately captured through economic indicators alone. A balanced integration of ecological sustainability, economic performance, and social development is essential for improving livelihood outcomes. The index-based approach provides a robust framework for comparative analysis and contributes to a more comprehensive understanding of rural livelihood sustainability in India.