Green Accounting as a Catalyst for Sustainable Development in Viksit Bharat

Abstract

India's vision of Viksit Bharat 2047 seeks to transform the nation into a developed, inclusive, and environmentally sustainable economy. Achieving this vision requires integrating environmental sustainability into financial reporting, corporate governance, and public policy. Green accounting, also known as environmental accounting, incorporates environmental costs, natural resource depletion, and ecological impacts into traditional accounting systems, thereby promoting sustainable decision-making. This study examines the relevance of green accounting in achieving sustainable development in India by analysing its importance, current practices, and implementation challenges. The study adopts a descriptive research design using both primary and secondary data. Primary data were collected from 60 respondents through a structured questionnaire, while secondary data were obtained from peer-reviewed journals, government reports, sustainability reports, and policy documents. Descriptive statistics and reliability analysis were employed to analyse the data. The findings reveal that respondents perceive green accounting as an effective tool for promoting sustainable economic growth, improving resource management, and enhancing corporate transparency. However, the absence of standardized measurement methods and valuation difficulties remain significant implementation challenges. The study recommends strengthening regulatory frameworks, developing uniform accounting standards, promoting ESG reporting, and enhancing awareness among businesses. The findings contribute to the growing literature on environmental accounting and provide policy implications for achieving the objectives of Viksit Bharat 2047.