DEVELOPMENT - Q&A
LET'S WORK THESE OUT (Page 6)
1. Why do different persons have different notions of development? Which of the following explanations is more important and why?
(a) Because people are different.
(b) Because life situations of persons are different.
(b) Because life situations of persons are different.
Explanation: This explanation is more important. While people are indeed individuals, their developmental goals are primarily shaped by their specific life circumstances, needs, and social status. For example, a landless labourer seeks wages, while a rich industrialist seeks electricity and dams. Their current situation defines what constitutes "progress" for them.
2. Do the following two statements mean the same? Justify your answer.
(a) People have different developmental goals.
(b) People have conflicting developmental goals.
No, they do not mean the same thing, although they are related.
"Different developmental goals" means that what one person wants might be distinct from what another wants (e.g., one wants a bike, another wants a book). "Conflicting developmental goals" implies that the fulfillment of one person's goal negatively impacts or opposes another person's interest (e.g., building a dam provides electricity for an industrialist but submerges the land of a tribal living nearby). Conflict implies a clash of interests, not just a variety of choices.
3. Give some examples where factors other than income are important aspects of our lives.
Important factors other than income include:
1. Health and Safety: A safe working environment and access to good medical care.
2. Freedom and Security: The ability to move freely and feel secure in one's home and society.
3. Respect and Equal Treatment: Being treated with dignity and without discrimination based on caste, gender, or religion.
4. Friendship and Social Support: Relationships with family and friends which provide emotional well-being.
4. Explain some of the important ideas of the above section in your own words.
The section highlights that development is not just about earning more money. While income is a crucial factor for buying material goods, the quality of life depends significantly on non-material factors like freedom, security, equal treatment, and respect. Furthermore, different people have different developmental goals based on their life situations, and sometimes these goals can conflict with each other, meaning development for one might be destructive for another.
LET'S WORK THESE OUT (Page 7)
1. Look at the picture on the right. What should be the developmental goals for such an area?
(Note: The picture depicts a woman in a basic dwelling near a fancy car and high-rise buildings, highlighting inequality.)
Developmental goals for this area should include:
1. Provision of pucca (permanent) housing for the slum dwellers.
2. Access to basic amenities like clean drinking water, electricity, and sanitation.
3. Employment opportunities and fair wages for the residents.
4. Access to schools for the children living in the slum.
2. Read this newspaper report and answer the questions that follow:
A vessel dumped 500 tonnes of liquid toxic wastes into open-air dumps in a city and in the surrounding sea. This happened in a city called Abidjan in Ivory Coast, a country in Africa. The fumes from the highly toxic waste caused nausea, skin rashes, fainting, diarrhoea etc. After a month seven persons were dead, twenty in hospital and twenty six thousand treated for symptoms of poisoning. A multinational company dealing in petroleum and metals had contracted a local company of the Ivory Coast to dispose the toxic waste from its ship.
(i) Who are the people who benefited and who did not?
Benefited: The multinational company benefited as they likely disposed of the waste cheaply. The local company contracted for the job also benefited financially.
Did not benefit: The residents of Abidjan, the people living near the dumps, and the local environment suffered immensely. They faced health crises, loss of life, and environmental degradation without any gain.
(ii) What should be the developmental goal for this country?
The developmental goals should be:
1. Strict environmental regulations to prevent dumping of toxic waste.
2. Improvement of healthcare facilities to treat affected people.
3. Ensuring foreign companies follow safety standards.
4. Prioritizing the health and safety of citizens over small economic gains from hazardous contracts.
3. What can be some of the developmental goals for your village, town or locality?
(Answer may vary based on location, here is a general example)
1. Improved drainage and waste management systems to keep the locality clean.
2. Better maintenance of roads and streetlights.
3. Establishment of a primary health center and a good school nearby.
4. Reliable supply of clean drinking water and electricity.
LET'S WORK THESE OUT (Page 9)
1. Give three examples where an average is used for comparing situations.
1. Sports: Comparing the batting average of cricketers to judge their performance.
2. Class Performance: Calculating the average marks of a class to compare performance between different sections.
3. Health: Average height or weight of students in a specific age group to assess nutritional status.
2. Why do you think average income is an important criterion for development? Explain.
Average income (per capita income) is an important criterion because it gives a quick overview of the economic condition of a country relative to its population size. Since countries have different populations, comparing total income is not useful. Average income helps us understand how much the "average" person earns, which serves as a proxy for the standard of living and access to goods and services.
3. Besides size of per capita income, what other property of income is important in comparing two or more societies?
The distribution of income (equity) is equally important. Two countries might have the same average income, but in one, the wealth might be concentrated in the hands of a few (high inequality), while in the other, it might be more evenly distributed. A society with equitable distribution is generally considered better off than one with huge disparities between the rich and the poor.
4. Suppose records show that the average income in a country has been increasing over a period of time. From this, can we conclude that all sections of the economy have become better? Illustrate your answer with an example.
No, we cannot conclude that all sections have become better. An increase in average income might be driven by a massive increase in the income of the rich, while the poor remain poor or become poorer.
Example: In a country of 5 people, if 4 people earn Rs. 500 and 1 person earns Rs. 10,000, the average is Rs. 2,400. If the rich person's income increases to Rs. 20,000 while others stay at Rs. 500, the average jumps to Rs. 4,400. The average increased significantly, but 80% of the population saw no improvement.
5. From the text, find out the per capita income level of about 10-15 low-income countries as per World Development Reports.
(Note: This requires external data as the text only defines the threshold. Below are examples based on World Bank data consistent with the text's definitions for low-income countries, usually below ~$1,135 GNI per capita).
Examples of low-income countries (approximate per capita income in USD):
Afghanistan ($360), Burundi ($240), Central African Republic ($480), Congo, Dem. Rep. ($590), Ethiopia ($960), Gambia ($800), Liberia ($680), Madagascar ($510), Malawi ($640), Mozambique ($500), Niger ($590), Rwanda ($930), Somalia ($450), Uganda ($880).
6. Write a paragraph on your notion of what should India do, or achieve, to become a developed country.
To become a developed country, India needs to focus on inclusive growth. This means not only increasing the Per Capita Income but also ensuring equitable distribution of wealth. India must achieve 100% literacy and provide high-quality healthcare to reduce infant mortality and increase life expectancy. Infrastructure like roads, electricity, and internet must be available to all rural and urban areas. Furthermore, eliminating social discrimination and ensuring safety for women are social indicators that must be met to truly be considered "developed."
LET'S WORK THESE OUT (Page 12)
1. Look at data in Tables 1.3 and 1.4. Is Haryana ahead of Kerala in literacy rate etc., as it is in terms of per capita income?
No, Haryana is not ahead of Kerala in literacy rate or other health indicators. While Haryana has a higher per capita income (Rs 2,64,729) compared to Kerala (Rs 2,34,405), Kerala has far better social indicators. Kerala has a Literacy Rate of 94% (vs Haryana's 82%) and an Infant Mortality Rate of just 6 (vs Haryana's 28). This shows income alone does not guarantee development.
2. Think of other examples where collective provision of goods and services is cheaper than individual provision.
1. Public Transport: Buses and trains are cheaper and more efficient than everyone using individual cars.
2. Security: Police protection for a whole locality is cheaper and more effective than every house hiring a private guard.
3. Parks and Gardens: Community parks are feasible, whereas private gardens for every house are expensive and space-consuming.
3. Does availability of good health and educational facilities depend only on amount of money spent by the government on these facilities? What other factors could be relevant?
No, it does not depend only on money. Other relevant factors include:
1. Public Awareness: People need to be aware of the importance of health and education to utilize facilities.
2. Community Participation: Active involvement of the local community in running and monitoring schools and clinics.
3. Social Equality: Absence of discrimination so that facilities are accessible to all castes and genders.
4. Dedication of Staff: The commitment of doctors and teachers to serve in rural areas.
4. In a study, it was found that in Tamil Nadu, 90 per cent of the people living in rural areas used a ration shop, whereas in West Bengal only 35 per cent of rural people did so. Where would people be better off and why?
People would be better off in Tamil Nadu.
Why: A higher usage of ration shops (Public Distribution System) implies that food security is being ensured for a larger portion of the population. The poor are getting access to food grains at subsidized rates, which improves their nutritional status and health. In West Bengal, lower usage suggests that either the shops are not functioning well or people are not accessing them, potentially leaving the poor vulnerable.
ACTIVITY 2 (Page 12)
Study Table 1.5 carefully and fill in the blanks in the following paragraphs.
(Referencing Table 1.5 in the text: Rural Male Literacy: 76%, Female: 54%. Children 10-14 Literacy: Male 90%, Female 87%. Children 10-14 Attending School: Male 85%, Female 82%)
(a) The literacy rate for all age groups, including young and old, is 76% for rural males and 54% for rural females. However, it is not just that these many adults could not attend school but that there are many children who are currently not in school.
(b) It is clear from the table that 18% of rural girls and 15% of rural boys are not attending school. Therefore, illiteracy among children in the age group 10-14 is as high as 13% for rural females and 10% for rural males.
(c) This high level of illiteracy among 10-14 age group, even after more than 75 years of our independence, is most disturbing. In many other states also we are nowhere near realisation of the constitutional goal of free and compulsory education for all children up to the age of 14, which was expected to be achieved by 1960.
EXERCISES (Page 16-17)
1. Development of a country can generally be determined by
(i) its per capita income
(ii) its average literacy level
(iii) health status of its people
(iv) all the above
(iv) all the above
Explanation: Development is a comprehensive term that includes economic factors (income) as well as social indicators (health and education).
2. Which of the following neighbouring countries has better performance in terms of human development than India?
(i) Bangladesh
(ii) Sri Lanka
(iii) Nepal
(iv) Pakistan
(ii) Sri Lanka
Explanation: According to the Human Development Report data given in the chapter (Table 1.6), Sri Lanka ranks higher (78) than India (134) and has better stats in Income, Life Expectancy, and Schooling.
3. Assume there are four families in a country. The average per capita income of these families is Rs 5000. If the income of three families is Rs 4000, Rs 7000 and Rs 3000 respectively, what is the income of the fourth family?
(i) Rs 7500
(ii) Rs 3000
(iii) Rs 2000
(iv) Rs 6000
(iv) Rs 6000
Calculation:
Average Income = (Sum of income of all families) / (Total number of families)
5000 = (4000 + 7000 + 3000 + x) / 4
5000 = (14000 + x) / 4
5000 × 4 = 14000 + x
20000 = 14000 + x
x = 20000 - 14000
x = 6000
4. What is the main criterion used by the World Bank in classifying different countries? What are the limitations of this criterion, if any?
Main Criterion: The World Bank uses Per Capita Income (Average Income) to classify countries into rich (high income), middle income, and poor (low income) countries.
Limitations:
1. Ignores Distribution: It does not show how income is distributed. A country can have high average income but high poverty if wealth is concentrated in a few hands.
2. Ignores Social Indicators: It overlooks other important aspects of development like literacy rates, infant mortality rates, healthcare, and pollution levels. Money cannot buy all goods and services needed to live well.
5. In what respects is the criterion used by the UNDP for measuring development different from the one used by the World Bank?
The World Bank relies only on Per Capita Income. In contrast, the UNDP (United Nations Development Programme) uses the Human Development Index (HDI), which is a broader measure.
The UNDP criteria include:
1. Educational levels: Measured by mean years of schooling.
2. Health status: Measured by Life Expectancy at birth.
3. Per Capita Income: Adjusted for purchasing power (PPP).
Thus, UNDP looks at the well-being of the people, not just the money they earn.
6. Why do we use averages? Are there any limitations to their use? Illustrate with your own examples related to development.
Why we use averages: Averages are used to compare different countries or regions that have different populations. It reduces data to a single value that represents the "typical" performance of a group.
Limitations: Averages hide disparities (inequalities). They don't tell us how the income or attribute is distributed among the population.
Example: Consider two countries, Country A and Country B, both with an average income of Rs 10,000.
In Country A, everyone earns exactly Rs 10,000 (Perfect equality).
In Country B, 9 people earn Rs 1,000 and 1 person earns Rs 91,000 (Huge inequality).
While the average is the same, the reality of life in Country B is much worse for the majority. The average hides this poverty.
7. Kerala, with lower per capita income has a better human development ranking than Haryana. Hence, per capita income is not a useful criterion at all and should not be used to compare states. Do you agree? Discuss.
I do not fully agree that it is "not useful at all," but it is definitely insufficient on its own.
1. Importance of Income: Income is necessary to buy food, shelter, and basic amenities. It indicates the economic capacity of the state.
2. Why it's insufficient: As seen in the Kerala vs. Haryana example, money cannot buy a pollution-free environment, protection from infectious diseases, or ensure high literacy rates unless the community takes collective steps.
Conclusion: Per capita income should be used, but only as one of several indicators (along with IMR, literacy, etc.) to get a true picture of development. It is a starting point, not the conclusion.
8. Find out the present sources of energy that are used by the people in India. What could be the other possibilities fifty years from now?
Present sources: Coal, petroleum (diesel/petrol), natural gas, firewood (in rural areas), electricity (thermal, hydro, nuclear), and increasingly solar and wind energy.
Possibilities 50 years from now:
Due to the depletion of non-renewable resources like coal and oil, and environmental concerns, the mix will likely shift to:
1. Solar Energy: Extensive use in homes and industries.
2. Wind Energy: Coastal and open areas harnessing wind power.
3. Nuclear Energy: Safer and more efficient nuclear power.
4. Hydrogen fuel: For vehicles.
5. Bio-energy: From waste and plants.
9. Why is the issue of sustainability important for development?
Sustainability is crucial because:
1. Limited Resources: Non-renewable resources like crude oil and coal are limited. If we exhaust them rapidly, future generations will not have access to them.
2. Environmental Damage: Reckless development causes pollution, climate change, and environmental degradation (like groundwater overuse), which harms health and quality of life.
3. Future Continuity: Sustainable development ensures that the current level of development can be maintained or improved for future generations. We have "borrowed the world from our children," not inherited it from our ancestors.
10. "The Earth has enough resources to meet the needs of all but not enough to satisfy the greed of even one person". How is this statement relevant to the discussion of development? Discuss.
This statement by Mahatma Gandhi is highly relevant to Sustainable Development.
1. Needs vs. Greed: Development should focus on fulfilling the basic needs of all citizens (food, shelter, health) rather than the excessive consumption and accumulation of wealth by a few.
2. Resource Depletion: "Greed" leads to over-exploitation of resources (like over-pumping groundwater or excessive mining), which destroys the environment and leaves nothing for the future.
3. Equity: If resources are used greedily by rich nations or individuals, the poor suffer deprivation. Sustainable development requires equitable distribution.
11. List a few examples of environmental degradation that you may have observed around you.
1. Water Pollution: Dumping of garbage and industrial waste into local rivers or lakes.
2. Air Pollution: Smoke from vehicles, burning of leaves/garbage, and dust from construction sites.
3. Groundwater Depletion: Drying up of tube wells due to excessive pumping for construction or agriculture.
4. Deforestation: Cutting down trees for housing projects or road widening.
5. Soil Erosion: Loss of topsoil due to lack of vegetation cover.
12. For each of the items given in Table 1.6, find out which country is at the top and which is at the bottom.
(Based on Table 1.6 in the text)
1. Gross National Income (GNI) per capita:
- Top: Sri Lanka ($11,899)
- Bottom: Nepal ($4,026)
2. Life Expectancy at birth:
- Top: Sri Lanka (76.6 years)
- Bottom: Pakistan (66.4 years)
3. Mean Years of Schooling:
- Top: Sri Lanka (11.2 years)
- Bottom: Pakistan (4.4 years)
4. HDI Rank:
- Top (Best Rank): Sri Lanka (78)
- Bottom (Lowest Rank): Pakistan (164)
13. The following table shows the proportion of adults (aged 15-49 years) whose BMI is below normal (BMI < 18.5 kg/m2) in India. It is based on a survey of various states for the year 2019-21. Look at the table and answer the following questions.
(i) Compare the nutritional level of people in Kerala and Madhya Pradesh.
Kerala has a much better nutritional level compared to Madhya Pradesh.
In Kerala, the percentage of undernourished adults is low (Males: 8.5%, Females: 10%).
In Madhya Pradesh, the percentage is significantly higher (Males: 28%, Females: 28%). This means nearly three times as many people are undernourished in Madhya Pradesh compared to Kerala.
(ii) Can you guess why around one-fifth of people in the country are undernourished even though it is argued that there is enough food in the country? Describe in your own words.
Even though there is enough food production, undernourishment exists due to:
1. Inequitable Distribution: The food produced does not reach everyone effectively. The Public Distribution System (PDS) works well in some states but poorly in others.
2. Poverty/Purchasing Power: Many people do not have the income to buy nutritious food, even if it is available in the market.
3. Lack of Awareness: Lack of knowledge about a balanced diet.
4. Supply Chain Issues: Wastage of food grains in storage and transport prevents it from reaching the poor.