Introduction to Development:

  • Development is about improving life conditions and addressing key questions like:
    • Can life be better for all people?
    • How should people live together in equality?
    • What are the essential needs of a country or society?
  • These questions are complex, and the process of achieving development requires a deep understanding of various aspects of life such as economics, politics, and history.

Development and Different Perspectives:

  • Development means different things to different people. For example:
    • Landless rural laborers might focus on more work opportunities and better wages.
    • Wealthy urban families may prioritize education abroad or personal freedom.
    • Farmers dependent on rain may desire irrigation facilities to ensure better crop yields.
  • Development is subjective; what benefits one group may harm another. For instance:
    • Building a dam to provide electricity may displace tribal people who live near the river, disrupting their lives.
    • Women’s rights may conflict with traditional views, as women seek freedom and opportunity, which might not be shared equally by all members of society.

Income and Other Goals:

  • People not only want higher income but also:
    • Equality
    • Freedom
    • Security
    • Respect
  • Non-material goals are crucial to development, such as:
    • Friendship, social relationships, and a supportive community contribute to well-being.
    • A secure and balanced work-life environment can be more important than high-paying jobs with poor conditions.
  • Development for Women:
    • If women are treated with respect and given equal opportunities, their sense of dignity and freedom increases, enhancing their role in both household and society.

National Development:

  • National development is a complex concept because different people have different goals for the country. What might be good for one group may not work for others.
    • Example: Industrialists may want dams for electricity, but this could harm tribal populations who depend on the land.
  • Debates on Development:
    • National development involves balancing conflicting needs and choosing the path that benefits the largest number of people.
    • The decision-making process should consider both economic growth and social justice.

Income as a Measure of Development:

  • To compare countries, income is often used as a key indicator of development. A country with higher income is considered more developed.
    • Per capita income is the total income of a country divided by its population and gives a more accurate comparison across countries.
    • Countries with a higher per capita income are considered developed, while those with lower per capita income are considered developing or underdeveloped.
  • Per Capita Income Categories (2019):
    • High-income countries: Over US$ 49,300 per year.
    • Low-income countries: Under US$ 2,500 per year.
    • India: In the middle-income category, with a per capita income of US$ 6,700.

1. Individual Aspirations and National Goals:

  • People don’t only aim for better income but also for other things like security, respect, freedom, and equal treatment.
  • Similarly, for a nation or region, while income matters, other factors like education, healthcare, and living standards are important too.

2. Per Capita Income:

  • Per capita income is the average income of people in a region. Higher per capita income often means a higher standard of living.
  • Example: Haryana has a higher per capita income than Kerala and Bihar, suggesting it’s more developed economically. But, this doesn’t tell the full story.

3. Other Development Factors (Health, Education, etc.):

  • The Infant Mortality Rate (IMR) shows health conditions. Kerala has lower IMR (7 deaths per 1000 births) compared to Haryana (30 deaths). This means that even though Haryana has more income, Kerala has better healthcare.
  • Literacy Rate and School Attendance: In Kerala, a higher percentage of children attend school and are literate, which shows the better education system there.

4. Income Alone Isn’t Enough:

  • Having money doesn’t guarantee access to quality services. For example, you can’t buy a clean environment or affordable healthcare just with money.
  • Public services like education and healthcare should be available to everyone, not just those who can afford them.

5. Collective Services Are More Efficient:

  • It’s cheaper and more effective for a community to provide services like security, healthcare, or education collectively rather than individually.
  • For example, public schools are more cost-effective than private ones for everyone.

6. Human Development Indicators:

  • Human Development Index (HDI) is a combined measure of life expectancy, education, and per capita income. It helps us understand the overall development of a country or region.
  • Example: Sri Lanka has a higher HDI than India despite having a lower income, mainly because of better healthcare and education.

7. Sustainability of Development:

  • Development should not harm future generations. For example, overusing resources like groundwater or crude oil can lead to their depletion, affecting future generations.
  • Groundwater in India is depleting fast, with regions like Punjab and Uttar Pradesh using more water than can be replenished.
  • Crude Oil is non-renewable, and as reserves deplete, countries face energy security risks. For example, the Middle East has significant oil reserves, but these will last only 70 years.

8. Non-Renewable vs. Renewable Resources:

  • Non-renewable resources (like oil) are finite and can be exhausted. On the other hand, renewable resources (like groundwater) can replenish naturally, but they can still be overused if not managed properly.

9. Importance of Sustainability:

  • Sustainability is key for long-term development. We need to balance economic growth with protecting natural resources to avoid environmental damage that affects everyone.

10. Human Development and the Environment:

  • The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) uses HDI to compare countries based on income, education, and health. But other factors like environmental sustainability, social equality, and justice should also be considered.
  • For example, Bangladesh and Nepal have better life expectancy than India despite having lower incomes. This shows that health services and other social factors matter more than income alone.

Key Points for Competitive Exams:

  • Per Capita Income is important but doesn’t give the full picture of development.
  • Human Development Index (HDI) combines health, education, and income as indicators of development.
  • Public Services (like education, healthcare) should be collectively provided for better efficiency.
  • Sustainability is essential for long-term development, and overuse of resources (like groundwater and oil) can lead to future crises.
  • Collective welfare (e.g., public schools, government healthcare) is more efficient and equitable than individual provision.

THESE ALL ARE THE NOTES OF CHAPTER 1 ECONOMICS. AND AFTER SOME TIME YOU GET IMPORTANT QUESTIONS HERE. *#THANKS FOR VISITING, VISIT AGAIN#* 😊