Indian Economy and Development

Sources for Information

• Data for this chapter is taken from reports published by the Government of India (Economic Survey, Reports of the National Family Health Survey, and Handbook of Statistics on the Indian Economy).
• United Nations Development Programme (Human Development Report) and World Bank (World Development Indicators) are also sources of information.
• These reports are published every year and can be accessed from the institutions' websites.

Understanding Development

• The idea of development or progress has always been present, involving aspirations and desires for a better life.
• Development involves thinking about essential things required for a better life, equality, and how people can work together to achieve these goals.
• It is a complex task that requires understanding of the past and its influence on the present.

Different People, Different Goals

• Development or progress means different things to different people, depending on their aspirations and desires.
• Examples of developmental goals of different categories of persons include:
  • Landless rural labourers: more days of work, better wages, quality education, and no social discrimination.
  • Prosperous farmers from Punjab: assured high family income, higher support prices for crops, and cheap labourers.
  • Rural woman from a land-owning family: freedom to decide what she wants to do in life and pursue her studies abroad.
  • Urban unemployed youth: varies depending on individual aspirations.
  • Boy from a rich urban family: ability to settle his children abroad.
  • Girl from a rich urban family: ability to pursue her studies abroad.
  • Adivasi from Narmada valley: fulfillment of their aspirations and desires.

Importance of Debate

• There is a possibility of debate and variation in opinion on the topic of development.
• Students should be encouraged to respond actively and argue their point of view.
• Debate and discussion can help in understanding development and its complexities.