Chapter_1:
DEVELOPMENT
Contents
What Development Promises- Different People, Different Goals
Income and Other Goals
National Development
How to Compare Different Countries or States
What Development Promises- Different People, Different Goals
Development has many aspects. People have different
perspectives on development and
there are ways by which we can arrive at common
indicators for development.
Different persons have different notions of
development. They seek different things. They seek
things that are most important to them.
For example, a girl may seek equal opportunities and
responsibilities compared to her brother, who might
not share the same viewpoint.
Similarly, industrialists aiming for increased electricity supply may clash with the
interests of tribals who prioritize land preservation and sustainable irrigation
methods.
Different People Have Different Goals
Development is subjective and varies among individuals based on their priorities and
circumstances.
What one person perceives as progress may not
align with another's definition and could
potentially harm their interests.
Understanding diverse perspectives is crucial in
crafting inclusive and sustainable development
policies.
Income and Other Goals
People's desires often revolve around aspects like regular work, improved wages,
and fair prices for their produce, aiming for increased income.
Alongside the pursuit of
higher income, individuals
also strive for equal
treatment, freedom, security,
and respect from others,
while strongly opposing
discrimination.
Non-material factors such as
friendship, dignity, security,
and freedom significantly
contribute to one's quality of
life, surpassing the sole
importance of material
possessions or wealth.
Individuals strive for equal treatment
When considering job opportunities, factors beyond monetary rewards play a crucial
role, including family amenities, work environment, learning prospects, and job
security.
Developmental aspirations encompass a blend of objectives, where women's
involvement in unpaid work not only enhances their status but also promotes a
culture of shared responsibilities and support for women in the workforce.
National Development
It's crucial to recognize that individuals can hold conflicting views on what
constitutes a nation's progress.
Not all ideas are of equal significance.
When there are conflicting opinions, it's essential to determine a fair and just path
forward. Consider whether an idea benefits a large population or just a small
segment.
National development involves contemplating the impact of ideas on a broad
spectrum of people and assessing whether there are better approaches to achieve
progress.
How to Compare Different Countries or States
Development can have various interpretations, leading
to the classification of some countries as developed and
others as underdeveloped.
When comparing entities, it's essential to consider both similarities and differences.
For instance, income is a crucial criterion for comparing countries.
Higher income levels are often associated with more developed nations, as increased
income enables access to essential resources and amenities.
Total income alone is not a sufficient measure for comparing countries, as
populations vary. To address this, the average income, also known as per capita
income, is calculated by dividing the total income by the population.
The World Bank classifies countries in its World Development Reports based on per
capita income. In 2019, high-income countries had per capita incomes of $49,300 or
more, while low-income countries had $2,500 or less. India, with a per capita income
of $6,700, is considered a low-middle-income country. Rich countries are typically
termed developed countries.
Countries with higher incomes are more developed than others with less income.
As different countries have different populations, comparing total income will not
tell us what an average person earns. So, we compare the average income of
countries.
Income and Other Criteria
When we think of a nation or a region, besides average income, public facilities and
other criteria are equally significant attributes.
Individual Aspirations and Goals: People aspire for better income along with goals
like security, respect, equal treatment, and freedom.
National or Regional Attributes: Besides average income, other important attributes
define the development of a region or nation. When comparing per capita income,
Haryana emerges as the most developed state, while Bihar appears least developed.
Infant Mortality Rate: Kerala has lower infant mortality compared to Haryana,
highlighting significant differences in child welfare.
Educational Disparities: In Bihar, around half of children aged 14-15 do not attend
school beyond Class 8, indicating educational challenges.
The data reflects disparities in healthcare and education across different states,
impacting the well-being and future opportunities of their populations.
Public Facilities
These are the services provided by the government to its citizens. Some of the
important public facilities include:
Public Education
Hospitals
Public Distribution System
UNDP on the basis of educational level, health status and per capita income
Comparison with neighboring countries - Sri Lanka much better in per capita
income, life expectancy, HDI rank etc.
Income Limitations: Higher income doesn't guarantee access to essential services
like clean environment, unadulterated medicines, or protection from diseases.
Collective Provision: Essential services such as security and education are best
provided
collectively. This is more cost-effective and ensures broader access.
Kerala vs. Haryana
Kerala: Lower infant mortality rate, higher literacy rate, and better school attendance
despite lower per capita income.
Haryana: Higher income but poorer health and education indicators.
Public Distribution System (PDS): States with efficient PDS have better health and
nutrition outcomes.
International Comparisons
Sri Lanka: Higher human development indicators than India.
Nepal and Bangladesh: Better life expectancy despite lower per capita income.
Human Development Index (HDI): Measures health, education, and standard of
living, emphasizing overall well-being rather than just income.
The Human Development Report (HDR) is an annual publication by the United
Nations Development Programme (UNDP). It provides insights into global
development issues and trends, focusing on improving human wellbeing.
Key Features:
[Link] Development Index (HDI): A ranking of countries based on health,
education, and income.
[Link] Focus: Each report explores a specific theme like inequality,
sustainability, gender equity, or climate change.
[Link] & Analysis: Offers global and regional trends in human development,
comparing progress across countries.
[Link]: To promote policies for sustainable development, equity, and human rights.
Significance: The HDR helps shape global and national policies to improve human
development outcomes.
Sustainability of Development
Sustainable development is defined as
development that meets the needs of the present,
without compromising the ability of future
generations. Scientists have been warning that
the present type and levels of development are
not sustainable.
Types of Resources
Renewable Resources: Renewable resources like groundwater are naturally
replenished, similar to crops and plants. However, if these resources are consumed
at a faster rate than they are replenished, overuse occurs.
Non-Renewable Resources: Non-renewable resources, such as fossil fuels, are finite
and will eventually be depleted after continuous use. While new resources may be
discovered, the stock is limited and will diminish over time.
Example 1: Groundwater in India is overused, especially in agricultural regions,
urban areas, and hard rock zones, leading to rapid depletion. If unchecked, 60% of
the country will face this issue in 25 years. Sustainable practices like water
conservation and efficient irrigation can prevent overuse.
Example 2: Global crude oil reserves may last 50 years, with the Middle East having
70 years of reserves. Oil-importing nations like India face price risks, while countries
with fewer reserves, like the U.S., seek control through military or economic means.
Sustainable energy is essential to reduce dependency.