Development
Development refers to the process of improving the quality of life and well-being of people in a society. It involves economic growth, reduction of poverty, access to basic amenities, social progress, and sustainable use of resources.
Gross Domestic Product
GDP (Gross Domestic Product) refers to the monetary value of all final goods and services produced within the boundaries of a country during a specific time period, usually a year. It is a measure of the economic activity and the overall size of an economy. GDP includes the value of goods and services produced by all sectors, such as agriculture, industry, and services.
Different Persons and Their Aspirations
| Person/Category | Aspirations/Desires |
|---|---|
| Farmers | Improved agricultural techniques, access to markets, fair prices for their produce |
| Laborers | Decent wages, better working conditions, job security |
| Students | Quality education, opportunities for higher studies, skill development |
| Women | Gender equality, equal rights, empowerment, freedom of choice |
| Business owners | Economic growth, profit, market expansion, favorable business environment |
| Environmentalists | Conservation of natural resources, sustainable development, ecological balance |
| Indigenous communities | Protection of their land and culture, recognition of their rights |
Key Points:
- Different individuals and groups have diverse notions of development and progress.
- Each person seeks things that are important to them and can fulfill their aspirations.
- Conflicting interests may arise, such as gender expectations or the trade-off between industrial development and displacement of local communities.
- Developmental goals are subjective, and what benefits one person or group may harm or hinder another.
- Understanding these divergent perspectives is crucial for inclusive and sustainable development.
INCOME AND OTHER GOALS
– In addition to seeking more income, people desire equal treatment, freedom, security, and respect.
– Material goods are not the sole determinant of a good life; non-material factors like relationships, friendship, and personal well-being also contribute to a higher quality of life.
– Non-measurable aspects of life are often overlooked but hold significant importance.
– Development encompasses a mix of goals, including economic well-being, dignity, gender equality, work-life balance, and a safe environment.
– Developmental goals are multidimensional and vary based on individual priorities and societal contexts.
– A holistic approach to development considers both material and non-material aspects to enhance people’s well-being and fulfillment.
NATIONAL DEVELOPMENT
– Individuals have different goals and notions of national development.
– Different people can have conflicting ideas about a country’s development.
– Not all ideas can be considered equally important.
– The challenge lies in deciding a fair and just path for development.
– Consideration should be given to whether an idea benefits a large number of people or only a small group.
– National development involves thinking about these questions and seeking better ways of doing things.
HOW TO COMPARE DIFFERENT COUNTRIES OR STATES?
– Development can have different meanings, leading to the classification of countries as developed or underdeveloped.
– When comparing different things, we use specific criteria depending on the purpose of comparison.
– In the context of countries, income is considered an important attribute for comparison.
– The total income of a country is not a useful measure for comparison due to different populations, so average income (per capita income) is used.
– The World Bank classifies countries based on per capita income, with high-income countries having an income of $49,300 or above, and low-income countries having an income of $2,500 or less.
– India falls into the category of low-middle-income countries with a per capita income of $6,700 in 2019.
– Developed countries are generally characterized by high income, excluding certain regions and small countries.
INCOME AND OTHER CRITERIA
– Besides income, other important attributes for assessing development at a national or regional level include security, respect for others, equal treatment, and freedom.
Per Capita Income –
Per Capita Income/ Average Income refers to the average income earned by individuals in a country over a specified period. It is calculated by dividing the total national income of a country by its population. Per capita income is used as an indicator of the standard of living and economic prosperity of a nation.
– Table 1 shows the per capita income of Haryana, Kerala, and Bihar, indicating that Haryana has the highest income while Bihar has the lowest.
– If per capita income alone is used as the measure of development, Haryana would be considered the most developed and Bihar the least developed state.
– Table 2 provides additional data about these states that can help in evaluating their development.
Table 1
| State | Per Capita Income for 2018–19 (in Rs) |
|---|---|
| Haryana | 2,36,147 |
| Kerala | 2,04,105 |
| Bihar | 40,982 |
Table 2
| State | Infant Mortality Rate per 1,000 live births (2018) | Literacy Rate % 2017–18 | Net Attendance Ratio (per 100 persons) secondary stage (age 14 and 15 years) 2017–18 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Haryana | 30 | 82 | 61 |
| Kerala | 7 | 94 | 83 |
| Bihar | 32 | 62 | 43 |
– The table shows the comparison of certain indicators between Kerala, Haryana, and Bihar.
– In Kerala, 7 out of 1000 children die before completing one year of age, while in Haryana the proportion is 30, almost three times higher.
– Despite Haryana having a higher per capita income than Kerala, the infant mortality rate is significantly higher in Haryana.
– The data is from 2018, a relatively recent period, highlighting the persistent challenges even in the era of urban development and economic progress.
– The table also reveals that about half of the children aged 14-15 in Bihar do not attend school beyond Class 8, indicating a significant education gap.
– These indicators emphasize the importance of considering factors beyond income when assessing development, as they reflect the well-being and opportunities available to the population.
PUBLIC FACILITIES
– Income alone does not guarantee access to all necessary goods and services for a good quality of life.
– Money cannot buy a pollution-free environment, unadulterated medicines, or protection from infectious diseases.
– Many important goods and services are best provided collectively, such as collective security or public education.
– Access to basic health and educational facilities contributes to lower infant mortality rates, as seen in Kerala.
– States with well-functioning Public Distribution Systems (PDS) tend to have better health and nutritional outcomes for their people.
HUMAN DEVELOPMENT REPORT
– Income level is not sufficient to measure development.
– Other criteria are needed, but a small number of important factors are more useful.
– Health and education indicators are among the important criteria for development.
– Health and education indicators have gained prominence alongside income in measuring development.
– The UNDP’s Human Development Report compares countries based on education, health, and income.
Body Mass Index
– Body Mass Index (BMI) is used to determine if a person is properly nourished.
– To calculate BMI, measure weight in kilograms and height in meters.
– Divide weight by the square of height to obtain the BMI.
SUSTAINABILITY OF DEVELOPMENT
– The present type and levels of development are not sustainable, according to scientists.
– Groundwater overuse is a serious problem in many parts of India, with declining water levels and overexploitation reported in various regions.
– Renewable resources like groundwater can be overused if extraction exceeds replenishment by rainfall.
– Non-renewable resources, such as crude oil, have a limited stock that will eventually be exhausted.
– The issue of environmental degradation transcends national boundaries, requiring collective efforts for sustainability.
– Sustainability of development is a multidisciplinary field involving scientists, economists, philosophers, and social scientists.
– The question of development and progress is an ongoing debate that requires continuous examination of goals and aspirations.