Chapter 10: Development
- What is development?
Development means improvement in people’s quality of life, including economic growth, social progress, education, health, and environmental sustainability. - Why is development important?
It enhances well-being, reduces poverty, provides opportunities, ensures basic services, and helps achieve a just and equitable society. - What is economic development?
It refers to the increase in a country’s wealth and income, often measured by GDP, employment, and industrial growth. - What is human development?
It focuses on improving people’s capabilities—like health, education, and freedom—beyond just income or wealth. - What is the Human Development Index (HDI)?
A UN measure of development based on life expectancy, education level, and per capita income. - What are the indicators of development?
Income, literacy, health, gender equality, life expectancy, employment, and environmental quality. - What is sustainable development?
Development that meets present needs without compromising the ability of future generations to meet theirs, ensuring environmental balance. - What is the difference between growth and development?
Growth is quantitative (increase in income); development is qualitative (better living conditions and equity). - What is the role of the state in development?
The state plans policies, builds infrastructure, provides welfare, ensures equity, and regulates markets. - What are welfare states?
States that guarantee minimum living standards for all, offering free or subsidized health, education, and social security. - What is liberalization?
Opening up the economy to private players and reducing government control over industries and trade. - What is globalization?
Increased global interaction through trade, culture, technology, and movement of people, impacting development policies. - What is privatization?
Transfer of ownership or management of public enterprises to private individuals or companies to increase efficiency. - What is the role of technology in development?
Technology improves productivity, connectivity, education, and healthcare, driving progress and innovation. - What is inclusive development?
Development that ensures benefits reach all sections, especially the poor, women, and marginalized groups. - What are the challenges to development in India?
Poverty, illiteracy, unemployment, inequality, corruption, and environmental degradation. - What is the Green Revolution?
An agricultural movement in India that increased food production using new techniques, fertilizers, and high-yielding seeds. - What is the impact of development on environment?
Unchecked development causes pollution, deforestation, loss of biodiversity, and climate change. - What is people-centered development?
An approach that involves local communities in planning and decision-making, focusing on their needs and empowerment. - What is the importance of gender equality in development?
Empowering women boosts economic growth, reduces poverty, and creates a more just society. - What is regional imbalance?
Unequal development across regions leading to disparities in income, infrastructure, and services. - What is social development?
Improvement in society’s overall well-being, such as education, healthcare, justice, and participation in decision-making. - How does corruption affect development?
It diverts resources, delays projects, reduces efficiency, and undermines public trust in institutions. - What is economic planning?
A systematic process where the government sets development goals and strategies, such as Five-Year Plans in India. - What is the difference between developed and developing countries?
Developed countries have high income, advanced infrastructure, and quality services; developing ones are still improving these areas. - What is the role of NGOs in development?
NGOs raise awareness, implement welfare programs, and act as a bridge between people and government. - What is the relationship between democracy and development?
Democracy ensures participation, accountability, and equitable policies, though economic growth may be slower than in authoritarian regimes. - What is minimum needs programme?
A government initiative to ensure basic needs like housing, education, and healthcare for all. - Why is public participation vital for development?
It ensures transparency, local relevance, and sustainable outcomes, making policies more inclusive and effective. - What is the ultimate goal of development?
To create a just, equitable, and sustainable society where every individual can live with dignity and freedom.