9. Planning and Economic Development Flashcards
(143 cards)
1
Q
What is the significance of NITI Aayog as a ‘policy think tank with shared vision’ in the reorganization of planning in India?
A
NITI Aayog plays a crucial role in visualizing and reorganizing planning in India by promoting cooperative federalism and fostering a shared vision among states and the central government, focusing on sustainable development and inclusive growth.
2
Q
What are the policy initiatives of the Fourteenth Finance Commission aimed at strengthening agricultural development in India?
A
The Fourteenth Finance Commission introduced initiatives that enhance fiscal devolution to states, promote agricultural investment, and support rural infrastructure development to strengthen agricultural growth and sustainability in India.
3
Q
What explains India’s modest improvements in social development outcomes despite accelerated growth since the limitation of economic reforms?
A
India’s modest improvements in social development outcomes can be attributed to the uneven benefits of economic growth, persistent poverty, and inadequate investment in social sectors such as health and education, despite overall economic progress.
4
Q
How has the liberalization of the Indian economy not been accompanied by adequate reforms?
A
The liberalization of the Indian economy has not been accompanied by adequate reforms due to insufficient regulatory frameworks, lack of infrastructure development, and failure to address social inequalities, which hinder comprehensive economic progress.
5
Q
What has been the political fallout of the Green Revolution in India?
A
The political fallout of the Green Revolution in India includes increased agricultural productivity, but it also led to regional disparities, social tensions, and a focus on certain crops that marginalized small farmers and affected rural livelihoods.
6
Q
What are the various causes of the agrarian crisis in India?
A
The agrarian crisis in India is caused by factors such as inadequate access to credit, fluctuating market prices, poor infrastructure, climate change impacts, and the failure of land reforms to benefit small and marginal farmers.
7
Q
What does the shift from ascriptive to developmental politics in the post-liberalization era signify?
A
The shift from ascriptive to developmental politics in the post-liberalization era signifies a move towards policies that prioritize economic growth, social welfare, and inclusive development, reflecting changing political dynamics and public expectations.
8
Q
What is the Green Revolution and is a Second Green Revolution needed to address agrarian challenges in contemporary India?
A
The Green Revolution refers to the period of agricultural transformation in India that increased food production through high-yield variety seeds and modern farming techniques; a Second Green Revolution is considered necessary to address current agrarian challenges such as sustainability and food security.
9
Q
What are the key differences between the Nehruvian and Gandhian models of development?
A
The Nehruvian model emphasizes state-led industrialization and modernization, while the Gandhian model advocates for rural self-sufficiency, sustainable practices, and the empowerment of local communities, reflecting contrasting approaches to development.
10
Q
What is the Gandhian approach of development?
A
The Gandhian approach of development emphasizes ethical progress and societal well-being over material wealth, promoting self-reliance, simple living, and harmony with nature.
11
Q
What does the term Sarvodaya mean in the context of Gandhian development?
A
Sarvodaya means the welfare of all, aiming for the universal upliftment of individuals in society, particularly focusing on the most marginalized.
12
Q
What is the significance of Swadeshi in Gandhian development?
A
Swadeshi promotes reliance on locally produced goods, encouraging local craftsmanship and reducing dependency on foreign goods, which Gandhi believed would lead to economic and political freedom.
13
Q
How does Gandhi’s growth model integrate ethics with economics?
A
Gandhi’s growth model is a blend of economics, philosophy, and ethics, aimed at promoting a self-sustaining and equitable form of development.
14
Q
What is the principle of Swavalamban in Gandhian development?
A
Swavalamban is the principle of self-reliance at both the individual and community levels, promoting independence and self-sufficiency.
15
Q
What is Gandhi’s view on industrialization?
A
Gandhi was not opposed to industrialization but criticized the dehumanizing aspects of mass industrialization and advocated for industries that complement rural economies without uprooting communities.
16
Q
What does Gandhi advocate for in terms of agricultural reform?
A
Gandhi advocated for sustainable agricultural practices that ensure farmers have direct control over their land and promote self-sufficiency.
17
Q
What is the focus of employment-oriented planning in Gandhi’s model?
A
Employment-oriented planning in Gandhi’s model prioritizes the creation of meaningful and enriching employment opportunities rather than merely maximizing production.
18
Q
What is the concept of Antyodaya in Gandhian philosophy?
A
Antyodaya focuses on the upliftment of the last person or the most disadvantaged in society, complementing the principle of Sarvodaya.
19
Q
What is the Gandhian approach to development according to E. F. Schumacher?
A
E. F. Schumacher, in ‘Small is Beautiful,’ argued that the Gandhian approach emphasizes ‘appropriate technology’ that is human-centered, small-scale, and decentralized.
20
Q
How did B. H. Liddell Hart view Gandhi’s contribution to social and economic change?
A
B. H. Liddell Hart noted Gandhi’s strategic genius in mobilizing masses non-violently for social and economic change, demonstrating an alternative path to development that does not rely on force or exploitation.
21
Q
What is Ashis Nandy’s perspective on Gandhi’s approach to modernity?
A
Ashis Nandy describes Gandhi’s approach as a radical form of humanism and an alternative vision of modernity, rooted in the cultural and ethical values of Indian civilization, critiquing the Western model of development.
22
Q
How did Jawaharlal Nehru’s policies differ from Gandhi’s vision regarding industrialization?
A
Although Nehru respected Gandhi’s focus on the village economy, his policies leaned more towards industrialization and state-led development, differing from Gandhi’s emphasis on rural self-sufficiency.
23
Q
What role does Vandana Shiva attribute to Gandhian principles in her advocacy?
A
Vandana Shiva draws from Gandhian principles to advocate for eco-friendly development practices and criticizes the damaging effects of globalization and industrial agriculture on small farmers.
24
Q
What contemporary relevance does the Gandhian approach have regarding sustainability?
A
The Gandhian approach emphasizes harmonious living with nature and minimal environmental impact, aligning with the increasing focus on renewable energy sources like solar and wind power.
25
How does the Gandhian approach influence rural development initiatives in India?
The Gandhian approach stresses the importance of village economies and self-sufficient communities, reflected in initiatives like the National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (NREGA) that enhance livelihood security in rural areas.
26
What is the significance of small-scale industries in the Gandhian approach?
The Gandhian approach advocates for the development of small-scale and cottage industries to promote employment and local self-reliance, supported by the growth of micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) and the 'Make in India' initiative.
27
How does the Gandhian approach address social equity?
The Gandhian approach focuses on the upliftment of marginalized and economically weaker sections of society, with policies aimed at financial inclusion, affordable housing, and universal healthcare addressing disparities.
28
What is the Trustee Concept in the context of the Gandhian approach?
The Trustee Concept suggests that wealthy individuals and businesses should act as trustees, using their resources for the welfare of society, reflecting Gandhian principles of social responsibility.
29
What is the Gandhian model of economic development?
The Gandhian model of economic development emphasizes moral and social values, self-sufficiency, and sustainable practices, advocating for a decentralized economic structure that prioritizes the dignity of labor, local self-reliance, and environmental harmony, aiming to balance material progress with spiritual and moral well-being.
30
What are the key components of the Nehru-Mahalanobis model?
The key components of the Nehru-Mahalanobis model include the Second Five-Year Plan emphasizing heavy industries, rapid industrialization, state planning and intervention through the Planning Commission, import substitution industrialization, significant infrastructure investments, and a focus on science and technology.
31
What is the significance of the mixed economy in the Nehruvian approach?
The mixed economy in the Nehruvian approach aims to create a balanced economic structure where both public and private sectors play important roles, with the public sector controlling key areas of the economy to prevent monopolies and ensure equitable wealth distribution.
32
What role did the Planning Commission play in the Nehruvian strategy?
The Planning Commission was established to execute a centralized and planned approach to development, formulating Five-Year Plans to direct investments into various sectors of the economy, particularly focusing on industrial and infrastructural development.
33
What was the aim of land reforms in the Nehruvian approach?
The aim of land reforms in the Nehruvian approach was to eliminate the concentration of land ownership, thereby promoting social equity and supporting the overall economic development of the country.
34
What are Community Development Programs?
Community Development Programs were aimed at improving agricultural productivity, rural employment, and the decentralization of economic development through the involvement of people at the village level.
35
What was the significance of the Nehruvian model in India's industrial growth?
The Nehruvian model was instrumental in creating an industrial base in India and laying down the infrastructure for future economic development, focusing on heavy industries which led to a growth rate of about 7% per annum in the industrial sector during the 1950s.
36
What was the impact of public sector investment from 1951 to 1956?
Public sector investment accounted for 45% of total investment from 1951 to 1956, leading to the production of diverse goods, from steel to textiles by the 1960s.
37
How did agricultural output change from 1947 to 1964?
Food grain production increased significantly from 50 million tonnes in 1947 to 82 million tonnes in 1964, underpinning the later success of the Green Revolution.
38
What was the average annual growth rate of national income during the first three Five-Year Plans?
There was an average annual growth rate of national income of approximately 4% during the first three Five-Year Plans.
39
What were the drawbacks of Nehru's economic policies regarding GDP and poverty?
Nehru's era saw modest GDP growth of around 1.68% per capita CAGR from 1947 to 1964, lagging behind other Asian nations and struggling with pervasive poverty.
40
What was the License Raj and its impact on small enterprises?
The License Raj was a system that emphasized state-led industrialization, fostering bureaucratic red tape that stifled the growth of small private enterprises.
41
What is the role of planning in India's economic transformation?
Planning in India was aimed at resource optimization for economic transformation, focusing on the creation of heavy industries and infrastructure, reflecting a commitment to self-reliance and social justice.
42
What were the achievements of planning in India post-independence?
Achievements included a GDP growth rate averaging 4.4% from 1950 to 1990, improved life expectancy from 33 years in 1951 to 61 years in 1995, significant infrastructure development, and growth in heavy industries due to the Mahalanobis plan and five-year plans.
43
What were the failures of planning in India?
Failures included persistent inequality in wealth distribution, high unemployment rates, inadequate agricultural and land reforms, exacerbation of regional disparities, inefficiencies in public sector undertakings, and excessive bureaucracy stifling economic dynamism.
44
What were the main objectives of land reforms in India?
The main objectives included the abolition of intermediaries, tenancy reforms for tenant security, redistribution of land to the landless, consolidation of fragmented lands, and prevention of future land concentration through ceilings on landholdings.
45
What methods were used for land reforms in India?
Land reforms were implemented through various legislations at central and state levels, including the Zamindari Abolition Acts, Tenancy Laws, and Land Ceiling Acts.
46
What is Voluntary Surrender in the context of land reforms?
Voluntary Surrender refers to the encouragement of landlords to voluntarily surrender excess land they own.
47
What are Administrative Measures in land reforms?
Administrative Measures involve the establishment of land reform departments and tribunals by the state to implement reforms and resolve disputes.
48
What does the abolition of Zamindari aim to achieve?
The abolition of Zamindari seeks to eliminate the Zamindari system where landlords collected taxes from tenants, thereby redistributing land ownership.
49
What is the purpose of Tenancy Regulation in land reforms?
Tenancy Regulation aims to secure tenant rights and regulate rent, ensuring fair treatment of tenants in agricultural settings.
50
What are Land Ceilings in the context of land reforms?
Land Ceilings refer to the imposition of maximum landholding limits and the redistribution of surplus land among the landless population.
51
How does Cooperative Farming contribute to land reforms?
Cooperative Farming promotes collective farming efforts to enhance agricultural viability and ensure that small farmers benefit from technology and subsidies.
52
What is the significance of Computerization of Land Records in land reforms?
Computerization of Land Records aims to ensure transparency and reduce land disputes by modernizing land record-keeping processes.
53
What is Amartya Sen's view on land reforms?
Amartya Sen emphasizes that land reforms are crucial for poverty alleviation and improving the productivity of small farmers, advocating for their broader economic impact.
54
What does Gunnar Myrdal argue regarding land reform?
Gunnar Myrdal argues that without land reform, social inequalities and economic inefficiencies persist, advocating for equitable land distribution for justice and efficiency.
55
What are the reasons for the failure of land reforms in India according to Daniel Thorner?
Daniel Thorner notes that the failure of India's land reforms is due to poor implementation and political resistance, influenced by the landowning classes.
56
What critique does B. B. Chaudhuri provide about India's land reforms?
B. B. Chaudhuri critiques the lack of genuine political will behind India's land reforms, which were essential for breaking feudal agricultural structures but remained incomplete.
57
What does Utsa Patnaik argue about the effectiveness of land reforms?
Utsa Patnaik argues that ineffective land reforms, due to political compromises, perpetuated poverty and food insecurity that could have been mitigated with true agrarian reform.
58
What is the assessment of Jean Drèze and Amartya Sen on land reform in India?
Jean Drèze and Amartya Sen label land reform as one of India's policy failures, contributing to ongoing rural social inequality and economic inefficiency.
59
What does Michael Lipton suggest about the outcomes of land reform?
Michael Lipton suggests that land reform should lead to a more productive agricultural sector, but in India, it often did not result in improved practices or investments due to inadequate beneficiary support.
60
What was the impact of the abolition of the Zamindari system by the 1950s?
The abolition of the Zamindari system by the 1950s affected millions of tenants in states like West Bengal, Bihar, and Uttar Pradesh, redistributing land ownership.
61
What challenges did land ceilings face in implementation?
Land ceilings faced challenges such as legal loopholes and poor implementation, resulting in significantly less land being declared surplus than potentially could have been.
62
What is the goal of the Digital India Land Records Modernization Programme (DILRMP)?
The goal of the DILRMP is to minimize disputes and enhance transparency through the computerization of land records.
63
What are some reasons for the lack of success in land reforms in India?
Reasons for the lack of success in land reforms in India include lack of political will, bureaucratic hurdles, legal loopholes, and fragmentation of land.
64
What is the Green Revolution in India?
The Green Revolution in India refers to a period of significant agricultural development that occurred between the 1960s and the late 1970s, aimed at increasing food grain production, particularly in wheat and rice, through the introduction of high-yielding varieties of seeds, increased use of fertilizers and pesticides, and improved irrigation facilities.
65
What were the positive impacts of the Green Revolution?
The positive impacts of the Green Revolution included increased production of food grains, self-sufficiency in cereal grains, technological advancement in farming.
66
What were the positive impacts of the Green Revolution?
The positive impacts of the Green Revolution included increased production of food grains, self-sufficiency in cereal grains, technological advancement in farming methods, generation of employment opportunities, and overall economic growth.
67
What were the negative impacts of the Green Revolution?
The negative impacts of the Green Revolution included environmental degradation, increased inequality among farmers, water scarcity due to overexploitation of resources, health issues linked to chemical use, monoculture leading to reduced crop diversity, dependency on costly external inputs, and neglect of traditional crops.
68
Who is M.S. Swaminathan and what is his significance in the context of the Green Revolution?
M.S. Swaminathan is regarded as the 'Father of the Green Revolution in India' for his key role in implementing agricultural reforms that significantly increased food production during the Green Revolution period.
69
What challenges did land reforms face in India according to the comprehensive view?
Land reforms in India faced multiple socio-political challenges that marred their execution, indicating that while they set a blueprint for a more equitable agrarian structure, a more robust implementation mechanism was required to achieve their full potential.
70
What is the Green Revolution and how did it impact wheat production in India?
The Green Revolution refers to the introduction of high-yielding varieties of seeds and the expansion of farming technologies, which led to an increase in wheat production from 12.3 million tonnes in 1964-65 to 20 million tonnes in 1970-71.
71
How did Amartya Sen view the impact of the Green Revolution on famine risk and inequality?
Amartya Sen highlighted that the Green Revolution significantly reduced famine risk but also pointed out that it may have exacerbated inequality and did not solve poverty, as the poorest farmers could not afford the new technology.
72
What concerns did Vandana Shiva raise regarding the Green Revolution?
Vandana Shiva pointed out that the biodiversity loss due to monocultures has made food systems more vulnerable to pests and climate change, leading to a decrease in nutrition per acre despite a rise in calories per acre.
73
What ecological concerns did T.N. Khoshoo express about the Green Revolution?
T.N. Khoshoo acknowledged the initial successes of the Green Revolution but warned about the unsustainable use of water resources and fertilizers.
74
What was Ashok Gulati's perspective on the economic contribution of agriculture during the Green Revolution?
Ashok Gulati noted the significant contribution to India's GDP from agriculture during the Green Revolution period but cautioned against the ecological costs associated with it.
75
What did Utsa Patnaik criticize about the long-term effects of the Green Revolution?
Utsa Patnaik critically assessed that the Green Revolution led to soil fertility depletion and did not significantly improve the living standards of small and marginal farmers.
76
How did the Green Revolution influence political dynamics in rural India according to Ashutosh Varshney?
Ashutosh Varshney discussed how the Green Revolution led to the rise of new entrepreneurial classes within the agrarian community, particularly in Punjab and Haryana, which altered the political landscape by creating a new focus on rural and agricultural issues.
77
What political changes did Francine R. Frankel associate with the Green Revolution?
Francine R. Frankel pointed out that the Green Revolution contributed to the political strength of richer farmers, leading to demands for more state support for agriculture and a significant realignment of power structures in rural India.
78
How does Mancur Olson's theory of collective action relate to the Green Revolution?
Mancur Olson's theory of collective action suggests that smaller, more homogeneous groups, like large farmers who benefited from the Green Revolution, are better able to organize for collective action, translating into political power and influence.
79
What did Myron Weiner identify as a consequence of the Green Revolution on farmers' political identity?
Myron Weiner highlighted that the Green Revolution contributed to a new political identity and consciousness among farmers, leading to the rise of farmer-focused political parties and increased salience of agrarian issues in national politics.
80
What argument did Pranab Bardhan make regarding the distribution of benefits from the Green Revolution?
Pranab Bardhan argued that the benefits of the Green Revolution were skewed towards rich peasants and landowners, exacerbating income inequality and leading to increased rural unrest and political mobilization among disadvantaged groups.
81
What long-term impacts of the Green Revolution did Sukhpal Singh and Kamal Vatta examine?
Sukhpal Singh and Kamal Vatta examined the significant political repercussions of the economic changes wrought by the Green Revolution, arguing that the policy focus shifted to appeasing the politically powerful.
82
What is the concept of 'political agronomy' as discussed by Ronald Herring?
Political agronomy refers to the idea that agricultural policy has become a key political issue, with political leaders using the rhetoric of farmer welfare for electoral gains, often leading to the rise of agrarian populism.
83
What are the environmental concerns associated with the Green Revolution as noted by K. S. Bajpai and Harsh Sethi?
The environmental degradation caused by the Green Revolution became a political issue, with environmentalists and sustainability advocates challenging the industrial-agricultural complex that emerged from the Green Revolution policies.
84
What is Green Revolution 2.0 and its primary aim?
Green Revolution 2.0 aims to increase agricultural productivity while emphasizing sustainability and inclusivity, addressing the limitations and challenges left unresolved by the first Green Revolution.
85
What are the key objectives of Green Revolution 2.0?
The key objectives include increased productivity, sustainability, resilience to climate change, inclusivity for smallholder farmers, and nutritional security with a focus on diverse and nutrient-rich foods.
86
What strategies are proposed for achieving the goals of Green Revolution 2.0?
Strategies include developing high-yield and resilient crop varieties, utilizing precision agriculture techniques, and implementing effective water management practices like micro-irrigation.
87
What is Soil Health Management?
Soil Health Management involves promoting organic farming practices, crop rotation, and the use of natural fertilizers to maintain soil fertility.
88
What are the key components of making Green Revolution 2.0 successful?
Key components include policy and institutional reforms, investment in agricultural R&D, financial incentives for sustainable practices, collaboration among stakeholders, a holistic approach to food systems, and tailored solutions for local conditions.
89
What characterized the Pre-Liberalization Era in India?
The Pre-Liberalization Era was characterized by the 'License Raj', a system requiring multiple government licenses and permits for businesses, aimed at protecting the domestic market and controlling economic power within the public sector.
90
What triggered the economic liberalization in India in 1991?
The economic liberalization in 1991 was triggered by a balance of payments crisis, where India faced a severe fiscal deficit and depleted foreign exchange reserves, leading to the need for immediate economic reforms.
91
What were the global economic changes that necessitated India's liberalization?
The end of the Cold War and the global shift towards capitalist market economies made it imperative for India to liberalize its economy to integrate into the global market.
92
What are Industrial Policy Reforms in the context of the Liberalization of the Indian Economy?
The Industrial Policy Reforms refer to the New Industrial Policy of 1991, which significantly reduced the number of industries requiring licensing, dismantled the License Raj, relaxed public sector monopolies, and allowed Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) with automatic approval for equity investments up to 51% in many sectors.
93
What changes were made in Trade Policy Reforms during the Liberalization of the Indian Economy?
Trade Policy Reforms included the abolition of import licensing (except for a negative list), reduction of tariffs from peak rates of 150% in 1990 to around 25% by 1996, and making the Indian Rupee partially convertible to facilitate trade.
94
What are the key aspects of Financial Sector Reforms in the Liberalization of the Indian Economy?
Financial Sector Reforms involved deregulation of the banking sector, liberalization of interest rates, introduction of prudential norms for banks, establishment of the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) for transparency, and opening the insurance and pension sectors to private and foreign investment.
95
What is Jagdish Bhagwati's view on the Liberalization of the Indian economy?
Jagdish Bhagwati argues that liberalization has been crucial for India's transformation from a stagnant economy to one of the fastest-growing economies in the world, contributing to reduced poverty rates and improved human development indicators.
96
How does Amartya Sen view the impact of LPG reforms on human development?
Amartya Sen acknowledges the positive impact of LPG reforms on economic growth but emphasizes the need for state investment in health and education to ensure inclusive development, arguing that economic growth alone does not guarantee human development.
97
What critique does Atul Kohli provide regarding the LPG reforms?
Atul Kohli critiques the LPG reforms for increasing inequality, stating that while they have benefitted the middle class and upper echelons, they have done little to assist the poor, particularly in rural areas, thus widening the gap between the rich and the poor.
98
What concerns does P. Sainath raise about the impact of LPG reforms on Indian agriculture?
P. Sainath highlights that while the overall economy grew due to LPG reforms, agricultural growth rates and farmers' incomes stagnated, leading to increased farmer suicides and rural distress.
99
What are the LPG reforms and how have they impacted India's economic growth?
LPG reforms refer to the liberalization, privatization, and globalization reforms initiated in India in 1991, which have led to higher average growth rates and a significant decrease in absolute poverty.
100
What concerns did Raghuram Rajan express regarding the quality of growth post-LPG reforms?
Raghuram Rajan expressed concerns about the quality of growth, particularly in the financial sector, emphasizing the need for better regulation and a broader distribution of growth benefits.
101
How has foreign direct investment (FDI) changed since the LPG reforms in India?
FDI inflows have surged from about $100 million in 1991 to $64 billion in the fiscal year 2020-21, reflecting growing investor confidence in the Indian economy post-reforms.
102
What changes have occurred in India's service sector contribution to GDP since the LPG reforms?
The service sector's contribution to GDP has increased from 43% in 1991 to around 55% in 2020, indicating significant growth in this area post-reforms.
103
What has been the trend in poverty levels in India since the LPG reforms?
The percentage of the population living below the national poverty line decreased from 45% in 1991 to 21.9% in 2011, showing a significant reduction in poverty levels post-reforms.
104
How has life expectancy changed in India since the LPG reforms?
Life expectancy at birth has increased from 58 years in 1991 to around 69 years in 2019, reflecting improvements in health and living standards post-reforms.
105
What has been the impact of LPG reforms on India's agricultural output?
Agricultural output has steadily increased, with food grain production doubling from 198 million tonnes in 1991-92 to over 296 million tonnes in 2019-20, indicating positive growth in the sector post-reforms.
106
What is the significance of the increase in India's road network since the LPG reforms?
The total length of roads has more than doubled from around 2.65 million km in 1991 to 5.89 million km in 2019, highlighting significant infrastructure development post-reforms.
107
What is the significance of mobile subscribers growth in India from 1991 to 2020?
Mobile subscribers in India have exploded from virtually zero in 1991 to over 1.1 billion by 2020, indicating a massive expansion in telecommunications and connectivity.
108
How has market capitalization on the Bombay Stock Exchange changed from 1991 to 2021?
The market capitalization of listed companies on the Bombay Stock Exchange has grown from $50 billion in 1991 to $2.1 trillion in 2021, reflecting significant growth in the financial sector.
109
What does the increase in banking penetration from 1991 to 2019 indicate?
The increase in the number of bank branches from 61,000 in 1991 to more than 139,000 by 2019 indicates a significant enhancement in financial inclusion in India.
110
What are the implications of the growth of foreign exchange reserves in India from 1991 to 2021?
The growth of foreign exchange reserves from $5.8 billion in 1991 to $590 billion by 2021 provides a substantial cushion for external shocks, enhancing India's global financial standing.
111
What are Amartya Sen's critiques of the LPG reforms in India?
Amartya Sen critiques the LPG reforms for not sufficiently addressing foundational needs such as education, healthcare, and social security, emphasizing the need for social reforms alongside economic reforms.
112
How has Jean Drèze characterized the impact of liberalization on the rural economy?
Jean Drèze argues that liberalization has had adverse effects on the rural economy, particularly in agriculture, leading to increased rural poverty and food insecurity due to neglect of the agricultural sector.
113
What concerns does P. Sainath raise regarding the agrarian crisis post-reform?
P. Sainath highlights that the withdrawal of state support in agriculture has led to increased farmer indebtedness and suicides, prioritizing urban and elite interests over rural populations.
114
What is Atul Kohli's critique regarding inequality in India post-liberalization?
Atul Kohli critiques the increase in inequality and the creation of dual economies, where a modern, globalized sector exists alongside a traditional, underdeveloped sector, concentrating wealth and power.
115
What are Utsa Patnaik's views on the dependency created by LPG reforms?
Utsa Patnaik criticizes the LPG reforms for deepening dependency on foreign capital and leading to jobless growth, arguing that they have not improved living standards for the majority.
116
What environmental concerns does Arundhati Roy raise in relation to liberalization?
Arundhati Roy criticizes the environmental degradation and displacement of populations, particularly tribal and rural communities, resulting from industrial and infrastructure projects post-liberalization.
117
What does Raghuram Rajan suggest is needed for economic growth post-liberalization?
Raghuram Rajan stresses the need for a more inclusive growth model and better regulatory frameworks, especially in the financial sector, to address the nature of economic growth post-liberalization.
118
What is the significance of the term 'second green revolution' in the context of agricultural reforms?
The 'second green revolution' refers to the need for comprehensive sectoral modernization in agriculture, which is crucial for improving the livelihoods of a large rural populace that has not received adequate focus in previous reforms.
119
What does 'jobless growth' mean in relation to India's labor market?
'Jobless growth' describes the phenomenon where economic expansion occurs without a corresponding increase in employment opportunities, largely due to stringent labor laws that hinder formal sector employment growth.
120
How have financial sector reforms in India been characterized?
Financial sector reforms in India have been incremental, with ongoing issues such as non-performing assets and a need for further liberalization in areas like insurance and pensions, indicating unfinished agendas.
121
What challenges do fiscal policies face in India?
Fiscal policies in India face challenges from politically sensitive subsidy regimes and government expenditures, complicating efforts at maintaining fiscal discipline.
122
What is the shift from ascriptive to developmental politics in India?
The shift from ascriptive to developmental politics in India signifies a transition from politics based on caste, religion, and ethnicity to a focus on economic growth, infrastructure development, and quality of governance in political discourse and electoral campaigns.
123
What role do scholars like Amartya Sen and Raghuram Rajan play in advocating for reforms?
Scholars like Amartya Sen and Raghuram Rajan advocate for comprehensive reforms that integrate governance and social development with economic policies to ensure inclusive growth and address issues of inequality.
124
What is the significance of economic performance and corruption in elections?
Economic performance and corruption have become increasingly important issues in Indian elections, reflecting a shift in political priorities towards governance and development.
125
What do Pradeep Chhibber and Rahul Verma argue about the intersection of identity and development in Indian politics?
Chhibber and Verma argue that Indian politics is experiencing a transformation where identity politics increasingly intersects with development issues.
126
What role do Amartya Sen and Raghuram Rajan play in advocating for reforms?
Scholars like Amartya Sen and Raghuram Rajan advocate for comprehensive reforms that integrate governance and social development with economic policies to ensure inclusive growth and address issues of inequality.
127
What do Pradeep Chhibber and Rahul Verma argue about the intersection of identity and development in Indian politics?
Chhibber and Verma argue that Indian politics is experiencing a shift where issues of identity and ideology intersect with development, indicating that while ascriptive politics is not entirely gone, development has become a significant part of the political narrative.
128
How has economic liberalization altered the political landscape in India according to Atul Kohli?
Atul Kohli examines how economic liberalization has altered the political landscape by increasing the influence of the middle class and business community, who often push for development-oriented policies.
129
What are the implications of the centralization of economic power post-liberalization?
The centralization of economic power in the hands of a few has led to crony capitalism, which has implications for democratic processes and equity in society.
130
What is meant by inclusive growth as emphasized by scholars like Amartya Sen?
Inclusive growth refers to economic growth that is equitable and benefits all segments of society, going beyond GDP numbers to improve overall human development indices, including health, education, and social safety nets.
131
What political issues have arisen due to the neglect of the agricultural sector post-liberalization?
The neglect of the agricultural sector has led to agrarian distress, which has become a significant political issue, as agriculture still employs a large portion of the population.
132
How have welfare schemes been used in the context of economic growth in India?
Successive governments have utilized economic growth to fund large-scale welfare schemes, such as MGNREGA, which serve both developmental agendas and political mobilization.
133
What is Samman Nidhi (PM-KISAN)?
Samman Nidhi (PM-KISAN) is a scheme aimed at providing financial support to farmers, but it has been criticized for being used for political patronage rather than effective poverty alleviation.
134
What challenges are associated with subsidies in India?
Subsidies in India are a tool for political populism that have often led to fiscal imbalances, creating challenges in balancing economic growth with fiscal discipline.
135
How has India's integration with the global economy affected its vulnerability?
India's integration into the global economy has made it susceptible to external economic shocks, as evidenced during the global financial crisis of 2008.
136
What is the significance of regional parties in India's economic growth?
The rise of regional parties in India has led to policies that prioritize regional development, which can sometimes come at the expense of national economic cohesion.
137
What do Amartya Sen and Jean Drèze emphasize regarding India's economic growth?
Amartya Sen and Jean Drèze emphasize the need for inclusive economic growth in India, focusing on improving health, education, and social welfare rather than just GDP numbers.
138
What critique does Atul Kohli provide about post-liberalization growth in India?
Atul Kohli critiques the post-liberalization focus on capitalist growth, noting its failure to equitably distribute benefits across different segments of society.
139
What does Pranab Bardhan analyze regarding India's democratic politics and economic development?
Pranab Bardhan analyzes how political competition and populism in India's democratic politics can impede effective economic reforms and development.
140
What is Raghuram Rajan's stance on financial sector reforms in India?
Raghuram Rajan advocates for financial sector reforms and warns against the dangers of crony capitalism in managing economic growth.
141
What do Jagdish Bhagwati and Arvind Panagariya support regarding economic reforms?
Jagdish Bhagwati and Arvind Panagariya support economic liberalization but acknowledge its incomplete nature, advocating for further reforms in labor and land laws.
142
What concern does Thomas Piketty raise about post-liberalization economic growth in India?
Thomas Piketty points to increasing income inequality in India, questioning the inclusiveness of the economic growth achieved post-liberalization.
143
What does the shift from the Planning Commission to NITI Aayog signify in India's development strategy?
The shift from the Planning Commission to NITI Aayog marks an ongoing evolution towards more inclusive and sustainable development strategies in India.
