Questions on Socio-economic Development

1. Why do GDP and per capita income not effectively measure the quality of people’s life?

The GDP is a specific measure of economic welfare that does not take into account important aspects such as leisure time, environmental quality, freedom, or social justice or gender equality and similarly the per capita income numbers also do not indicate the level of income equality among people.

2. How is the concept of human development different from the traditional concept of social and economic development?

It covers almost all aspects of human life. It places people at the centre of the concerns of development and emphasizes that the purpose of development is to enlarge all human choices, and not just income.

3. Define Sustainable Development.

Sustainable development is defined as ‘development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs’.

4. Differentiate between disparities and diversities.

There are certain differences which are already created by nature. The differences created by nature are called diversity. But there are certain differences created by human being. The inequalities created by human being are called disparities.

5. How is Colonialism one of the important factors in creating regional disparities in India?

During the pre-independence era, areas which were not important from commercial or political interests received little attention and it continued even after independence.

6. Which one of following States can be grouped under economically developed States?

  1. Bihar
  2. Orissa
  3. Arunachal Pradesh
  4. Haryana

Answer: D

7. Why are tribal areas of Central India underdeveloped in comparison to most of the areas in the country? Write below the correct statements selecting out of the following:

  1. The areas do not have much natural resources.
  2. They do not have any major industries in this area.
  3. The economic as well as human development for local people is very low.
  4. None of the above.

Answer: C

8. Which are the major socially disadvantaged groups?

The major socially disadvantaged groups are Scheduled Castes (SCs), Scheduled Tribes (STs), Other Backward Classes (OBCs), Minorities and Women.

9. Do you think that the steps taken so far have been empowering Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes to reap the benefits of socio-economic development? Give three reasons.

The steps taken so far have been empowering the SCs and STs. The reasons are:

  1. Different programmes have been initiated such as mid-day meal, supply of books etc.
  2. Schools for SCs and STs such as Kasturba Gandhi Balika Vidyalaya and special treatment in Navodaya Vidyalaya, National Talent Search Schemes, Scholarships are also provided.
  3. NSFDC, NSKFDC, NSTFDC, SCDC and STDC have been opened to provide financial support to SCs and STs.
  4. TRIFED provide marketing assistance to STs for their products.

10. Why are the efforts made so far have not been able to empower women in our society?

The efforts made so far has not been able to empower women in our society because

  1. The access of women, particularly those belonging to weaker sections of society to education, health and productive resource is inadequate.
  2. They remain largely marginalized, poor and socially excluded.

11. Identify the target groups for Sarva Siksha Abhiyan and National Literacy Mission.

(i) Children of school going age but not attending the school (ii) adult illiterates.

12. Why has Government of India started National Rural Health Mission (NRHM)?

There is highly unequal distribution of health facilities in the country and most of the facilities are concentrated around major cities and towns. To reduce the inequality, Government of India started an ambitious project of National Rural Health Mission (NRHM).

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