What objectives did the British intend to achieve through their policies of infrastructure development in India?
One cannot deny the fact that under the British rule, there was significant change in the infrastructural development in the country. But the bonafide motive of the British behind the infrastructure development was only to serve their own colonial interests. There was infrastructural development in the fields of transport and communication. The roads served the purpose of facilitating transportation of raw materials from different parts of the country to ports, and ports were developed for easy and fast exports to and imports from Britain. Similarly, railways were introduced and developed for the transportation of finished goods of British industries to the interiors of India. Railways assisted British industries to widen the market for their finished products. Post and telegraphs were developed to enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of the British administration. Hence, the aim of infrastructural development was not the growth and development of the Indian economy but to serve their own interest.
Indicate the volume and direction of trade at the time of independence.
Critically appraise some of the shortfalls of the industrial policy pursued by the British colonial administration.
What do you understand by the drain of Indian wealth during the colonial period?
When was India’s first official census operation undertaken?
Name some notable economists who estimated India’s per capita income during the colonial period?
Name some modern industries which were in operation in our country at the time of independence?
Highlight the salient features of India’s pre-independence occupational structure.
What were the main causes of India’s agricultural stagnation during the colonial period?
The traditional handicrafts industries were ruined under the British rule. Do you agree with this view? Give reasons in support of your answer.
Give a quantitative appraisal of India’s demographic profile during the colonial period.
What are the two major sources of human capital in a country?
What do you mean by rural development? Bring out the key issues in rural development.
Define a plan?
Who is a worker?
Explain the term ‘infrastructure’.
What is meant by environment?
Why are regional and economic groupings formed?
Why were reforms introduced in India?
Why calorie-based norm is not adequate to identify the poor?
What are the indicators of educational achievement in a country?
Bring out the importance of animal husbandry, fisheries and horticulture as a source of diversification.
What is the Green Revolution? Why was it implemented and how did Does it benefit the farmers? Explain in brief.
Bring out the need for on-the-job-training for a person.
In your view, is it essential for the government to regulate the fee structure in education and health care institutions? If so, why?
Discuss the following as a source of human capital formation
(i) Health infrastructure
(ii) Expenditure on migration.
Education is considered to be an important input for the development of a nation. How?
How has women’s health become a matter of great concern?
Why are less women found in regular salaried employment?
Explain how import substitution can protect domestic industry.
Who is a casual wage labourer?