Underscore some of India’s most crucial economic challenges at the time of independence.
The exploitative colonial rule of the British hampered almost every sphere of Indian economy badly. As an end-result, India faced acute economic challenges at the time of independence. The following are some of the economic challenges faced by the Indian economy:
1. Low Level of Agricultural Productivity: During the colonial rule Indian agricultural sector was used by the British to suit their own interest. Consequently, Indian agricultural sector experienced stagnancy, low level of productivity, lack of investment, poor condition of landless farmers and peasants. Thus, the immediate concern for India was to develop its agricultural sector and its productivity. Some of the immediate reforms needed at the time of independence were abolition of the Zamindari system, need of land reforms, reducing inequality of land ownership and upliftment of the peasants.
2. Infant Industrial Sector: India failed to develop a sound industrial base during colonial rule. In order to develop the industrial sector, India needed huge capital, investments, infrastructure, human skills, technical knowhow and modern technology. Further,due to stiff competition from the British industries, India's domestic industries failed to sustain. Thus, developing small scale and large scale industries simultaneously was the main concern for India to develop its industrial sector. Moreover, the need to increase the share of the industrial sector to India's GDP was one of the important economic challenges for India.
3. Lack in Infrastructure: Although there was a significant change in the infrastructural development in the country, this was not sufficient to improve the performance of the agricultural and industrial sector. Also, there was a need to upgrade the existing infrastructure and to modernise the infrastructure to enhance its efficiency and effectiveness.
4. Poverty and Inequalities: India was trapped in the vicious circle of poverty and inequality. The colonial rule drained out a significant portion of India's wealth to Britain. Consequently, the majority of India's population was poverty stricken. This further exaggerated economic inequalities across the country.
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?
What were the main causes of India’s agricultural stagnation during the colonial period?
Highlight the salient features of India’s pre-independence occupational structure.
The traditional handicrafts industries were ruined under the British rule. Do you agree with this view? Give reasons in support of your answer.
What was the focus of the economic policies pursued by the colonial government in India? What were the impacts of these policies?
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 differences between human capital and human development.
Critically evaluate the role of the rural banking system in the process of rural development in India.
What factors contribute to human capital formation?
Find the odd man out (i) owner of a saloon (ii) a cobbler (iii) a cashier in Mother Dairy (iv) a tuition master (v) transport operator (vi) construction worker.
Why are regular salaried employees more in urban areas than in rural areas?
What are the major factors responsible for the high growth of the service sector?
Do you think the navaratna policy of the government helps in improving the performance of public sector undertakings in India? How?
Why do we observe regional differences in educational attainment in India?
Though the public sector is very essential for industries, many public sector undertakings incur huge losses and are a drain on the economy’s resources. Discuss the usefulness of public sector undertakings in the light of this fact.
Raj is going to school. When he is not in school, you will find him working in his farm. Can you consider him as a worker? Why?