Explain the two categories into which infrastructure is divided. How are both interdependent?
Infrastructure is broadly classified under two categories:
a. Economic infrastructure
b. Social infrastructure
Economic Infrastructure Refers to the elements of economic change that aid in the process of production and distribution. It improves the quality of economic resources and, thus, raises the productivity of the economy as a whole. In this way, it serves as a support system to economic growth. Energy, transportation, communication, banking and financial institutions are some of the examples of economic infrastructure. Greater the economic infrastructure, greater will be the production and more generation of employment opportunities. Thus, expenditure incurred on the economic infrastructure can be regarded as a necessary condition for economic growth. Social Infrastructure refers to all those facilities and institutions that enhance the quality of human capital. Educational institutions, hospitals, nursing homes, housing facilities etc. are some of the examples of social infrastructures. The availability of such infrastructures raises the human productivity, thereby, improves the quality of standard of living.
Unlike economic infrastructure, social infrastructure indirectly increases the productivity and production of goods and services. For example, availability of better health care and medical facilities enable a perennial supply of healthy workforce that in turn is reflected in the form of increased production levels. Both economic and social infrastructures are interdependent on and complementary to each other. While economic infrastructure fosters economic growth, social infrastructure enhances the quality of standard of living and thereby leads to the welfare of the economy as a whole. The combined effect of these two infrastructures contributes to the prosperity of the economy. The economic growth attained with the help of economic infrastructure is imperfect without t human development which is attained by means of social infrastructure. Thus, one infrastructure supports the other.
Compare and contrast the development of India, China and Pakistan with respect to some salient human development indicators.
How is RBI controlling the commercial banks?
Explain the steps taken by the government in developing rural markets.
What are the functions of the environment?
Distinguish between the following
(i) Strategic and Minority sale
(ii) Bilateral and Multi-lateral trade
(iii) Tariff and Non-tariff barriers.
Why was the public sector given a leading role in industrial development during the planning period?
Match the following:
1. Prime Minister 3. Quota 4. Land Reforms 5. HYV Seeds 6. Subsidy |
A. Seeds that give large proportion of output C. Chairperson of the planning commission D. The money value of all the final goods and services produced within the economy in one year. E. Improvements in the field of agriculture to increase its productivity F. The monetary assistance given by government for production activities. |
Infrastructure contributes to the economic development of a country. Do you agree? Explain.
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.
Highlight any two serious adverse environmental consequences of development in India. India’s environmental problems pose a dichotomy — they are poverty induced and, at the same time, due to affluence in living standards — is this true?
Give a quantitative appraisal of India’s demographic profile during the colonial period.
Discuss the importance of credit in rural development.
Why do we observe regional differences in educational attainment in India?
What was the focus of the economic policies pursued by the colonial government in India? What were the impacts of these policies?
Compare and contrast the development of India, China and Pakistan with respect to some salient human development indicators.
Why did RBI have to change its role from controller to facilitator of financial sector in India?
The traditional handicrafts industries were ruined under the British rule. Do you agree with this view? Give reasons in support of your answer.
What do you understand by the drain of Indian wealth during the colonial period?
Explain the supply-demand reversal of environmental resources.
Account for the current environmental crisis.