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?
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?
Differentiate the six systems of Indian medicine.
Explain how the opportunity costs of negative environmental impact are high.
Do you think the navaratna policy of the government helps in improving the performance of public sector undertakings in India? How?
Those public sector undertakings which are making profits should be privatised. Do you agree with this view? Why?
Compare and contrast the development of India, China and Pakistan with respect to some salient human development indicators.
How does investment in human capital contribute to growth?
Why has the industrial sector performed poorly in the reform period?
Identify six factors contributing to land degradation in India.
Distinguish between the following
(i) Strategic and Minority sale
(ii) Bilateral and Multi-lateral trade
(iii) Tariff and Non-tariff barriers.
Explain the role of micro-credit in meeting credit requirements of the poor.