Describe the meaning of public health. Discuss the major public health measures undertaken by the state in recent years to control diseases.
Public health refers to the act of protecting the public's health through education, research and development and promotion of healthy lifestyle. It aims at the improvement and well being of the people around the globe. It focuses on the protection and improvement of health of the entire population rather than individuals. In recent years, India has embarked upon the development of vast infrastructure. At the village level, a variety of hospitals were set up by the name of Primary Health Centres (PHCs). The large number of hospitals is run by various voluntary agencies and by the private sector. The hospitals are managed by professionals and by Para Medical professionals trained in medical, pharmacy and nursing colleges. There has been a significant expansion in the provision of health services. The number of hospitals and dispensaries has increased from 9300 to 43300 and hospital beds from 1.2 to 7.2 million during 1951 to 2000. Also, nursing personnel has increased from 0.18 to 8.7 lakh and allopathic doctors from 0.62 to 5 lakhs during the same period. The provision of various facilities has resulted in the eradication of smallpox, polio, leprosy, and other deadly diseases.
Infrastructure contributes to the economic development of a country. Do you agree? Explain.
Discuss the main drawbacks of our health care system.
What are the various non-commercial sources of energy?
What is the significance of ‘energy’? Differentiate between commercial and non-commercial sources of energy.
What is the state of rural infrastructure in India?
How do infrastructure facilities boost production?
What is a ‘global burden of disease’?
What problems are being faced by the power sector in India?
Explain the two categories into which infrastructure is divided. How are both interdependent?
How are the rates of consumption of energy and economic growth connected?
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?
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?
Name some notable economists who estimated India’s per capita income during the colonial period?
What is the Green Revolution? Why was it implemented and how did Does it benefit the farmers? Explain in brief.
Why is agricultural diversification essential for sustainable livelihoods?
Explain how investment in education stimulates economic growth.
What were the main causes of India’s agricultural stagnation during the colonial period?
What are the indicators of educational achievement in a country?
What are the alternative channels available for agricultural marketing? Give some examples.
Why was the public sector given a leading role in industrial development during the planning period?
Enlist some problems faced by farmers during the initial years of organic farming.
While subsidies encourage farmers to use new technology, they are a huge burden on government finances. Discuss the usefulness of subsidies in the light of this fact.
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?