Why calorie-based norm is not adequate to identify the poor?
The calorie-based norm is not adequate to identify the poor because of the following reasons:
a) This mechanism does not differentiate a very poor from other poor. It categorises them into one category that is, 'poor'. Consequently, it indicates a whole class of poor and not, especially, those poor who are the most needy.
b) This mechanism uses inappropriate proxies for income like Monthly Per Capita Expenditure (MPCE), etc. These items do not act as suitable and appropriate proxies for income to measure calorie requirements.
c) This mechanism does not consider various important factors that are associated with poverty. These factors are health care, clean drinking water, proper sanitation and basic education. Mere estimation of calorie intake does not reflect the true economic condition of an individual.
d) Another shortcoming of calorie-based norm is that it fails to account for social factors that exaggerate and worsen poverty like ill health, lack of access to resources, lack of civil and political freedom, etc. Therefore, because of these shortcomings in the calorie-based norm, it cannot be used to identify the poor.
Is there any relationship between unemployment and poverty? Explain.
Illustrate the difference between rural and urban poverty. Is it correct to say that poverty has shifted from rural to urban areas? Use the trends in poverty ratio to support your answer.
What programmes has the government adopted to help the elderly people and poor and destitute women?
The three dimensional attack on poverty adopted by the govern-ment has not succeded in poverty alleviation in India. Comment.
Why are employment generation programmes important in poverty alleviation in India?
How can creation of income earning assets address the problem of poverty?
Suppose you are a resident of a village, suggest a few measures to tackle the problem of poverty.
What is meant by ‘Food for Work’ programme?
Suppose you are from a poor family and you wish to get help from the government to set up a petty shop. Under which scheme will you apply for assistance and why?
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?
Name some notable economists who estimated India’s per capita income during the colonial period?
Trace the relationship between human capital and economic growth.
How government organisations facilitate the functioning of schools and hospitals in India?
Name some notable economists who estimated India’s per capita income during the colonial period?
Why are regional and economic groupings formed?
What are High Yielding Variety (HYV) seeds?
Explain how the opportunity costs of negative environmental impact are high.
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 two-fold motive behind the systematic de-industrialisation affected by the British in pre-independent India?
Argue in favour of the need for different forms of government intervention in education and health sectors.
What is the sectoral composition of an economy? Is it necessary that the service sector should contribute maximum to the GDP of an economy? Comment.