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.
The major difference between rural and urban poverty in India lies in the standard of living. The latter enjoys higher living standards compared to the former and the standard of living may be attributable to the wide income disparity and gap between the two. Another major difference is the level of education and also access to education. The urban Poor enjoy better access to quality education than the rural counterparts. Thirdly, health care facilities prevalent in the urban areas are far better than that of in the rural areas. Also the rural poor people lack access to these health facilities and important medical information. Fourthly, the difference lies in the type of houses they live in. The rural poor live in kutcha houses, while the urban poor reside in pucca houses which are well developed with proper sanitation facilities. Fifthly, rural poverty is temporary as the rural poor can migrate to urban areas to seek employment but, on the other hand, urban poverty is permanent.
Is there any relationship between unemployment and poverty? Explain.
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 calorie-based norm is not adequate to identify the poor?
Why are employment generation programmes important in poverty alleviation in India?
Suppose you are a resident of a village, suggest a few measures to tackle the problem of poverty.
How can creation of income earning assets address 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?
Those public sector undertakings which are making profits should be privatised. Do you agree with this view? Why?
Why were reforms introduced in India?
Do you think that in the last 50 years, employment generated in the country is commensurate with the growth of GDP in India? How?
Discuss economic reforms in India in the light of social justice and welfare.
What are the functions of the environment?
Indicate the volume and direction of trade at the time of independence.
State any four pressing environmental concerns of India. Correction for environmental damages involves opportunity costs — explain.
Why was the public sector given a leading role in industrial development during the planning period?
What problems are being faced by the power sector in India?
Describe the path of developmental initiatives taken by Pakistan for its economic development.