Critically evaluate the role of the rural banking system in the process of rural development in India.
With the nationalisation of the commercial banks after 1969, the concept of social banking came into existence. It implies extending institutional credit at moderate rate of interest. The National Bank for Agricultural and Rural Development (NABARD) has made a significant progress in the field of rural credit. It cannot be denied that the institutional credit has freed the farmers from the trap of money lenders and mahajans. But, on the other hand, institutional credit is not free from deficiencies. The rural or institutional credit has invariably been associated with security or collateral. Consequently, a substantial number of farmers cannot avail credit. Also, the commercial banks failed to encourage the habit of thrift among farmers. In addition to this, the leniency on the part of the government to collect taxes was another setback in the rural banking. This further led to the emergence of the feeling among the farmers of not repaying the borrowed amount. This increased the defaulter's rate and led to financial unfeasibility for the rural banks.
Explain the steps taken by the government in developing rural markets.
Distinguish between ‘Green Revolution’ and ‘Golden Revolution’.
Why is agricultural diversification essential for sustainable livelihoods?
Bring out the importance of animal husbandry, fisheries and horticulture as a source of diversification.
Discuss the importance of credit in rural development.
Explain the role of micro-credit in meeting credit requirements of the poor.
What is organic farming and how does it promote sustainable development?
Explain the role of non-farm employment in promoting rural diversification.
What do you mean by rural development? Bring out the key issues in rural development.
‘Information technology plays a very significant role in achieving sustainable development and food security’ - comment.
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?
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?
Name some notable economists who estimated India’s per capita income during the colonial period?
What programmes has the government adopted to help the elderly people and poor and destitute women?
Explain the Great Leap Forward campaign of China as initiated in 1958.
Explain how import substitution can protect domestic industry.
Do you think outsourcing is good for India? Why are developed countries opposing it?
Outline the steps involved in attaining sustainable development in India.
Give reasons for the slow growth and re-emergence of poverty in Pakistan.
State any four pressing environmental concerns of India. Correction for environmental damages involves opportunity costs — explain.
What do you mean by transmission and distribution losses? How can they be reduced?
Compare and contrast India and China’s sectoral contribution towards GDP in 2003. What does it indicate?
Why are employment generation programmes important in poverty alleviation in India?