MPS-003 Solved Assignment

Explain the concept of development and its relationship with democracy.

Answer: 1. Introduction to the Concept of Development

• Economic Development Leading to Democracy: One of the prominent arguments, known as the modernization theory, suggests that as countries become economically developed, they are more likely to adopt democratic systems. This theory posits that industrialization, urbanization, and education create conditions favorable for democratic governance. As societies become wealthier and more educated, people demand greater political participation, and democratic values such as freedom, equality, and human rights become more widespread.

• Democracy Fostering Development: On the other hand, democracy itself can play a crucial role in promoting development. Democratic systems are more likely to prioritize policies that benefit the broader population, as leaders are accountable to voters. Democracies typically have checks and balances that prevent the concentration of power and ensure the fair distribution of resources.

Analyse the functioning of the federal system in India.

Answer: 1. Introduction to the Federal System in India

• Union List: This list includes subjects of national importance, such as defense, foreign affairs, atomic energy, and currency. The central government has exclusive authority to legislate on these subjects.
• State List: Subjects of regional or local importance, such as police, public health, agriculture, and prisons, fall under the State List. State governments have the power to legislate and administer policies on these issues.
• Concurrent List: This list contains subjects on which both the central and state governments can legislate, such as education, forest conservation, marriage, and bankruptcy. In case of a conflict between central and state legislation on a concurrent subject, central law prevails.

• Centralization of Power: Critics argue that India’s federal system is tilted in favor of the central government, especially in matters related to financial control, national security, and emergency powers. The frequent use of President’s Rule and the center’s ability to legislate on state matters during national emergencies have been viewed as threats to state autonomy.
• Regional Disparities: Economic and developmental disparities between states create tension in the federal system. Wealthier states often demand more financial autonomy, while poorer states depend heavily on central assistance. The unequal distribution of resources can exacerbate regional imbalances.
• Inter-State Conflicts: India has witnessed several inter-state disputes, particularly over issues like water-sharing (e.g., the Cauvery River dispute between Tamil Nadu and Karnataka). Such conflicts test the ability of the federal system to mediate competing state interests and maintain national unity.
• Political Polarization: The federal structure also faces challenges when political parties governing at the center and in the states have differing ideologies. In such cases, cooperation between the center and states may be hindered by political rivalry, leading to administrative inefficiencies and policy deadlock.

Elaborate on the Liberalisation, Privatisation, and Globalization (LPG) policies.

Answer: 1. Introduction to Liberalisation, Privatisation, and Globalisation (LPG)

• Abolition of the License Raj: The complex system of licenses and approvals required to start and operate businesses was significantly reduced. This allowed private companies to grow and compete more freely in the market.
• Reduction of Trade Barriers: Tariffs and duties on imports were lowered, encouraging international trade and making the Indian market more competitive globally.
• Financial Sector Reforms: The banking sector was opened to private and foreign participation, leading to increased efficiency and competition in the financial markets.
• Tax Reforms: The tax system was reformed to simplify the tax structure and reduce the tax burden on businesses, making India a more attractive destination for investment.

• Disinvestment: The government reduced its stake in PSUs by selling shares to private investors. Disinvestment aimed to raise capital for the government and reduce the financial burden of managing loss-making enterprises.
• Outright Sale: In some cases, PSUs were entirely sold off to private companies to foster more efficient management and enhance productivity.
• Public-Private Partnerships (PPP): In sectors like infrastructure, the government encouraged PPPs, where the public and private sectors collaborate to build and manage projects such as highways, airports, and power plants.

• Foreign Direct Investment (FDI): India liberalised its FDI policies, allowing foreign companies to invest in key sectors such as telecommunications, manufacturing, retail, and information technology. This brought in much-needed capital, technology, and expertise, contributing to rapid industrial growth and job creation.
• Foreign Trade: The reduction of trade barriers, tariffs, and import duties under globalisation allowed India to become an active participant in the global trading system. India’s export sectors, particularly in information technology, textiles, and pharmaceuticals, have grown exponentially since the adoption of globalisation policies.
• Outsourcing and Services Sector: One of the most visible impacts of globalisation on India has been the rise of its services sector, especially in IT and business process outsourcing (BPO). Global companies began outsourcing services such as software development, customer service, and technical support to India due to its skilled workforce and low labor costs. This led to the rise of cities like Bangalore, Hyderabad, and Pune as global IT hubs.
• Cultural Exchange: Globalisation also brought about greater cultural exchange, with foreign brands, entertainment, and ideas becoming more accessible in India. This has resulted in increased cultural intermingling, the spread of consumerism, and the rise of globalized lifestyles.

• Economic Growth: Since the implementation of LPG reforms, India has seen substantial economic growth, becoming one of the fastest-growing economies in the world. The country’s GDP grew at an accelerated rate, lifting millions of people out of poverty.
• Expansion of the Middle Class: The reforms contributed to the expansion of India’s middle class, which now plays a major role in driving consumer demand and fueling economic growth.
• Increased Employment: The rise of the IT and services sector, along with foreign investments, created millions of jobs, particularly for educated young professionals. However, the benefits of employment growth have not been evenly distributed across all sectors or regions.
• Rising Inequality: One of the criticisms of the LPG policies is the widening gap between the rich and the poor. While urban areas and certain sectors have benefited greatly, rural areas and low-skilled workers have not experienced the same level of growth, leading to rising inequality.
• Foreign Dependency: As India became more integrated with the global economy, it also became more dependent on foreign capital and investments. This can lead to vulnerabilities, especially during global financial crises or economic downturns.

Elaborate upon the evolution of peasant movements in India.

Answer: 1. Introduction to Peasant Movements in India

• The Indigo Revolt (1859-60): One of the first organized peasant movements was the Indigo Revolt in Bengal. Peasants were forced to cultivate indigo, which was in high demand in European markets. This led to exploitation, as peasants were paid low prices and forced to use their land for indigo cultivation instead of food crops. The revolt was largely successful, forcing the British government to intervene and abolish indigo cultivation under exploitative contracts.
• Deccan Riots (1875): In the Deccan region of Maharashtra, peasants protested against the heavy debt burden imposed by moneylenders. The British revenue system allowed moneylenders to seize the land of indebted peasants. The revolt was marked by attacks on moneylenders’ property and records, reflecting the deep resentment of peasants against their economic exploitation.
• Pabna Revolt (1873-76): The Pabna Revolt in Bengal was directed against the oppressive Zamindari system, where landlords had the legal right to collect high taxes from peasants. The revolt was non-violent, and peasants organized themselves into groups to resist unjust rent collection.

• Champaran Movement (1917): Mahatma Gandhi’s involvement in the Champaran movement in Bihar marked a significant moment in the Indian independence movement. The movement was a protest against the forced cultivation of indigo under the Tinkathia system. Gandhi’s method of non-violent resistance (Satyagraha) was used to address peasant grievances, and it resulted in the abolition of the oppressive system, setting a precedent for peasant involvement in the national struggle.
• Kheda Satyagraha (1918): In Kheda, Gujarat, peasants were unable to pay taxes due to a famine. Led by Gandhi and Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, the peasants launched a satyagraha demanding tax relief. The government eventually relented, and the peasants’ taxes were suspended.
• Bardoli Satyagraha (1928): Another important peasant movement was the Bardoli Satyagraha led by Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel in Gujarat. It was a response to the increase in land revenue assessment by the British government. The movement was successful, with the government eventually reducing the tax. Patel’s leadership in this struggle earned him the title "Sardar" (leader).

• Telangana Rebellion (1946-51): One of the most significant post-independence peasant movements was the Telangana Rebellion in the Hyderabad state. The rebellion was led by the Communist Party of India (CPI) and was directed against the feudal landlords (zamindars) and the oppressive practices of the Nizam’s rule. Peasants demanded the abolition of the Zamindari system, land redistribution, and the end of bonded labor. Although the movement was eventually suppressed by the Indian military, it raised awareness about the need for comprehensive land reforms.
• Naxalbari Movement (1967): The Naxalbari uprising in West Bengal, led by a faction of the Communist Party of India (Marxist), was a radical peasant movement aimed at overthrowing the existing feudal order through armed struggle. The movement was initiated by landless peasants demanding land redistribution and the end of landlordism. Although the movement was violently suppressed, it gave rise to the Naxalite movement, which continued to influence peasant and tribal struggles across India, particularly in central and eastern regions.
• Green Revolution and Its Impact: The introduction of the Green Revolution in the 1960s brought significant changes to Indian agriculture, particularly in states like Punjab, Haryana, and Uttar Pradesh. While it increased agricultural productivity and made India self-sufficient in food grains, it also led to new forms of inequality. Wealthier farmers benefited from access to better technology, seeds, and irrigation, while small and marginal farmers struggled to compete. This created new tensions and fueled demands for land reform and better access to resources.

• Anti-SEZ Movements: In the 2000s, several peasant movements arose in opposition to the creation of Special Economic Zones (SEZs), which involved the acquisition of agricultural land by the government for industrial purposes. Protests in places like Nandigram (West Bengal) and Singur highlighted concerns about land acquisition, displacement, and the loss of livelihoods for farmers.
• Recent Farmer Protests (2020-2021): The most recent and prominent peasant movement in India was the 2020-2021 farmer protests against three new farm laws introduced by the central government. Farmers, particularly from Punjab and Haryana, opposed these laws, arguing that they would lead to the dismantling of the Minimum Support Price (MSP) system and allow for greater corporate control over agriculture. After a year of sustained protests, the government agreed to repeal the controversial laws, showcasing the enduring power of peasant mobilization in India.

The Telangana Peasant Rebellion.

Answer: The Telangana Peasant Rebellion

Political participation.

Answer: Political Participation

Explain the behavioralist concept of political participation.

Answer: Behavioralist Concept of Political Participation

Explain the nature of regionalism in India.

Answer: Nature of Regionalism in India

Examine the Basic Minimum Needs approach to human development.

Answer: Basic Minimum Needs Approach to Human Development

• Access to adequate nutrition: Ensuring that all individuals have enough food to lead healthy lives.
• Basic healthcare services: Providing access to healthcare facilities to prevent diseases, reduce mortality rates, and improve overall health outcomes.
• Universal primary education: Guaranteeing education for all children, which is crucial for empowerment and long-term societal development.
• Housing and sanitation: Ensuring that people have safe and secure shelter with access to clean water and sanitation facilities.
• Employment and income security: Providing opportunities for gainful employment that allows individuals to meet their basic needs.

Discuss the causes of over-urbanisation.

Answer: Causes of Over-Urbanization

1. Rural-to-Urban Migration: One of the primary causes of over-urbanization is the large-scale migration of people from rural to urban areas in search of better economic opportunities, education, and healthcare. In many developing countries, agriculture cannot sustain the growing rural population due to lack of resources, leading to mass movement toward cities. This creates a mismatch between job availability and the number of migrants, resulting in unemployment and underemployment in urban areas.
2. Industrialization: Rapid industrialization attracts people to cities due to the promise of jobs in factories, service sectors, and informal economies. However, if urban growth outpaces the creation of sufficient job opportunities and infrastructure, it leads to congestion, slums, and inadequate basic services like water, sanitation, and healthcare.
3. Lack of Rural Development: Over-urbanization is also driven by the underdevelopment of rural areas, where limited access to education, healthcare, and employment opportunities pushes people to migrate to urban centers. The neglect of rural infrastructure and public services creates a stark contrast with urban areas, encouraging rural populations to seek better opportunities in cities.
4. Population Growth: High rates of natural population growth in cities, coupled with migration, can exacerbate over-urbanization. Many cities in developing nations are growing at a faster rate than their ability to expand infrastructure, leading to challenges in housing, transport, and public services.
5. Urban Pull Factors: The allure of better living standards, education, healthcare, and entertainment in cities acts as a pull factor. People often perceive urban areas as places where they can achieve better prospects, despite the challenges of overcrowding and high living costs.
6. Globalization: In recent decades, globalization has facilitated the expansion of global trade, finance, and industry, further concentrating economic activities in urban areas. This has made cities the hub of opportunities, attracting more people and contributing to over-urbanization.

Internal Migration.

Answer: Internal Migration

1. Economic Opportunities: One of the primary reasons for internal migration is the search for better employment opportunities. People move from rural to urban areas in hopes of finding jobs in industries, construction, or the service sector, as cities often offer better wages and working conditions compared to rural regions.
2. Rural-to-Urban Migration: This is the most common form of internal migration, especially in developing countries. The decline of agricultural productivity, lack of infrastructure, and limited access to education and healthcare in rural areas push individuals to migrate to urban centers where industrialization and modernization offer more opportunities.
3. Education and Health: The availability of better educational institutions and healthcare services in urban areas also encourages internal migration. Many families relocate to cities to provide their children with access to quality education, while others move for medical treatment or better healthcare facilities.
4. Environmental Factors: Natural disasters such as floods, droughts, and earthquakes, as well as long-term environmental changes like climate change, often force people to migrate internally. This type of migration is typically temporary, with individuals relocating to safer or more sustainable areas within the country.
5. Social and Cultural Reasons: Internal migration can also be driven by marriage, family reunification, or cultural factors. In some societies, it is customary for women to migrate to their husband’s home after marriage, while others may move to be closer to family or relatives.

Sustainable Development.

Answer: Sustainable Development

1. Economic Sustainability: This involves promoting economic growth that is inclusive, equitable, and environmentally responsible. Economic sustainability ensures that people have access to employment, resources, and services without depleting the natural capital that supports economic activity. Sustainable practices in industry, agriculture, and commerce focus on innovation, resource efficiency, and long-term investment strategies.
2. Environmental Sustainability: The protection of natural ecosystems is central to sustainable development. It involves the responsible use of resources like water, soil, minerals, and forests, while ensuring the conservation of biodiversity and the reduction of pollution. This pillar also emphasizes the need to address climate change by reducing carbon emissions, adopting renewable energy sources, and ensuring that human activities do not harm the environment for future generations.
3. Social Sustainability: Social sustainability ensures that development is inclusive, fair, and benefits all members of society. It focuses on reducing inequality, promoting human rights, improving access to basic needs such as education, healthcare, and housing, and fostering social cohesion. Social sustainability also emphasizes the need for participatory decision-making processes and the empowerment of marginalized communities.