X NOTES CH 1 Development
X NOTES CH 1 Development
CLASS X
ECONOMICS
CHAPTER - 1 DEVELOPMENT
NOTES
Key Terms to Understand
● Purchasing Power Parity (PPP) is also introduced as a concept for calculating Gross National Income per
capita. This concept is important in understanding the differences in income across countries and will be
explained further.
Idea of Development
● Development or progress is a concept that has always been present in human societies. We have desires and
aspirations about how we want to live and what we want to achieve, both individually and as a nation.
● Questions central to development include:
○ What are the essential needs for a better life?
○ Can life be improved for everyone?
○ How should people live together in a society?
○ Is it possible to create more equality?
Understanding Development
● Development involves addressing these fundamental questions and finding ways to work towards achieving
these goals.
● This is a complex task that requires careful consideration of various factors, including economic, social, and
political aspects.
● In this chapter, the goal is to introduce the basic ideas surrounding development. A deeper exploration of
these issues will take place in higher education classes.
● Development is not limited to economics alone. To fully understand development, insights from other
subjects, such as history and political science, are also crucial.
● Our present way of life is shaped by the past—therefore, to desire change, it is essential to be aware of
history and the historical context in which we live.
● Achieving development goals can only happen through a democratic political process, where different
perspectives and voices can contribute to real-world change.
● The process of development requires active participation from all members of society.
● Democracy allows for the realization of collective hopes and possibilities by providing a platform for
everyone to be involved in the decision-making process.
Key Idea
● Development means different things to different people, as they have varying aspirations and desires.
● People prioritize what matters most to them, and at times, these priorities may conflict. For example:
○ Gender Equality: A girl may want equal freedom and opportunity as her brother, but her brother may
not agree with sharing household work.
○ Infrastructure vs. Displacement: Industrialists might want larger dams for more electricity, but this
could displace tribal people, affecting their lives and livelihoods. They may prefer smaller check dams
or tanks to irrigate their land instead.
Key Points:
1. Different Development Goals: Different people or groups have different developmental goals.
2. Conflicting Views: What might be considered development by one person or group may not be seen the
same way by another. In some cases, it might even be harmful or destructive to others.
● Common Desire for Income: A recurring goal for many people is to earn a regular income, better wages, or a
fair price for their products.
● Non-Material Goals: Apart from income, people also seek equality, freedom, security, and respect. These
non-material needs are just as important as material wealth.
○ Example: A job with high pay may offer financial benefits, but if it lacks security or time for family, it
can reduce one's quality of life.
● Development is not just about material goods. Many factors, such as friendship, security, respect, and
personal freedom, are non-material but essential for a fulfilling life.
● Even when considering a job opportunity, people weigh factors like:
○ Family facilities
○ Working atmosphere
○ Opportunities for personal growth
○ Job security
● When women are involved in paid work, it boosts their dignity both in the household and society.
● The ability to share housework and societal acceptance of women working outside are also essential factors
in women’s empowerment.
● A safe and secure environment can enable more women to take on diverse jobs or start businesses, which
contributes to overall development.
● Since individuals and groups have differing developmental goals, their ideas of national development also
vary.
● Different people in a society may have different answers about what the country should do for development.
● These varying perspectives can often lead to conflicting ideas about what constitutes development.
Landless rural laborers More workdays, better wages, quality education for children, no social discrimination
Prosperous farmers Higher income through support prices, cheap labor, foreign education for children
Farmers relying on rainfall Availability of irrigation facilities, better seeds, crop insurance
Urban unemployed youth Secure job opportunities, skill development, social security
● While money is a crucial factor, it is not the only thing that determines quality of life.
● Non-material aspects play a significant role in well-being.
● Example: The role of friendship.
○ Having friends brings emotional support.
○ Friendships cannot be measured in money but add significant value to life.
● When choosing a job, people do not just look at salary. Other factors include:
○ Location (is it far from home?).
○ Facilities for family (education, healthcare).
○ Work environment (safe, respectful).
○ Opportunities for learning and growth.
● A lower-paying job with stability and benefits may be preferred over a high-paying but insecure job.
3. What would be a fair and just development path for all?
A fair and just development path ensures economic growth, environmental sustainability, and social equality,
providing opportunities and resources to all people, including marginalized communities.
4. Would a particular development idea benefit the majority or just a small group?
It depends on the idea. Some policies, like public healthcare and education, benefit the majority, while
others, like tax cuts for large corporations, may benefit only a small group. Fair development should focus on
benefiting the majority.
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● National development involves addressing such questions and finding solutions that balance the needs and
desires of various individuals and groups.
● The process requires careful consideration of different perspectives and an effort to create a development
path that benefits a larger number of people, rather than just a select few.
● Basic Infrastructure: Ensuring access to clean water, sanitation, electricity, roads, and transport systems.
● Healthcare: Building hospitals, clinics, and providing health services to ensure the well-being of the
population.
● Education: Establishing schools and vocational training centers to promote literacy and skills development.
● Economic Opportunities: Encouraging job creation, entrepreneurship, and small-scale industries to reduce
poverty.
● Environment Sustainability: Implementing strategies to protect the environment, reduce pollution, and
ensure safe waste disposal.
● Safety & Security: Ensuring a safe environment by improving law enforcement, emergency services, and
disaster preparedness.
● Environmental Protection: Ivory Coast must prioritize environmental health, ensuring strict regulations on
waste management and reducing industrial pollution.
● Public Health: The country should improve healthcare infrastructure, especially in dealing with chemical
poisoning, and create systems for prompt medical response.
● Economic Growth: Development should focus on building industries that are safe for the environment and
public health, moving away from harmful practices.
● Regulatory Framework: Strengthen legal frameworks to hold both local and multinational companies
accountable for hazardous waste disposal and environmental degradation.
Developmental goals will depend on the specific needs of the area, but general goals could include:
● Infrastructure Development: Building or upgrading roads, bridges, and providing access to utilities like water
and electricity.
● Improving Education & Skills: Creating schools and vocational centers to enhance literacy rates and job
readiness for the population.
● Public Health Services: Establishing healthcare facilities to meet the basic health needs of the community.
● Employment & Economic Growth: Fostering local businesses, agriculture, and small industries to generate
income and reduce poverty.
● Environmental Sustainability: Ensuring proper waste management, water conservation, and creating green
spaces to improve quality of life.
● Safety & Security: Strengthening local law enforcement and emergency response systems to ensure safety in
the community.
Development is a multifaceted concept that can have conflicting interpretations depending on people's priorities.
The following are potential sources of controversy:
● Economic vs. Environmental Development: Some may argue that economic growth is the top priority, while
others will emphasize the importance of preserving the environment for long-term sustainability.
● Urbanization vs. Rural Development: People in rural areas may argue for greater investment in rural
development to improve their living conditions, while those in urban areas may prioritize infrastructure and
services in cities.
● Indigenous vs. Modern Approaches: Some may prefer development that respects traditional lifestyles and
values, while others might advocate for modern technological advancements and urbanization.
● Total Income:
○ The sum of incomes of all residents of a country.
○ However, total income is not useful for comparing countries with different population sizes.
● Average Income (Per Capita Income):
○ Formula: Total income of the country ÷ Total population
○ More relevant for comparing standards of living between countries.
○ Also known as per capita income.
● World Development Reports by the World Bank classify countries based on per capita income.
● Income Categories (2019 data):
○ High-income countries: Per capita income ≥ US$ 49,300 per year.
○ Low-income countries: Per capita income ≤ US$ 2,500 per year.
○ India’s classification:
■ Falls under low middle-income countries.
■ India’s per capita income in 2019: US$ 6,700 per year.
● Developed Countries:
○ Rich countries, excluding the Middle East and some small nations, are typically classified as
developed.
Key Takeaways
1. Development has multiple dimensions, and comparisons depend on selected criteria.
2. Income is a widely used measure of development.
3. Per capita income is more useful than total income for comparing countries.
4. World Bank categorizes countries based on per capita income.
5. India falls in the low middle-income group as of 2019.
Analysis:
Income and Other Criteria – Comparative Analysis of Haryana, Kerala, and Bihar
1. Income alone does not determine development. Despite Haryana having the highest per capita income,
Kerala performs better in health and education.
2. Kerala has the best social indicators among the three states, with low infant mortality, high literacy, and
high school attendance.
3. Bihar struggles the most, with low income, high infant mortality, low literacy, and poor school attendance.
4. Haryana has high income but still needs improvement in healthcare and education.
5. Development must be multidimensional, including economic, social, and health factors for true progress.
● Haryana has a higher per capita income than Kerala, yet Kerala performs better in health, education, and
overall quality of life.
● This raises the question: Why does higher income not necessarily mean better well-being?
● Half of the children (aged 14-15) in Bihar do not attend school beyond Class 8.
● If you lived in Bihar, nearly half of your childhood classmates would have dropped out.
● Why?
○ Lack of schools and infrastructure.
○ Social and economic barriers (especially for girls).
○ Poor functioning of government educational programs.
● Consequences:
○ These children lose opportunities for higher education and better jobs.
○ They remain trapped in a cycle of poverty and low literacy.
○ If you couldn’t go to school, you wouldn’t be able to read this text today!
● Even 70+ years after independence, the female literacy rate is still low (54%).
● The constitutional goal of universal education up to age 14 (expected by 1960) has still not been fully
achieved.
● Why does this matter?
○ Education is linked to economic and social progress.
○ Higher female literacy leads to better healthcare, lower infant mortality, and economic
empowerment.
4. Key Takeaways
○ While most children (10-14 years) attend school, some still drop out.
○ The government should strengthen school infrastructure, provide scholarships, and encourage
attendance.
3. The Importance of Education for Development
○ Literacy and education improve overall development—better jobs, health, and social status.
○ Investment in rural education, especially for girls, is crucial for long-term progress.
2. Insights from Table 1.6: India and Its Neighbours (2021 Data)
Country GNI per capita Life Expectancy Mean Years of HDI Rank
(PPP in $) (Years) Schooling (2021-22)
● Sri Lanka has the highest GNI per capita ($12,578), indicating better economic conditions.
● India’s GNI per capita ($6,590) is higher than its neighbours except Sri Lanka but lower than global averages.
● Sri Lanka again leads with 10.8 years of schooling, indicating better education infrastructure.
● India’s mean years of schooling is 6.7 years, better than some neighbours but still low.
● Pakistan has the lowest (5.2 years), reflecting weaker educational development.
(d) HDI Ranking Comparison
● Sri Lanka is ranked highest (73), indicating better overall human development.
● India ranks 132, meaning it is performing better than some neighbours but still has major room for
improvement.
● Pakistan has the lowest HDI rank (161), reflecting poor development indicators.
Key Takeaways
Sustainability of Development
● Table 1.7 shows crude oil reserves and their estimated lifespan:
Example:
● Unsustainable practice: Overuse of groundwater in Punjab has led to water crises.
● Sustainable approach: Promoting rainwater harvesting and drip irrigation.
Relevance to Development:
● This statement, attributed to Mahatma Gandhi, highlights the importance of sustainable development.
● Natural resources are sufficient for all humans to live comfortably, but over-exploitation due to greed leads
to environmental degradation and inequality.
● Example:
○ Sustainable use: If water is used responsibly, all can have access.
○ Greedy exploitation: Over-extraction of groundwater leads to scarcity, affecting future generations.
● Conclusion: True development should balance economic growth with environmental conservation and
social equity.
● A few examples of environmental degradation that you may have observed around you.
1. Deforestation:
○ Cutting down trees for urban expansion and industries leads to habitat loss and climate change.
2. Air Pollution:
○ Increased vehicle emissions and industrial smoke cause respiratory diseases and global warming.
3. Water Pollution:
○ Dumping of industrial waste and plastics into rivers and lakes contaminates drinking water sources.
4. Soil Erosion:
○ Overuse of chemical fertilizers and deforestation reduce soil fertility.
5. Waste Management Issues:
○ Improper disposal of plastic waste and e-waste leads to land pollution.
6. Climate Change Impacts:
○ Rising temperatures and erratic weather patterns due to greenhouse gas emissions.
● Why are around one-fifth of people in the country undernourished even though it is argued that there is
enough food?
Although India produces enough food to feed its entire population, around 20-23% of adults are still
undernourished. The reasons for this include:
Conclusion:
● Kerala’s low malnutrition rates show that good governance, education, and healthcare significantly impact
nutrition levels.
● Madhya Pradesh’s high malnutrition rates highlight issues of poverty, food insecurity, and poor health
infrastructure.
● To solve undernutrition, India must focus on equitable food distribution, poverty reduction, and improved
healthcare systems.
○ Rich urban boy/girl: Education, career growth, social status.
○ Adivasis: Protection of land, cultural preservation.
● Developmental goals can sometimes be conflicting (e.g., industrial growth vs. environmental protection).
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SUMMARY
● Income is important, but non-material aspects like security, respect, and equality also matter.
● Example: A job with high salary but poor work environment vs. a job with lower salary but better
working conditions.
● Point to Remember: Development includes both economic (income) and non-economic (freedom, equality)
factors.
National Development
Public Facilities
Sustainability of Development
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SHRUTI CHOUDHARY_SHIS