Overview
This lecture explains the concept of development in economics for Class 10, discussing its meaning for individuals and nations, comparison of development among countries, the importance of public facilities, and the concept of sustainable development.
Meaning of Development
- Development means improvement in quality of life, not just increase in income.
- It is a subjective term and can mean different things for different people.
- Development goals vary among individuals based on their needs and surroundings.
- Non-income aspects like freedom, equality, security, and respect are important for development.
Developmental Goals and Conflicts
- People from different backgrounds (farmers, laborers, businesspeople) have different development goals.
- Conflicting goals may occur; e.g., building a dam benefits some but harms others (displacement).
- Development for one may cause destruction for another.
National Development
- National development involves combining the development of all individuals.
- Notions of national development may differ among groups and communities.
- The best approach considers the maximum benefit for the maximum number of people.
Comparing Countries
- Development can be compared using income measures such as total income and average income (per capita income).
- Per capita income is calculated by dividing the total income of a country by its population.
- World Bank classifies countries as rich or poor based on per capita income.
Limitations of Income as a Measure
- Average income does not show how income is distributed among people (inequality).
- Only comparing income ignores non-monetary aspects of development such as health and education.
Other Criteria for Development
- Indicators like infant mortality rate, literacy rate, and net attendance ratio provide a fuller picture of development.
- States like Kerala perform better in health and education despite having lower income than some other states.
Public Facilities
- Public facilities (clean water, health, education, transport) are essential for quality of life.
- Money cannot buy all public goods; collective provision is necessary.
- The government plays a crucial role in providing public facilities.
Human Development Index (HDI)
- HDI measures development based on per capita income, life expectancy, and education levels.
- United Nations publishes Human Development Report ranking countries by HDI.
- HDI provides a more comprehensive measure than income alone.
Sustainable Development
- Sustainable development means using resources in a way that future generations can also benefit.
- Overuse of resources like groundwater or crude oil leads to long-term problems.
- Development should balance present needs with resource conservation for the future.
Key Terms & Definitions
- Development — Improvement in living standards, not just income.
- Per Capita Income — Average income per person; total income divided by population.
- Infant Mortality Rate — Number of children dying before age one per 1000 live births.
- Literacy Rate — Percentage of people above a certain age who can read and write.
- Net Attendance Ratio — Ratio of children attending school to those eligible.
- Public Facilities — Services provided collectively for the public good (water, education, healthcare).
- Human Development Index (HDI) — Composite index of income, health, and education.
- Sustainable Development — Development that meets present needs without compromising future resources.
Action Items / Next Steps
- Read the NCERT textbook chapter on Development.
- Review data on per capita income, literacy, and health indicators for different states.
- Practice questions on comparing countries/states using HDI and other indicators.
- Reflect on the importance of sustainability in development policies.