development in india essay

The World Bank In India

With a population of more than 1.4 billion, India is the world’s largest democracy. Over the past decade, the country’s integration into the global economy has been accompanied by economic growth. India has now emerged as a global player.

AT A GLANCE

India is one of the fastest growing economies of the world and is poised to continue on this path, with aspirations to reach high middle income status by 2047, the centenary of Indian independence. It is also committed to ensuring that its continued growth path is equipped to deal with the challenges of climate change, and in line with its goal of achieving net-zero emissions by 2070.

The growth of the past two decades has also led to India making remarkable progress in reducing extreme poverty. Between 2011 and 2019, the country is estimated to have halved the share of the population living in extreme poverty - below $2.15 per person per day (2017 PPP) (World Bank Poverty and Inequality Portal and Macro Poverty Outlook, Spring 2023). In recent years, however, the pace of poverty reduction has slowed especially during the COVID-19 pandemic, but has since moderated in 2021-22.

Certain challenges persist. Inequality in consumption continues, with a Gini index of around 35 over the past two decades. Child malnutrition has remained high, with 35.5 percent of children under the age of 5 years being stunted, with the figure rising to 67 percent for children in the 6-59 months age group. Headline employment indicators have improved since 2020 but concerns remain about the quality of jobs created and the real growth in wages, as well as around the low participation of women in the laborforce.

India’s aspiration to achieve high income status by 2047 will need to be realized through a climate-resilient growth process that delivers broad-based gains to the bottom half of the population. Growth-oriented reforms will need to be accompanied by an expansion in good jobs that keeps pace with the number of labor market entrants. At the same time, gaps in economic participation will need to be addressed, including by bringing more women into the workforce.

The World Bank is partnering with the government in this effort by helping strengthen policies, institutions, and investments to create a better future for the country and its people through green, resilient, and inclusive development.

Economic Outlook

After real GDP contracted in FY20/21 due to the COVID-19 pandemic, growth bounced back strongly in FY21/22, supported by accommodative monetary and fiscal policies and wide vaccine coverage. Consequently, in 2022, India emerged as one of the fastest growing economies in the world, despite significant challenges in the global environment – including renewed disruptions of supply lines following the rise in geopolitical tensions, the synchronized tightening of global monetary policies, and inflationary pressures.

In FY22/23, India’s real GDP expanded at an estimated 6.9 percent. Growth was underpinned by robust domestic demand, strong investment activity bolstered by the government’s push for investment in infrastructure, and buoyant private consumption, particularly among higher income earners. The composition of domestic demand also changed, with government consumption being lower due to fiscal consolidation.

Since Q3 FY22/23, however, there have been signs of moderation, although the overall growth momentum remains robust. The persisting headwinds – rising borrowing costs, tightening financial conditions and ongoing inflationary pressures – are expected to weigh on India’s growth in FY23/24. Real GDP growth is likely to moderate to 6.3 percent in FY23/24 from the estimated 6.9 percent in FY22/23.

Both the general government fiscal deficit and public debt to GDP ratio increased sharply in FY20/21 and have been declining gradually since then, with the fiscal deficit falling from over 13 percent in FY20/21 to an estimated 9.4 percent in FY22/23. Public debt has fallen from over 87 percent of GDP to around 83 percent over the same period. The consolidation has largely been driven by an increase in revenues and a gradual withdrawal of pandemic-related stimulus measures. At the same time, the government has remained committed to increasing capital spending, particularly on infrastructure, to boost growth and competitiveness.

Last Updated: Sep 27, 2023

THE WORLD BANK GROUP AND INDIA

The World Bank Group’s (WBG) over seven decade-long partnership with India is strong and enduring. Since the first loan to Indian Railways in 1949, the WBG’s financing, analytical work, and advisory services have contributed to the country’s development. International Development Association – the WBG’s soft-lending arm created for developing countries like India - has supported activities that have had a considerable impact on universalizing primary education; empowering rural communities through a series of rural livelihoods projects; revolutionizing agriculture through support of the Green and White (milk) Revolutions; and helping to combat polio, tuberculosis, and HIV/AIDS.   In FY18, the relationship reached a major milestone when India became a low middle-income country and graduated from International Development Association financing.

COUNTRY PARTNERSHIP FRAMEWORK

The WBG’s present engagement with India is guided by its Country Partnership Framework for FY18-22 (CPF).  The CPF builds on the decades-long partnership and seeks to address the country’s development aspirations and priority needs identified in the Group’s  Systematic Country Diagnostic for India . It aims to work with India so that the country’s rapidly growing economy makes much more efficient use of resources; fosters inclusiveness by investing in human capital and generating more quality jobs; and develops strong public sector institutions that are capable of meeting the demands of a rising middle-class economy. The CPF’s approach combines a focus on ‘what’ the WBG will work on and ‘how’ it will engage India in the process.  What  will   the WBG work on?

• Promoting resource-efficient growth , including in the rural, urban, and energy sectors as well addressing disaster risk management and air pollution;
• Enhancing competitiveness and enabling job creation , including improving the business climate, access to finance, connectivity, logistics, skilling, and increasing female labor force participation;
• Investing in human capital  through early childhood development, education, health, social protection, and rural water supply and sanitation. 

How  will the WBG amplify the impact of its work in India?

• By leveraging the  private sector
• By harnessing India’s  federalism
• By strengthening  public institutions
• By supporting  Lighthouse India  to foster knowledge exchanges within the country and between India and the rest of the world. 

In all its activities, the WBG will seek to address  climate change, gender gaps,  and the  challenges and opportunities afforded by technology .  

WORLD BANK GROUP PROGRAM

The World Bank’s lending program consists of 98 lending operations. Of the $21.4 billion in commitments, $19.3 billion is from IBRD, $2.0 billion is from IDA – the Bank’s soft lending arm - and $0.1 billion is from other sources, primarily grant funding from the Global Environment Fund. 

Roughly a little more than one third of these operations and around 40% of commitments are either for central or multi-state operations, while the remainder consists of state-specific operations in 26 of India’s 28 states. 

The four largest portfolios are  Agriculture  (15 operations totaling $3.1 billion in commitments),  Energy , (11 projects totaling $4.0 billion in commitments), Health, Nutrition & Population  (11 projects totaling $2.8 billion) and Transport  and Water (11 projects each totaling $2.5 billion respectively).

In FY23, the Bank approved 15 operations amounting to $4.37 billion.  Of this, $ 4.32 billion is lending from IBRD and $0.05 billion from IDA (recommitted from cancelled IDA programs). Around 15-18 projects are expected to be delivered in FY24, with total commitments in the range of $3.5 – 4 billion.

For the IFC, India is the biggest client country, accounting for over 10 percent of its global portfolio with a committed portfolio of US$6.5 billion as of June 30, 2023. IFC has more than 250+ active projects in sectors including infrastructure, health, energy, manufacturing, housing, technology, and finance. Since its first engagement in 1958, IFC has invested more than US$27 billion (including mobilization) in over 500 companies in India. India is the sixth largest shareholder in IFC, owning a 4.01 percent stake.

IBRD and IFC work together in several areas, most notably in energy, transport, water and health. The World Bank partnership has been particularly strong in raising financing for renewable energy initiatives, especially in supporting the Government of Madhya Pradesh in setting up the largest solar park project that provides solar power with a total capacity of 2.25 gigawatts at a record low cost, reducing carbon emissions by 3.8 million metric tons per year and powering 60% of the Delhi metro. Similarly, IFC and IBRD collaborated under the Government of India’s flagship Clean Ganga program, ‘ Namami Gange ,’ helping revamp sewage treatment plants using hybrid annuity-based PPP projects, treating 218 million liters of water per day in three cities, and contributing to the steady rejuvenation of the sacred river for millions. IFC led the PPP mandate, while IBRD loan facilitated payment guarantees to boost private sector participation in the sector.

The Multilateral Investment Guarantee Agency (MIGA) does not have exposure in India. MIGA has been working closely with the Ministry of Finance to provide credit enhancement solutions at the state-level and state-owned enterprise (SOE) level. This will enable state governments and SOEs to utilize long-term commercial financing, which can complement concessional lending provided by other multilaterals and development finance institutions.

The WBG has a wide-ranging program of Advisory Services & Analytics. The program informs policy debate, provides analytical underpinnings and learnings for operations and strategy, facilitates the scale up of innovative solutions, and helps to improve state capability. As of October 2021, some 18 analytical studies and 15 advisory activities were ongoing. Key areas of focus include  poverty and macroeconomic analysis ,  financial sector reform ,  enhancing human capital including universal health coverage  and  gender ,  air quality management , as well as  state capability and governance . 

*FY23 means Financial Year from July 2022 - June 2023

WBG financing supported India’s achievement of numerous results over the past five years, highlights of which include:

Education : The World Bank’s approximately $2.7 billion support for education in India covers primary, secondary, and tertiary education, as well as skills development for its young population.  

The World Bank’s $250 million Skill India Mission Operation (SIMO) is backing Central and State government initiatives to skill young people—including the disadvantaged and vulnerable—to acquire the skills needed for a wide range of jobs that are in demand in the market. The project has trained almost 6 million young people, 34 percent of whom are women. Some 40 percent of the trainees were employed within six months of completing their course.

The World Bank also supports state government programs for reforms in primary and senior secondary education. School education projects in Andhra Pradesh , Chhattisgarh , Gujarat and Nagaland are helping strengthen foundational learning of the students, provide training and resources for the professional development of teachers, and use data-driven programs to  improve learning assessment systems for remedial education.

A new World Bank program - Multidisciplinary Education and Research Improvement in Technical Education Project   to be implemented in 14 States and Union Territories will support research and innovation in climate change and sustainable energy. The program is expected to benefit around 350,000 students. In Madhya Pradesh and Odisha , reforms in tertiary education have helped close to 2 million students from disadvantaged groups get access to quality higher education and skills, making them more employable.

Social Protection :

During the COVID-19 pandemic, World Bank support of $1.65 billion through two projects, Accelerating India’s COVID-19 Social Protection Response Program  and Creating a Coordinated and Responsive Indian Social Protection System  helped protect the poor and vulnerable through transfers in cash and kind. About 320 million vulnerable people received cash transfers into their bank accounts.  About 800 million people received additional food rations.

In Jharkhand , a market-driven skills training and secondary education program has helped set up about 13,000 strong community level clubs that provide skills and education to over one million adolescent girls and young women.

In West Bengal , an ongoing program is providing social protection services to poor and vulnerable groups, with a focus on strengthening institutions for delivering care to elderly persons and those with disabilities. The program is also working to increase female labor force participation. Digital transfers through the Jai Bangla Platform reached 3.1 million beneficiaries in the first half of 2023.  

The World Bank’s current health portfolio in India of around $2.8 billion includes both national and state-level projects:

A $1 billion COVID-19 Emergency Response Project helped the government strengthen health facilities in states, procure essential medical supplies – such as testing-equipment and kits, personal protective equipment, gloves, masks, and oxygen cylinders. It also helped insure 2.2 million frontline health workers. In addition, it helped expand health facilities dedicated to COVID-19, raising their number from 163 in March 2020 to more than 23,000 in June 2022.  Over 926 million COVID-19 tests were supported and 3,362 testing laboratories created.

An additional $1 billion in World Bank support is helping the government strengthen health service delivery . This includes all aspects of pandemic preparedness and response , improving real-time disease surveillance, better One Health coordination and enhancing  capacity for biosecurity.

World Bank is also supporting the National Tuberculosis (TB) Elimination Program to improve success rates of treatment, including of multidrug-resistant TB (MDR-TB). It is also scaling up direct transfer of cash benefits into the bank accounts of TB patients.

In Andhra Pradesh , Meghalaya , Mizoram , Nagaland , Tamil Nadu , and Uttarakhand ongoing programs focus on improving the quality of health care services, and strengthening the management of non-communicable diseases. In Uttarakhand, clusters of public health facilities, using a public private partnership (PPP) model, now have specialists available regularly, resulting in improved service delivery.  Digital health strategies for improved service delivery are being implemented in Andhra Pradesh, Nagaland and Tamil Nadu.

Rural Water Supply and Sanitation : Since 2000, World Bank projects have contributed over $2.8 billion in financing for rural water supply and sanitation. About 30 million people from over 30,000 villages—with populations ranging from 150 to 15,000—have gain better access to drinking water. About 167 million rural people have benefitted from improved sanitation. Many of the projects have helped promote women’s participation in discussions around changing age-old sanitation behaviors. Local institutions have been strengthened to improve operations and maintenance of water and sanitation infrastructure and upgrade service delivery.

Agriculture

World Bank-financed projects are promoting climate resilient agriculture in Andhra Pradesh, Himachal Pradesh, Karnataka, Maharashtra Odisha and Tamil Nadu. The focus is on introducing climate smart technologies, using water more efficiently, adopting crop diversification for better soil health and using climate resilient seeds.  World Bank is also focusing on reducing greenhouse gas emissions and using clean energy in post-harvest activities. Since 2016, World Bank-financed projects have brought around 1.7 million hectares of land under climate resilient agriculture.  Around 2 million farmers are adopting improved agriculture technologies.

Empowering Rural Women

Since 2003, World Bank has provided $2.2 billion in support of the Women’s Self-Help Group (SHG) movement in India through several state and national projects. Around 32 million rural women have been mobilized into 2.9 million SHGs.   Rural women have been trained and now earn their own livelihood as Pashu Sakhis (looking after animals), Bank Sakhis (helping rural people operate Bank accounts), or operating canteens at government hospitals and offices, and as masons building toilets.  These empowered women have also been encouraged to become entrepreneurs, running small businesses like poultry and goat farms, grocery shops, and cottage industries, and provided access to markets.   These entrepreneurial initiatives have helped the SHGs access commercial finance of over $14.5 billion.  These projects were also the genesis of the Government of India’s National Rural Livelihoods Mission (NRLM), which is world’s largest platform for women’s social and economic empowerment.  As of April 2023, the NRLM supports over 91 million women through 8.4 million SHGs.

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Development of India After Independence Essay

Table of Contents

Development of India After Independence Essay: India’s journey after gaining independence in 1947 has been nothing short of remarkable. The nation has made significant strides in various sectors, propelling itself towards economic growth, technological advancement, and social development. India’s development journey after independence has been a saga of growth, progress, and change. The nation, once struggling with poverty and colonial legacy, embarked on a path of economic and social transformation. Over the decades, India has achieved remarkable milestones, including technological advancements, improved healthcare, and increased literacy rates. While challenges persist, India’s journey reflects its resilience, diversity, and determination to build a prosperous and inclusive future. In this article, we’ll provide sample essays of varying lengths to illustrate its progress.

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Whether you need a 100-word overview or a more detailed 500-word essay on the topic “Development of India After Independence”, we’ve got your back. Refer to the sample essays given below.

Development of India After Independence Essay 1: 100 Words

India gained independence from British rule on August 15, 1947, and since then, there has been a noteworthy development in various sectors. The country witnessed massive advancements in science and technology, education, infrastructure, and healthcare. The establishment of prestigious institutes like the Indian Institutes of Technology and the Indian Space Research Organisation propelled India into becoming a global hub for technological innovation. Additionally, initiatives such as the Green Revolution brought about a paradigm shift in agriculture, leading to increased food production. Despite economic and social challenges, India’s progress after independence demonstrates the immense potential and resilience of its people.

Development of India After Independence Essay 2: 250 Words

The development of India after gaining independence in 1947 has been marked by significant achievements and transformative changes. At the time of independence, India faced numerous challenges, including widespread poverty, illiteracy, and inadequate infrastructure. However, the nation embarked on a journey of progress and development that has since witnessed remarkable milestones.

One of the key pillars of India’s development has been economic growth. The country implemented economic reforms in the 1990s, liberalizing various sectors and fostering entrepreneurship. This led to a surge in economic activity, attracting foreign investments, and propelling India into the ranks of the world’s fastest-growing economies.

India’s technological advancement has been another noteworthy achievement. The country’s IT industry has gained global recognition, and India has become a hub for software services and innovation. This technological prowess has not only boosted the economy but also enhanced India’s global standing.

Furthermore, India has made strides in improving healthcare and education. Initiatives like the National Rural Health Mission (NRHM) and the Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan have expanded healthcare access and increased literacy rates across the country. These efforts have had a positive impact on the overall quality of life for millions of Indians.

In conclusion, India’s development journey after independence is a testament to its resilience, diversity, and commitment to progress. While challenges remain, the nation has achieved significant growth in various sectors, positioning itself as a global economic and technological powerhouse.

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Development of India After Independence Essay 3: 300 Words

India’s post-independence development has been a story of remarkable progress and transformation. After gaining independence in 1947, India faced numerous challenges, including poverty, illiteracy, and a fragile economy. However, the nation embarked on a journey of development that has witnessed significant milestones.

Economic growth has been a cornerstone of India’s progress. The nation adopted economic reforms in the 1990s, opening up its markets and attracting foreign investments. This led to robust economic expansion, making India one of the world’s fastest-growing economies. The IT and services sector, in particular, flourished, earning India a reputation as a global technology hub.

India’s technological advancements have also been a notable achievement. The country’s IT industry has grown exponentially, with Indian professionals contributing to innovation and software development on a global scale. This technological prowess has not only boosted the economy but has also strengthened India’s position in the global arena.

Improvements in healthcare and education have played a pivotal role in India’s development. Initiatives such as the National Rural Health Mission (NRHM) and the Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan have expanded access to healthcare and education in rural and remote areas. These efforts have resulted in increased literacy rates and improved healthcare outcomes, enhancing the quality of life for millions of Indians.

Additionally, India has made strides in infrastructure development, urbanization, and social inclusion. The nation has launched ambitious projects like “Make in India” and “Digital India,” aiming to boost manufacturing, innovation, and connectivity.

In conclusion, India’s journey of development after independence reflects its resilience, diversity, and commitment to progress. While challenges persist, the nation has made significant strides in various sectors, positioning itself as a global economic and technological powerhouse with a focus on inclusive growth and development.

Development of India After Independence Essay 4: 500 Words

India gained its independence from British rule on August 15, 1947, after a long and arduous struggle. With newfound freedom, the country faced numerous challenges, including poverty, illiteracy, and social inequality. However, over the years, India has made significant strides in its development and has emerged as one of the fastest-growing economies in the world. This essay will discuss the development of India after independence in various aspects such as the economy, education, healthcare, agriculture, infrastructure, and technology.

One of the greatest achievements of post-independence India has been its economic growth. The country adopted a mixed economy model, combining elements of socialism and capitalism, and implemented several reforms to promote industrialization and foreign investment. As a result, India’s GDP has increased significantly, and poverty rates have declined.

The establishment of the Green Revolution in the 1960s revolutionized agriculture, making India self-sufficient in food production. Moreover, the liberalization policies of the 1990s opened up the economy to the global market, attracting foreign investments and boosting exports. Today, India is one of the largest economies in the world and continues to experience rapid growth.

Education has also been a priority for post-independence India. The government has implemented various initiatives to increase literacy rates and improve the quality of education. The Right to Education Act, passed in 2009, made education a fundamental right for all children between the ages of six and fourteen.

The expansion of the education system has resulted in a significant increase in literacy rates, which have more than doubled since independence. Moreover, India has established numerous prestigious educational institutions such as the Indian Institutes of Technology and Indian Institutes of Management, which are globally recognized for their excellence in education.

Healthcare has also witnessed remarkable progress in post-independence India. The government has implemented several schemes and programs to improve access to healthcare services, particularly for marginalized communities. The introduction of the National Rural Health Mission in 2005 aimed to provide quality healthcare services in rural areas, which have historically lacked adequate medical facilities.

Additionally, the government has launched initiatives such as Ayushman Bharat, a national health protection scheme that provides health insurance to over 500 million people, further widening access to healthcare services. These efforts have resulted in improved healthcare outcomes, including a decline in infant mortality rates and an increase in life expectancy.

The development of agriculture has played a crucial role in India’s progress after independence. The Green Revolution, as mentioned earlier, helped the country achieve self-sufficiency in food production and ensure food security for its population.

The government has continued to implement various policies and schemes to support farmers, such as providing subsidies, promoting organic farming, and investing in irrigation facilities. These measures have led to increased agricultural productivity and income levels, contributing to rural development and poverty reduction.

Infrastructure development has been another focus of post-independence India. The government has invested heavily in the construction of roads, railways, airports, and ports, in both urban and rural areas. This has not only facilitated connectivity and transportation but has also attracted investments and boosted economic growth.

Additionally, initiatives like the Smart Cities Mission and the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana have aimed to improve the quality of life in urban areas by providing better housing, sanitation facilities, and utilities.

Lastly, the rapid advancements in technology have played a crucial role in India’s development after independence. The country has emerged as a global leader in the information technology and software services sector.

The establishment of technology parks and the promotion of entrepreneurship and innovation have fostered a thriving startup ecosystem. This has not only boosted economic growth but has also created employment opportunities for millions of Indians.

In conclusion, India has made significant strides in various aspects of development after gaining independence. The country has witnessed economic growth, increased access to education and healthcare, enhanced agricultural productivity, improved infrastructure, and advancements in technology. While challenges remain, such as poverty, inequality, and environmental issues, the progress made so far indicates a promising future for India’s continued development.

FAQs on Development of India After Independence Essay

How has india developed after gaining independence.

India has made significant progress in economic growth, technological advancement, healthcare, education, and infrastructure development since gaining independence in 1947.

What are the key milestones in India's development journey post-independence?

Key milestones include economic reforms, IT sector growth, improved healthcare and education, and infrastructure development.

How did economic reforms impact India's development after independence?

Economic reforms in the 1990s opened up India's markets, attracting foreign investments and propelling the nation into one of the world's fastest-growing economies.

What role did the IT industry play in India's development?

India's IT industry achieved global recognition, contributing to technological advancements and bolstering the nation's economy.

How has healthcare and education improved in India post-independence?

Initiatives like the National Rural Health Mission (NRHM) and Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan have expanded access to healthcare and education, leading to increased literacy rates and improved healthcare outcomes.

What are some recent development initiatives in India?

Recent initiatives include Make in India and Digital India, which focus on boosting manufacturing, innovation, and connectivity.

What challenges does India still face in its development journey?

Challenges include poverty alleviation, infrastructure development, environmental sustainability, and addressing social inequalities.

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The history of economic development in india since independence, the background.

The task that the democratically elected leaders of newly independent India embarked on in the early 1950s was not for the faint of heart. It was to lift living standards of a people accounting for one-seventh of the world’s population who earned an average income that was one-fifteenth of the average American income of the time. 1 Three-fourths of the Indian people were engaged in agriculture working with primitive tools and techniques, as either destitute landless laborers, highly insecure tenants-at-will, or small-plot holders eking out subsistence living from their meager plots. The literacy rate stood at 14 percent, and the average life expectancy was thirty-two years.

How successful has the country been in fulfilling the task over sixty years later? The charts in this article, using World Bank data, show how some of the country’s development indicators have changed in the last half-century. The country has experienced an increase in per capita income—especially since the 1980s—as well as reductions in poverty and infant mortality rates. These improvements are not insignificant and mark a sharp break from the near stagnation that the country experienced during British rule. But a comparison with the later superior performance of China and South Korea, countries with a comparable level of development in the 1950s, reveals that India’s performance remains below its potential. How did that come about? This essay provides an account of India’s strategy of economic development, its achievements, shortfalls, and future challenges.

The Initial Strategy

The government in the 1950s adopted a very particular strategy of economic development: rapid industrialization by implementing centrally prepared five-year plans that involved raising a massive amount of resources and investing them in the creation of large industrial state-owned enterprises (SOEs). 2 The industries chosen were those producing basic and heavy industrial goods such as steel, chemicals, machines and tools, locomotives, and power. Industrialization was pursued because leaders believed, based in part on the beliefs of some economists, that the industrial sector offers the greatest scope of growth in production. It was not that the Indian agricultural sector offered no scope for growth. Crop yields in India were quite low compared to other countries, and the recent famine in 1943 had underscored the need to increase food production. Still, Indian leaders did not want to make agriculture the mainstay of their strategy. The preeminence of agriculture they believed was characteristic of a backward economy, and growth in agriculture eventually runs up against the problem of insufficient demand. There is only so much, after all, that people are willing to eat.

Investments in the creation of public enterprises were chosen because one goal of the government was to establish a “socialistic pattern of society,” i.e., using democratic methods to bring large swathes of the country’s productive resources under public ownership. Industries producing basic and heavy goods were chosen for investment over consumer goods because the government wanted to reduce the country’s reliance on imports of basic and heavy industrial goods in line with their belief in the goodness of national self-reliance. “To import from abroad is to be slaves of foreign countries,” the first Prime Minister, Jawaharlal Nehru, once declared. 3 The production of consumer goods such as clothing, furniture, personal care products, and similar goods was left to small privately run cottage industry firms that had the added advantage of being labor-intensive and therefore a potential generator of mass employment.

Another strategy could have been to rely on private enterprise for industrial development while the government focused its resources on investments in infrastructure, public health, and education—sectors that are not served well by the private sector. Though leaders were cognizant of the dynamism of the private sector and the existence of India’s vibrant entrepreneurial class, they rejected the strategy that involved a prominent role for the private sector out of a commitment to establishing the socialistic pattern of society that they believed was morally superior. As things eventually turned out, the country came around in the 1990s to adopting this previously rejected strategy.

In order to assure the success of the government’s chosen strategy in the 1950s, complementary measures were put in place. Most industries were given significant trade protection so that their growth was not hampered by competition from more efficient foreign producers. An industrial licensing system was set up to ensure that private enterprises would not expand beyond the bounds that national planners had set for them. The system required all private firms beyond a certain small size to obtain a license whenever they wanted to expand capacity, produce new products, change their input mix, import inputs, or relocate plants. The system put the activities of the private sector under significant control of the government. Pundits and students of political economy who were not socialists derisively nicknamed this stifling system “the license Raj,” comparing this economic format of oppression to the political control of the imperialist British Raj.

Their strategy of increasing agricultural production was based on plans to reform agrarian institutions. According to the thinking of the planners, the poor performance of Indian agriculture was due to the fact that tillers did not own the land they worked, so they had little incentive to make land improvements that would increase long-term productivity. The government planned to implement legislation to redistribute land from large landlords to actual tillers and improve the terms under which tenant cultivators leased land from the landowners. The government also planned to organize small farmers into cooperative societies so that their resources could be pooled in order to buy modern tools and implements and the strength of their numbers could be used to obtain higher crop prices. In addition to increasing agricultural production, such reforms were also expected to alleviate the poverty of the huge class of peasants.

The Initial Results

Industrialization was a moderate success. The newly created public enterprises, albeit after major cost overruns and several delays, turned out steel, chemicals, and other products that were generally associated with developed countries. A British colonial official in the early twentieth century once scoffed that he would be willing to eat all the steel than the Indians would produce. 4 If alive in 1960, he would have eaten 6,300 tons of steel. 5

Still, by the late 1950s several problems resulting from the planners’ chosen strategy of economic development were coming to the fore, and such problems intensified in the 1960s and the 1970s. Many SOEs were run on political rather than economic considerations, so they produced losses that drained government resources rather than—as the planners had hoped—augmenting them. The SOEs could also not be counted on to generate mass employment due to their capital and skill rather than labor-intensive character. Several enterprises were overstaffed and faced insufficient demand for what they produced, forcing them to render idle some of their capacity. The case of the Haldia fertilizer plant is an extreme but illustrative example. The plant was set up in the 1970s and employed 1,500 people. The workers and managers showed up regularly, kept the machine facilities clean and in working condition, and often received annual bonuses and overtime. They lived in a nearby spanking-new township built specially for them, one that had excellent roads, schools, and homes. There was only one thing missing. Because of numerous problems, the plant never produced even an ounce of fertilizer. Yet the government kept Haldia’s lights on for twenty-one years. 6

One government method for financing expenditures was the creation of new money, which resulted in significant inflation.

The plans for the reform of agrarian institutions did not pan out. The push for land redistribution ran into political opposition and clashed with the requirements of due process, so as little as 5 percent of the land was actually redistributed. The creation of agricultural cooperatives also did not materialize due to difficulties of organization and lack of enthusiasm on the ground. Agricultural production barely kept pace with population growth, and the country’s food security remained precarious. The drawback of prioritizing industry over agriculture for public investments became glaringly apparent when the country experienced a food crisis in the mid-1960s, necessitating urgent large-scale imports of subsidized grain from the United States. The crisis undermined the government’s claim that its strategy of prioritizing industry over agriculture for public investment would increase national self-reliance.

The drawback of prioritizing industry over agriculture for public investments became glaringly apparent when the country experienced a food crisis in the mid-1960s, necessitating urgent large-scale imports of subsidized grain from the United States.

Under the fixed exchange rate regime that existed in the country, high inflation in the 1960s reduced the country’s exports while increasing its imports, resulting in a shortage of foreign exchange. The shortage was exacerbated by the food imports made necessary by a drought and a war with Pakistan. Foreign exchange became one of the items the government had to resort to rationing. The reverberations were felt throughout the economy. Several new factories lay idle for want of foreign exchange to import some necessary inputs, while others hoarded foreign exchange to starve their competitors or earn a premium in the black market. Holding foreign exchange without a license became an offense punishable by jail time. Ultimately, the rupee had to be devalued, which generated further disruptions in the economic lives of most people.

Meanwhile, the industrial licensing system, designed to ensure that the private sector operated according to the five-year plans, became a source of much inefficiency and corruption. The micromanagement of the private sector called for much more knowledge and technical ability than government bureaucrats possessed. The system descended into a mechanism for rewarding political supporters of the rulers, which undermined the confidence of the people in the integrity of their governmental institutions.

Perhaps the most unfortunate legacy of prioritizing industry at the expense of other alternatives for investment was that scarce public resources were diverted away from health and education. The meager resources expended on these in India stand in marked contrast to the plentiful attention paid to them in China and other Asian countries. Seventy years after independence, India has still to catch up on these fronts; one-half of its children are malnourished, one-half of women are illiterate, and twothirds of its people lack basic sanitation. As a result, a large fraction of Indians today are unable to directly take advantage of the opportunities opened up by the country’s recent tilt toward a market economy and globalization.

The Change in Strategies

In response to the food crisis of the mid-1960s, the government changed its agricultural strategy. Rather than holding out for the reform of agrarian institutions, it began to guarantee higher crop prices to farmers and utilize subsidies to promote use of modern inputs such as chemical fertilizers and high-yielding varieties of grain developed in other parts of the world. The resulting surge of production—the so-called “green revolution” of the late 1960s—made the country self-sufficient in food grains. The strategy was controversial because it increased economic disparities among the farmers. For the greatest chance of success, the government had to focus its strategy on the irrigated sections—the very parts of the country that were already doing relatively well. The uptake of subsidized inputs was also the highest among large landowners, owing to their greater education, creditworthiness, and the ability to bear the risk posed by adopting new methods. The strategy did not do much to alleviate the economic condition of the agrarian poor, other than providing the indirect benefit of living in a country with better overall food security that has not since experienced famine. Micronutrient deficiencies (not caloric) such as anemia are today a bigger problem among the poor, and the country’s health indicators lag behind those of other countries with comparable levels of income.

The strategy toward industry, however, turned more interventionist after 1965. Elaboration of all the reasons for this need not detain us here; there is a strong case that the interventionist turn was a cynical ploy by new Prime Minister Indira Gandhi for consolidating her power in response to certain political developments. The new policy stance displayed a suspicion of large firms and a preference for the small. The licensing system imposed additional restrictions on the activities of large firms, curtailing their growth. Under a policy that was one of a kind, consumer goods such as apparel, footwear, furniture, sporting goods, office supplies, leather goods, and kitchen appliances were reserved by law for production by small firms. Foreign firms were asked to dilute their ownership stake in their Indian subsidiaries and in response, multinationals such as IBM and Coca-Cola closed their operations and left the country.

To the extent that the success of the large firms was due to their superior technical or organizational capacity, the curtailment of their growth meant that such capacity remained underutilized. Delays and arbitrariness in the issuing of industrial licenses resulted in supply bottlenecks and shortages of many consumer goods. For example, in the 1970s, there was an eight-year waiting list for people wanting to buy a scooter, the preferred vehicle for middle-class Indians.

Thirty-five years after independence, India’s leadership had yet to achieve, to any significant degree, its pledge of lifting living standards.

The reservation of consumer goods for small enterprises meant that the benefits of economies of scale were forgone, resulting in the production of poor-quality and high-priced goods that foreigners shunned and domestic consumers had no choice but to accept. Meanwhile, countries such as South Korea and Taiwan were growing rich by exporting this very category of goods. It was during this time that Indians developed a craze for foreign products, the imports of which were restricted, and the term “imported” became synonymous with “high-quality.” The result of such policies was economic stagnation. The country’s per capita income grew by an average of less than 1 percent a year between 1966 and 1980, a rate that was too low to make a dent in the country’s massive poverty. Thirty-five years after independence, India’s leadership had yet to achieve, to any significant degree, its pledge of lifting living standards.

Also, years of rhetoric about creating rapid development had heightened people’s expectations for their quality of living. Economic stagnation, combined with high inflation caused by the government’s printing of massive amounts of money, bred political unrest and popular agitation, to which Indira Gandhi responded by declaring a national emergency in 1975. Taking advantage of the suspension of democratic procedures and requirements of due process brought on by the emergency, the Prime Minister attempted strict interventions that included rapid land redistribution and forced sterilization as a part of population control. The programs were poorly administered, contributed to incidents of human rights violations, failed to improve the economic situation, and caused a number of unintended consequences. For example, the government’s attempts to liquidate debts of poor farmers led to the virtual drying up of informal sources of credit and the banks were not up to the task of picking up the slack. The chaos generated by the haphazard and poorly administered interventions generated a popular backlash and tainted in many minds the whole interventionist approach to economic development.

By the 1980s, a substantial number of influential people had come around to the conclusion that the government did not have the political and administrative capacity to successfully run a controlled economy that delivered on economic growth. Gandhi, chastened by the political defeats that followed her earlier attempts to impose strict controls, acquiesced to relaxing some of them. Her Cambridge-educated son, Rajiv Gandhi, who succeeded her as Prime Minister, enacted further liberalization. Certain industries and business activities were exempted from licensing requirements. Such measures helped to cause robust industrial growth in the late 1980s.

The About Turn

When a foreign exchange shortage threatened a crisis again in 1991, the government made a clear break with past policies. By then, the intellectual consensus in favor of state-led, import-substituting development strategies had greatly weakened. The breakup of the Soviet Union had substantially discredited central planning, and the export-led success of East Asian countries had thrown into light the drawbacks of an inward-looking model of development. Also, cultural changes in India, consisting of a deemphasis of asceticism and a greater acceptance of the pursuit of material gain, had made extensive economic controls untenable. 7 At the behest of the International Monetary Fund (IMF), which provided rescue during the foreign exchange crisis, but also of its own accord, the government announced major economic reforms. It dismantled the license Raj almost overnight, slashed tax rates and import duties, removed controls on prices and entry of new firms, put up several SOEs for sale, and rolled out the welcome mat for foreign investors. Rather than socialism, the guiding principles of policy now were liberalization, privatization, and globalization.

The country’s share in world trade increased from 0.4 percent on the eve of the reforms to 1.5 percent in 2006, and foreign exchange shortages, once a chronic headache for policymakers, have now been replaced by reserves upward of US $350 billion . . .

The economy responded with a surge in growth, which averaged 6.3 percent annually in the 1990s and the early 2000s, a rate double that of earlier time frames. Shortages disappeared. On the eve of the reforms, the public telecom monopoly had installed five million landlines in the entire country and there was a seven-year waiting list to get a new line. In 2004, private cellular companies were signing up new customers at the rate of five million per month. The number of people who lived below the poverty line decreased between 1993 and 2009 from 50 percent of total population to 34 percent. The exact estimates vary depending on the poverty line used, but even alternative estimates indicate a post-1991 decline of poverty that is more rapid than at any other time since independence. The country’s share in world trade increased from 0.4 percent on the eve of the reforms to 1.5 percent in 2006, and foreign exchange shortages, once a chronic headache for policymakers, have now been replaced by reserves upward of US $350 billion—prompting debates about what to do with the “excess reserves.” 8

Several significant economic challenges remain for India. The economy has polarized into a highly productive, modern, and globally integrated formal sector, employing about 10 percent of the labor force, and a low-productivity sector consisting of agriculture and urban informal activities, engaging 90 percent of the labor force. The sectors that have experienced the most growth are services and capital-intensive manufacturing. It is illustrative that IT and pharmaceuticals are the two sectors of the economy with international renown. Such industries tend to be urban and employ mainly skilled workers. Yet to come India’s way are millions of lowskill manufacturing jobs that have allowed the poor in East Asian countries to climb into the middle class. Companies are loath to set up labor-intensive manufacturing because Indian labor laws are some of the most restrictive in the world. For example, a manufacturing unit hiring more than 100 workers cannot lay off any of them without seeking government permission, which is rarely granted. 9 Liberalization of labor laws tends to run into fierce political opposition. The second reason for the dearth of manufacturing jobs is that the country’s infrastructure is relatively deficient, and so companies increasingly practicing just-in-time inventory management do not find it cost-effective to include India in their global supply chains. 10

The provision of public services in India is appallingly poor. Government schools and clinics are underfunded and inadequately supervised, and their workers display low morale and high absenteeism. Yet such public institutions are rarely held accountable for their performance. 11 The middle class has largely opted out of the system in favor of private health care, schools, and transportation so there is little political pressure from them to improve the system. Most middle-class Indians now even own a power generator to cope with everyday power cuts. The poor take the brunt of the derelict public services. Two million children die in India every year from easily preventable diseases, according to the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), and immunization rates in India are amongst the lowest in the world. Air pollution levels in urban areas pose a severe public health crisis. According to a survey by the World Health Organization (WHO), thirteen out of the twenty most polluted cities in the world are Indian. 12 The country still relies heavily on inexpensive coal to generate power and has shown very little willingness to move toward alternative energy sources.

Given the current policies and state of governance in India, it is hard to see an obvious path into the middle class for the multitudes still remaining in poverty. Global demand for low-wage, low-skill labor to sew T-shirts or assemble TVs is not what it used to be, because production is now becoming increasingly mechanized and some of it is being “reshored” back to the rich countries. For several hundred million poor people in delicate health and with little education, the country will have to find a way to overcome the technical, institutional, and economic barriers to developing the capabilities necessary for functioning in a twenty-first-century economy. It is not a task for the faint-hearted.

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1. The figure is calculated from the estimated per capita income of the two countries. See The Madisson-Project (2013) database at http://tinyurl.com/pvqeuay.

2. Francine Frankel provides a detailed study of how such a strategy came to be chosen is in India’s Political Economy: 1947-2004 , 2nd ed. (Oxford: Oxford University Press, 2005).

3. Arvind Panagariya, India: An Emerging Giant (New York: Oxford University Press, 2008), 25.

4. Wolfgang Messner, Working with India (Berlin: Springer Publishing, 2009), 49.

5. The tonnage statistic comes from the Handbook of World Steel Statistics (1978), published by the International Iron and Steel Institute.

6. This and many other cases of economic dysfunctions of the era are recounted by a former CEO and public intellectual, Gurcharan Das, in his memoirs, India Unbound: From Independence to Information Age (New Delhi: Penguin Books India, 2000).

7. For an elaboration, see Nimish Adhia, “The Role of Ideological Change in India’s Economic Liberalization,” The Journal of Socio-Economics 44, issue C (2013): 103– 111.

8. Panagariya provides a detailed academic reference on Indian economic policies and their effects in India: An Emerging Giant .

9. Jagdish Bhagwati and Arvind Panagariya give a fuller account of Indian labor laws in India’s Tryst with Destiny (New York: Harper Collins, 2012).

10. Robyn Meredith well describes the twenty-first-century multinational supply chains in chapter 5 of her book, “The Disassembly Line,” in The Elephant and the Dragon (New York: W. W. Norton & Company, 2007).

11. Good accounts of the lives of India’s poor and the causes of the dysfunction in the country’s public services are given by Jean Dreze and Amartya Sen in An Uncertain Glory: India and its Contradictions (Princeton: Princeton University Press, 2013), and Esther Duflo and Abhijit Banerjee in Poor Economics: A Radical Rethinking of the Way to Fight Global Poverty (New York: PublicAffairs, 2011).

12. “Thirteen of the Twenty Most Polluted Cities in the World Are Indian,” Quartz India , last modified December 7, 2014, http://tinyurl.com/nyekwwk .

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Development in India After Independence

Many think that India’s growth story since the 1947 was good. But several experts often opinion that the country’s development for the past six decades has been average. Despite the announcement of Five-Year Plans which focused on many sectors in order to speed up the pace of development, the result hasn’t been on expected lines. And, the country is taking its own time to climb up with the economic and social world.

Service Sector Growth

Telecom and software development had most of the growth in the nation’s services sector. A trend that started some twenty years back is now well in its prime. Several multinational companies continue to outsource their telecom and IT services to the country. In terms of employment, the services sector employs 24 % of the Indian workforce and this process of development started back in the 1980s. In the 1960s, the sector employed just 4.5% of the working population. According to the experts, the services sector accounted for 63% of Indian GDP (2008-09) and the numbers continues to grow.

Agriculture Sector Growth

Since Independence the growth in agriculture has been somewhat steady. The growth of the sector was about 1 percent per annum up to 1950’s. During the post-Independence era, the growth rate bumped about 2.6 percent per annum. Rapid expansion of farming lands and introduction of high-yielding varieties of crops were the major factors contributing to the growth in agricultural production. One of the significant effects of the growth was that it could well manage to end dependency on import of food grains. Despite the unpredictability of the monsoon, the sector has progressed both in terms of yield and structural changes. Other factors contributed to the growth include, good investment in research, land reforms, expansion of scope for lending facilities, and improvement in rural infrastructure. Besides, the country has also grown strong in the agri-biotech sector. A report from a leading financial institution had revealed that the agri-biotech sector has been growing at 30 percent since the last few years.

Infrastructure Development

Allocation of huge funds and availability of electricity had triggered large scale expansion of infrastructure. The Indian road network has become one of the largest in the world with the total road length increasing from 0.399 million km in 1951 to 4.24 million km in 2014 (July 2014). Moreover, the total length of the country’s national highways has increased from 24,000 km (1947-69) to 92,851 km (2014). Governmental efforts have led to the expansion of the network of State highways and major district roads, which in turn has directly contributed to industrial growth. After almost seven decades, India has bagged the third place in the list of largest producers of electricity in Asia. It has increased its electricity generation capacity from 1,362 MW in 1947 to 1,13,506 MW in 2004. When it comes to rural electrification, the Indian government has managed to bring lights to 5,93,732 (2013) villages as compared to 3061 in 1950.

Education sector

India has somewhat managed to bring its education system at par with the global standard in some cases. A number of initiatives have been implemented to eradicate illiteracy. The number of schools witnessed a dramatic increase after 1950’s. The government had declared elementary education, a fundamental right for children in the age group of 6-14 years by passing the 86th amendment to the Constitution in 2002. At independence, India’s literacy rate was a paltry 12.2 % which increased to 74.04% in 2011. The Government launched a big initiative under the Sarva Siksha Abhiyan programme in 2001 to ensure education for the children from 6 to 14 years.

Health care sector

Increase in life-expectancy is considered one of the major achievements in health care in India. For example, life expectancy was around 37 years in 1951, it almost doubled to 65 years by 2011. Besides, Infant Mortality (IM) has also declined with death rate coming down to half of what it was during the 1940-50s. Moreover, similar developments were noticed in maternal mortality rate also. After a long-drawn struggle, India has finally been declared a polio-free country. Malnutrition in children under five years came down to 44% in 2005-06 from 67% in 1980. The number of tuberculosis cases also got reduced to 185 per lakh people in 2009. Moreover, the cases of HIV-infected people are also witnessing a declining trend. Government had also increased public health spending which is about 6- 6.5 % of the GDP.

Scientific achievements

India has reached new heights in rocket science and space technologies. Ever since, the launch of its first satellite Aryabhatta in 1975. India has emerged as a growing power that has successfully launched several foreign satellites. Its first mission to Mars was launched in November 2013 which successfully reached the planet’s orbit on 24 September 2014. Besides, space technology, India is also aggressively pursuing both nuclear and missile programmes. BrahMos Missile (with the help of Russia) inducted into the defence system is the world's fastest cruise missile. After more than six decades of independence, India has reached the level of being self-dependent in the field of space and missile technology.

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Essay on Technology Development in India

Students are often asked to write an essay on Technology Development in India in their schools and colleges. And if you’re also looking for the same, we have created 100-word, 250-word, and 500-word essays on the topic.

Let’s take a look…

100 Words Essay on Technology Development in India

Introduction.

India has seen rapid technology development. This growth has improved lives and boosted the economy.

Technology in Education

Technology has transformed education in India. Digital classrooms and online learning have made education accessible to everyone.

Healthcare Technology

In healthcare, technology has enabled telemedicine and e-health services. This has improved healthcare access in rural areas.

Technology in Business

Businesses have benefited from technology, with e-commerce and digital payments becoming popular. This has boosted the economy.

250 Words Essay on Technology Development in India

India, a country known for its rich cultural heritage, has been making significant strides in technology development. The rapid advancements have not only revolutionized the urban landscape but also penetrated the rural regions, transforming the nation into a digital powerhouse.

Information Technology and Software Services

India’s Information Technology (IT) sector has been a major contributor to the country’s economic growth. The IT-BPM (Business Process Management) industry has made India a global outsourcing hub, creating millions of jobs and contributing significantly to the GDP. The development of software services, IT parks, and special economic zones has fostered innovation and entrepreneurship.

Telecommunication

The telecommunication sector in India has witnessed exponential growth with the advent of affordable smartphones and cheap data services. The introduction of 4G, and the impending launch of 5G, has improved connectivity, paving the way for digital inclusivity.

Space Technology

India’s space technology, spearheaded by ISRO, has garnered international acclaim. The successful missions to the moon (Chandrayaan) and Mars (Mangalyaan) have positioned India as a formidable player in space exploration.

Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning

India is making significant strides in the field of AI and ML. With a plethora of startups focusing on AI-based solutions, India is poised to become a global leader in this domain.

500 Words Essay on Technology Development in India

India, a country with a rich history and a fast-growing economy, has made significant strides in the field of technology. The country’s tech development has been marked by a series of remarkable achievements, from the establishment of prestigious institutes like the Indian Institutes of Technology to the launch of the Mars Orbiter Mission. This essay delves into the development of technology in India and its implications for the country’s future.

The Emergence of the IT Sector

India’s technological journey began in earnest with the emergence of the Information Technology (IT) sector in the 1990s. The liberalization of the Indian economy played a crucial role in this development, attracting foreign investments and paving the way for the growth of IT companies. Today, India’s IT sector is a global powerhouse, contributing significantly to the country’s GDP and providing employment to millions.

Start-up Ecosystem

The start-up ecosystem in India has also witnessed exponential growth, driven by technological innovation. With the government’s supportive policies and initiatives like ‘Start-up India’, young entrepreneurs are leveraging technology to solve a myriad of problems, from healthcare to education. This has led to the birth of several unicorns and has positioned India as a global innovation hub.

Challenges and Opportunities

Despite these achievements, India faces several challenges in its technological journey. Issues such as digital divide, lack of infrastructure, and inadequate investment in research and development pose significant hurdles. However, these challenges also present opportunities for growth. For instance, the digital divide can be bridged through initiatives like the Digital India campaign, which aims to make government services digitally accessible to all citizens.

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Essay on India’s Economic Growth

• 1 Introduction
• 2 Historical Overview of India’s Economic Growth
• 3.1 1) Agriculture sector:
• 3.2 2) Manufacturing sector
• 3.3 3) Service sector
• 3.4 4) Foreign Direct Investment (FDI)
• 4.1 1) Poverty and income inequality:
• 4.2 2) Infrastructure gaps:
• 4.3 3) Political instability:
• 4.4 4) Lack of skilled labor force:
• 5.1 1) Reforms in agriculture, manufacturing, and service sectors:
• 5.2 2) Policies to attract foreign investment:
• 5.3 3) Programs for skill development and employment generation
• 5.4 4) Investment in infrastructure development
• 6 Conclusion
• 7.1 What has been the growth rate of India’s economy in recent years?
• 7.2 What are the major drivers of India’s economic growth?
• 7.3 What are the major challenges facing India’s economic growth?
• 7.4 What initiatives has the government taken to promote economic growth in India?
• 7.5 What is the Skill India program?
• 7.6 What is the Make in India program?
• 7.7 What is the Pradhan Mantri Rojgar Protsahan Yojana?
• 7.8 What is the National Investment and Infrastructure Fund?
• 7.9 What is the Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana?
• 7.10 What is the future outlook for India’s economic growth?

Explore India’s economic growth in detail through this insightful essay. Understand the factors driving India’s economic progress and the challenges it faces. Read about the country’s economic policies and their impact on businesses and citizens.

Introduction

Economic growth is a crucial aspect of any developing country and plays a major role in improving the standard of living of its citizens. In India, economic growth has been a major focus of policy makers since independence, and has been the driving force behind the country’s progress over the past few decades. This essay will outline the historical overview of India’s economic growth, the key contributors to its economic growth, the challenges it faces, and the government policies aimed at promoting economic growth.

Historical Overview of India’s Economic Growth

The pre-independence era of India was characterized by a stagnant economy, with low levels of investment, poor infrastructure, and limited industrialization. After independence, India adopted a mixed economy model, with the government controlling key industries such as coal, steel, and heavy industries. This model was not very successful, and the economy remained slow-growing until the 1980s, when India adopted reforms aimed at liberalizing the economy and promoting private sector investment.

In 1991, India underwent a major economic reform process, known as the liberalization, privatization, and globalization (LPG) reforms. These reforms aimed to promote entrepreneurship and investment, and to reduce the role of the government in the economy. The reforms led to the growth of the private sector, and the emergence of many new industries. As a result, the economy experienced a period of rapid growth, and India emerged as one of the fastest-growing economies in the world.

Key Contributors to India’s Economic Growth

India’s economic growth has been driven by several key contributors including the growth of the agriculture, manufacturing, and service sectors. The government has also played a major role in promoting economic growth through various initiatives, such as the Make in India program, the Skill India program, and the Pradhan Mantri Rojgar Protsahan Yojana.

1) Agriculture sector:

Agriculture is the backbone of India’s economy, as it employs around 50% of the country’s workforce. The agricultural sector has undergone significant reforms over the past few decades, which have led to an increase in productivity, and the growth of the agribusiness sector. The government has also implemented various programs aimed at promoting the development of the agricultural sector, such as the Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana, which provides insurance to farmers against crop losses.

2) Manufacturing sector

The manufacturing sector has been a key contributor to India’s economic growth, and has been growing at a rapid pace since the 1990s. The government has implemented various policies aimed at promoting the growth of the manufacturing sector, such as the Make in India program, which aims to make India a hub for global manufacturing. The growth of the manufacturing sector has also led to the development of the small and medium enterprises (SME) sector, which has become a major source of employment in the country.

3) Service sector

The service sector is one of the largest contributors to India’s GDP, and is growing at a rapid pace. The sector includes a wide range of industries, such as financial services, information technology (IT), tourism, and retail. The growth of the service sector has been driven by the liberalization of the economy, and the growth of the IT industry, which has become a major contributor to India’s economy.

4) Foreign Direct Investment (FDI)

FDI has been a major contributor to India’s economic growth, as it has led to the growth of various industries and the development of the infrastructure sector. The government has implemented various policies aimed at attracting FDI, such as the 100% FDI policy in various sectors, which allows foreign companies to invest in India without any restrictions.

Challenges Facing India’s Economic Growth

Despite the impressive growth of India’s economy, there are several challenges that are hindering further progress. Some of these challenges include:

1) Poverty and income inequality:

Despite the rapid growth of the economy, poverty and income inequality remain major challenges in India. A large proportion of the population still lives below the poverty line, and the income gap between the rich and poor is widening. The government has implemented various programs aimed at reducing poverty, such as the Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana, which provides financial inclusion to the poor by providing them with access to bank accounts and other financial services.

2) Infrastructure gaps:

Another major challenge facing India’s economic growth is the inadequate infrastructure. The country still lacks basic facilities, such as electricity, water, and roads, in many regions, which hinders economic growth. The government is working to address this issue through various initiatives, such as the Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana, which aims to provide rural areas with all-weather roads, and the Atal Bhujal Yojana, which aims to improve groundwater management.

3) Political instability:

Political instability can have a negative impact on economic growth, as it can discourage investment and reduce the confidence of investors. India has experienced political instability in the past, and the government needs to ensure that the country remains politically stable in order to maintain its economic growth.

4) Lack of skilled labor force:

India faces a shortage of skilled labor, which can hinder the growth of various industries. The government is addressing this issue through various initiatives, such as the Skill India program, which aims to provide vocational training to young people and improve the quality of the workforce.

Government Policies to Promote Economic Growth

The government of India has taken several steps to promote economic growth in the country that includes:

1) Reforms in agriculture, manufacturing, and service sectors:

The government has implemented various reforms aimed at promoting the growth of the agriculture, manufacturing, and service sectors. The reforms include liberalizing trade policies, reducing red tape, and promoting entrepreneurship. The government has also implemented various programs aimed at promoting the development of these sectors, such as the Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana, which provides insurance to farmers against crop losses, and the Make in India program, which aims to make India a hub for global manufacturing.

2) Policies to attract foreign investment:

The government has implemented various policies aimed at attracting foreign investment, such as the 100% FDI policy in various sectors, which allows foreign companies to invest in India without any restrictions. The government has also established various institutions, such as the National Investment and Infrastructure Fund, which aims to attract foreign investment and promote infrastructure development.

3) Programs for skill development and employment generation

The government has implemented various programs aimed at developing the skills of the workforce and creating employment opportunities. The Skill India program is one of the major initiatives aimed at improving the quality of the workforce, while the Pradhan Mantri Rojgar Protsahan Yojana aims to provide incentives to companies that employ young people.

4) Investment in infrastructure development

The government is investing heavily in infrastructure development in order to address the gaps in the country’s infrastructure. The Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana, which aims to provide rural areas with all-weather roads, and the Atal Bhujal Yojana, which aims to improve groundwater management, are some of the major initiatives aimed at improving infrastructure in the country.

India’s economic growth has been a major focus of policy makers since independence, and has been the driving force behind the country’s progress over the past few decades. The growth of the agriculture, manufacturing, and service sectors, as well as the growth of foreign investment, have been the major contributors to India’s economic growth. Despite these achievements, the country still faces major challenges, such as poverty, income inequality, inadequate infrastructure, political instability, and a shortage of skilled labor. The government is working to address these challenges through various initiatives and policies aimed at promoting economic growth. The future prospects for India’s economic growth are bright, and the country has the potential to become one of the major economic powers in the world.

FAQs related to “India’s Economic Growth”

What has been the growth rate of india’s economy in recent years.

India’s economy has been growing at a rate of around 7% in recent years. In the financial year 2021, India’s economy grew by 11.7%, making it one of the fastest growing economies in the world.

What are the major drivers of India’s economic growth?

The major drivers of India’s economic growth are the agriculture, manufacturing, and service sectors. The growth of these sectors is driven by various factors, such as increased investment, improved infrastructure, and increased exports.

What are the major challenges facing India’s economic growth?

The major challenges facing India’s economic growth include poverty, income inequality, inadequate infrastructure, political instability, and a shortage of skilled labor.

What initiatives has the government taken to promote economic growth in India?

The government has taken various initiatives to promote economic growth in India, such as implementing reforms in agriculture, manufacturing, and service sectors, attracting foreign investment, promoting skill development and employment generation, and investing in infrastructure development.

What is the Skill India program?

The Skill India program is a government initiative aimed at improving the quality of the workforce in India. The program provides vocational training to young people and helps to address the shortage of skilled labor in the country.

What is the Make in India program?

The Make in India program is a government initiative aimed at making India a hub for global manufacturing. The program provides various incentives to companies that invest in India and promotes entrepreneurship in the country.

What is the Pradhan Mantri Rojgar Protsahan Yojana?

The Pradhan Mantri Rojgar Protsahan Yojana is a government program aimed at creating employment opportunities in India. The program provides incentives to companies that employ young people and helps to address the problem of unemployment in the country.

What is the National Investment and Infrastructure Fund?

The National Investment and Infrastructure Fund is a government institution aimed at attracting foreign investment and promoting infrastructure development in India. The institution provides funding for infrastructure projects and helps to address the gap in the country’s infrastructure.

What is the Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana?

The Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana is a government initiative aimed at providing financial inclusion to the poor in India. The program provides access to bank accounts and other financial services to people who do not have access to these services.

What is the future outlook for India’s economic growth?

The future outlook for India’s economic growth is positive, and the country has the potential to become one of the major economic powers in the world. The continued growth of the economy will have a positive impact on the standard of living of the people of India.

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The Big Picture: Women Led Development Model

• 07 Apr 2021
• 10 min read
• GS Paper - 1
• Role of Women
• Salient Features of Indian Society
• Social Empowerment
• Women's Issues

Why in News?

In charting a new growth story India is transitioning from women’s development to ‘women-led development’.

• Women as Architects: In this vision, the women have been reimagined as architects of India’s progress and development, rather than being passive recipients of the fruits of development.
• A house in the name of a woman means the ownership of her in an asset which makes a woman economically empowered.
• Also, during the covid-19 pandemic , under the Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana (PMJDY) , an amount of Rs. 500/- per month for three months (April’ 20 to June’ 20), was credited to the accounts of women account holders.

Women at Work

Present Scenario

• Among people who participate in the paid economy, women spend an average of four hours more per day than men on paid and unpaid work combined.
• Women are 25% more likely than men to live in extreme poverty.
• The global female employment is 19% more at risk than male employment (ILO estimates).
• The share of women in professional and technical roles declined further to 29.2%.
• The share of women in senior and managerial positions also is as low as 14.6% and only 8.9% firms in the country have top female managers.
• In Pakistan and Afghanistan, the income of an average woman is below 16% of that of an average man, while in India it is 20.7%.

Government Initiatives for Women Empowerment in Various Fields

• Mahila Sabhas in Gram Panchayat
• Rashtriya Gram Swaraj Abhiyan (RGSA)
• Panchayat Mahila Evam Yuva Shakti Abhiyan (PMEYSA)
• Vigyan Jyoti Scheme
• GATI Scheme
• KIRAN Scheme
• Beti Bachao Beti Padhao Scheme
• Mahila e-haat
• Mahila Bank
• Mahila Coir Yojana
• Women Entrepreneurship Platform (WEP)
• Support to Training and Employment Programme for Women (STEP) Scheme
• National Creche Scheme
• One Stop Centre Scheme
• Scheme for Adolescent Girls (SAG)' across the country

Issues Associated

• According to the AISHE Report 2019 , the female students constituted almost half (48.6%) of the total enrolment in higher education but the participation of women in the labour force stands as low as 18.6%.
• Moreover, women with families can not be expected to work 12-14 hours a day (including the commute).
• Further, there is a rise in conservative attitudes that believe a woman’s place is inside the home and that if she steps outside the socially approved threshold, it would invite a backlash.
• The poor quality of the paid work often on top of long hours of arduous unpaid domestic chores is one of the main challenges to women empowerment.
• Further, the non-availability of white collar jobs, disproportionate long hours and lesser job security narrow downs the job opportunities for educated women in India.

Steps to be Taken

• The remaining share of the women, which is educated and skilled but not participating in the labour force, should also be able to utilise its talent and contribute to the GDP of the country.
• Entrepreneurship among women could transform India’s economy and society by creating jobs, fuelling innovation, and furthering investment in health and education.
• It needs not to be essentially a 40-hours-a-week job or a two hour commute to keep a woman in the workforce.
• We can't expect women with home based responsibilities to work 12+ hours but work from home can be redesigned to make women centric workplace.
• Thus, there is a need to ensure equal representation– from company boards to parliaments, from higher education to public institutions -- through special measures and quotas.
• The idea that ‘their dreams and career are as important as that of a male’ must be instilled in the minds of girls right from the beginning.
• Families must have conversations with women about their choice of work.
• The concept of Temporary Basic Income introduced by UNDP can prove as a headstart to other similar initiatives.
• For example; a bank account in their name, a house of their own or even proper hygiene and sanitation facilities at workplaces, educational institutions etc.
• A woman who is educated and has worked at places with these basic necessities provided is quite likely to ensure these facilities for the future generations she will be in touch with.
• The fruits of women empowerment will require time to ripe and collaborative efforts but all for nothing but a greater good.
• The ripple effects of empowering women are undeniable as an educated and empowered woman will ensure education and empowerment for future generations.

India’s Sustainable Development Goal Journey: Progress and Pathways

• First Online: 28 August 2024

Cite this chapter

• Baiju Pallayil 8 ,
• Jithin Joseph 9 ,
• Sivaprasad Veluthedan 10 ,
• Sameena Moulana Manzil Siddique 11 ,
• Aryamol Kottappalla Bhaskaran 9 &
• Uma Maheswary 9  

Part of the book series: Studies in Systems, Decision and Control ((SSDC,volume 535))

15 Accesses

This article presents a comprehensive assessment of India’s progress towards the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) from 2000 to 2022, with a particular focus on the first 10 SDG goals. Through rigorous scrutiny of crucial indicators, the paper explores outcomes and challenges in India’s pursuit of a sustainable future. Key findings include a substantial decline in the poverty headcount ratio, improvements in youth literacy rates, and a positive trend in maternal healthcare. Despite notable progress, challenges persist, such as an increase in malnutrition rates and disparities in women’s business ownership. The analysis emphasizes the need for persistent efforts to sustain gains and address evolving challenges. The study contributes valuable insights for policymakers and stakeholders, equipping them with knowledge to navigate a more equitable and secure world in the coming decade. The findings underscore the importance of continued efforts to promote renewable energy consumption, address disparities in access to sanitation, and achieve inclusive and sustainable economic growth. While progress is evident, the article highlights the ongoing work required to make remittance services more affordable and accessible to all migrant communities, aligning with the commitment to SDG 10c.

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Pallayil, B., Joseph, J., Veluthedan, S., Siddique, S.M.M., Bhaskaran, A.K., Maheswary, U. (2024). India’s Sustainable Development Goal Journey: Progress and Pathways. In: El Khoury, R. (eds) Anticipating Future Business Trends: Navigating Artificial Intelligence Innovations. Studies in Systems, Decision and Control, vol 535. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-031-63569-4_37

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Make In India Essay for Students and Children

500+ words essay on make in india.

Make in India campaign was launched by the Prime Minister Narendra Modi on 25th of September in 2014. It is an initiative to make a call to the top business investors all across the world for investment in India. It is a big opportunity for all the investors to set up their business in any field anywhere in the country. This attractive plan has resourceful proposals for foreign companies to set up manufacturing units in India. Make in India campaign launched by the Indian government focuses on building effective physical infrastructure. It also meant for improving the market of digital network in the country to create a global hub for business.

Unique Symbol- Its Significance

The symbol of this initiative is a giant lion having many wheels. This indicates peaceful progress and way to the vibrant future of the country. A giant walking lion with many wheels represents courage, strength, tenacity, and wisdom.

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Why Separate Campaign?

This national program was designed to transform the country into a global business hub. Because it contains attractive proposals for local and foreign companies. This campaign focuses on creating a number of valuable and honored jobs. It is also providing skill enhancement in almost every sectors for improving the status of youths of the country.

Advantages of Make in India

The successful implementation of this plan will definitely fulfill the following major objectives:

• To ensure solid growth and valuable employment creation in the country.
• With the help of top investors country will become completely self-dependent in the manufacturing sector.
• It will provide the benefits to both parties, i.e. the investors and our country.
• Make in India will also help the companies for creating their brand values in the global market.
• It will definitely help for the growth of Indian GDP as well as to increase the value of Indian currency
• Our own investors will retain in the country itself, who were planning to move their business outside India due to lack of resources and clarity on policy issues.
• Due to this fact companies from across the globe making a huge investment in Make in India project,

Policy Structure of Make in India

The government of India is making a huge effort in order to reduce any type of burden on investors. Due to this, there is an arrangement of a dedicated web portal for solving all the queries from business entities. This portal www.makeinindia.com is now receiving an excellent response. Government has created a dedicated back-end support team, so that response can be given within 72 hours of duration.

Almost 25 key sectors like aviation, chemicals, IT, automobiles, textiles, ports, pharmaceuticals, hospitality, tourism, wellness, and railways have been identified by the government to work for the investors and become a world leader.

Disadvantages of Make in India

Now let’s have a look some probable disadvantages of Make in India. On these aspects, the government must apply some corrective measures.

• Negligence of Agriculture
• Depletion of Natural Resources
• The loss for Small Entrepreneurs
• Disruption of Land
• Manufacturing based Economy
• Interest in International Brands
• Bad Relations with China

To make India free of unemployment by bringing development and growth this policy is the urgent need. We can downsize poverty in India to a great level by solving the unemployment issue for youths. Thus the country economy will achieve a new height after the success of this campaign. This, in turn, may solve various social issues in the country.

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Development of Tourism in India, Current Landscape, Government Initiatives

Tourism in India holds immense potential as a significant contributor to country's economy, despite facing various challenges. Read this article for Opportunities for Development of Tourism in India.

Table of Contents

Development of Tourism in India

Tourism in India holds immense potential as a significant contributor to the country’s economy, despite facing various challenges. With its rich cultural heritage, diverse landscapes, and historical monuments, India has always been a magnet for travellers from around the globe. However, the development of this sector has been met with both successes and hurdles.

Current Landscape and Economic Impact of Tourism in India

Tourism in India contributes approximately 4.6% to the nation’s GDP, as per the Ministry of Tourism. Despite not being prioritized by the government, the sector plays a vital role in job creation, supporting over 32 million jobs in 2021. The World Travel and Tourism Council reported that in 2021, tourism generated ₹13.2 lakh crore (US$170 billion), accounting for 5.8% of India’s GDP.

However, the COVID-19 pandemic significantly impacted tourism, leading to a decline in foreign tourist arrivals by 44% in 2022 compared to 2019 figures. Nonetheless, India’s domestic tourism market remains robust, with over 1 billion domestic tourist visits recorded in 2012.

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Strengths and Challenges in India’s Tourism Sector

India possesses numerous strengths that bolster its tourism sector. The country’s cultural and natural resources, including historical monuments, scenic landscapes, and diverse wildlife, attract travellers worldwide. Additionally, India’s air transport infrastructure and natural resources are highly regarded globally.

However, the sector also faces several challenges. Infrastructure deficiencies, such as inadequate road networks and outdated facilities, hinder the tourist experience. Moreover, safety concerns, including issues related to women’s safety and petty crime, can deter potential visitors. Additionally, bureaucratic red tape and complex visa procedures have been cited as barriers to tourism growth.

Opportunities for Growth and Development of Tourism in India

Despite the challenges, India’s tourism sector offers ample opportunities for growth and development:

• Diverse Attractions: From historical monuments and cultural festivals to scenic landscapes and adventure sports, India offers a wide range of tourist attractions. Leveraging these diverse offerings can attract travellers with varied interests and preferences.
• Cultural Experiences: India’s rich cultural heritage and traditions provide unique experiences for tourists. Promoting cultural tourism, including heritage walks, culinary tours, and traditional art forms, can attract visitors seeking authentic cultural experiences.
• Medical Tourism: India has emerged as a leading destination for medical tourism, offering high-quality healthcare services at competitive prices. With state-of-the-art hospitals and skilled medical professionals, India attracts patients from around the world for treatments ranging from surgeries to wellness retreats.
• Rural and Eco-Tourism: There is growing interest in experiential and sustainable tourism experiences, such as rural homestays, wildlife safaris, and initiatives. Encouraging community-based tourism initiatives can benefit rural economies while conserving natural resources.
• Digital Transformation: Technology plays a crucial role in enhancing the tourism experience, from online booking platforms and virtual tours to digital marketing strategies. Embracing digital innovations can improve accessibility, convenience, and connectivity for travellers.

Government Initiatives to Promote India’s Tourism Sector

The Government of India has taken several initiatives to promote tourism development:

• Policy Support: The Ministry of Tourism formulates national policies and collaborates with stakeholders to develop and promote tourism. Efforts are underway to simplify regulations, improve infrastructure, and enhance the overall tourism experience.
• Incredible India Campaign: The Incredible India campaign showcases India’s tourism potential through multimedia campaigns, roadshows, and promotional events. It highlights the country’s cultural diversity, natural beauty, and hospitality to attract international travellers.
• Niche Tourism Promotion: The government is focusing on promoting niche tourism products such as rural, cruise, medical, and eco-tourism. Specialized marketing campaigns and infrastructure development initiatives are aimed at tapping into niche markets and diversifying the tourism portfolio.
• Public-Private Partnerships: Collaborations between the government, private sector, and local communities are essential for tourism development. Public-private partnerships facilitate investment, infrastructure development, and skill enhancement in the tourism sector.

Future Outlook For Tourism Development in India

Despite the challenges posed by the pandemic and other systemic issues, the outlook for tourism in India remains optimistic. With concerted efforts from the government, private sector, and other stakeholders, the sector is poised for growth. Forecasts suggest that tourism could contribute 7.2% of India’s GDP by 2031, underscoring its potential as a key driver of economic development.

In conclusion, tourism development in India presents challenges and opportunities. By addressing infrastructure deficiencies, promoting niche tourism products, and prioritizing safety and security, India can unlock the full potential of its tourism sector and emerge as a premier global destination for travellers.

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Development of Tourism in India FAQs

What is the current development of tourism in india.

Today tourism is the largest service industry in India, with a contribution of 6.23% to the national GDP and providing 8.78% of the total employment.

What is the role of tourism in development?

In developing countries, tourism development has been used as an important strategy for increasing economic growth, alleviating poverty, creating jobs, and improving food security.

What is the importance of tourism in India?

Tourism in India has grown substantially. It promotes National Integration and provides support to local handicrafts and cultural pursuits.

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Development in India After Independence

India, which has now turned into a significant nation internationally has grown a ton since it got its freedom from the British East India Company rule. Yet, very much like all the other things, various individuals have various sentiments about it. While some think that it has seen huge development, others are of the view that the development is delayed when contrasted with what it ought to be. Regardless of these differentiating sees, the way that remains is that the India we see today is unique in relation to what it was during autonomy.

It has created regarding the foundation, schooling, medical care, science and innovation, and in practically any remaining areas. Yet, it is viewed as a non-industrial country. This infers that the nation is requiring some investment to find the created world. Allow us now to take a gander at the improvements that India has made in various areas in the beyond seventy years.

Indian Development After Independence

Table of Content

India after independence- achievements, significant developments in india after independence, two phases of economy, administration sector growth, development of the agriculture sector, foundation development, the first independence day of india, logical achievements.

After independence, Indian citizens have the right to vote for choosing the government into power. Important leaders who helped to secure independence was Mahatma Gandhi, who began the fight for independence since 1914. Mangal Pandey was the first freedom fighter from India who fought against British in 1857.

Some important developments in India after independence have been as follows:

• Indian Railways operate with about 7000 stations and was formed in 1951.
• First general elections in India was held in 1951 with Congress winning over majority.
• India developed Asia’s first nuclear reactor. Apsara nuclear reactor was developed in 1956.
• Chandrayan 1 came to be launched in 2008 to the moon.

A free India was granted a broke economy, broad ignorance, and stunning destitution. Contemporary financial specialists partition the historical backdrop of India’s monetary development into two stages – the initial 45 years after autonomy and very nearly thirty years of the unrestricted economy. The years going before the financial progression were predominantly set apart by cases wherein monetary improvement got deteriorated because of an absence of significant strategies.

The financial changes acted as the hero with the start of a strategy of progression and privatization. An adaptable modern permitting strategy and a casual FDI strategy began getting positive reactions from worldwide financial backers. Among the main considerations that drove India’s economic development following the financial changes of 1991 were expanded FDI, reception of data innovation, and expanded homegrown utilization.

A significant improvement in the country’s administration area has been noticeable in the telecom and data innovation areas. A pattern that began exactly twenty years back is currently well thriving. A few worldwide firms keep on re-appropriating their tele administrations and IT administrations to India, bringing about the development of ITES, BPO, and KPO organizations. The securing of mastery in data innovation has prompted the age of thousands of new positions, which thus expanded homegrown utilization, and normally, more unfamiliar direct speculations ended up satisfying the needs.

As of now, the administration area utilizes over 30% of the Indian labor force and this course of improvement began, thinking back in the 1980s. During the 60s, the area utilized just 4.5% of the functioning populace. As per the Economic Survey 2021-22, the administration area represented over half of the Indian GDP, and the figures are supposed to fill from now on.

Since the 1950s, the advancement in agribusiness has been fairly consistent. The area developed at around 1% per annum in the main portion of the twentieth hundred years. During the post-Independence time, the development rate bumped around 2.6 percent per annum. The central point of development in agrarian creation was the extension of cultivating regions and the presentation of high-yielding assortments of harvests. The area could figure out how to end its reliance on imported food grains. It has advanced both concerning yield and underlying changes.

Reliable interest in research, land changes, development of degrees for credit offices, and improvement in the provincial foundation were some other deciding variables that achieved an agrarian upset in the country. The nation has likewise developed further in the agri-biotech area. The Rabobank report uncovers that the agri-biotech area has been developing at 30% in a couple of years. The nation is likewise liable to turn into a significant maker of hereditarily changed/designed crops.

The Indian street network has become one of the biggest on the planet with the all-out street length expanding from 0.399 million km in 1951 to 4.70 million km starting around 2015. Also, the complete length of the country’s public thruways has expanded from 24,000 km (1947-69) to 1,37,625 km (2021). Legislative endeavors have prompted the extension of the organization of State parkways and significant local streets, which thus has straightforwardly added to modern development.

As India needs the ability to drive its development motor, it has set off a critical improvement in the accessibility of energy by embracing a multi-pronged methodology. After just about seventy years of Independence, India has arisen as the third biggest maker of power in Asia. It has expanded its power age limit from 1,362 MW in 1947 to 3,95,600 MW starting around 2022. By and large, the power age in India has expanded from 301 billion units (BUs) during 1992-93 to 400990.23 MW in 2022. With regards to provincial jolt, the Indian government has figured out how to carry lights to each of the 18,452 towns by April 28, 2018, when contrasted with 3061 every 1950.

Progress in Education Sector

Hauling itself out from far and wide ignorance, India has figured out how to carry its school system at standard with the worldwide norm. The number of schools saw a sensational increment during the post-freedom period. The Parliament made rudimentary training a major ideal for youngsters in the age gathering of 6-14 years by passing the 86th amendment to the Constitution in 2002. At freedom, India’s education rate was a miserable 12.2 % which expanded to 74.04% according to the 2011 evaluation.

Accomplishments in the Field of Healthcare

A reduction in death rates is viewed as one of the significant accomplishments that came in India’s direction in this area. While the future was close to 37 years in 1951, it nearly multiplied to 65 years by 2011. In 2022, it was expanded to 70.19 years. Comparative improvement was seen in the maternal death rate too. India’s maternal death rate likewise declined from 212 passings for every 100,000 live births in 2007 to 103 passings in 2017-19, according to a report by The Hindu.

First Independence Day in India took place in 1947. Jawahar Lal Nehru, the Prime Minister of India, unfurled the tri-colour flag of India. Prime Minister of India hoists the tri-colour flag in Red Fort and first Independence Day of India is dedicated to brave men and women who laid their lives to free their motherland.

Autonomous India has taken certain steps on its street to logical turn of events. Its ability is being appeared in a steady increase of aggressive ventures. India invests wholeheartedly in its space programs, which started with the send-off of its most memorable satellite Aryabhatta in 1975. From that point forward, India has arisen as a space power that has effectively sent off unfamiliar satellites. Through Chandrayaan-1, India turned into the fourth country on the planet to establish its banner on the lunar surface in 2008. Its most memorable mission to Mars was sent off in November 2013 which effectively arrived at the planet’s circle on 24 September 2014. In June 2015, ISRO sent off 104 satellites (most noteworthy on the planet) from a solitary rocket through PSLV-C37.

India is additionally forcefully seeking both atomic and rocket programs. That has all the while expanded the country’s safeguard strength also. BrahMos drafted into the safeguarding framework is the world’s quickest voyage rocket that has been together evolved by India and Russia. After over sixty years of autonomy, India has now drawn nearer to being a free power to deal with in the field of atomic and rocket innovation.

A significant contribution to the economy and technological advancements and Indians are known for their hard work, dedication, and resilience in their contribution to the country. Indians have excelled in different fields since independence. In different fields like technology, sports, and others Indians have excelled.

Related Links

• Indian Economy on eve of Independence
• Indian Independence Act 1947
• Indian Freedom Movement

Frequently Asked Questions

How india has developed in 75 years.

Infrastructural development drastically improved in 75 years. There was advancement in the road network, rail lines, airports, and many other important types of developments in various other sectors, contributing to the economy of India.

What are the major developments in India?

The major developments in India are as follows: Historic Tax Reform Digitization Drive Institutional Reforms

How has India developed in the last 10 years?

India’s GDP Growth rate has increased in the last 10 years by an average growth rate of 6-7 percent.

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Essay on rural development in india.

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Read this essay to learn about Rural Development in India. After reading this essay you will learn about:- 1. Introduction to Rural Development 2. Activities and Experiments Undertaken for Rural Development 3. The Rural Development Programmes 4. Institutions 5. Observations and Problems 6. Suggestions.

Essay Contents:

• Essay on the Suggestions for Rural Development in India

1. Essay on the Introduction to Rural Development:

The definition of Rural is residuary become all over the world that is defined as an urban area and whatever is not urban known as rural.

In India a settlement is defined as urban if it fulfils either of the following conditions, were adopted in the 1991 census:

(i) All statutory towns, i.e.; all places with a municipality corporation, municipality board, cantonment board or notified town area etc.

(ii) A minimum population of 5,000.

(iii) At least 75 per cent of the Male working population engaged in non-agricultural and allied activity,

(iv) A density of population of at least 400 persons per square kilometres.

Thus, the term ‘Rural’ essentially means an area, which is characterised as non-urban style of life, occupational structure and settlement pattern.

‘Development’ in general refers to the process of a general improvement in levels of living together, decreasing inequality in incomes and the capacity to sustain continuous improvements overtime. Thus the term Rural Development is viewed as an activity of a series of activities or a process, which either improves the immediate living conditions-economic, social, political, cultural and environmental or increases the potential for future living or both of the rural people.

The Royal commission on Agriculture defined Rural Development as:

“We cannot too strongly state our conviction that the directorship of agriculture is one of the key posts in Rural Development and that agricultural advance must in a very great degree depend upon the stability of the officer.”

The taskforce appointed by the Planning Commission on Integrated Rural Development in 1972 defined Rural Development as:

“After a careful consideration we have belatedly decided to take what might be considered a rather restricted view of the expression. ‘Rural Development’ we have chose to equate it with agricultural development in the widest sense so as to embrace besides crop husbandry, all the allied activities.”

According to the view of World Bank “Rural Development as a strategy design to improve the economic and social life of a specific group of people – The rural (people) poor. It involves extending the benefits of development to the poorer among those who seek a livelihood in rural areas. The group includes small-scale farmers, tenants and the landless.”

Rural Development means a strategy to improve the economic and social life of the rural poor and the rural weak in the overall spectrum of development and growth. It is not only important to raise the agricultural productivity and the rate of overall economic growth in the rural areas, but also it is to ensure that the poor and weaker sections share the benefit.

“Rural Development as a process in complex and involves the interaction of economic, social, political, technological and other situational factors. These have to be integrated with Government policies and plans with the objective of improving the quality of life of the people in the villages”.

Rural Development encompasses:

(i) Improvement in levels of living, including employment, education, health and nutrition housing and a variety of social services

(ii) Decreasing inequality in distribution of rural incomes and in rural-urban balances in incomes and economic opportunities and

(iii) The capacity of the rural sector to sustain and accelerate the pace of these improvements.

The critical element in the Rural Development is improvement living standards of the poor through opportunities for better utilisation of their physical and human resources in the absence of this utilisation of rural resources has no functional significance. Making the process of rural development self-sustaining of capital and use of technology for the benefit of the poor but their active involvement in the building up of institutions as well as functioning of these.

There are a number of definitions of rural development. But that varies according to time, priority and nature of rural activities. Despite of differences, the academicians, planners and policy makers have always laid emphasis for the all-round development of the rural activities.

However, Rural Development as a concept and as series of experiments in alternative methods of organising production, welfare and exchange in rural activities has a long history and is not the monopoly of any single system or country. Its recent popularity however is mainly symptomatic of the failure of technocratic and growth strategies pursued by most developing countries in the 1950s and 1960s.

Academics, nationals and international policy makers are carrying out the search for solution to the twin problems of rural poverty and unemployment. The noted Western economists like, Kuznets, Gerschenkron, Floud and Mccloskey provide useful insights into the history of economic development of the present day developed countries.

The growth of output and productivity in these countries during last 10 to 15 decades has been qualitatively different from that observed in earlier periods. Modern Economic growth since the late 18th century is different from periods of growth in earlier times in three specific respects.

Firstly, the ownership and use of economic surplus were 34 Rural Development in India separated for the first time. Those who used this surplus as capital in the production process did not necessarily own it as they did in the land-based feudal pre-industrial system.

Secondly, extensive use of an acceptable unit of exchange called money helped in expansion of market, which made specialization and mobility possible.

Lastly, mobility of both capital and labour in pursuit of higher gains to urban areas and distant lands occurred on an unprecedented scale. The consequent increase in output and productivity were substantial and sustained over a long period of time. These impressive increases were also accompanied by growth of population and large-scale migration from not only rural to urban areas but from nation to nation and from continent to continent.

Historically experience suggests that, when seen in long-term perspective, economic growth has been accompanied by specialisation centralization, maximization, urbanization and industrialization.

History shows that, poverty has been diminished by the growth of labour increased productivity in the agricultural sector and migration of labour to urban non-agricultural activities. The population movement occurred mainly because industry could offer the incentive of higher wages and better employment opportunities.

The role of the State has been changing significantly since the Eighteenth Century. Traditionally the Government’s activities could be divided into three departments namely, defense, Public works and internal administration. A healthy balance among the three ensured stable regimes with the advent of modern economic development; the “Public works” component has been an expanding area of State activity.

Modern development policy makers while, recognising the importance of infrastructure have been rather ambiguous about the contents of infrastructure is one of the very few illuminating contributions on the subject. Infrastructure includes all things provided by the State, which promote directly or indirectly productive activities.

Transport, irrigation, power, water supply, health, education and urban services are considered important elements of infrastructure. In a mixed economy, with a relatively important public sector, provision of infrastructure has to be carefully planned and provided by the State.

The State playing an important role in development. Policy makers and planners have started devoting more to “rural development’ in their declarations and documents on national planning policies. In various ways and for various motives they have attempted to relate to the problems of their own rural poor.

Despite, substantial and impressive increase in growth of agricultural and food outputs in some regions of a number of developing countries the plight of small and marginal farmers, agricultural and landless labourers, artisans and small retailers has not been improved significantly.

In India the term ‘Rural Development’ is not a very old phenomenon. Early in the century their exist the British rule. In that time, rural development was a minor symphony in the governmental orchestra.

The functions of the Government were limited and even the spread of each function was narrowly restricted. Thus, Development cannot but be of minor meaning and significance in the structure of the priorities of colonialism, which was also reflected in the rural areas.

The decade 1920-30 was very significant from the view of early pioneering efforts at rural development in India. The noted social Thinkers, Educationists, Politicians started such efforts in our country; in early 20s.

2. Essay on the Activities and Experiments Undertaken for Rural Development:

Programmes and projects in pre-independence periods:.

The important activities and experiments undertaken for rural development in Pre-Independence periods are:

(i) Sriniketan Experiments:

This programme was pioneered by noted scholar of the country Rabindranath Tagore. The important objective of the experiment was Economic and Moral rehabilitation of the rural community.

(ii) Martandum Project:

One Rural Reconstruction Programme was initiated by Spancer Hatch at Martandum (South Travancore) in 1921. Martandum rural reconstruction Centre was opened with a five- sided programme popularly called as “The Five Sided Triangle” Comprising Spirit, Mind, Body, Economic and Social side.

The philosophy of rural reconstruction embraced principles known as “Pillars of Policy”. The principle of ‘Self Help’ was maintained. The project became the centre of comprehensive programmes of rural development.

(iii) The Gurugaon Experiment:

The important village uplift movement was initiated by I.L.Brayne the Deputy Commissioner of Gurugaon district in 1920. This village development programme called as the “Gurugaon Scheme”. The Gurugaon Scheme claimed to deal with the whole life and the activity of the peasant and his family and to present a complete remedy from the terrible conditions in with they lived.

(iv) Rural Reconstruction Movement in Baroda:

The important rural reconstruction centre was set up in 1932 and the work commenced in a group of villages round Kosamba (Navasri district). The movement aimed at improvement in all aspect of rural life, changing the outlook of the agriculturists, the attainment of higher standard of living.

(v) Sarvodaya Scheme of Bombay:

This scheme was based on the Gandhiji’s idea of Sarvodaya. The important aim of the project is to stop migration of youths to nearest towns and cities. The supply of food for all, adequate medical facilities, free education, local self-Government, self-employment through cottage industries were highlighted in the programme.

(vi) Firka Development Scheme:

The Firka Development Scheme aimed at the attainment of the Gandhian ideal of “Village Swaraj” by brining about not only the education, economic, sanitary and other improvements of village along with the revitalisation of the spirit if people and to make them self-confident and self-reliant.

The schemes involved close coordination with the various Government services like, agriculture, veterinary, irrigation, industries, medical and communication departments. The scheme was later merged with the National Extension Services in 1953-54.

Programmes and Projects in Post-Independence Period:

Programmes and projects were also launched in post-independence and pre-planning periods.

The important among them are:

(1) The Pilot Development Project of Etawah:

The Project began under the sponsorships of the provincial Governments of Uttar Pradesh in late 1948.

The important objectives of the project were to increase the degree of productivity, social improvements, promotion of self-confidence and cooperation.

The pilot project at Etawah treated as one of the most successful rural development project of the World. The project also exhibited the exemplary Cooperation and Coordination of Government, volunteers and others.

(2) The Nilokheri Experiment :

India divided in 1947. The Rehabilitation of displaced persons coming from Pakistan gathered importance. In order to provide them gainful employment a new township was developed at Nilokheri in 1948 with the efforts of Sri S.K.Dey.

Sri Dey evolved a faith were to activate and support a triple charter of rights such as:

(i) Right to live,

(ii) Right to work for living and

(iii) Right to receive what is earned.

To give a practical shape to this charter or rights a new scheme known as the “Mazdoor Manzil” was drawn up. The basic concept of the Mazdoor Manzil was to stop the one-way traffic of labour, material, skill and culture from villages to town.

The township was intended to include institutions for medical relief and sanitation, Higher Education, Technical and Vocational Training, Veterinary aid and agricultural extension embracing agriculture, horticulture, poultry, piggery, fishery, sheep breeding and other forms of animal husbandry. The project was highly appreciated by the then Prime Minister Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru.

The Planning for Rural Development have been received utmost attention by the planners and policy makers along with the National Plan for Economic Development. The rural development strategies were also adopted by planners as per the methods and strategies adopted for the economic development of the country. India adopted both the centralised and decentralised planning models in the process of its planned economic development.

The First Five Year Plan (1950-51 to 1955-56) adopted the Harrod-Domar model of capital accumulation and saving mobilisation as its methodological approach towards planning. Under this approach, the process of economic development must start from the villages.

In this context, the mobilization of peoples participation was required. In order to implement this ideology the Community Development Programme (CDP) was conceived. The Block administration was created as a centre of Rural Development activities.

This programme failed as blocks were quite big and left the weaker section untouched. The programme was also implemented in Orissa. The State planning machinery followed the objectives and guidelines fixed by Central Government.

The Second Five Year Plan (1955-56 to 1960-61) based on Feldman-Mahalnobis model of sectoral growth. This strategy emphasised investment in heavy industry to achieve industrialization, which was assumed to be the basic condition for rapid economic development.

A good deal of reliance was placed on cottage and small industries with the aim of reducing rural under employment, unemployment. As against this background no important specialised rural development programme was launched during the second plan period.

However, steps were taken to strengthen the ongoing community development programme. In this respect the, need for viable institutional base was felt and the Panchayati Raj System was introduced during the plan period.

Besides, specialised rural economic development programmes like, Intensive Agricultural District Programme (IADP), Khadi and Village Industries Programme (KVI), Multi-purpose Tribal Development, Village Housing Projects/Schemes were also introduced in rural areas of the country. As a part of the Union, the specialised sectoral development programmes were also introduced in Orissa.

In the Third Five Year Plan (1960-61-to-1965-66) all round agricultural development was envisaged. Increased agricultural production in the farm sector and activities allied to agriculture received topmost priority during the plan period.

The important agricultural development programmes bringing green revolution strategy like Intensive Agricultural Area Programme (IAAP) and High Yield Varieties Programme (HYVP) were implemented in the country. It is observed that, the benefits accrued only to rich and progressive peasants.

Once again, landless and agricultural labourers were left untouched. Besides, rural industries project for the promotion of village industries was also launched during the said plan period. Health and Nutrition is regarded as important inputs required for improvement in the quality of life. To ensure appropriate and adequate nutrition to the children, for their growth Applied Nutrition Programme was introduced during the Third Five Year Plan.

The Fourth Five Year Plan (1969-74) in the name of “Growth with social justice” initiated efforts towards uplifting the vulnerable sections of rural society. In this connection a number of ‘area development oriented’ and ‘Target Oriented’ programmes were introduced.

Programmes such as Small Farmers Development Agency (SFDA), Small Farmers and Agricultural Labourers Development Agency (MFAL), Drought Prone Area Programme (DPAP), Tribal Area Development Programme (TADP) were introduced as the important rural development programmes. These rural development programmes did succeed, but only in limited areas and numbers.

This plan paved the path for a number of rural development and poverty alleviation programmes in the country. These programmes were implemented through the existing administrative apparatus at block and village levels.

Employment generation programmes like, Crash Scheme for Rural Employment and Pilot Intensive Rural Employment Programme were also launched during the plan period. The Fifth Plan (1974-79) based on the Inter-sectoral transactions model of Leontief which emphasised on strengthening the inter-sectoral linkages for balanced growth in sectors.

The most important objectives of the Fifth Plan Period was:

(i) Removal of poverty and

(ii) Achievement of self-reliance.

In order to attain these objectives. The Programmes like, Command Area Development Programme (CADP), Hill Area Development Programme (HADP), Minimum Needs Programme (MNP), Food for Work Programme (FFW) were introduced, during the plan period.

Besides, in order to promote small-scale, village and cottage industries the District Industries Centres (DICs) were set up in all districts of the country. The 20-point Economic Programme was also introduced during the said plan period.

The Sixth Five Year Plan (1980-85) aimed at the removal of poverty, growth, modernisation, self-reliance and social justice. In order to attain all-round development in rural areas, one single integrated programme called Integrated Rural Development Programme (IRDP) was conceived. IRDP is regarded as a multi-level, multi-sector and multi-section concept of rural development.

As a multi-level concept it encompasses rural development at various levels such as viable cluster of village communities, districts and blocks. As a multi- sector concept, it embraces development in various sectors and sub-sectors of the rural areas such as agriculture, industry, education, health and transportation etc.

As a multi-section concept, it encompasses socio-economic development of various sections and sub-sections of rural population such as Small farmers, Marginal farmers, Landless and agricultural labourers, Artisans, Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes.

Besides IRDP, the employment generation programmes like, National Rural Employment Programme (NREP), Rural Landless Employment Guarantee Programme (RLEGP), Economic Rehabilitation or Rural Poor (ERRP), Training of Rural Youth for Self-Employment (TRYSEM), Self Employment for the Educated Unemployed Youths (SEEUY). Development of Women and Children in Rural Areas (DWCRA) etc. were also introduced during the said plan period.

The important objectives of the Seventh Five Year Plan (1985-90) were; building an independent self-reliant economy, establishment of social system based on equity and justice, reduction of regional imbalance and adoption of advanced technologies. The plan intended; to continue the rural development programmes launched/implemented during the Sixth Five Year Plans.

Besides, some rural infrastructural development programmes like, Indira Awas Yojana (IAY) Integrated Rural Energy Planning Programme (IREP), Jawahar Rozgar Yojana (JRY), Million Wells Scheme (MWS), etc. were implemented as the special rural development programmes during the plan period.

The Eighth Five Year Plan (1992-97) aimed at generation of adequate employment opportunities, Universalisation of elementary education, provision of safe drinking water and primary health care facilities, and strengthening the infrastructure. The special rural development and poverty alleviation programmes implemented in earlier plans were also intended to continue during the Eighth Five Year Plan.

In order to boost earlier infrastructure and employment generation programmes the new and culmination programmes like, Intensified Jawahar Rozgar Yojana (IJRY), Employment Assurance Scheme (EAS), Operation Black Board (OBB), and District Primary Education Programme (DPEP) were introduced.

The Ninth Five Year Plan (1997-2002) aimed at generating employment opportunities in the secondary sector, all-round development of agricultural sector, strengthening the rural economy through development of agro-based industries, small- scale village and cottage industries and elimination of poverty.

As against these objectives, the programmes for self- employment, and supplementary wage employment and other programmes intended to continue during the Ninth Plan with some modifications. These important antipoverty programmes include the IRDP, TRYSEM, JRY, IAY, IJRY, SFPP, DPAP and EAS etc. The IRDP, DWCRA, TRYSEM, MWS were in operation till the end of 1998-99.

It was felt that; this fragmented approach with a multiplicity of schemes was not able to focus on the needs of the rural poor in a coherent manner. Hence these schemes were amalgamated by Government of India and merged into a single new scheme called Swarnajayanti Gram Swarojgar Yojana (SGSY) with effect from 1.4.1999. In order to create adequate infrastructural development the Jawahar Gram Samridhi Yojana (JGSY) was also implemented on the same date.

All the plan strategies for rural development based on various approaches like, growth-based approach in first Three Five Year Plans (First Five Year Plan, Second Five Year Plan, Third Five Year Plan), which was popularly known as trickle down approach.

The Fourth Five Year Plan based on Target group approach. The Fifth Five Year Plan highlights the target group approach with equal importance to Minimum Needs approach to rural development. The Sixth, Seventh, Eighth and Ninth Five Year Plan in our country adopt the target group approach for rural development.

The important elements of rural development strategies are:

(1) Appropriate Institutional Arrangements.

(2) Labour – Intensive agriculture and Minor development works.

(3) A hierarchy of development centres to bridge the wide gap between rural and urban areas and self- reliance.

(4) An active policy for social development, and

(5) Appropriate Organisational arrangements.

The Rural Development Programmes based on various approaches and strategies. These are varies according to plan and the Nature of the programme. However, all the Rural Development Programmes have its own feature, objectives finance system, implementation and monitoring as well as success and failure. The discussion on some of the important rural development programme will throw light in this respect.

3. Essay on the Rural Development Programmes in India:

India started her planned economic development through Five Year Plans in the year 1950-51. The economy of the Country has been dominated by the rural and traditional economic sectors. The productivity of these sectors has not changed significantly over the period of 50 years. The existence of massive unemployment and poverty is the common feature of Indian economy in general and rural economy in particular.

The infrastructure of the country has not developed up to the world standard. It is proper to mention here that, we have achieved little over the period of 50 years of planned economic development. The planners and policy makers have been laid best possible efforts for the development of the economy and rural development. Due to a number of factors, desired success has not been achieved so far.

However, we would like to discuss some of the important rural development programmes implemented in our country as well as the states and Union Territories from time to time. The aims and objectives of these programmes are national in nature and the progress and achievements are based on the secondary data available. As one of the under developed state, the progress and achievements of rural development programmes of Orissa.

Some comparative analysis of the R.D. Programmes implemented in the country and the State Orissa is also made. Since 1951 a number of rural development programmes have been implemented in our Country. Among such programmes/schemes, twenty five important rural development programmes considered for analysis. These programmes covers all plan periods i.e.; First Five Year Plan (1950-51 to 1955-56) to Eighth Five Year Plan (1992-97).

(i) Community Development Programme (CDP):

India as an independent Country started its planned economic development process in the year 1950-51. The First Five Year Plan 1950-51 to 1955-56 based on methodical approach. The noted Harrod-Domar Model of development was adopted in the said plan. The model emphasised on capital accumulation and saving.

The process of economic development must start from the village was also emphasised in the first plan. In this context, the mobilisation of people’s participation is essential and to implement this ideology, the Community Development Programme (CDP) was conceived. The Community Development Programme was launched on 2nd October 1952.

A general village community in India can be divided into six main groups as follows:

(i) The owners of land and those who have hereditary rights of tenancy.

(ii) The sub-tenants or tenants at will.

(iii) Landless Agricultural labourers.

(iv) Village Artisans.

(v) Money lenders and Shopkeepers.

(vi) Persons in the professions or in personal services, e.g. doctors, lawyers, barbers, village officials.

Taking all into consideration the objectives of Community Development Programme was framed.

The important objective of Community Development Programme is to create an urge among the rural people for a better life and to show the way to satisfying this urge predominantly by means of self-help. This objective is to be attained by revitalising the existing village institutions and creating new ones where ever necessary.

The programme emphasized to give effects to an intensive and comprehensive programme covering all aspects of rural life; i.e.; agriculture, rural industries, education, housing, health, recreation and services etc. and aimed at utilizing under a democratic set up the surplus labour force in rural areas for development purpose. It also aims at the largest possible extension of the principle of cooperation and every effort to made to make rural families credit worthy.

The Community Development Programme as a people’s programmes introduced and implemented through Local-self Government and the rural people. The Local Self Government get further boost after the recommendation of Balwantrai Mehta’s formulation of Democratic decentralisation in the forms of village Panchayats, Panchayat Samities and Zilla Parishads.

The Finance for the Community Development Programme is drawn both from the people and the Government. Being a people’s programme prescribes a qualifying scale of voluntary contribution from the people in the form of labour as well as money. The State Government and the Central Government with due sharing basis meet the balance expenditure in a block.

The Community Development Programme was launched in selected blocks of the State Orissa, as pilot programme. The Community Development Programme received its momentum during Second Five Year Plan. The total expenditure of Rs. 822.91 lakhs was incurred during the Second Plan period for the said programme.

By the end of the Third Five Year Plan (1965-66) period there were 147 Stage I blocks, 139 Stage II blocks bringing the total number of blocks to 314. Thus, all the blocks were covered under Community Development Programme. The total expenditure under this programme was Rs 1767 lakhs.

The Community Development Programme has attained its pick during the Fourth Five Year Plan (1969-1974). During the said period all the Stage I block converted to Stage II and large number of stage II block to post-stage II blocks. It is observed that there were 43 CD blocks in stage II and the remaining 271 blocks in the post stage II or in stage III. Total Fund of Rs 850 lakhs were earmarked for the programme.

Besides, special development schemes on irrigation, Agriculture extension, animal husbandry, horticulture, drinking water and communication were also implemented in seven backward districts of the State. In this respect a total sum of Rs 225 lakh has been earmarked.

The contribution of Community Development Programme to the rural development are:

(1) The setting up of a network of community development blocks covering the length and breadth of the country, thus enabling the government to reach the rural population in almost any aspect of their life,

(2) The transfer of powers and functions for implementing the programme to the elected representatives at the village, block and district levels, thereby paving the way for democratic decentralisation through a three-tier Panchayati Raj System.

The National Institute of Community Development conducted a survey to assess the impact of CDP They concluded that “the process of modernisation has reached all strata, and going to do so at a faster pace in future, but this has not resulted in any violent reaction on the part of the lower classes”.

The ideology of people’s participation through Panchayati Raj System, in absence of proper education and discipline resulted in conspicuous alienation of the weaker sections of the rural communities by the privileged classes.

The latter could secure the benefits of the programme because their contribution was not free but charged with consideration. It is observed that the whole programme suffered from lack of vitality, and was tending to generate only into a number of material benefits for a limited few.

The official agencies responsibility for implementation of development activities lacked in understanding the new climate because they were manned by those officials who were trained in the particular framework. Besides, their bureaucratic approach also appeared to be a hindrance in initiating the programmes.

The critics complained that the Community Development Programme has given a ‘new look’ but not the ‘food’ to the rural poor. It is no denying a fact that the expenditure on building the institutions for social change was larger than the expenditure incurred on productive purposes. Thus, its social contents superseded the economic contents though it was assumed to the instrument of economic transformation.

(ii) Intensive Agricultural District Programme (IADP):

The Intensive Agricultural District Programme (IADP) as a package programme was very strongly recommended by Agricultural Production Team of the Ford Foundation (USA) on 1959. This programme was put into action during 1960-61.

The important objective of the programme was to improve the agricultural production in a integrated and intensified manner. This programme was introduced in selected districts of the country.

The selection of these districts was made on the basis of:

(a) The district should as far as possible have assured water supply

(b) It should have a minimum of natural hazards,

(c) It should have well developed village Institutions like Cooperatives and Panchayats

(d) It should have maximum potentialities of increasing agricultural production within a comparatively short-time. Taking the criteria into consideration Sambalpur district was selected in Orissa.

It was decided to implement for the development of Rabi Crops in 1962-63. This programme was introduced in all the 29 blocks of the district. In the second phase of the programme main thrust was given on the increase of higher yielding paddy in the Khariff extending the area under various commercial and horticulture crops and on promoting efficient soil and water management practices.

Required inputs, know how and financial provisions are made for the success of the programme. Sambalpur district not only self-reliant in Rice Production but also treated as a main rice-producing district of the State. The IADP has been a ‘Path finder’ for successful programme.

(iii) Intensive Agricultural Area Programme (IAAP):

The Third Five Year Plan (1960-65) aimed to achieve self- sufficiency in food grains and increase agricultural production to meet the requirements of industry and exports.

Besides, the mid-term appraisal of the Third Five Year Plan observed that “Much greater emphasis should be given to the development of scientific and progressive agriculture in an intensive manner in areas where a high agricultural production potentialities”.

The Government of India formulated the Intensive Agricultural Area Programme (IAAP) with a view to cover at least 20 per cent to 25 per cent of the cultivated area of the country and this area should be selected for the intensive development of import crops such as wheat, paddy, millets, cotton, sugarcane, potato, pulses etc. The programme was launched in 1964-65.

The aim of IAAP was to bring about a progressive increase in the production of main crops in selected areas by an intensive package approach i.e.; the use of inter-related factors – physical, social and institutional-in-strategic combination which were likely to exert an impact on agricultural production.

It was decided to implement such programme in the selected blocks of the country as well as the state. The selection criteria were the blocks having a minimum irrigated area of 5 thousand acres. In Orissa a total of 86 blocks were covered under the Intensive Agricultural Area Programme during the period of Fourth Five Year Plan an additional 46 blocks were brought under the programme, taking total coverage of blocks up to 132.

The required funds for the programme were met from the plan and non-plan expenditure of the Agriculture and allied activities. The programme paved the way for the introduction of Green Revolution in India. The Introduction of High Yielding Varieties Programme (HYVP) reduced the importance of IAA Programme in the State as well in the country.

(iv) High Yielding Varieties Programme (HYVP):

The High Yielding Varieties Programme (HYVP) was launched in the country from the kharif seasons of 1966-67 as a major plank of new agricultural strategy under the economic planning system.

The important objective of the programme was to attain self-sufficiency in food by the end of 1970-71. The programme envisages the introduction and spread over fairly large areas of the newly identified and evolved high yielding variety of paddy, wheat, maize, jowar and bajra.

The HYVP proposes to make a technological break-through in Indian agriculture which consists of the introduction of new and high-yielding varieties of improved seeds, increased application of the right amount of fertilizers and extension of the use of pesticides so that the crop produced is not destroyed by insects.

To enable the farmers to undertake this agricultural practice, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) agreed to relax the usual terms and conditions in respect of Central Cooperative Banks (CCBs) for the purpose of financing such cultivators.

During the Fourth Five Year Plan about 742.6 thousand hectares of land was brought under the HYV programme in Orissa. This has increased to about 1860 thousand hectares of land during Fifth Five Year Plan with an investment of about Rs. 2 Crores.

This programme mainly confined to good land and to those farmers who have the resources and the adaptability to embrace the progress of technology. This programme became successful in the states like Punjab, Haryana and a part of Gujarat, Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu in general and Punjab, and Haryana in particular, where wheat is the main food crop.

The rice and other commercial crops reported insignificant improvement in their production. Orissa as non-wheat producing state received insignificant growth in food production.

(v) Small Farmers Development Agency (SFDA):

The Reserve Bank of India appointed All-India Rural Credit Review Committee on 1969, under the Chairmanship of Sri B.Venkatappiah. The committee in its-interim report recommended for the establishment of Small Farmers Development Agency (SFDA) in following words:

“The special efforts proposed are to be restricted to those cultivators who can be developed into surplus farmers if they adopt improved techniques on the basis of support in terms of supplies, irrigation, services of machinery etc. Appropriate schemes have to be drawn up by technical experts with reference to local resources and requirements, so that such cultivators can undertake specific lines of investment (e.g. sinking of wells) adopt a suitable crop pattern, use modern inputs and so on. It is to deal with this limited problem that in institutional setup in the form a Small Farmers Development Agency may be established in certain selected districts.”

The important functions of the Agency was to:

(i) Investigate and identify the problems of small farmers and endeavour to see that the provision of various services and supplies to small farmers is ensured,

(ii) Help small farmer to secure loans from co-operative banks and other assistance like obtain improved seeds, fertilizers and other inputs,

(iii) The agency is to provide various services such as spraying of insecticides, hiring out of tractors and land leveling to small farmers through the agro-industries corporations or other appropriate bodies and institutions including cooperatives and local authorities such as Zilla Parishad and extension services,

(iv) To draw up plans for investment and production activities to be undertaken by the cultivators participating in the programme,

(v) To explore the possibility of adding to the income of the small farmers by assisting them in taking up animal husbandry activities such as dairy and poultry,

(vi) It should endeavour to promote the flow of short-term, medium- term and long-term co-operative credit to small cultivators for appropriate purposes from the Agricultural Credit Societies and Central Cooperative banks on the one hand and the land development banks on the other. The scheme was included in the Fourth Five Year Plan. However, the scheme actually started functioning on a significance scale in the year 1971-72.

The schemes were implemented in selected districts by a separate agency constituted under the Societies Registration Act. The scheme was financed by the State and Central Government on matching basis.

The provision of subsidy was also made by the agency at the rate of 25 per cent to non-tribal small farmers, 33.3 per cent to non-tribal marginal farmers and 50 per cent to Tribal farmers in capital investments and inputs subject to maximum of Rs 3000 and Rs 5000 respectively for any farmers.

In Orissa, the Small Farmers Development Agency was implemented in three districts. They were Bolangir, Dhenkanal and Ganjam. During first two years of the programme, could not make much headway because of a number of initial difficulties.

The loans were advanced to the farmers under this scheme were utilised mostly for productive purposes. Orissa stand second in utilisation of loans in all-India basis after Kerala. The State utilised about 83.6 per cent of the loans sanctioned under the scheme.

During the period between 1971-72 and 1980, about 272 lakh families in 115 blocks less than seven SFDA were benefitted. The total loans mobilised stood at Rs. 38.4 crores. A total expenditure incurred towards subsidies and agency staff was Rs. 14.8 crores.

The SFDA was the first rural development programme in the country where the Central Government, State Government and Financial Institutions maintained proper linkage for the success of the programme. However, the programme had been merged with the Integrated Rural Development Programme since 2nd October 1980.

(vi) Marginal Farmers and Agricultural Labourers Development Agency (MFALDA):

The Marginal Farmers and Agricultural Labourers Development Agencies were set up along with SFDA on the recommendation made by Rural Credit Review Committee (1969).

The principal objective of the programme is to assist the marginal farmers and agricultural labourers in maximum productive use of their small holding and skills by undertaking horticulture, animal husbandry and other economic activities, like rural industries etc.

The important functions of the programme were to:

(i) Identify eligible beneficiaries and their problems

(ii) To formulate economic programmes for providing gainful employment to the participants,

(iii) To promote infrastructural facilities for production, processing, storage and marketing of products

(iv) To promote rural industries.

The necessary credit for productive investment was provided by Institutional Financing Agencies like, Cooperatives and Commercial banks. Besides provision of matching subsidies were also provided to the beneficiaries.

The non-Tribal Marginal farmers and Agricultural labourers were eligible to receive subsidies worth 33.3 per cent on the capital investments and inputs, whereas this was 50 per cent for tribal beneficiaries, subject to maximum of Rs 3000/- and Rs 5000/- respectively.

The Marginal Farmers and Agricultural Labourers Development Agency was launched during the year 1971-72 in the districts of Cuttack and Keonjhar. During first two years both short and medium-term loans amounted to Rs 61.32 lakhs and Rs 45.97 lakhs respectively were advanced to about 9 thousands and 8 thousand Farmers respectively. A total sum of Rs 1.6 cores was earmarked in the year 1974-75.

This amount has increased to Rs 4.2 crores in the year 1975-76. Under the project 2.6 lakh Marginal farmers and 0.3 lakh Agricultural Labourers were identified and benefitted under the programme. Among them about 70 per cent of the beneficiaries were enrolled as members of cooperative societies.

(vii) Drought Prone Area Programme (DPAP):

A Rural works programme was initiated in 1970-71 with the objective of providing development investment in drought prone areas. During the Fourth Five Year Plan the main emphasis of the programme was on labour intensive works such as medium and minor irrigation, road construction, afforestation, soil conservation and provision of drinking water. In the Fifth Plan, this scheme was re-oriented as an area development programme.

The strategy of this programme was to improve the economy of the areas covered, through a package of infrastructural and on-farm development activities with the objective of optimum utilisation of land, water, human and livestock resources. This programme was also targeted the weaker sections of the society like, Small and Marginal farmers, Agricultural Labourers and other rural poor, who have no assured source of income. Co-operative societies were organised to act accordingly.

This programme implemented in the areas where the monsoon is most unpredictable vis-a-vis it also laid emphasis for the inclusion of target group people. Thus, this programme was the first in its category, which included both the area approach and target group approach.

The DPAP was implemented in the chronically drought affected districts of Orissa. Considering the concentration of weaker sections as well as drought prone area the programme was implemented in 11 blocks of Kalahandi and 14 blocks of Phulbani district in Orissa.

During the Fourth Plan the scheme was fully financed by the Government of India. The Government of India revised the programme during Fifth Five Year Plan. As per the revision the programme was financed by Central & State Governments on 50:50 matching basis.

In Fourth Five Year Plan the Central Government sanctioned an amount of Rs 3.4 Crores to Orissa for the programme. During the years 1974-80 expenditure on the programme was stood at Rs 14.2 Crores on different schemes. The programme has been extended to 14 more blocks of Bolangir and Sambalpur districts (8 blocks in Bolangir and 6 blocks in Sambalpur) bringing total blocks to 39 in 4 districts of the State.

The State Plan allocation for the Sixth Plan was Rs 7 Crores against the anticipated expenditure of Rs 7.1 Crores. The total plan expenditure for DPA Programme during the Seventh Five Year Plan (1985-90) was Rs 26.5 Crores. The launching of Eighth Plan was delayed by two years due to political instability in the country.

However the programme received Rs 12.7 Crores in 1990-91 and 1991-92. The Drought Prone Area Development Programme is being operated in 47 blocks (2 blocks each in Boudh, Sonepur, Dhenkanal, 12 blocks in Phulbani, 10 blocks in Kalahandi, 8 blocks in Bolangir, 6 blocks in Bargarh and 5 blocks in Nuapada districts) Spread over to 8 districts of the State during the Eighth Five Year Plan (1992-97).

The Total expenditure incurred under the plan was Rs 36.9 Crores. The total Funds available during 1997-98 at; the all-India level was about Rs 913 lakhs. The total Expenditure incurred during the year was Rs 436 lakhs. The expenditure was thus 47.8 per cent of the total funds available under the programme. The percentage share of total expenditure to total funds available was about 48.6 per cent.

(viii) Integrated Tribal Development Agencies (ITDA):

Next to Africa, India has the largest concentration of the tribal population in the World. Though all the states have tribal population in various degrees of concentration, majority of them is found in Bihar, Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Orissa, Rajasthan and West Bengal. Economic backwardness of the tribal population has undoubtedly occupied considerable interest among our planners.

The First Five Year Plan laid down its priorities for tribal development in three broad categories namely education, economic uplift and health, housing and other schemes. Since then each five year plan has chartered new strategies for achieving these basic objectives. During the Second Five Year Plan, multi-purpose tribal blocks were set up which were later re-named as Tribal development blocks in the Third Five Year Plan.

Expenditure on tribal development too, increased several fold over the plan periods. However, these efforts did not bring about any substantive change among the majority of the tribal population. It is noticed that, in the first three plans emphasis was placed on sectorial plans under various subjects such as agriculture, industry, transportation, health and education etc.

Most of these were conceived at the National or at the State level. The Fourth Five Year Plan gave importance to planning at the district level and to experimental studies on growth centres for evolving a planning strategy at the grass-root level. In this context, the Government of India has sanctioned pilot projects for tribal development in the central agricultural sector.

Among the Six projects sanctioned in All-India level, Ganjam and Koraput districts were selected in Orissa. The outlay on each of these projects was Rs 2 Crores. Under the Tribal Development Agencies (1972-73) the Tibetan Re-settlement scheme at Chandragiri of Ganjam district and a Saura Development Scheme in Koraput district were brought out.

A new strategy has been evolved for planning the development of the tribal communities during the Fifth Plan period. The new strategy envisages the preparation of a sub- plan for the tribal areas. The first exercise in this regard is to demarcate the tribal areas based on the tribal population.

(i) Areas, where the tribal concentration of 50 per cent or above.

(ii) Areas of dispersed tribal population below 50 per cent.

(iii) Extremely backward and isolated little communities.

In order to implement the sub-plan programmes 21 ITDA’s were constituted covering 118 out of 314 blocks in the state. Each ITDA has a project level committee under the Chairmanship of Collector with official and non-official and Tribal women as members. They have to draw up the plan and programmes at ITDA level and review and monitor the developmental activities of different Department.

Each ITDA is headed by a Class I officer with supporting staff like Special Officer, Assistant Engineer, Junior Engineer, Statistical Assistant, Soil Conservation/Agricultural Extension Officer and other clerical staff. 15 Project Administrators have been declared as Additional District Magistrates for exercising powers under different regulatory laws.

There were about 47 thousand villages in Orissa; out of that 18.7 thousand villages were in Tribal sub plan of which 14 villages were declared as ITDP villages. They were spread over to about 98 blocks of the State up to 1977-78. A total financial outlay of Rs 189 crore was earmarked for the programme in 1979-80 with a view to cover about 2 thousand families. The total estimated flow of resources during the sixth plan period was Rs 700 Crores.

It is observed that 36 per cent of the total outlay of the State during Sixth Plan Period was earmarked for investment as against 23 per cent during fifth plan period. About 5.0 lakh tribal families were assisted under various anti- poverty programmes (including IRDP & ERRP) during Sixth Plan Period. During the Seventh Plan period, about 7.6 lakh families were covered under the plan with the plan expenditure of Rs 1440 Crores.

The plan allocation for the sub-plan during the year 1990-91 and 91-92 was estimated at Rs 391 crores and Rs 590 crores respectively. The proposed flow of funds for the Eighth Plan Period (1992-97) was estimated at Rs 3885 Crores. The Flow of funds during 1992-93 was of the order of Rs 459 Crores. This covered about 34 families.

The total funds for the year 1993-94 have increased to Rs 466 crores. Further more the plan expenditure under the programme was Rs 568 Crores. Under the plan 43 thousand families were benefitted in the year 1993-94. Where as this stood at 41 thousand during 1994-95. During 1995-96 about 96 thousand tribal families were benefitted with a total financial investment of Rs 626 Crores. The total plan out lay for the year 1996-97 and 1997-98 was Rs 862 Crores and Rs 749 Crores respectively.

(ix) Modified Area Development Approach (MADA):

Article 46 of the constitution enjoins up on the State to promote with special care the educational and economic interest of the weaker sections and in particular Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes and to protect them from social injustice and all forms of exploitation.

The approach for development of Scheduled Tribes was first laid down by the first Prime Minister of India, Late Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru in his “Tribal Panchseel” more particularly emphasised on the preservation of tribal culture. The Tribal Sub-plan approach was operated in mid seventies.

The objectives of the Tribal sub-plan strategy have basically remained two fold:

(i) Socio-Economic Development of S.Ts. and

(ii) Protection of tribals against exploitation.

Integrated Tribal Development Programmes in the form of Integrated Tribal Development Agencies (I T D A) were implemented in the areas where the concentration of tribal population is more than 50 per cent, and they live in extremely backward areas.

For the all-round development of the Tribals outside the Sub-plan areas a new programme called Modified Area Development Approach (MADA) was launched in 1978- 79. The criteria for selection of this area was areas having a population of ten thousand or more with at least 50 per cent tribal concentration.

The identified areas called as MADA Pockets. In these pockets individual family-oriented schemes as well as community benefit oriented programmes are to be implemented. There is a MADA level Advisory Committee for each MADA Sub-Collector concerned with officials and non- officials like peoples representatives as members. This Advisory Committee is responsible for drawn up programmes and overseas the implementation.

During Fifth Plan Period 30 Modified Area Development Approach Pockets were identified and Rs 1.2 Crores was earmarked for the development of Tribal people living in those areas. The number of pocket has increased to 37 during Six Plan period. A Total sum of Rs 5.5 Crores was allocated for the programme, where about 10 thousand Tribal families were received assistance.

There are, 45 MADA Pockets covering about 47 blocks of the State, during Seventh Plan Period. The total amount of Rs 7.2 Crores was earmarked for the implementation of different schemes. Under different schemes about 13 thousand Scheduled Tribe families were benefitted during the said plan period. In two annual plans i.e.; 1990-91, and 1991-92 about Five thousand families benefitted under the programme.

The total investment of Rs 2.2 crores and Rs 2.5 crores were made for the year 1990-91 and 1991-92 respectively. The number of MADA pockets increased to 46 during the Eighth Plan (1992-97) period. A total Fund of Rs 16.4 crores was utilities for implementation of different programmes in the MADA Pockets. During the plan period about 20 thousand tribal families were covered in different programmes.

(x) Command Area Development Programme (CADP):

The Command Area Development Programme was introduced in the Country in 1974-75 with a view to realising a fast and optimum utilisation of the irrigation potential created in the major irrigation projects. In Orissa, the programme was launched in 1976-77 covering 52 blocks in the districts of Cuttack, Puri, Balasore, Sambalpur and Bolangir.

It was spread over to about 5.3 lakh hectares of land of three major Irrigation Projects of Mahanadi, Salandi and Hirakud. The basic concept of the Programme was to step up agricultural production by optimum utilisation of water by controlled irrigation and adoption of multi-cropping pattern on an extensive scale.

The components of C A D Project which are given highest priority in realising these objectives are:

(i) Construction of field channels

(ii) Warabandi i.e; regulated and assured water supply to the farmers

(iii) Consolidation and

(iv) Adoption of Multi-cropping pattern.

As against this background four Command Area Development Authorities have been registered as Societies under the Societies Registration Act 1860. Funds sanctioned for the various schemes by State and Central Government are placed at their disposal in shape of grant-in-aid.

A special loan account was also set up by the ARDC with 50% contribution from Central Government and 25% each by the State Government and ARDC to finance on-farm development works for the ineligible and unwilling beneficiaries.

During the Fifth Plan the major achievement was, conducting of a large number of multi-crop demonstrations to make the farmers aware of the needs for having three cropping patterns. Small and Marginal farmers were also involved themselves in the programme and became members of Co­operative Societies.

A modest beginning was also made in demonstration of proper water Management by Construction of field channels to serve about 3 thousand hectares of land. A total financial provision of Rs 12.5 Crores was made for the programme.

The principle components of the Command Area Development Programme during the Sixth Five Year Plan (SO­BS) have been:

(i) Construction of field channels including field drains

(ii) Topographical Survey

(iii) Soil Conservation and Survey

(iv) Rotational water supply to the beneficiary farmers

(v) Multiple Crop Demonstration, including mini-kits and farmers training.

During the said plan period about 1.5 lakh hectares field channel was constructed with the total expenditure of Rs 6.9 Crores.

The Command Area Development Programme expanded to 58 blocks in the districts of Cuttack, Puri, Balasore, Sambalpur, Bolangir and Koraput. An area of 2.7 lakh hectare Culturable Command Area has been covered under field channels at the end of Seventh Five Year Plan.

The Principal Component of CAD Programme during the Eighth Five Year Plan (1992-97) was:

(i) Survey Planning and Design

(ii) Construction of field channels, drains and land leveling

(iii) Rotational water supply

(iv) Adaptive Trails

(v) Farmers participation

(vi) Training

(vii) Conjunctive use of surface and ground water

(viii) Marketing and Communication and

(ix) Monitoring and evaluation.

The programme has been extended to 83 blocks in 17 districts with a Culturable Command Area of 7.4 lakh hectares during Eighth Plan Period. A total sum of Rs 18.4 Crores was spending under the programme during said plan period.

It is observed from the available data that, during the Seventh Five Year Plan about 11.14 million hectares field channels were constructed. About 1.93 million hectare of land leveling activities and 4.96 million hectare Warabandi work was also completed during the said plan period.

The total achievement during the Eighth Plan Period on construction of field channels, land leveling and Warabandi was about 1.75 M.ha, 0.14 M.ha, and 2.75 M.ha respectively. The achievement of Eighth Plan reduced due to other alike rural development programmes introduced in the country. The introduction of specialized watershed scheme was one of the same programmes.

4. Essay on the Institutions for Rural Development:

The Rural Development in India is a very old phenomenon. Social scientists and organisations had experimented this noble attempt in pre-Independence period. Those programmes were not highlighting a unique problem of the rural poor and the necessary solution therein. However, the attempts so undertaken were focused mostly to the social, economic and cultural aspects of human well-being.

The noble attempts made by great and intellectual sons of the soil could not spread over to all part of the country due to lack of government attitude and patronage. The British Government had never felt the importance of rural development in the country. The rulers felt that, rural development was a part of social welfare, which is perhaps contradictory to the British ideology and policies.

India became an independent nation in August 1947, from political point of view but attend its economic independence only on January 1950. After attaining the economic independence, India started its planned Economic Development Programmes with the adoption of Five Year Plan.

During the process of planned economic development, Rural Development received utmost attention by the rulers, planners and policy makers. Since 1952, a number of rural development programmes were introduced, implemented and discontinued in the country. The programmes are varied in nature and approach. Some of the programmes proved to be successful and some failures.

The success and failure of the programmes governed by a number of factors important among them are:

(i) Nature of the programme,

(ii) Approach of the programme,

(iii) Finance for the programme,

(iv) Implementation of the programme.

Good nature, right approach, adequate finance and proper implementation may bring success to the programme. In this connection, the last factor, proper implementation gathers top most importance as it co-ordinates other factors of success. This can be achieved through good and right institutions.

As against this background, we would like to discuss the structure and functions of the institutions established exclusively for Rural Development from time to time.

These institutions can be classified into two such as:

(i) Main institutions and

(ii) Ancillary institutions.

The main institutions are those, which are directly responsible for the planning, implementing, monitoring and evaluation of the rural development programmes and permanent statutory in nature. The ancillary institutions are those, which are indirectly responsible for planning, implementation, monitoring and evaluation and temporary in nature.

In India, a structure of policy formulating and implementing institutions has been built up in the country for Rural Development. Some of them are at the national level, some are single purpose, some relate to a particular target groups, some relate to area, sector and commodity.

However, all these institutions aim at fulfilling the national objectives of economic development in general and rural development in particular. The administrative organs of Central and State Governments involved in the process of rural development are at the Centre of the Organisational Structure. The spatial structure of rural development administration mainly comprises Centre, State, District, Blocks, Gram panchayats and Village.

At the Centre, the Ministry of Rural Development is in charge of all rural development a programme including those relating to land reforms, village and cottage industries, town and country planning and rural roads etc. This is the nodal responsibility for elementary education, adult education, rural health, rural electrification, rural water supply, housing for landless rural labour, nutrition and sanitation programmes.

The ministry has also responsible for all aspects of rural reconstruction and development. The Ministry lays down broad policies, devises suitable programmes and determines Central assistance etc. In addition to the Ministry of Rural Development, the ministries of Agriculture, Commerce and Civil Supplies, Energy, Irrigation and Industry also perform functions related to rural development.

The Ministry of Agriculture is in charge of agricultural extension, Ministry of Commerce and Civil Supplies has within its purview the Development Commissioner of Handlooms, several Commodity Boards and the public distribution system. The Ministry of Energy and Irrigation deals with all matters pertaining to water resources development and irrigation and accordingly has important functions pertaining to rural development.

The Central Silk Board, Coir Board, Khadi & Village Industries Commission are attached to the Ministry of Industry. The Ministry of Rural Development, for rural development with proper co-operation and coordination from other ministries. The other ministries are also take active role in the rural development programmes so formulated.

Besides, the Ministries, the Reserve Bank of India in the past and NABARD at present play the catalytic role for the success of rural development. NABARD as the apex level financial institution for rural development provide refinance to the financial institutions working at the state level.

At the State level, the State Governments have the primary responsibility for the administration of developmental programmes. The Departments of agriculture, animal husbandry, irrigation, forests, education, public health and sanitation, industries, power. Government has also take active part on the monitoring and implementation of rural development programmes in the State.

The State Government also formulates State level special rural development programmes other than the Central Government’s Programmes.

However, The State Level Organisational Committee is headed by the Secretary for Rural Development, who is in the rank of Commissioner of rural development is assisted by one Deputy Commissioner three Assistant Commissioners and a number of technical officers and subject specialists.

Besides, a representative of the Ministry of Rural Development, Government of India is associated as a member of the Committee. There are a number of Statutory Corporations, Boards and other agencies providing infrastructural, promotional and supporting services for rural development.

Important among them are:

(i) Rural Electrification Corporation,

(ii) The Central Ground Water Board

(iii) Minor Irrigation and tube well Corporations

(iv) Central and State Warehousing Corporations

(v) Central and State Seed Corporations

(vi) Food Corporation of India

(vii) The Jute and the Cotton Corporation of India

(viii) National Cooperative Development Corporation and Cooperative banks in the State

(ix) National Agricultural Cooperative Marketing Federation

(x) State Trading Corporations,

(xi) The Handicraft and Handloom Corporations

(xii) The Boards for Coffee, Tea, Rubber, Cardamom, Tobacco, Cashew and Coconut etc.

(xiii) The National Dairy Development Board

(xiv) The Khadi and Village Industries Commission

(xv) State Khadi and Village Industries Board

(xvi) The Central Silk Board

(xviii) The State Finance Corporation

(xix) The Agro-Industries Corporation

(xx) The Marketing Regulation Boards etc. The statutory corporations and Boards works for the implementation of various rural development programmes to their expertise.

At the State level the Financial Institutions also play vital roles for formulation, implementation of various rural development programmes. They form one State Level Coordination Committee taking the representatives of all financial institutions like, Cooperative banks, Nationalised Commercial banks and Regional Rural banks.

Besides, the representatives of various government departments are also participate in the formulation and Implementation strategy of the rural development programmes. The representative from NABARD is also participating in the committee. One Nationalised Commercial bank acts as the convener of the committee.

The Third Stage of Institutional Structure for Rural Development is the District Administration. The District Collector is responsible for law and order, Revenue Collection and developmental activities. In the past, the developmental programmes so formulated by the central and state governments were channelised through the District Administration, known as the District Development Coordination Committee.

This committee consisting of the Project Officer, the Managing Director of the Central Cooperative Societies, one/two representatives from Cooperative Societies and a Special Rural Credit Officer. Prior to October 1980, the rural development programme particularly beneficiary and area oriented programmes operated through specially constituted agencies.

They are, Small Farmers Development Agencies, (SFDA) Marginal Farmers and Agricultural Labourers Development Agencies, Drought Prone Area Programme (DPAP) and Integrated Tribal Development Programme (ITDP), etc. In 1980 the integrated rural development programme was launched. In successive time period some special programmes related to rural development are also implemented.

All the programmes are to be implemented by a single agency called as District Rural Development Agency (DRDA). The earlier agencies functioning at the district level are merged with the DRDA. The District Collector/Deputy Commissioner heads the DRDA.

Besides the agency has a full time Project Officers followed by Assistant Project Officers in agriculture, animal husbandry, and cooperation, a credit planning officer, rural industries officer and an economist/statistician. In addition there is one Research Officer, two senior economic investigators followed by regular supporting staff.

The peoples representatives like, the Chairman Zilla Parishad, Member of Parliament, the MLA and the representatives of Weaken Sections and women are also take active part in the planning process at the district level. The representatives of the lead bank, financial institutions also take active role with the DRDA to formulate District Credit Plans.

According to the Indian Constitution Amendment (74th) Act 1992 The State Governments constituted the District Planning and Development Board to provide necessary guidelines and direction to district planning units and to approve the district plans prepared by the planning units.

The board consists of a Chairman, a Vice-chairman and other members, viz.; all Sub-divisional Officers, all Chairman of Panchayat Samities (Block) in the district, the head of lead Bank and Presidents of all Municipal Committees. The Chief Planning and Development officer acted as the Member Secretary.

The district-planning unit comprised the Chief Planning and Development Officer, an economist, a Planning Officer, a Credit Planning Officer and other supporting staff. The position of the Chairman of DPB varies from state to state. In some State a Minister of State Government chairs it and the district Collector is the Chairman in some other.

The Block is the Fourth Important Institution for planning and implementation of rural development programmes. The overall resource situation, to identify human resource situation, particularly from the point of view of employment, to review the ongoing development activities to formulate a package of schemes/programmes to optimize production and augment employment and income, to identify gaps in infrastructure and to devise measures for filling these gaps. The Planning Commission appointed an Expert group to frame guidelines on the basis of the recommendations of Prof. M.L. Dantewala working group.

As per the guideline issued on 1978 the block level plan should have the following component:

(i) Production programmes for the target groups in the rural areas.

(ii) Manpower planning and skill development in relation to production programmes.

(iii) A supplementary works programme, where necessary to clear off the backlog of unemployment.

(iv) A programme for the self-employed in the trades and services sector.

(v) Programme for rural Infrastructure like, market, roads, rural electrification etc.

(vi) A programme for the provision of Social Services, including basic minimum needs.

(vii) A programme for Institutional support to the rural poor.

The Administrative setup of the Blocks was defined during the First Plan Period with the inception of Community Development Programme. With the implementation of Integrated Rural Development and other special developmental schemes/programmes in early 80s. The Administrative setups of the blocks were revised accordingly.

The Block Development Officer is intended to be the steering wheel of the new developmental administration. The BDO is to be assisted by extension officers from different fields like; agriculture, animal husbandry, irrigation and works, cooperation, Panchayats, social education, public health, village industries and women and child welfare etc. Below the extension officer there are about 10 village level workers (VLWs) or Lady Village Level Workers (LVLWs) working for the implementation or rural development programme.

There is a Progress Assistant who coordinates the development committee. The people’s representatives like; Chairman Panchayat Samiti, MLA and representatives of Weaker Sections and women also participate in the Developmental Planning at the block level. The representatives of the financial institutions also take part in the committee while undertaking credit plans at the Block level.

Village Panchayat is the last recognised institution responsible for planning and implementation of rural development programmes. The village Panchayat as an executive body implements the policies and decisions of the Gram Sabha comprising the entire population of the village. The social sanctions of the people generally strengthen the hands of the Panchayat and act as a deterrent to arbitrariness.

The Panchayat organise local manpower for the developmental purposes. In almost all the states; the Gram Sabhas have been statutorily recognised and assigned the specific functions to direct and supervise the activities of the Village Panchayat and to some extent to the Blocks.

The important functions performed by the Panchayats are:

(i) Civic amenities

(ii) Social welfare activities and

(iii) Development works.

The broad functions of the Panchayat are:

The people’s representatives like Ward Members; Sarapanch also took part in decision-making and implementation of the programmes. The village level worker represents the block in village committee. Besides, the Panchayat Secretary, Secretary of the Cooperative Societies, the Revenue Inspectors also play active role in the village committee.

Thus village committee comprises of the:

(i) Village level worker

(ii) Panchayat Secretary

(iii) Secretary of the Cooperative Societies.

(iv) Revenue Inspector

(v) The Sarapanch

(vi) The ward members

(vii) The villagers are the General body members.

It is to conclude that, the planning and Implementation of the rural development begins from the root i.e.; village and flows upward to the national level. Experience shows that the rural development programme decisions in respect of formulation, strategy & approach are undertaken at the national level and that flowing downward to the village in a “Trickle down approach”.

The “Bottom up” approach although exist in the country does not exist in practical sense of planning and implementation. However, the institutions for rural development are closely connected with each other, whether there exists “Trickle down” or “Bottom up” approach of planning and implementation of the rural development programmes in our country as well as the state.

5. Essay on the Observations and Problems of Rural Development :

India is an economically underdeveloped country. The condition of rural economy is worse. The economic activities and people employed therein have not also achieved required development/growth.

In order to break the jinx of rural economic sector, Government through its different plans introduced a number of rural development programmes. The programmes are also varied in nature. They are of sector, area and target oriented programmes. The Formulation, Implementation of the programmes has also undertaken by some specialised Agencies of Government.

In addition the NGOs, the Panchayati Raj institutions, financial institutions involved themselves in the success of the programmes. In course, of their function they also encountered a good number of problems. The problems were also varied in nature.

As the book/based on the macro level information/data. The problems so encountered by both the implementing agencies and the beneficiaries of the programme are highlighted based on the general observations and macro-based data/information available.

The problems mainly highlights the problems encountered by the Government as the planning and implementing machinery the Associated/ancillary agencies inevitable for the fruitful implementation of such rural development programmes, they are the Rural Development agencies/institutions/Departments, Financial Institutions, Non-Governmental Organisations, working as intermediary agencies for the implementation of rural development programmes/schemes.

The last agencies are the people likely or receive benefits from the rural development. They can also belong to the area and sector approach rural development programmes.

Thus, we can classify the rural development agency into three as; Government, Intermediary/Ancillary agencies and the targeted people/beneficiaries. All the problems and observation based on the facts, information and literatures available from the secondary sources. These may not hold good in all respects.

(i) More Generalized Programme :

Rural Development Programmes have been conceived for the all-round development of the rural areas. However, the rural development programmes are launched in the context of general problems of the rural areas. It fails to give importance to some particular and area issues. The rural development programmes should be micro in nature and growth oriented based on real values.

(ii) Inadequate Coordination :

As per the Guidelines all the developmental programmes in the rural areas are to be planned/formulated by the DRDA in cooperation and coordination of other departments and financial institution, agencies of peoples representatives etc. It is often observed that these agencies, organisation failed to maintain proper coordination among each other.

All the agencies/organisations are trying their best to stick to their own principles and ideologies. In the process cooperation and coordination are not maintained. The Agencies responsible for the formulation, Implementation and evaluation of the Rural Development Programme is required to maintaining good co­ordination among them.

(iii) Based on Ruling Party Principles and Ideologies :

In India, the rural development programmes are conceived/launched as per the principles and ideologies of the ruling party. Besides, in the participation for planning, formulation and implementation through their representatives tried to maintain such principles and ideologies.

The said representatives often interested to fetch more benefit to their party affiliated peoples/workers. This does not cover the problems of all class people. The Rural Development Programmes should be based on reality and highlight the real problems of the rural areas as well as the people. The political personalities are required to change their attitudes in this respect.

(iv) Inadequate Funds :

The rural development programmes require more capital investment. The Economic Sectors of rural areas remain more or less traditional. These sectors also adopt traditional methods of production. In order to attain rural development the transformation of technologies is required. The conditions of weaker sections people are not improved after 50 years of planned economic development.

The upliftment of their socio­economic condition also require high dose of investment. In our country, a fixed amount of funds are allocated for a particular rural development Programme. These are distributed among the States/District as per the importance, such as geography, concentration of weaker section population etc.

The share of the Fund to cope with the local problems seems to be inadequate. Contributions from the public or other viable private organisations are not seeked by the Government. Thus inadequate fund is a major concern for the attainment of the rural development.

(v) Land based Economy :

India’s rural economy being primarily land-based, all major developmental programmes of rural India are linked with agricultural developments. It is also evident that most of the available resources are controlled by few, this reinforces the hegemony of the few over many and the benefits do not tickle down to those who need them most.

Besides, the precarious land and man ratio suggests that by introducing radical land redistribution in rural India very limited egalitarian goals can be achieved and if done so, that will mean only sharing of poverty and no real development.

(vi) Authority Structure:

Rural development plan implementation is required to be accepted by the local level functionaries who attend the District consultative committee meetings and that they are in a position to mobilise financial and organisational resources to fulfil accepted commitments.

It is observed that the authority structure in the administration and the banks is such that those who attend such meetings are neither in a position to accept firm commitments on behalf of their departments, banks without reference to higher authorities not to act accordingly.

Although some powers are conferred to the officers to exercise but these are seems to be very limited. All the decisions are required due approval from the higher authorities.

(vii) Leakage of Benefits :

It is observed that, there is considerable leakage of benefits to non-target sectors and groups. Most of the rural development programmes are conceived to improve the Socio-Economic condition of the weaker sections like small, marginal farmers, agricultural and non-agricultural labourers, rural artisans, scheduled castes, scheduled tribes and deprived women etc. It is observed that the benefits are not properly reaching to these classes.

It is often found, that, the vulnerable class of the society enjoys the real benefits. The subsidy components of the rural development programmes tend to allow to non-target groups, specially the programme implementing bureaucratic class, rather than including expansion of production base of the beneficiaries.

Due to illiteracy and ignorance the real benefits sometimes enjoyed by the Third party commonly speaking the middlemen and the village touts including the petty personnel having a little political affiliation.

(viii) Low Sustaining Impact :

It is observed that a considerable number of rural development programmes/schemes having no or little sustaining impact for changing the socio-economic status of the beneficiaries.

The assets created from the credit assistance of financial institutions and subsidies of the development/administrative agencies are short lived (Particularly in-case of livestock assets) failed to push the beneficiaries up on the scale of production and productivity. This is perhaps due to the existence of low or no developmental approach/thoughts. This factor again dominated by the lack of awareness about the programmes.

(ix) Dominance of Welfare over Productivity:

In India, most of the rural development programmes are based on the basic welfare principles. These schemes are backed by both credit and subsidy components. Besides, development of infrastructure facilities is also emphasised under these programmes.

It is also evident that provision of long-term credit and based on the principle of write off by political parties also have adverse effect on the productivity of economic sectors. It is observed that the subsidy component is often extending up to 100 per cent in some selected schemes and class of beneficiaries. This reduces the productive motive, attitude of the beneficiaries.

(x) Based on the Principles and Policies of Political Parties :

In our country most of the rural development programmes are either based on the principles of the political parties or biased by their ideologies. Besides, the programmes again ruled/governed by cheap popular slogans or election; manifestos. Due to these, causes the programmes failed to attain the expected success.

It is also observed that after the completion of one political party’s rule the next political party, which assumes power, hesitates to carry out the same. Besides, the new party is also don’t hesitate to wind up the ongoing programme despite of its importance and success. In India, due to these problems, the rural development has not attained after five decades of the planned economic development.

6. Essay on the Suggestions for Rural Development in India:

1. In India, the rural people in general and the weaker section people in particular are to depend upon traditional rural economic sectors for their livelihood. The rate of literacy in rural areas is very low in comparison to urban areas. Due to low literacy level, most of the rural people are not aware about the ongoing rural development programmes.

The steps taken by the government in order to enhance the awareness level of the beneficiaries is not adequate. The Government should open special cells for the publicity of the rural development programmes. The Government is required to adopt the publicity method, which is conducive to the nature and requirement of the rural people.

The people are to be provided with adequate instruments for enhancement of awareness level. The existing system of publicity about the rural development is required to be re-considered and should be based on rural realities prior to the Selection of the Scheme as well as the Beneficiaries, the implementing agencies should provide details of the programme to the rural people, who are likely to be benefitted serious endeavour is, therefore, needed to make the rural people aware about the resources earmarked for rural development in various Government departments.

2. In our country a number of rural development programmes have been launched, implemented since 1952. It is often said that, the rural development programmes failed to attain its desired goal due to improper identification of the programmes, schemes and the beneficiaries therein.

The Implementing Agencies attitude to implement the programme is target oriented. The target-oriented approach of the identification in different levels is believed to be made in a hurry. This approach forced the agencies for wrong identification of programmes, schemes and beneficiaries. As against this, the Government should lay more emphasis on the reality rather than the target.

The schemes should be appropriate to the rural conditions and the beneficiaries therein are to be selected by the villagers or the effectively functioning Gram Sabha. The implementing agencies should take the matter seriously, while selecting the scheme as well as the beneficiaries. The selection of the schemes is needed to be made by the beneficiaries. Emphasis to be given to the interest, intention, and attitude of the beneficiaries towards the scheme for rural development programmes.

It is to conclude that, A realistic programme on rural development with the potentiality of the successful implementation, can only be prepared if rural poor are taken into confidence and are assisted to draw the development programme, taking the village as unit. Outsiders, as technocrats, Economists etc. should only assist them as Friends to make their own decision.

3. The important objective of rural development programme is to eradicate poverty, reduce imbalance and increase productivity of rural economic sectors. Thus, the beneficiaries of rural development programmes are rural poor living below the poverty line. The poverty line in India determined by the relative standards.

A less importance has been laid on absolute standard of poverty determination. Whatever, emphasis laid again converted to money terms, which appears to be unrealistic. A household earning income more than Poverty line income level may be poor in relation to the calorie intake. Thus, the determination of poverty line required re­considered. Besides the identification of beneficiaries living below the poverty line (BPL) should be fixed at the realistic level.

4. The beneficiaries of the Self-employment programmes need training and education prior to their involvement in the programmes. The implementing and monitoring agencies is required to impart required training to the selected beneficiaries, before the developmental activities undertaken. Besides, rural people should be provided with the scope of expressing their own felt needs and need to be provided with an opportunity to choose economic activities for their own development.

5. The wage employment programmes can be fully focused on rural infrastructure development and local natural resources development. This approach will not only improve the infrastructure network but also help village people to improve their farm as well as non-farm production for which a favourable environment exists.

6. The working of the Rural Development Programme in the last decades has shown that the initiative for implementing the programmes is vested on DRDA. The role of DRDA is more or less confined to the planning and release of subsidies for rural development programmes.

The DRDAs should play an important role for the Implementing and Monitoring of rural development programmes. Regular monitoring and evaluation of rural development programmes in real manner could solve the ongoing problems encountered therein and can also helpful to solve the problems. This will pave the path of success to the rural development programmes and attainment of rural development.

7. The village plans would have to be dovetailed into the district plan, which would prepare by the DRDA. Proper appraisal of the rural development schemes is needed. Besides, for the success of Rural Development Programmes it should be ensured that the Project Directors of the DRDA are given tenure of not less than three years so as to inculcate in them a sense of commitment to the programme. The other staff in the key posts should not be disturbed frequently

8. The various Government departments with specialised expertise and banks should work in close co-operation with the district planning unit in order to have a coordinated and scientific plan, the availability of local resources, the potential for alternative productive works and of viable schemes, to be looked into.

9. Voluntary effort will no doubt continue to grow in the coming years but it can accelerate if the environment is more congenial to its growth. Voluntary Organisations with professional and Managerial Capabilities can act as a catalyst and can organise beneficiaries, involve people in planning and development and provide the necessary support to make development a reality. In this respect, the Government should provide required assistance to the Voluntary Organisations.

10. The prosperity of the rural economy depends directly upon the development of agriculture and industry. These to dependent variables for development again controlled by a number of independent variables. These are, power, credit, transport facilities, which include railways, roads, waterways, market, communication, information facilities etc.

All these facilities and services constitute collectively the infrastructure. The development and expansion of these facilities are an essential pre-condition for attainment of economic development and rural development. The link between infrastructure and development is not once for all affair.

It is a continuous process and progress in development has to be preceded, accompanied and followed by progress in infrastructure, if we are to fulfill our declared objectives of a self-accelerating process of economic development. Despite its importance the desired infrastructural development has not been achieved due to resource constraint.

In view of the resource constraint, further expansion of facilities may be secured by a shift of priority from high cost technology to low cost technology, from public funding to private financing and from large-scale public management to small-scale private/co­operative/community management in appropriate areas required for rural development.

11. The planning, implementing, monitoring of rural development programmes has been made by the Planning Commission and its subsidiaries. In the process they have been facing a number of difficulties. Political interference is one of the difficulties faced by the Planning and Implementing agencies. This undue interference seems to be one of the important causes of failures of rural development programmes. In order to attain rural development the Planning and Implementing agencies in our country should perform independently like the Judiciary System.

Related Articles:

• Strategies for Rural Development in India
• 7 Major Rural Development Policies of India

India , Essay , Rural Development in India

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• Essays in Hindi /

Essay on India in Hindi : छात्र ऐसे लिख सकते हैं हमारे देश भारत पर निबंध

• Updated on  
• अगस्त 30, 2024

Essay on India in Hindi : भारत एक विविधतापूर्ण देश है जो अपनी समृद्ध सांस्कृतिक विरासत और इतिहास के लिए जाना जाता है। यह दुनिया का सबसे बड़ा लोकतंत्र और सबसे अधिक आबादी वाला देश है, जिसकी आबादी एक अरब से ज़्यादा है। भारत हिमालय पर्वतों से लेकर उष्णकटिबंधीय समुद्र तटों तक फैला हुआ है, जो इसकी भौगोलिक विविधता को दर्शाते हैं। यह देश विभिन्न धर्मों, भाषाओं और परंपराओं का घर है, जो विविधता में एकता का एक अनूठा मिश्रण है। आर्थिक रूप से, भारत ने महत्वपूर्ण प्रगति की है, प्रौद्योगिकी, अंतरिक्ष खोज और उद्योग में विश्व में एक प्रमुख खिलाड़ी के रूप में उभरा है। गरीबी और सामाजिक असमानता जैसी चुनौतियों का सामना करने के बावजूद, भारत अपने सांस्कृतिक सार और लोकतांत्रिक मूल्यों को बनाए हुए प्रगति और विकास की दिशा में प्रयास कर रहा है।

भारत देश के बारे में जानकारी इसके प्रत्येक छात्र को होनी चाहिए। छात्रों को कई बार निबंध प्रतियोगिता और कक्षाओं में Essay on India in Hindi दिया जाता है और आपकी मदद के लिए कुछ सैंपल इस ब्लॉग में दिए गए हैं। 

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भारत पर 100 शब्दों में निबंध, भारत पर 200 शब्दों में निबंध, प्रस्तावना , भारत का इतिहास, भारत का भूगोल और संस्कृति, भारतीय राष्ट्रीय ध्वज और अन्य प्रतीक, भारत की नदियां  , भारत का भोजन, भारत की भाषाएं, भारत के त्यौहार, भारत की अनेकता में एकता, उपसंहार , भारत पर 10 लाइन – 10 lines essay on india in hindi.

भारत के लोग अपनी ईमानदारी और विश्वसनीयता के लिए जाने जाते हैं। विभिन्न संस्कृतियों और परंपराओं के लोग एक साथ शांतिपूर्वक रहते हैं। हिंदी भारत की एक प्रमुख भाषा है, लेकिन विभिन्न क्षेत्रों के लोग कई अन्य भाषाएँ भी बोलते हैं। भारत एक खूबसूरत देश है जहाँ कई महान व्यक्तियों ने जन्म लिया और उल्लेखनीय उपलब्धियाँ हासिल की। भारतीयों के द्वारा अतिथियों को ‘अतिथि देवों भव:’ की उपाधि दी जाती है। दूसरे देशों से आने वाले आगंतुकों का गर्मजोशी से स्वागत किया जाता है। भारत में सनातन धर्म (जीवन का एक प्राचीन दर्शन) का पालन किया जाता है, जो विविधता में एकता बनाए रखने में मदद करता है।

 भारत कई प्राचीन स्थलों, स्मारकों और ऐतिहासिक धरोहरों का घर है जो दुनिया भर से आगंतुकों को आकर्षित करते हैं। यह अपनी आध्यात्मिक प्रथाओं, योग और मार्शल आर्ट के लिए प्रसिद्ध है। विभिन्न देशों के कई तीर्थयात्री और भक्त भारत के प्रमुख मंदिरों, स्थलों और ऐतिहासिक विरासतों की सुंदरता का अनुभव करने के लिए आते हैं।

भारत का एक समृद्ध और गौरवशाली इतिहास है और इसे प्राचीन सभ्यता का जन्मस्थान माना जाता है। यह तक्षशिला और नालंदा विश्वविद्यालय के कारण शिक्षा का एक केंद्र रह चुका है, इसने इतिहास में दुनिया भर के छात्रों को अपने विश्वविद्यालयों में आकर्षित किया है। अपनी अनूठी और विविध संस्कृति और परंपराओं के लिए जाना जाने वाला भारत विभिन्न धर्मों के लोगों से प्रभावित है। भारत के धन वैभव को चुराने के लिए इस पर कई आक्रमण हुए। कई साम्राज्यों ने इसे गुलाम बनाने के लिए भी प्रयोग किया। कई स्वतंत्रता सैनानियों के प्रयासों और बलिदानों की बदौलत भारत को 1947 में ब्रिटिश शासन से आजादी मिली थी। 

हम हर साल 15 अगस्त को स्वतंत्रता दिवस मनाते हैं, जिस दिन हमारी मातृभूमि आजाद हुई थी। पंडित जवाहरलाल नेहरू स्वतंत्र भारत के पहले प्रधानमंत्री थे। अपने समृद्ध प्राकृतिक संसाधनों के बावजूद, भारत में कई लोग गरीब हैं। रवींद्रनाथ टैगोर, सर जगदीश चंद्र बोस, सर सी.वी. रमन और डॉ. होमी जे. भाभा जैसी असाधारण हस्तियों की बदौलत देश लगातार प्रौद्योगिकी, विज्ञान और साहित्य में आगे बढ़ है। भारत एक शांतिपूर्ण देश है जहाँ लोग अपने त्यौहारों को खुलकर मनाते हैं और अपनी सांस्कृतिक परंपराओं का पालन करते हैं। कश्मीर को अक्सर धरती पर स्वर्ग के रूप में वर्णित किया जाता है। भारत प्रसिद्ध मंदिरों, मस्जिदों, गुरुद्वारों, नदियों, घाटियों, उपजाऊ कृषि भूमि और सबसे ऊँचे पहाड़ों का घर है।

भारत पर 500 शब्दों में निबंध

भारत पर 500 शब्दों में निबंध (500 Words Essay on India in Hindi) नीचे दिया गया है –

भारत एक अद्भुत देश है जहाँ लोग कई अलग-अलग भाषाएँ बोलते हैं। यहाँ विभिन्न जातियाँ, पंथ, धर्म और संस्कृतियाँ निवास करती हैं, फिर भी सभी लोग एक साथ सद्भाव से रहते हैं। यही कारण है कि भारत “विविधता में एकता” कहावत के लिए प्रसिद्ध है। भारत दुनिया का सातवाँ सबसे बड़ा देश भी है।

भारत का इतिहास और संस्कृति समृद्ध है और मानव सभ्यता के उदय के बाद से ही विकसित हुई है। विश्व की सबसे पुरानी सभ्यताओं में से एक सिंधु घाटी सभ्यता भारत में थी। इसकी शुरुआत प्राचीन सिंधु घाटी सभ्यता और दक्षिण भारत में शुरुआती कृषि समुदायों से हुई। समय के साथ, भारत ने विभिन्न संस्कृतियों के लोगों का निरंतर एकीकरण देखा। साक्ष्य बताते हैं कि शुरुआती दौर में, लोहे और तांबे जैसी धातुओं का उपयोग व्यापक था, जो महत्वपूर्ण प्रगति को दर्शाता है। चौथी सहस्राब्दी ईसा पूर्व के अंत तक, भारत एक अत्यधिक उन्नत सभ्यता के रूप में विकसित हो चुका था।

भारत दुनिया में सबसे बड़ी आबादी वाला देश है। इसे हिंदुस्तान और आर्यावर्त के नाम से भी जाना जाता है। यह तीन तरफ से महासागरों से घिरा हुआ है: पूर्व में बंगाल की खाड़ी, पश्चिम में अरब सागर और दक्षिण में हिंद महासागर। भारत का राष्ट्रीय पशु ‘ बाघ’ है, राष्ट्रीय पक्षी ‘ मोर’ है और राष्ट्रीय फल ‘ आम’ है। भारत का राष्ट्रगान जन गण मन है, और राष्ट्रीय गीत वंदे मातरम है। भारत का राष्ट्रीय खेल हॉकी है। हिंदू धर्म, बौद्ध धर्म, जैन धर्म, सिख धर्म, इस्लाम, ईसाई धर्म और यहूदी धर्म सहित विभिन्न धर्मों के लोग सदियों से भारत में एक साथ रहते आए हैं। भारत अपनी समृद्ध विरासत के लिए भी जाना जाता है, जिसमें स्मारक, मकबरे, चर्च, ऐतिहासिक इमारतें, मंदिर, संग्रहालय, प्राकृतिक सुंदरता, वन्यजीव अभयारण्य और प्रभावशाली वास्तुकला शामिल हैं।

भारतीय ध्वज तिरंगे में तीन रंग हैं: केसरिया, सफ़ेद और हरा। सबसे ऊपर का रंग केसरिया पवित्रता का प्रतीक है। बीच का रंग सफ़ेद शांति का प्रतीक है। सबसे नीचे का रंग हरा उर्वरता का प्रतीक है। सफ़ेद पट्टी के बीच में एक नीला अशोक चक्र है, जो 24 तीलियों वाला पहिया है जो कानून और न्याय के चक्र का प्रतीक है। बंगाल टाइगर राष्ट्रीय पशु है, जो शक्ति और शालीनता का प्रतिनिधित्व करता है। मोर यहां का राष्ट्रीय पक्षी है, जो शालीनता, सुंदरता और शान का प्रतीक है। ऐतिहासिक रूप से फील्ड हॉकी को भारत का राष्ट्रीय खेल माना जाता है, जो खेल में देश की उपलब्धियों का प्रतिनिधित्व करता है।

भारत में कई प्रमुख नदियाँ हैं, जिनमें से प्रत्येक का सांस्कृतिक, आर्थिक और पारिस्थितिक महत्व है। गंगा हिमालय से निकलती है और उत्तरी भारत से होकर बांग्लादेश में बहती है। यह हिंदू धर्म में सबसे पवित्र नदी मानी जाती है और लाखों लोगों के लिए पीने, कृषि और धार्मिक प्रथाओं के लिए महत्वपूर्ण है। यमुना हिमालय में यमुनोत्री ग्लेशियर से निकलने वाली गंगा की एक प्रमुख सहायक नदी है। यह दिल्ली और आगरा से होकर बहती है और अपने सांस्कृतिक और ऐतिहासिक महत्व के लिए महत्वपूर्ण है। 

ब्रह्मपुत्र तिब्बत में निकलती है और बांग्लादेश में प्रवेश करने से पहले असम और भारत के अन्य पूर्वोत्तर राज्यों से होकर बहती है। यह नदी अपने विशाल बेसिन और कृषि क्षेत्र के लिए जानी जाती है। सिंधु नदी का उद्गम तिब्बत में है और भारत से होते हुए यह पाकिस्तान में भी बहती है। कृष्णा नदी पश्चिमी घाट में उत्पन्न होती है और पूर्व की ओर बंगाल की खाड़ी में बहती है। दक्षिणी भारत में सिंचाई और जलविद्युत परियोजनाओं के लिए महत्वपूर्ण है। कावेरी नदी पश्चिमी घाट में उत्पन्न होती है और दक्षिण-पूर्व में बंगाल की खाड़ी में बहती है। कर्नाटक और तमिलनाडु के दक्षिणी राज्यों में कृषि के लिए महत्वपूर्ण है। महानदी छत्तीसगढ़ राज्य में उत्पन्न होकर पूर्व की ओर बंगाल की खाड़ी में बहती है। क्षेत्र में सिंचाई और प्रमुख बांधों के लिए महत्वपूर्ण है। नर्मदा नदी सतपुड़ा रेंज से पश्चिम की ओर अरब सागर में बहती है। यह अपनी प्राकृतिक सुंदरता और नर्मदा घाटी परियोजना के लिए जानी जाती है। ताप्ती नदी सतपुड़ा रेंज से पश्चिम की ओर अरब सागर में बहती है। यह क्षेत्र की कृषि और सिंचाई के लिए महत्वपूर्ण है।

भारतीय भोजन अपनी समृद्ध विविधता और जीवंत स्वादों के लिए प्रसिद्ध है। यह देश की विशाल सांस्कृतिक और क्षेत्रीय विविधताओं को दर्शाता है। भारत के भोजन में मसालों, जड़ी-बूटियों और सामग्रियों की एक विस्तृत श्रृंखला है जो जटिल और सुगंधित व्यंजन बनाती है। उत्तर की मसालेदार करी से लेकर दक्षिण के तीखे और नारियल आधारित व्यंजनों तक, भारतीय व्यंजन सभी के लिए कुछ न कुछ प्रदान करते हैं। लोकप्रिय व्यंजनों में बिरयानी, डोसा, समोसे और विभिन्न प्रकार की ब्रेड जैसे नान और रोटी शामिल हैं। भारतीय भोजन में गुलाब जामुन और जलेबी सहित कई तरह की मिठाइयाँ भी शामिल हैं। भोजन का आनंद अक्सर अचार, रायता और चटनी जैसी कई तरह की चीजों के साथ लिया जाता है। यह पाक विविधता भारतीय भोजन को देश की सांस्कृतिक विरासत का एक जीवंत और अभिन्न अंग बनाती है।

भारत एक भाषाई रूप से विविधतापूर्ण देश है, जिसके विशाल विस्तार में बोली जाने वाली भाषाओं की समृद्ध विविधता है। भारतीय संविधान की आठवीं अनुसूची में 22 आधिकारिक रूप से मान्यता प्राप्त भाषाएँ हैं। भारतीय संविधान की आठवीं अनुसूची में 22 आधिकारिक असमिया, बंगाली, बोडो, डोगरी, गुजराती, हिंदी, कन्नड़, कश्मीरी, कोंकणी, मैथिली, मलयालम, मणिपुरी, मराठी, नेपाली, उड़िया, पंजाबी, संस्कृत, संथाली, सिंधी, तमिल, तेलुगू, उर्दू है। प्रत्येक क्षेत्र की अपनी अलग भाषा या बोली होती है, जो उसकी सांस्कृतिक विरासत को दर्शाती है। देवनागरी लिपि में लिखी जाने वाली हिंदी सबसे अधिक बोली जाने वाली भाषा है, जबकि सरकारी और कानूनी उद्देश्यों के लिए अंग्रेजी एक सहयोगी आधिकारिक भाषा के रूप में कार्य करती है। कन्नड़, पंजाबी और गुजराती जैसी क्षेत्रीय भाषाएँ भी अपने-अपने क्षेत्रों में महत्वपूर्ण भूमिका निभाती हैं। बहुभाषावाद भारत की सांस्कृतिक समृद्धि और भाषा और क्षेत्रीय पहचान के बीच के संबंधों को भी।उजागर करता है। भाषा भारत के सामाजिक ताने-बाने का एक महत्त्वपूर्ण पहलू बन जाती है।

भारत अपने जीवंत और विविध त्योहारों के लिए प्रसिद्ध है, जिन्हें पूरे देश में बड़े उत्साह के साथ मनाया जाता है। प्रमुख त्योहारों में दिवाली है यह रोशनी का त्योहार है जो बुराई पर अच्छाई की जीत का प्रतीक है। होली वसंत के अपने रंगीन और हर्षोल्लासपूर्ण उत्सव के लिए जानी जाती है। ईद दावतों और प्रार्थनाओं के साथ रमजान माह के अंत को चिह्नित करती है। नवरात्रि देवी दुर्गा का सम्मान करने वाला नौ रातों का त्योहार है। अन्य महत्वपूर्ण त्योहारों में क्रिसमस, पोंगल और दुर्गा पूजा शामिल हैं। ये त्यौहार भारत की समृद्ध सांस्कृतिक और धार्मिक विविधता को दर्शाते हैं, जो लोगों को हर्षोल्लासपूर्ण उत्सव, दावत और विभिन्न पारंपरिक अनुष्ठानों में एक साथ लाते हैं।

विविधता में एकता भारत की एक परिभाषित विशेषता है, जहाँ अनेक संस्कृतियाँ, भाषाएँ, धर्म और परंपराएँ सौहार्दपूर्वक सह-अस्तित्व में हैं। अपने लोगों के बीच भारी मतभेदों के बावजूद, भारत विभिन्न जातीयताओं और मान्यताओं के जीवंत ताने-बाने के रूप में खड़ा है। यह देश एक साझा राष्ट्रीय पहचान से एकजुट है। यह सिद्धांत देश के विविध त्योहारों के उत्सव, विभिन्न सांस्कृतिक प्रथाओं के प्रति सम्मान और विभिन्न क्षेत्रीय परंपराओं में दिखाई भी देता है। भारत की ताकत अपनेपन और साझा उद्देश्य की भावना को बढ़ावा देती है। विविधता में यह एकता भारत के सामाजिक सामंजस्य को बढ़ाती है और इसकी समृद्ध विरासत में योगदान देती है।

भारत एक ऐसा अद्भुत देश है जिसमें संस्कृतियों, जातियों, पंथों और धर्मों का एक समृद्ध मिश्रण है,ह अपनी विरासत, मसालों और इसे अपना घर कहने वाले लोगों के लिए प्रसिद्ध है। विविधता और एकता का यह मिश्रण ही है जिसकी वजह से भारत को अक्सर एक ऐसे स्थान के रूप में वर्णित किया जाता है जहाँ विविधता में एकता पनपती है। भारत आध्यात्मिकता, दर्शन, विज्ञान और प्रौद्योगिकी में अपने योगदान के लिए प्रसिद्ध है।

भारत पर 10 लाइन (10 Lines Essay on India in Hindi) यहां दी गई हैं –

• भारत या एशिया में एक प्रायद्वीपीय देश है। भारत देश तीन तरफ से पानी से घिरा हुआ है।
• अन्य देशों की तुपना में कुल क्षेत्रफल के मामले में भारत दुनिया का 7वां सबसे बड़ा देश है।
• भारत की जनसंख्या लगघग 1.4286 बिलियन है। यह चीन की 1.4257 बिलियन की तुलना में दुनिया में दुनिया की सबसे बड़ी आबादी है।
• झारत कर पश्चिमी भाग में अरब सागर, दक्षिणी भाग में हिंद महासागर और पूर्व में बंगाल की खाड़ी है।
• भारत देश का उत्तरी भाग पहाड़ों से ढका हुआ है। हिमालय दुनिया की की प्रसिद्ध पर्वत श्रृंखलाओं में से एक है।
• भारत में कई छोटी-बड़ी नदियाँ बहती हैं। नदियों में गंगा, यमुना, ब्रह्मपुत्र, नर्मदा, गोदावरी, कावेरी आदि प्रमुख हैं। 
• भारत का राष्ट्रीय ध्वज तिरंगा झंडा है। तिरंगे में सबसे ऊपर केसरिया, बीच में सफेद और नीचे हरा रंग है। इसके बीच में अशोक चक्र बना हुआ है जिसमें 24 तीलियां हैं।
• भारत का राष्ट्रीय प्रतीक सारनाथ में अशोक का सिंह स्तंभ है। इसके नीचे लिखा सत्यमेव जयते है जिसका अर्थ है सत्य की ही जीत होती है।
• भारत का राष्ट्रगान जन गण मन है। राष्ट्रगान की रचना रवींद्रनाथ टैगोर ने की थी। राष्ट्रगान को गाने में 52 सेकेंड लगते हैं। 
• भारत का राष्ट्रीय गीत वंदे मातरम है जिसकी रचना बंकिम चंद्र चटर्जी के द्वारा की गई थी।

संसदीय प्रणाली वाली प्रभुता संपन्न समाजवादी धर्मनिरपेक्ष लोकतांत्रिक गणराज्य जिसमें 28 राज्य और 8 केंद्र शासित प्रदेश।

ब्रिटिश औपनिवेशिक शासन (लगभग 1757-1947) के दौरान, ब्रिटिश भारतीय उपमहाद्वीप को “इंडिया” कहते थे। यह शब्द सिंधु नदी से लिया गया था, जो ब्रिटिश भारत की पश्चिमी सीमा को चिह्नित करती थी। ब्रिटिश औपनिवेशिक प्रशासन ने आधिकारिक नाम के रूप में “इंडिया” का इस्तेमाल किया।

दुनिया भर में भारत विविधता में एकता का प्रतिनिधि है। भारत विभिन्न संस्कृतियों, जातियों, पंथों, धर्मों की भूमि है; अनेक मतभेदों के बावजूद हम सौहार्दपूर्वक रहते हैं। भारतीय शांतिप्रिय हैं और संकट के समय लोगों की मदद के लिए आगे आते हैं। हम “अतिथि देवो भव” के आदर्श वाक्य में विश्वास करते हैं, जिसका अर्थ है कि हमारे मेहमान हमारे भगवान हैं और हमारे देश में आने वाले पर्यटकों के प्रति विशेष रूप से सहायक और दयालु हैं। हमारा देश एक जीवंत देश है जो मेहनती लोगों, समृद्ध वनस्पतियों और जीवों और एक अद्भुत विरासत का घर है। मेहनती नागरिकों का प्रमाण, भारत धीरे-धीरे और लगातार दुनिया की महाशक्तियों में से एक बन रहा है।

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