Development Class 10 ||Economics|| Chapter 1 NCERT Notes
1. What is Development?
Development refers to the progress of a country in terms of economic growth, improvement in living standards, and better opportunities for people.
However, development does not have the same meaning for everyone. It differs from person to person, group to group, and even country to country. It is not just about income but also about improving the quality of life.
2. Different People, Different Goals
People have different goals for development because they live in different situations and have different aspirations.
Example:
- A landless rural laborer may want more days of work and better wages.
- A prosperous farmer may want access to better seeds and markets for his crops.
- A girl from a rich urban family may want more freedom in choosing her career and life partner.
This shows that developmental goals vary across different sections of society. In fact, people’s development goals may even conflict with each other.
Example:
- Industrialists may want to set up factories for profit, but this may cause displacement of tribals who depend on that land for their livelihood.
3. Income and Other Goals
While income is an important aspect of development, people also seek non-material goals such as:
- Equal treatment
- Freedom
- Security
- Respect from others
- A safe and healthy environment
These non-material goals are as important as income in improving the overall quality of life.
4. National Development
National development refers to how a country progresses in various sectors like education, healthcare, infrastructure, and economic growth. Countries may have different goals for national development based on their resources and needs.
Example:
- A developing country may focus on infrastructure and employment.
- A developed country might prioritize environmental conservation and technological advancement.
In national development, it is important to keep in mind the needs of all sections of society.
5. How to Compare Different Countries or States?
Countries are often compared based on their income levels. One common measure used is Per Capita Income (PCI).
Key Terms:
- National Income: Total income of a country in a given period.
- Per Capita Income (PCI): The average income per person, calculated by dividing the total income of the country by its population.
However, per capita income is not the only or best way to compare countries because it does not show how income is distributed among people. For example, two countries with similar per capita income might have very different income inequalities.
6. Income Criteria and Its Limitations
While income is important, relying solely on it has limitations:
- Inequality in Income Distribution: Per capita income does not show the gap between the rich and the poor.
- Quality of Life: Income does not reflect other factors such as health, education, and social security, which are crucial for overall development.
7. Human Development Index (HDI)
The Human Development Index (HDI), developed by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), is a more comprehensive way to measure development. It ranks countries based on three key indicators:
- Life Expectancy at Birth (a measure of health)
- Education Levels (mean years of schooling and expected years of schooling)
- Per Capita Income
The HDI takes into account both income and non-income aspects of development, offering a more holistic view of a country’s progress.
Example:
Countries like Sri Lanka and India may have similar incomes, but Sri Lanka’s better healthcare and education systems give it a higher HDI rank.
8. Public Facilities
The availability of public facilities such as healthcare, education, sanitation, and housing also plays a crucial role in development. Simply having income does not ensure a better quality of life if there are no proper services.
Example:
- Even if a person earns a high income, their quality of life will be poor if there are no affordable healthcare services, clean water, or electricity.
Government plays a significant role in providing these public facilities, ensuring that people can lead healthy, secure, and dignified lives.
9. Sustainability of Development
Development must be sustainable—meaning it should meet the needs of the present generation without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.
Sustainable Development involves:
- Using resources carefully to avoid depletion.
- Protecting the environment to prevent issues like pollution, deforestation, and climate change.
Example:
If groundwater is overused for irrigation, it may get depleted, leaving future generations without access to clean water.
Key Concepts of Development:
- Different Developmental Goals: People’s aspirations vary based on their circumstances.
- Income and Non-Income Factors: While income is important, non-material goals like freedom, respect, and security also matter.
- Human Development Index (HDI): A broader measure of development that includes life expectancy, education, and income.
- Public Facilities: Access to essential services like healthcare and education is crucial for improving the quality of life.
- Sustainability: Development should not harm the environment or deplete resources, ensuring that future generations can also prosper.
Conclusion:
Development is a multi-dimensional concept that goes beyond just economic growth. It includes improvements in the overall well-being of people, taking into account social, environmental, and economic aspects. Sustainable development is essential for balancing the needs of the present and the future.
This chapter encourages students to think critically about the different aspects of development and how nations and individuals can achieve progress in a balanced and inclusive manner.