DEVELOPMENT
WHAT DEVELOPMENT PROMISES — DIFFERENT
PEOPLE, DIFFERENT GOALS
Do all of these persons have the same notion of development or progress?
Most likely not. Each one of them seeks different things. They seek things that are most important for
them, i.e., that which can fulfil their aspirations or desires. In fact, at times, two persons or groups of
persons may seek things which are conflicting.
A girl expects as much freedom and opportunity as her brother, and that he also shares in the
household work. Her brother may not like this. Similarly, to get more electricity, industrialists may
want more dams. But this may submerge the land and disrupt the lives of people who are displaced –
such as tribals. They might resent this and may prefer small check dams or tanks to irrigate their
land.
So, two things are quite clear: one, different persons can have different developmental goals and
two, what may be development for one may not be development for the other. It may even be
destructive for the other.
Besides seeking more income, one way or the other, people also seek things like equal treatment, freedom,
security, and respect of others.
Money, or material things that one can buy with it, is one factor on which our life depends. But the quality of
our life also depends on non-material things mentioned above. If it is not obvious to you, then just think of
the role of your friends in your life. You may desire their friendship. Similarly, there are many things that are
not easily measured but they mean a lot to our lives. These are often ignored
Consider another example. If you get a job in a far off place, before accepting it you would try to consider
many factors, apart from income, such as facilities for your family, working atmosphere, or opportunity to
learn. In another case, a job may give you less pay but may offer regular employment that enhances your
sense of security. Another job, however, may offer high pay but no job security and also leave no time for
your family. This will reduce your sense of security and freedom.
Similarly, for development, people look at a mix of goals. It is true that if women are engaged in paid work,
their dignity in the household and society increases. However, it is also the case that if there is respect for
women there would be more sharing of housework and a greater acceptance of women working outside. A
safe and secure environment may allow more women to take up a variety of jobs or run a business. Hence,
the developmental goals that people have are not only about better income but also about other important
things in life.
NATIONAL
DEVELOPMENT
It is very important to keep in mind that different persons could have different as well as
conflicting notions of a country’s development.
HOW TO COMPARE
DIFFERENT COUNTRIES OR
STATES?
For comparing countries, their income is considered to be one of the most
important attributes. Countries with higher income are more developed than
others with less income. This is based on the understanding that more income
means more of all things that human beings need. Whatever people like, and
should have, they will be able to get with greater income. So, greater income itself
is considered to be one important goal.
However, for comparison between countries, total income is not such an useful
measure. Since, countries have different populations, comparing total income will
not tell us what an average person is likely to earn. Are people in one country
better off than others in a different country? Hence, we compare the average
income which is the total income of the country divided by its total population. The
average income is also called per capita income.
In World Development Reports, brought out by the World Bank, this criterion
is used in classifying countries. Countries with per capita income of US$ 12616
per annum and above in 2012, are called rich countries and those with per
capita income of US$ 1035 or less are called low-income countries. India comes
in the category of low middle income countries because its per capita income
in 2012 was just US$ 1530 per annum
INCOME AND OTHER CRITERIA
When we looked at individual aspirations and goals, we found that people not
only think of better income but also have goals such as security, respect for
others, equal treatment, freedom, etc. in mind. Similarly, when we think of a
nation or a region, we may, besides average income, think of other equally
important attributes.
PUBLIC FACILITIES
— money in your pocket cannot buy all the goods and services that you may need to live
well.
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Sandeep
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