IGNOU ASSIGNMENT – BRDE-101(TMA)

Q.1 Explain major types and features of indian rural society in terms of caste and class?

A caste is a social category whose members are assigned a permanent status within a
given social hierarchy and whose contacts are restricted accordingly.

It is the most rigid and clearly graded type of social stratification. It has also often been
referred to as the extreme form of closed class system.

Sharply contrasted with the caste system, the open class system ran be placed at the
opposite end of a continuum. A social class has been defined as an abstract category of
persons arranged in levels according to the social status they possess. There are no firm
lines dividing one category from another.

The basis of the understanding tlle caste system as an enlpirical reality is to locate caste
groups such as jatis in a specific rurallurban context. It is a source of placement and of
identity in society. At the latter level, identity is not a function necessarily of idomla1
day
to day relations. Caste, for instance, does not usually become a basis of ~narriage
between a
Tamil Brahmin and a Kanyakubja Brahmin of Uttar Pradesh. Yet. they inay have a sense
of belonging to what they perceive as the same stock, and may even co-operate in
situations of crises and challenges. Therefore, one may ask: Is caste an interest group'?
Can
common interests bring together more smoothly men of different castes fro111 various
regions than those of the same caste'? Caste in certainly a resource, but the nature of
this
resource varies from caste to castedepending upon the status of a given caste in a given
area. Caste identity membership has become a liability for thc ineinbers of the upper
and
middle castes because a certain percentage of jobs, seats inparliainent and state
legislatures, as well as admissions into institutions of higher learning have been
reserved
for the other backward castes, scheduled castes and scheduled tribes.
The view that caste and class are ideological opposites is not correct. Tile assuil~ption
that
class can emerge as a social reality when caste has been destroyed in an erroneous
Conception of the relationship between the two. Both have been inseparable parts of
India's social formation, and hence the study of their nexus, continuity and change.
Caste is a very complex system, for it is not simply a system of power relations and
economic activities in a nominal sense. If it gets weakened in one aspect, it also gets
Strengthened in another, no doubt with certain alternations, additions and accretions.
We
need to seriously analysis the dynamics of the system. There is after all a class basis to
rituals, pollution -purity and other non-material aspects of social life. For esainple, an
Organization like Jat Sabha is not a siinple caste association, but in effect, it is an
Organization of peasants. Similarly, the Kisan Sabha is not a siinple organi~ation of
peasants, it is very nluch an association of castes engaged in agriculture. particularly of
Jats in northern Indian, and their counterparts in other states.
Further, to consider caste mainly as a rural phenomenon, and class as a reality belonging
to the towns and cities is a myth. Let us look at look at caste elections in Jaipur city to
Substantiate our position.

Q.2. Discuss major objectives and various facets of development.

Ans. The major objectives and various facets of development are discussed as follows:

1. In order to achieve economic growth to sustain the growing needs of the population

2. To meet the needs of social and cultural aspects of a country

3. To provide employment opportunities to at least one member of every family

4. To provide educational facilities to every child of every family

Objectives of Rural Development:

Improve the standard of living (food, shelter, clothing, literacy, and employment).
Eradication of poverty and increase productivity.
Public health and sanitation
Women Empowerment
Land Reforms
Facets that help in Rural development:
Engage people in planning and development via decision making and centralized administration.
Ensure equalization of opportunities.
Credit Availability
Development in Infrastructure like electricity, roads, irrigation, etc.
The main objective of rural development is to improve the overall living standards of people by
offering clothing, food, education, shelter, education and employment.
The rural development also aims to boost the productivity in the rural regions and also reduce
poverty. It also plans to involve individuals in development and planning through the participation
in smart decision making process and also through the centralization process of administration.
The field of development economics is concerned with the causes of underdevelopment and with
policies that may accelerate the rate of growth of per capita income. While these two concerns are
related to each other, it is possible to devise policies that are likely to accelerate growth (through,
for example, an analysis of the experiences of other developing countries) without fully
understanding the causes of underdevelopment.
Studies of both the causes of underdevelopment and of policies and actions that may accelerate
development are undertaken for a variety of reasons. There are those who are concerned with the
developing countries on humanitarian grounds; that is, with the problem of helping the people of
these countries to attain certain minimum material standards of living in terms of such factors as
food, clothing, shelter, and nutrition. For them, low per capita income is the measure of the
problem of poverty in a material sense. The aim of economic development is to improve the
material standards of living by raising the absolute level of per capita incomes. Raising per capita
incomes is also a stated objective of policy of the governments of all developing countries. For
policymakers and economists attempting to achieve their governments’ objectives, therefore, an
understanding of economic development, especially in its policy dimensions, is important. Finally,
there are those who are concerned with economic development either because they believe it is
what people in developing countries want or because they believe that political stability can be
assured only with satisfactory rates of economic growth. These motives are not
mutually exclusive. Since World War II many industrial countries have extended foreign aid to
developing countries for a combination of humanitarian and political reasons.
Those who are concerned with political stability tend to see the low per capita incomes of the
developing countries in relative terms; that is, in relation to the high per capita incomes of the
developed countries. For them, even if a developing country is able to improve its material
standards of living through a rise in the level of its per capita income, it may still be faced with the
more intractable subjective problem of the discontent created by the widening gap in the relative
levels between itself and the richer countries. (This effect arises simply from the operation of the
arithmetic of growth on the large initial gap between the income levels of the developed and the
underdeveloped countries. As an example, an underdeveloped country with a per capita income of
$100 and a developed country with a per capita income of $1,000 may be considered. The initial
gap in their incomes is $900. Let the incomes in both countries grow at 5 percent. After one year,
the income of the underdeveloped country is $105, and the income of the developed country is
$1,050. The gap has widened to $945. The income of the underdeveloped country would have to
grow by 50 percent to maintain the same absolute gap of $900.) Although there was once in
development economics a debate as to whether raising living standardsor reducing the relative
gap in living standards was the true desideratum of policy, experience during the 1960–80 period
convinced most observers that developing countries could, with appropriate policies, achieve
sufficiently high rates of growth both to raise their living standards fairly rapidly and to begin
closing the gap.
Q.5 Discuss Important Features and functioning of cooperatives in rural ares?
Ans. In addition the cooperative movement of farm produce, we can have similar revolution at
Farmland level, by using improvements in technology, as follows:

Prime thing in agriculture is land. Its cadastre with the help of remote sensing system is the foremost
requirement. As soon as it is drawn. It gives land features and surroundings. This technique helps to
delineate the boundary on the basis of GPS points and can be stored for good.
Once this stage is achieved. We have an option of doing individual level farming or aggregated
farming, to use all improved tillage practices and equipment. Which otherwise, can not be effective in
case of small holdings. This change is required in our farming system and can be achieved by
Digitisation.
Next, land leveling and drainage system is crucial. After aggregation is done or in case of a large
holding, the pattern of drainage has to be drawn, so that no portion of land becomes water logged, in
due course of time or soil erosion remains a problem.
Wherever, rainfed cultivation has to be undertaken. Contour based ridges have to be drawn, to retain
moisture as far as possible.

Cooperative societies play a vital role in ensuring that the nation’s economic progress confirms to the
requirements of democratic planning. The institution of a cooperative society provides support and
sustainability to rural economic activities.

The poorly equipped rural folk struggling to cope up with rural indebtedness and the evils of usury,
need resources.

Small and marginal farmers need support in the form of inputs, harvesting, storage facilities,
distribution channels and a network of market information system. Technical guidance is required to
help agriculturists in processing their produce and reap benefits through value addition. The village
artisan faced with competition from the organised sector finds it difficult to maintain his traditional
employment.

Through pooling of experience, knowledge and by helping one another, cooperative societies help
members to find solutions to their problems. These are local institutions addressing the local needs by
using local talent.

The importance of cooperative societies in the rural areas is mainly due to the fact that, they provide
sustainable development to the agriculturists. This is done through developing infrastructure and
support facilities.

1. Farming cooperatives help farmers to pool their small and fragmented land holdings. This
facilitates improvements on the land. It paves the way for intensive cultivation by using
modern technology.
2. Agricultural processing cooperatives provide support towards paddy milling, oil seed
crushing, processing fruits, vegetables and so on. The farmers, gain through value addition to
their produce.
3. Agricultural marketing societies enable farmers to benefit from increased bargaining
strength. By removing intermediaries they help farmers to have a direct interaction with the
consumer. The National Agricultural Cooperative Marketing Federation of India (NAFED) is
an example.
4. Agricultural service cooperatives are instrumental in arranging cheaper transportation,
storage facilities and similar such services.
The financial support to the rural sector is provided through National Bank for Agriculture and Rural
Development (NABARD). NABARD provides funds to State Cooperative Banks(SCBs) which in turn,
indirectly finances the rural sector. The bulk of the credit goes to the agricultural sector through the
District Cooperative Banks and the Primary Agricultural Credit Societies.
All the above indicates that cooperative societies have a significant impact on the development of rural
sectors. Krishak Bharathi Cooperative Ltd.(KRIBHCO) and the Kaira District Cooperative Milk
Producers Union Ltd. that markets its products under the brand name Amul, are a few examples of
cooperatives that provide support to farmers in improving their livelihood.

1. Ownership of asset: Forming a cooperative for make, delivery and value chain of any
agriculture or agriculture allied product gives farmers directs ownership of its produced asset
and he gets dividend of mass production without actually producing it large scale.
2. Decision making process: As each vote counts as one and equal in decision making process of
cooperative society, individual farmers get healthy and real share in society`s administration
and policy decisions.
3. Sustained income source without negative externalities: As societies tie-up with purchasers
form cities on contract basis which generally last for longer periods, farmers are assured that
their produce (however small it may be) has been sold and corresponding monitory benefits
are obtained. Farmer does not get exposed to vulnerability of market as the rates for purchase
were fixed during contracts.
4. Both direct and indirect involvement of women: AMUL is the best example for cooperative
society in India (in world may be). Involvement of women generally increases when the
products are to be processed post harvesting.
5. Financial accountability: The societies are to be registered under societies act and thus have
defined accountability relating to accounts, procedures and policies towards the member
farmers. Thus farmers can approach judiciary if he feels like his interests are compromised
due to acts of society.
In addition the cooperative movement of farm produce, we can have similar revolution at
Farmland level, by using improvements in technology, as follows:

Prime thing in agriculture is land. Its cadastre with the help of remote sensing system is the
foremost requirement. As soon as it is drawn. It gives land features and surroundings. This
technique helps to delineate the boundary on the basis of GPS points and can be stored for good.
Once this stage is achieved. We have an option of doing individual level farming or aggregated
farming, to use all improved tillage practices and equipment. Which otherwise, can not be effective
in case of small holdings. This change is required in our farming system and can be achieved by
Digitisation.
Next, land leveling and drainage system is crucial. After aggregation is done or in case of a large
holding, the pattern of drainage has to be drawn, so that no portion of land becomes water logged,
in due course of time or soil erosion remains a problem.
Wherever, rainfed cultivation has to be undertaken. Contour based ridges have to be drawn, to
retain moisture as far as possible.

Q.3. what do you mean by human development index describe its important features?

Ans.

Human development index::an expansion of human capabilities, a widening of choices, ‘an enhancement
of freedom, and a fulfillment of human rights. At the beginning, the notion of human development
incorporates the need for income expansion. However, income growth should consider expansion of
human capabilities. Hence development cannot be equated solely to income expansion.Read more on
Brainly.in - https://brainly.in/question/8811312#readmore The Human Development Index (HDI) is a
statistic composite index of life expectancy, education, and per capita income indicators, which are used to
rank countries into four tiers of human development. ... Examples include—being: well fed, sheltered,
healthy; Doings: work, education, voting, participating in community life. The 2010 Human Development
Report introduced an Inequality-adjusted Human Development Index(IHDI). While the simple HDI remains
useful, it stated that "the IHDI is the actual level of human development (accounting for inequality)", and "the HDI
can be viewed as an index of 'potential' human development (or the maximum IHDI that could be achieved if
there were no inequality)". The index does not take into account several factors, such as the net wealth per
capita or the relative quality of goods in a country. This situation tends to lower the ranking for some of the most
advanced countries, such as the G7 members and others.[4]
The index is based on the human development approach, developed by ul Haq, often framed in terms of
whether people are able to "be" and "do" desirable things in life. Examples include—Being: well fed, sheltered,
healthy; Doings: work, education, voting, participating in community life. The freedom of choice is central—
someone choosing to be hungry (as during a religious fast) is quite different from someone who is hungry
because they cannot afford to buy food, or because the country is in a famine

2017 Human Development Index (2018 report)

The 2018 Human Development Report by the United Nations Development

Programme was released on 14 September 2018, and calculates HDI values based
on estimates for 2017.[13] Below is the list of the "very high human development"
countries:[13]
important features::
A long and healthy life: Life expectancy at birth.

Education index: Mean years of schooling and Expected years of schooling.

A decent standard of living: GNI per capita (PPP US$)

Components of Human Development:

The noted Pakistani economist Mahbub ul Haq considered four essential pillars of human
development.These are:

i. Equality,

ii. Sustainability,

iii. Productivity, and

iv. Empowerment.

Human Development Index stands as a tool for measuring the social and economic growth or
dimensions of a country. The social and economic dimensions of a country are said to be regulated by
the health status of the people of that country and the education level attained by them for the the
standard of living they have.

The Human Development Index is said to be a very great indicator for indicating the social and
economic growth of a country on national as well as International basis.

Addition to the income of individuals their health and education status is a must to be considered in
order to while calculating the Human Development Index of a country.

Q. 7. Describe the concept,types and functions of voluntary organization.

Ans. . Some of these objectives and functions of Voluntary Organisations may be discussed as
follows:
In a democratic, socialistic and welfare society, voluntary organisations are indispensable and they

perform a number of functions for the welfare of its members, the development of the country and
integration and solidarity of the society and nation.

ADVERTISEMENTS:

(i) Man is by nature gregarious. The urge to act in groups is fundamental in him. People therefore

form groups and associations voluntary for their benefit as also of others with a view to lead a full

and richer life as is reflected in voluntary associations formed for promotion of recreational and
cultural activities, social services, professional interests etc.

(ii) A pluralistic society with a democratic system requires multitude of independent, voluntary

non-government associations as buffer between the individual and the state preventing the

government from developing monopoly in various fields. Voluntary organisations involve citizens

in noble affairs and avoid concentration of powers in the hands of government and thus serve as

power breakers. Sharing of power by voluntary group restrain government from developing
monopolistic approach to organisation of services.

(iii) They enable the individuals to learn the fundamentals of groups and political action through
participation in the governing of their private organisations.

(iv) Organised voluntary action helps groups and individuals with diverse political and other

interests, contributes to strengthening of feeling of national solidarity and promotes participative

character of democracy.

(v) The state does not have the requisite financial resources and manpower to meet all the needs

of its citizens. It can therefore have the responsibility of providing them minimum needs. The

voluntary organisations by raising additional resources locally ca meet uncovered needs and enrich
local life.

(vi) Voluntary organisations also help the state in the area which are its exclusive responsibility but

for which it has limited sources and perform such functions in much better way as compared to the
state organization’s.
Education for example is the responsibility of the state but the educational institutions being run

and managed by voluntary organisations far outnumber the government institutions and excel the

latter in quality of service also in view of the flexibility, ability at experimentation, pioneering spirit
and other virtues.

Same is the case in respect of the provision of health services which is again the responsibility of

the state. But the hospitals sponsored by philanthropic and charitable institutions are well known
for better care and concern comparison to government owned hospitals.

ADVERTISEMENTS:

(vii) Voluntary organisations thus have not only a role to play ii the field of accepted state

responsibilities but they can also venture into new needs, work in new areas, unveil social evils and
give attention to hitherto unattended and unmet needs. They can act as sappers and miners of
unfolding development revolution.

They can function as reconnaissance squads. They can be fore-runners of change and anticipate

and take action to make it less painful. They can work for progress development and consequently

in course of time they can help the state in extending its activities over wider areas, thus raising the
national minimum.

(viii) They provide avenues for activities to those persons why do not relish participation in the

activities of the state through politics and government, but organise into voluntary groups thus

making their talent, experience and spirit of service available t society in bringing about changes in
it with a view to meeting the needs and aspirations of the people concerned and enriching the lives.

(ix) They act as a stabilising force by welding together people with such groups as are not

politically motivated and are no concerned about the fortunes of one or the other political party i

capturing government power but are above party politics and are interested in other areas of

nation building and thus contribute t national integration and concentration on non- political
issues.
(x) They also perform the functions of educating the members and the public at large about the

policies an programmes of the government about their welfare, their right and obligations and also

are in a position to offer constructive criticism in respect of wrong policies and activities of

governor without any fear and with courage of conviction obliging the government to make

necessary adjustments to accommodate the viewpoints of the public likely to be affected by such

policies and actions as has been the experience in the case of programme concerning scheduled
tribes and environment conservation and preservation.

(xi) The endeavour to meet the special requirements of specialised interests and special groups

such as the aged, the handicapped, women, children, etc. which cannot be adequately met by the

state for reasons of financial scarcity. Age-India and Help age are voluntary organisations engaged
in the welfare programmes of the aged.

Indian Council of Child Welfare is engaged in the promotion of child welfare. The Indian Curricle

for Women Welfare is working in the field of women welfare. All India Ex-servicemen Welfare

Association is concerned with the welfare of the ex-servicemen. Similarly thousands of voluntary

associations exist to look after the interests of the groups they represent.(xii) They are in a better

position to function to their own satisfaction as also at that of their clientele for the reason that

they can identify the needs of individuals, groups and community being close to them and

formulate appropriate programmes to meet them, make necessary changes and modification in the

light of the experiences gained in their implementation processes, involve people’s participation,

raise necessary funds and win public confidence and cooperation by human touch, human warmth

and sympathy which the bureaucrats in governmental organisation are not capable of.In sum,

voluntary organisations main functions comprise giving concrete expression to the fundamental

right of freedom of association, identifying the needs of individuals, groups and communities and

initiating projects and programmes to meet them on their own or with the grant-in-aid of the

government, sharing the responsibility of the state in providing minimum needs of the citizens,

covering the areas of uncovered and unmet needs, preventing the monopolistic tendencies of the

government, providing opportunities to people imbued with the spirit of service and dedication to

organise themselves to promote public welfare, educating citizens about their rights and
obligations and informing them about the policies and programmes of the government

contemplated and initiated for their welfare, mobilising public support through publicity
campaigns, raising functional resources through contributions and donations and finally

organising activities of non-partisan and non-political nature for wellbeing of the society,
enriching the lives of citizens and progress of the nation.