Question Papers and Answer Keys of IESO Entrance Test
of 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013 & 2014
visit
http://www.geosocindia.com/ieso2014/pastexamques.html
of 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013 & 2014
visit
http://www.geosocindia.com/ieso2014/pastexamques.html
Have designed this blog keeping in mind the requirements of the school going students, though many of the topics can be beneficial for others also but main target is to cater the needs of CBSE school going children. Will try my best to cater to their other needs also like - material related to various competitive exams will be posted on the blog, so that other then their regular studies, students can concentrate on competitive exams also.
Saturday, 31 January 2015
Friday, 30 January 2015
Challenges to Democracy
Foundational challenge of making the transition to democracy and then instituting democratic government. Bringing down the existing non-democratic regime, keeping military away from controlling government and establishing a sovereign and functional state.
Challenge of expansion - applying the basic principle of democratic government across all the regions, different social groups and various institutions. Ensuring g reater power to local governments, extension of federal principle to all the units of the federation, inclusion of women and minority groups, etc., Most countries including India and other democracies like the US face this challenge.
Challenge of deepening of democracy is faced by every democracy in one form or another. This involves strengthening of the institutions and practices of democracy. This challenge takes different meanings and paths in different parts of the world. In general terms, it usually means strengthening those institutions
that help people's participation and control. This requires an attempt to bring down the control and influence of the rich and powerful people in making governmental decision.
Devising ways and means for political reforms in India:
(a) Carefully devised changes in law can help to discourage wrong political practices and encourage good ones. But legal-constitutional changes by themselves cannot overcome challenges to democracy. Democratic reforms are to be carried out mainly by political activists, parties, movements and politically conscious citizens.
(b) Any legal change must carefully look at what results it will have on politics. Sometimes the results may be counter-productive. The best laws are those which empower people to carry out democratic reforms. The Right to Information Act is a good example of a law that empowers the people to find out what is happening in government and act as watchdogs of democracy. Such a law helps to control corruption and supplements the existing laws that banned corruption and imposed strict penalties.
(c) Democratic reforms are to be brought about principally through political practice. The main focus of political reforms should be on ways to strengthen democratic practice. The most important concern should be to increase and improve the quality of political participation by ordinary citizens.
(d) Any proposal for political reforms should think not only about what is a good solution but also about who will implement it and how. Measures that rely on democratic movements, citizens' organisations and the media are likely to succeed.
Challenge of expansion - applying the basic principle of democratic government across all the regions, different social groups and various institutions. Ensuring g reater power to local governments, extension of federal principle to all the units of the federation, inclusion of women and minority groups, etc., Most countries including India and other democracies like the US face this challenge.
Challenge of deepening of democracy is faced by every democracy in one form or another. This involves strengthening of the institutions and practices of democracy. This challenge takes different meanings and paths in different parts of the world. In general terms, it usually means strengthening those institutions
that help people's participation and control. This requires an attempt to bring down the control and influence of the rich and powerful people in making governmental decision.
Devising ways and means for political reforms in India:
(a) Carefully devised changes in law can help to discourage wrong political practices and encourage good ones. But legal-constitutional changes by themselves cannot overcome challenges to democracy. Democratic reforms are to be carried out mainly by political activists, parties, movements and politically conscious citizens.
(b) Any legal change must carefully look at what results it will have on politics. Sometimes the results may be counter-productive. The best laws are those which empower people to carry out democratic reforms. The Right to Information Act is a good example of a law that empowers the people to find out what is happening in government and act as watchdogs of democracy. Such a law helps to control corruption and supplements the existing laws that banned corruption and imposed strict penalties.
(c) Democratic reforms are to be brought about principally through political practice. The main focus of political reforms should be on ways to strengthen democratic practice. The most important concern should be to increase and improve the quality of political participation by ordinary citizens.
(d) Any proposal for political reforms should think not only about what is a good solution but also about who will implement it and how. Measures that rely on democratic movements, citizens' organisations and the media are likely to succeed.
Democratic Rights
Prison in Guantanamo Bay
About 600 people were secretly picked up by the US forces from all over the world as enemies of the US and linked to the attack on New York on 11 September 2001and put in a prison in Guantanamo Bay,
The governments of their countries were not asked or even informed about their imprisonment.
Families of prisoners, media or even UN representatives were not allowed to meet them, no trial before any magistrate in the US. Nor could approach courts in their own country. The US army arrested them, interrogated them and decided whether to keep them there or not.
Amnesty International, reported that the prisoners were being tortured in ways that violated the US laws. They were being denied the treatment that even prisoners of war must get as per international treaties. Prisoners were not released even after they were officially declared not guilty.
The UN Secretary General said the prison in Guantanamo Bay should be closed down. The US government refused to accept these pleas.
Citizens Rights in Saudi Arabia
The country is ruled by a hereditary king, selects the legislature as well as the executive, appoints the judges and can change any of their decisions.
Citizens are denied the Right to Speech and expression, even the Right of Religion
Women are subjected to many public restrictions. The testimony of one man is considered equal to that of two women.
Ethnic massacre in Kosovo
In Kosovo the population was overwhelmingly ethnic Albanian. But in Yugoslavia, Serbs were in majority. A narrow minded Serb nationalist Milosevic (pronounced Miloshevich) had won the election, wanted the Serbs to dominate the country. Ethnic minorities should either leave the country or accept the dominance of the Serbs.
Soldiers of Milosevic shot 77- year-old Izet in front of his wife 74-year-old Batisha Hoxha. Her wedding ring was pulled out off her finger and they burnt the house. This was one of the worst instances of killings based on ethnic prejudices in recent times. Finally several other countries intervened to stop this massacre. Milosevic lost power and was tried by the International Court of Justice for crimes against humanity.
What are rights?
Rights are claims of a person over other fellow beings, over the society and over the government.
Claims we make should be reasonable. They should be such that can be made available to others in an equal measure. A right comes with an obligation to respect other rights. Right has to be recognised by the society we live in. What is recognised by the society as rightful becomes the basis of rights. That is why the notion of rights changes from time to time and society to society. When the socially recognised claims are written into law they acquire real force. Rights are reasonable claims of persons, recognised by society and sanctioned by law.
When fellow citizens or the government do not respect these rights we call it violation or infringement of our rights. In such circumstances citizens can approach courts to protect their rights.
Why do we need rights in a democracy?
Rights are necessary for the very sustenance of a democracy. In a democracy every citizen has to have the right to vote and the right to be elected to government. For this it is necessary that citizens should have the right to express their opinion, form political parties and take part in political activities.
Rights also perform a very special role in a democracy. Rights protect minorities from the oppression of majority. They ensure that the majority cannot do whatever it likes. Sometimes elected governments may not protect or may even attack the rights of their own citizens. That is why some rights need to be placed higher than the government, so that the government cannot violate them. In most democracies the basic rights of the citizen are written down in the constitution.
RIGHTS IN THE INDIAN CONSTITUTION
Some rights which are fundamental to our life are given a special status, these are mentioned in the Constitution.They are called Fundamental Rights.The preamble of our Constitution talks about securing for all its citizens equality, liberty and justice. Fundamental Rights put this promise into effect. They are an important basic feature of India's Constitution.
Right to Equality
The Constitution says that the government shall not deny to any person in India equality before the law or the equal protection of the laws. It means that the laws apply in the same manner to all, regardless of a person's status. This is called the rule of law. It means that no person is above the law.
Every citizen is subjected to the same laws. No person can legally claim any special treatment or privilege just because he or she happens to be an important person.
As per the Constitution, the government shall not discriminate against any citizen on grounds only of religion, race, caste, sex or place of birth. Every citizen shall have access to public places, there shall be no restriction with regard to the use of public utilities maintained by government or dedicated to the use of general public. All citizens have equality of opportunity in matters relating to employment or appointment to any position in the government.
Are reservations against the right to equality? They are not. Equality does not mean giving everyone the same treatment, no matter what they need. Equality means giving everyone an equal opportunity to achieve whatever one is capable of. Sometimes it is necessary to give special treatment to someone in order to ensure equal opportunity. This is what job reservations do.
The Constitution mentions one extreme form of social discrimination, the practice of untouchability, and clearly directs the government to put an end to it. The practice of untouchability has been forbidden in any form. The Constitution made untouchability a punishable offence.
Right to Freedom
Under the Indian Constitution all citizens have the right to
Freedom of speech and expression
Assembly in a peaceful manner
Form associations and unions
Move freely throughout the country
Reside in any part of the country, and
Practice any profession, or to carry on any occupation, trade or business.
One cannot exercise your freedom in such a manner that violates others' right to freedom. Your freedoms should not cause public nuisance or disorder. Freedom is not unlimited license to do what one wants. Accordingly, the government can impose certain reasonable restrictions on our freedoms in the larger interests of the society. You cannot use this freedom to instigate violence against others. You cannot use it to incite people to rebel against government.
The Constitution says that no person can be deprived of his life or personal liberty except according to procedure established by law. It means that no person can be killed unless the court has ordered a death sentence. It also means that a government or police officer can arrest or detain any citizen unless he has proper legal justification. Even when they do, they have to follow some procedures:
A person who is arrested and detained in custody will have to be informed of the reasons for such arrest and detention.
A person who is arrested and detained shall be produced before the nearest magistrate within a period of 24 hours of arrest.
Such a person has the right to consult a lawyer or engage a lawyer for his defense.
Right against Exploitation
The Constitution mentions three specific evils and declares these illegal. First, the Constitution prohibits 'traffic in human beings'. Traffic here means selling and buying of human beings. Second, our Constitution also prohibits forced labour or begar in any form. Finally, the Constitution also prohibits child labour. No one can employ a child below the age of fourteen to work in any factory or mine or in any other hazardous work, such as railways and ports. Using this as a basis many laws have been made to prohibit children from working in industries such as beedi making, firecrackers and matches, printing and dyeing.
Right to Freedom of Religion
A secular state is one that does not establish any one religion as official religion. Indian secularism practices an attitude of a principled and equal distance from all religions. The state has to be neutral and impartial in dealing with all religions.
Every person has a right to profess, practice and propagate the religion he or she believes in. Every religious group or sect is free to manage its religious affairs. A person is free to change religion on his or her own will. One cannot sacrifice animals or human beings as offerings to supernatural forces or gods. Religious practices which treat women as inferior or those that infringe women's freedom are not allowed. Bieng Secular, the government cannot com- pel any person to pay any taxes for the promotion or maintenance of any particular religion or religious institution. There shall be no religious instruction in the govern- ment educational institutions. In educational institutions managed by private bodies no person shall be compelled to take part in any religious instruction or to attend any religious worship.
Cultural and Educational Rights
The language, culture and religion of minorities needs special protection. The Constitution specifies the cultural and educational rights of the minorities:
Any section of citizens with a distinct language or culture have a right to conserve it. Admission to any educational institution maintained by government or receiving government aid cannot be denied to any citizen on the ground of religion or language.
All minorities have the right to establish and administer educational institutions of their choice.
How can we secure these Rights?
The fundamental rights in the Constitution are important because they are enforceable. We have a right to seek the enforcement of the above mentioned rights. This is called the Right to Constitutional Remedies. This itself is a Fundamental Right. This right makes other rights effective. It is possible that sometimes our rights may be violated by fellow citizens, private bodies or by the government. If it is a Fundamental Right we can directly approach the Supreme Court or the High Court of a state. That is why Dr. Ambedkar called the Right to Constitutional Remedies, 'the heart and soul' of our Constitution.
Fundamental Rights are guaranteed against the actions of the Legislatures, the Executive, and any other authorities instituted by the government. We can challenge such actions of the central and state governments, the policies and actions of the government or the governmental organisations like the nationalised banks or electricity boards. Courts also enforce the Fundamental Rights against private individuals and bodies. The Supreme Court and High Courts have the power to issue directions, orders or writs for the enforcement of the Fundamental Rights. They can also award compensation to the victims and punishment to the violators.
Any person can go to court against the violation of the Fundamental Right, if it is of social or public interest. It is called Public Interest Litigation (PIL). Under the PIL any citizen or group of citizens can approach the Supreme Court or a High Court for the protection of public interest against a particular law or action of the government. One can write to the judges even on a postcard. The court will take up the matter if the judges find it in public interest.
Expanding Scope of Rights
Over the years the scope of rights has expanded. Certain rights like right to freedom of press, right to information, and right to education are derived from the Fundamental Rights. Now school education has become a right for Indian citizens. The governments are responsible for providing free and compulsory education to all children up to the age of 14 years. Parliament has enacted a law giving the right to information to the citizens. This Act was made under the Fundamental Right to freedom of thought and expression. Recently the Supreme Court has expanded the meaning of the right to life to include the right to food.
Sometimes the expansion takes place in what is called human rights. These are universal moral claims that may or may not have been recognised by law.
Some international covenants have also contributed to the expansion of rights.
The Constitution of South Africa guarantees its citizens several kinds of new rights:
Right to privacy, so that citizens or their home cannot be searched, their phones cannot be tapped, their communication cannot be opened.
Right to an environment that is not harmful to their health or well- being;
Right to have access to adequate housing.
Right to have access to health care services, sufficient food and water; no one may be refused emergency medical treatment.
About 600 people were secretly picked up by the US forces from all over the world as enemies of the US and linked to the attack on New York on 11 September 2001and put in a prison in Guantanamo Bay,
The governments of their countries were not asked or even informed about their imprisonment.
Families of prisoners, media or even UN representatives were not allowed to meet them, no trial before any magistrate in the US. Nor could approach courts in their own country. The US army arrested them, interrogated them and decided whether to keep them there or not.
Amnesty International, reported that the prisoners were being tortured in ways that violated the US laws. They were being denied the treatment that even prisoners of war must get as per international treaties. Prisoners were not released even after they were officially declared not guilty.
The UN Secretary General said the prison in Guantanamo Bay should be closed down. The US government refused to accept these pleas.
Citizens Rights in Saudi Arabia
The country is ruled by a hereditary king, selects the legislature as well as the executive, appoints the judges and can change any of their decisions.
Citizens are denied the Right to Speech and expression, even the Right of Religion
Women are subjected to many public restrictions. The testimony of one man is considered equal to that of two women.
Ethnic massacre in Kosovo
In Kosovo the population was overwhelmingly ethnic Albanian. But in Yugoslavia, Serbs were in majority. A narrow minded Serb nationalist Milosevic (pronounced Miloshevich) had won the election, wanted the Serbs to dominate the country. Ethnic minorities should either leave the country or accept the dominance of the Serbs.
Soldiers of Milosevic shot 77- year-old Izet in front of his wife 74-year-old Batisha Hoxha. Her wedding ring was pulled out off her finger and they burnt the house. This was one of the worst instances of killings based on ethnic prejudices in recent times. Finally several other countries intervened to stop this massacre. Milosevic lost power and was tried by the International Court of Justice for crimes against humanity.
What are rights?
Rights are claims of a person over other fellow beings, over the society and over the government.
Claims we make should be reasonable. They should be such that can be made available to others in an equal measure. A right comes with an obligation to respect other rights. Right has to be recognised by the society we live in. What is recognised by the society as rightful becomes the basis of rights. That is why the notion of rights changes from time to time and society to society. When the socially recognised claims are written into law they acquire real force. Rights are reasonable claims of persons, recognised by society and sanctioned by law.
When fellow citizens or the government do not respect these rights we call it violation or infringement of our rights. In such circumstances citizens can approach courts to protect their rights.
Why do we need rights in a democracy?
Rights are necessary for the very sustenance of a democracy. In a democracy every citizen has to have the right to vote and the right to be elected to government. For this it is necessary that citizens should have the right to express their opinion, form political parties and take part in political activities.
Rights also perform a very special role in a democracy. Rights protect minorities from the oppression of majority. They ensure that the majority cannot do whatever it likes. Sometimes elected governments may not protect or may even attack the rights of their own citizens. That is why some rights need to be placed higher than the government, so that the government cannot violate them. In most democracies the basic rights of the citizen are written down in the constitution.
RIGHTS IN THE INDIAN CONSTITUTION
Some rights which are fundamental to our life are given a special status, these are mentioned in the Constitution.They are called Fundamental Rights.The preamble of our Constitution talks about securing for all its citizens equality, liberty and justice. Fundamental Rights put this promise into effect. They are an important basic feature of India's Constitution.
Right to Equality
The Constitution says that the government shall not deny to any person in India equality before the law or the equal protection of the laws. It means that the laws apply in the same manner to all, regardless of a person's status. This is called the rule of law. It means that no person is above the law.
Every citizen is subjected to the same laws. No person can legally claim any special treatment or privilege just because he or she happens to be an important person.
As per the Constitution, the government shall not discriminate against any citizen on grounds only of religion, race, caste, sex or place of birth. Every citizen shall have access to public places, there shall be no restriction with regard to the use of public utilities maintained by government or dedicated to the use of general public. All citizens have equality of opportunity in matters relating to employment or appointment to any position in the government.
Are reservations against the right to equality? They are not. Equality does not mean giving everyone the same treatment, no matter what they need. Equality means giving everyone an equal opportunity to achieve whatever one is capable of. Sometimes it is necessary to give special treatment to someone in order to ensure equal opportunity. This is what job reservations do.
The Constitution mentions one extreme form of social discrimination, the practice of untouchability, and clearly directs the government to put an end to it. The practice of untouchability has been forbidden in any form. The Constitution made untouchability a punishable offence.
Right to Freedom
Under the Indian Constitution all citizens have the right to
Freedom of speech and expression
Assembly in a peaceful manner
Form associations and unions
Move freely throughout the country
Reside in any part of the country, and
Practice any profession, or to carry on any occupation, trade or business.
One cannot exercise your freedom in such a manner that violates others' right to freedom. Your freedoms should not cause public nuisance or disorder. Freedom is not unlimited license to do what one wants. Accordingly, the government can impose certain reasonable restrictions on our freedoms in the larger interests of the society. You cannot use this freedom to instigate violence against others. You cannot use it to incite people to rebel against government.
The Constitution says that no person can be deprived of his life or personal liberty except according to procedure established by law. It means that no person can be killed unless the court has ordered a death sentence. It also means that a government or police officer can arrest or detain any citizen unless he has proper legal justification. Even when they do, they have to follow some procedures:
A person who is arrested and detained in custody will have to be informed of the reasons for such arrest and detention.
A person who is arrested and detained shall be produced before the nearest magistrate within a period of 24 hours of arrest.
Such a person has the right to consult a lawyer or engage a lawyer for his defense.
Right against Exploitation
The Constitution mentions three specific evils and declares these illegal. First, the Constitution prohibits 'traffic in human beings'. Traffic here means selling and buying of human beings. Second, our Constitution also prohibits forced labour or begar in any form. Finally, the Constitution also prohibits child labour. No one can employ a child below the age of fourteen to work in any factory or mine or in any other hazardous work, such as railways and ports. Using this as a basis many laws have been made to prohibit children from working in industries such as beedi making, firecrackers and matches, printing and dyeing.
Right to Freedom of Religion
A secular state is one that does not establish any one religion as official religion. Indian secularism practices an attitude of a principled and equal distance from all religions. The state has to be neutral and impartial in dealing with all religions.
Every person has a right to profess, practice and propagate the religion he or she believes in. Every religious group or sect is free to manage its religious affairs. A person is free to change religion on his or her own will. One cannot sacrifice animals or human beings as offerings to supernatural forces or gods. Religious practices which treat women as inferior or those that infringe women's freedom are not allowed. Bieng Secular, the government cannot com- pel any person to pay any taxes for the promotion or maintenance of any particular religion or religious institution. There shall be no religious instruction in the govern- ment educational institutions. In educational institutions managed by private bodies no person shall be compelled to take part in any religious instruction or to attend any religious worship.
Cultural and Educational Rights
The language, culture and religion of minorities needs special protection. The Constitution specifies the cultural and educational rights of the minorities:
Any section of citizens with a distinct language or culture have a right to conserve it. Admission to any educational institution maintained by government or receiving government aid cannot be denied to any citizen on the ground of religion or language.
All minorities have the right to establish and administer educational institutions of their choice.
How can we secure these Rights?
The fundamental rights in the Constitution are important because they are enforceable. We have a right to seek the enforcement of the above mentioned rights. This is called the Right to Constitutional Remedies. This itself is a Fundamental Right. This right makes other rights effective. It is possible that sometimes our rights may be violated by fellow citizens, private bodies or by the government. If it is a Fundamental Right we can directly approach the Supreme Court or the High Court of a state. That is why Dr. Ambedkar called the Right to Constitutional Remedies, 'the heart and soul' of our Constitution.
Fundamental Rights are guaranteed against the actions of the Legislatures, the Executive, and any other authorities instituted by the government. We can challenge such actions of the central and state governments, the policies and actions of the government or the governmental organisations like the nationalised banks or electricity boards. Courts also enforce the Fundamental Rights against private individuals and bodies. The Supreme Court and High Courts have the power to issue directions, orders or writs for the enforcement of the Fundamental Rights. They can also award compensation to the victims and punishment to the violators.
Any person can go to court against the violation of the Fundamental Right, if it is of social or public interest. It is called Public Interest Litigation (PIL). Under the PIL any citizen or group of citizens can approach the Supreme Court or a High Court for the protection of public interest against a particular law or action of the government. One can write to the judges even on a postcard. The court will take up the matter if the judges find it in public interest.
Expanding Scope of Rights
Over the years the scope of rights has expanded. Certain rights like right to freedom of press, right to information, and right to education are derived from the Fundamental Rights. Now school education has become a right for Indian citizens. The governments are responsible for providing free and compulsory education to all children up to the age of 14 years. Parliament has enacted a law giving the right to information to the citizens. This Act was made under the Fundamental Right to freedom of thought and expression. Recently the Supreme Court has expanded the meaning of the right to life to include the right to food.
Sometimes the expansion takes place in what is called human rights. These are universal moral claims that may or may not have been recognised by law.
Some international covenants have also contributed to the expansion of rights.
The Constitution of South Africa guarantees its citizens several kinds of new rights:
Right to privacy, so that citizens or their home cannot be searched, their phones cannot be tapped, their communication cannot be opened.
Right to an environment that is not harmful to their health or well- being;
Right to have access to adequate housing.
Right to have access to health care services, sufficient food and water; no one may be refused emergency medical treatment.
Thursday, 29 January 2015
Manufacturing Industries
PPT on Manufacturing Industries
Chapter No. 6, Geography Class X
http://www.authorstream.com/Presentation/vinodkumar712714-2380817-manufacturing-industries/
Chapter No. 6, Geography Class X
http://www.authorstream.com/Presentation/vinodkumar712714-2380817-manufacturing-industries/
Friday, 23 January 2015
IESO Entrance Test Paper 2013
please visit the link
http://www.geosocindia.com/ieso2014/pdf/e-2013.pdf
http://www.geosocindia.com/ieso2014/pdf/e-2013.pdf
Wednesday, 21 January 2015
IESO Entrance Test 2014
Question Paper and Answer key of IESO entrance test 2014
visit the following links
http://www.geosocindia.com/ieso2014/
http://www.geosocindia.com/ieso2014/pdf/IESO%202014%20ET%20Questions.pdf
http://www.geosocindia.com/ieso2014/pdf/ANSWER%20KEYS%20ET%202014.pdf
visit the following links
http://www.geosocindia.com/ieso2014/
http://www.geosocindia.com/ieso2014/pdf/IESO%202014%20ET%20Questions.pdf
http://www.geosocindia.com/ieso2014/pdf/ANSWER%20KEYS%20ET%202014.pdf
Tuesday, 20 January 2015
STSE ( Rajasthan) 2015
Syllabus and Sample paper for STSE (Rajasthan) 2015 are out
for details contact the following link -
for syllabus - http://rajeduboard.rajasthan.gov.in/STSE/STSE-Syllabus-clas-10.pdf
for sample paper - http://rajeduboard.rajasthan.gov.in/STSE/STSE-sample-papers-class-10.pdf
for details contact the following link -
for syllabus - http://rajeduboard.rajasthan.gov.in/STSE/STSE-Syllabus-clas-10.pdf
for sample paper - http://rajeduboard.rajasthan.gov.in/STSE/STSE-sample-papers-class-10.pdf
Saturday, 17 January 2015
Population
Human beings are producers and consumers of earth's resources. Therefore, it is important to know how many people are there in a country, where do they live, how and why their numbers are increasing and what are their characteristics.
A census is an official enumeration of population done periodically. In India the first census in 1872. The first complete census in 1881. censuses are held regularly every tenth year.
We are primarily concerned with three major questions about the population:
(i) Population size and distribution
(ii) Population growth and processes of population change
(iii) Characteristics or qualities of the population: their age, sex- composition, literacy levels, occupational structure and health conditions
POPULATION SIZE AND DISTRIBUTION
India's population as on March 2011 stood at 1,210 million, i.e. 17.5 per cent of the world's population.
The 2011 Census data reveals that Uttar Pradesh (199 million people) is the most populous state, has about 16 per cent of the country's population. Sikkim has just about 0.6 million and Lakshadweep only 64429 people.
Almost half of India's population lives in Uttar Pradesh, Maharashtra, Bihar, West Bengal, and Andhra Pradesh. Rajasthan, the biggest state in terms of area, has only 6 per cent of the total population of India
Population Density - 382 persons per sq km (2011). vary from 1102 persons per sq km in Bihar to only 17 persons per sq km in Arunachal Pradesh.
501 and above - U.P, Bihar, W.Bengal & Kerala - because of the flat plains with fertile soils and abundant rainfall
251 to 500 - Gujarat, Maharashtra, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, Tamilnadu, Jharkhand, Punjab, Haryana and Assam - Hilly, dissected and rocky nature of the terrain, moderate to low rainfall, shallow and less fertile soils
101 to 250 - Rajasthan, M.P, Chattisgarh, Orissa, Uttarakhand, Himachal Pradesh, Manipur, Nagaland and Meghalaya
less than 100 - J & K, Arunachal Pradesh, Sikkim and Mizoram - Rugged terrain and unfavourable climatic conditions
Population Growth
Growth of population refers to the change in the number of inhabitants of a country/territory during a specific period of time. Such a change can be expressed in two ways: in terms of absolute numbers and in terms of percentage change per year.
The absolute numbers added each year or decade is the magnitude of increase also referred to as the absolute increase.
The rate or the pace of population increase is studied in per cent per annum, also referred to as the annual growth rate.
India's population has been steadily increasing from 361 million in 1951 to 1210 million in 2011.
Between 1951 to 1981, the annual rate of population growth was steadily increasing. Since 1981, however, the rate of growth started declining gradually. During this period, birth rates declined rapidly
Processes of Population Change/Growth
There are three main processes of change of population : birth rates, death rates and migration.
The natural increase of population is the difference between birth rates and death rates.
Birth rate is the number of live births per thousand persons in a year.
Death rate is the number of deaths per thousand persons in a year.
Till 1980, high birth rates and declining death rates led to a large difference between birth rates and death rates resulting in higher rates of population growth. Since 1981, birth rates have also started declining gradually, resulting in a gradual decline in the rate of population growth.
The third component, Migration is the movement of people across regions and territories. Migration can be internal (within the country) or international (between the countries).
Internal migration does not change the size of the population, but influences the distribution of population within the nation. Migration plays a very significant role in changing the composition and distribution of population.
In India, most migrations have been from rural to urban areas because of the "push" factor i.e. adverse conditions of poverty and unemployment in the rural areas and the "pull" of the city i.e. increased employment opportunities and better living conditions.
Migration is an important determinant of population change. It changes not only the population size but also the population composition of urban and rural populations in terms of age and sex composition. The urban population was 31.80 per cent in 2011.
Age composition
Number of people in different age groups in a country. It is one of the most basic characteristics of a population.
Children (generally below 15 years) - economically unproductive and need to be provided with food, clothing, education and medical care.
Working Age (15-59 years) - economically productive and biologically reproductive
Aged (Above 59 years) - can be economically productive though they may have retired, may be working voluntarily but are not available for employment through recruitment.
Sex Ratio
The number of females per 1000 males in the population. An important social indicator to measure the extent of equality between males and females in a society at a given time. 940 in 2011
Literacy Rates
According to the Census of 2001, a person aged 7 years. and above who can read and write with understanding in any language, is treated as literate.
The literacy rate in the country as per the Census of 2011 is 70.04 per cent; 82.14 per cent for males and 65.46 per cent for females.
Occupational Structure
The distribution of the population according to different types of occupation is referred to as the occupational structure.
Developed nations have a high proportion of people in secondary, and tertiary activities. Developing countries have a higher proportion of their workforce engaged in primary activities. In India, about 64 per cent of the population is engaged only in agriculture. The proportion of population dependent on secondary and tertiary sectors is about 13 and 20 per cent respectively.
Health
Health is an important component of population composition, which affects the process of development. Death rates have declined to 7.2 per 1000 in 2011 and life expectancy at birth has increased to 64.7 years in 2011.
The substantial improvement is the result of many factors including improvement in public health, prevention of infectious diseases and application of modern medical practices in diagnosis and treatment of ailments.
Health situation is a matter of major concern for India. The per capita calorie consumption is much below the recommended levels and malnutrition afflicts a large percentage of our population. Safe drinking water and basic sanitation amenities are available to only one- third of the rural population.
Adolescent Population
Adolescents are generally grouped in the age-group of 10 to 19 years. It constitutes one-fifth of the total population of India.
Problems faced by Adloescent Population in India
In India, the diet available to adolescents is inadequate in all nutrients. A large number of adolescent girls suffer from anaemia. Their problems have so far not received adequate attention in the process of development. The adolescent girls have to be sensitised to the problems they confront. Their awareness can be improved through the spread of literacy and education among them.
National Population Policy
The Government of India initiated the comprehensive Family Planning Programme in 1952. The National Population Policy 2000 is a culmination of years of planned efforts.
The NPP 2000 provides a policy framework for imparting free and compulsory school education up to 14 years of age, reducing infant mortality rate to below 30 per 1000 live births, achieving universal immunisation of children against all vaccine preventable diseases, promoting delayed marriage for girls, and making family welfare a people-centered programme.
NPP 2000 and Adolescents
Besides nutritional requirements, the policy put greater emphasis on other important needs of adolescents including protection from unwanted pregnancies and sexually transmitted diseases (STD). It called for programmes that aim towards encouraging delayed marriage and child-bearing, education of adolescents about the risks of unprotected sex, making contraceptive services accessible and affordable, providing food supplements, nutritional services, strengthening legal measures to prevent child marriage.
A census is an official enumeration of population done periodically. In India the first census in 1872. The first complete census in 1881. censuses are held regularly every tenth year.
We are primarily concerned with three major questions about the population:
(i) Population size and distribution
(ii) Population growth and processes of population change
(iii) Characteristics or qualities of the population: their age, sex- composition, literacy levels, occupational structure and health conditions
POPULATION SIZE AND DISTRIBUTION
India's population as on March 2011 stood at 1,210 million, i.e. 17.5 per cent of the world's population.
The 2011 Census data reveals that Uttar Pradesh (199 million people) is the most populous state, has about 16 per cent of the country's population. Sikkim has just about 0.6 million and Lakshadweep only 64429 people.
Almost half of India's population lives in Uttar Pradesh, Maharashtra, Bihar, West Bengal, and Andhra Pradesh. Rajasthan, the biggest state in terms of area, has only 6 per cent of the total population of India
Population Density - 382 persons per sq km (2011). vary from 1102 persons per sq km in Bihar to only 17 persons per sq km in Arunachal Pradesh.
501 and above - U.P, Bihar, W.Bengal & Kerala - because of the flat plains with fertile soils and abundant rainfall
251 to 500 - Gujarat, Maharashtra, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, Tamilnadu, Jharkhand, Punjab, Haryana and Assam - Hilly, dissected and rocky nature of the terrain, moderate to low rainfall, shallow and less fertile soils
101 to 250 - Rajasthan, M.P, Chattisgarh, Orissa, Uttarakhand, Himachal Pradesh, Manipur, Nagaland and Meghalaya
less than 100 - J & K, Arunachal Pradesh, Sikkim and Mizoram - Rugged terrain and unfavourable climatic conditions
Population Growth
Growth of population refers to the change in the number of inhabitants of a country/territory during a specific period of time. Such a change can be expressed in two ways: in terms of absolute numbers and in terms of percentage change per year.
The absolute numbers added each year or decade is the magnitude of increase also referred to as the absolute increase.
The rate or the pace of population increase is studied in per cent per annum, also referred to as the annual growth rate.
India's population has been steadily increasing from 361 million in 1951 to 1210 million in 2011.
Between 1951 to 1981, the annual rate of population growth was steadily increasing. Since 1981, however, the rate of growth started declining gradually. During this period, birth rates declined rapidly
Processes of Population Change/Growth
There are three main processes of change of population : birth rates, death rates and migration.
The natural increase of population is the difference between birth rates and death rates.
Birth rate is the number of live births per thousand persons in a year.
Death rate is the number of deaths per thousand persons in a year.
Till 1980, high birth rates and declining death rates led to a large difference between birth rates and death rates resulting in higher rates of population growth. Since 1981, birth rates have also started declining gradually, resulting in a gradual decline in the rate of population growth.
The third component, Migration is the movement of people across regions and territories. Migration can be internal (within the country) or international (between the countries).
Internal migration does not change the size of the population, but influences the distribution of population within the nation. Migration plays a very significant role in changing the composition and distribution of population.
In India, most migrations have been from rural to urban areas because of the "push" factor i.e. adverse conditions of poverty and unemployment in the rural areas and the "pull" of the city i.e. increased employment opportunities and better living conditions.
Migration is an important determinant of population change. It changes not only the population size but also the population composition of urban and rural populations in terms of age and sex composition. The urban population was 31.80 per cent in 2011.
Age composition
Number of people in different age groups in a country. It is one of the most basic characteristics of a population.
Children (generally below 15 years) - economically unproductive and need to be provided with food, clothing, education and medical care.
Working Age (15-59 years) - economically productive and biologically reproductive
Aged (Above 59 years) - can be economically productive though they may have retired, may be working voluntarily but are not available for employment through recruitment.
Sex Ratio
The number of females per 1000 males in the population. An important social indicator to measure the extent of equality between males and females in a society at a given time. 940 in 2011
Literacy Rates
According to the Census of 2001, a person aged 7 years. and above who can read and write with understanding in any language, is treated as literate.
The literacy rate in the country as per the Census of 2011 is 70.04 per cent; 82.14 per cent for males and 65.46 per cent for females.
Occupational Structure
The distribution of the population according to different types of occupation is referred to as the occupational structure.
Developed nations have a high proportion of people in secondary, and tertiary activities. Developing countries have a higher proportion of their workforce engaged in primary activities. In India, about 64 per cent of the population is engaged only in agriculture. The proportion of population dependent on secondary and tertiary sectors is about 13 and 20 per cent respectively.
Health
Health is an important component of population composition, which affects the process of development. Death rates have declined to 7.2 per 1000 in 2011 and life expectancy at birth has increased to 64.7 years in 2011.
The substantial improvement is the result of many factors including improvement in public health, prevention of infectious diseases and application of modern medical practices in diagnosis and treatment of ailments.
Health situation is a matter of major concern for India. The per capita calorie consumption is much below the recommended levels and malnutrition afflicts a large percentage of our population. Safe drinking water and basic sanitation amenities are available to only one- third of the rural population.
Adolescent Population
Adolescents are generally grouped in the age-group of 10 to 19 years. It constitutes one-fifth of the total population of India.
Problems faced by Adloescent Population in India
In India, the diet available to adolescents is inadequate in all nutrients. A large number of adolescent girls suffer from anaemia. Their problems have so far not received adequate attention in the process of development. The adolescent girls have to be sensitised to the problems they confront. Their awareness can be improved through the spread of literacy and education among them.
National Population Policy
The Government of India initiated the comprehensive Family Planning Programme in 1952. The National Population Policy 2000 is a culmination of years of planned efforts.
The NPP 2000 provides a policy framework for imparting free and compulsory school education up to 14 years of age, reducing infant mortality rate to below 30 per 1000 live births, achieving universal immunisation of children against all vaccine preventable diseases, promoting delayed marriage for girls, and making family welfare a people-centered programme.
NPP 2000 and Adolescents
Besides nutritional requirements, the policy put greater emphasis on other important needs of adolescents including protection from unwanted pregnancies and sexually transmitted diseases (STD). It called for programmes that aim towards encouraging delayed marriage and child-bearing, education of adolescents about the risks of unprotected sex, making contraceptive services accessible and affordable, providing food supplements, nutritional services, strengthening legal measures to prevent child marriage.
Outcomes of Democracy
Democracy is considered better because it:
(i) Promotes equality among citizens;
(ii) Enhances the dignity of the individual;
(iii) Improves the quality of decision-making;
(iv) Provides a method to resolve conflicts;
(v) Allows room to correct mistakes
Near about every country of the world today claim and practice some kind of democratic politics, but most of them are very much different from each other in terms of their social situations, their economic achievements and their cultures.
The first step towards thinking carefully about the outcomes of democracy is to recognise that democracy is just a form of government. It can only create conditions for achieving something. The citizens have to take advantage of those conditions and achieve those goals.
Accountable, responsive and legitimate government
Is the democratic government efficient? Is it effective?
Non-democratic rulers do not have to bother about deliberation in assemblies or worry about majorities and public opinion. So, they can be very quick and efficient in decision making and implementation. But it may take decisions that are not accepted by the people and may therefore face problems.
Democracy is based on the idea of deliberation and negotiation. So, some delay is bound to take place. But because it has followed procedures, its decisions may be both more acceptable to the people and more effective.
Accountable Government -
(i) A citizen who wants to know if a decision was taken through the correct procedures can find this out. This is known as transparency.
(ii) Democratic government develops mechanism for citizens to hold the government accountable and mechanisms for citizens to take part in decision making whenever they think fit.
Legitimate Government -
(i) In democracy governments are elected through a regular, free and fair elections. Open public debates are held on major policies and legislations. Citizens have the right to information about the government and its functioning.
(ii) Laws are made following proper procedures, after much discussion with the representatives of the people.
(iii) If people feel that government has done soemthing which goes against the Constitution, people can challenge it in the Judiciary.
Democracies have fallen short of :
(i) holding elections that provide a fair chance to everyone.
(ii) every decision is not brought forward for in a public debate.
(iii) They do not have a very good record in sharing information with citizens.
(iv) Democracies have not been free of corruption and often ignore the demands of a majority of its population.
Support of Democratic Government
(i) A democratic government is people's own government. There is an overwhelming support for the idea of democracy all over the world.
(ii) The support exists in countries with democratic regimes as well as countries without democratic regimes. (iii) People wish to be ruled by representatives elected by them. They also believe that democracy is suitable for their country.
(iv) Democracy's ability to generate its own support is itself an outcome that cannot be ignored.
Economic growth and development
(i) Dictatorships have slightly higher rate of economic growth.
(ii) Economic development depends on several factors: country's population size, global situation, cooperation from other countries, economic priorities adopted by the country, etc.
(iii) Overall, we cannot say that democracy is a guarantee of economic development.
Is Democracy a guarantee of Reduction of inequality and poverty
Democracies are based on political equality, but we find growing economic inequalities. A small number of ultra-rich enjoy a highly disproportionate share of wealth and incomes.
Those at the bottom of the society have very little to depend upon. Their incomes have been declining. Sometimes they find it difficult to meet their basic needs of life.
In actual life, democracies do not appear to be very successful in reducing economic inequalities.
Accommodation of social diversity
Democracies accommodate various social divisions. Democracies usually develop a procedure to conduct their competition. This reduces the possibility of tensions becoming explosive or violent.
Ability to handle social differences, divisions and conflicts is thus a definite plus point of democratic regimes. A democracy must fulfil two conditions in order to achieve this outcome:
(i) In democracy majority always needs to work with the minority so that governments function to represent the general view.
(ii) Rule by majority means that in case of every decision or in case of every election, different persons and groups may and can form a majority. Democracy remains democracy only as long as every citizen has a chance of being in majority at some point of time.
Dignity and Freedom of the Citizens
(i) Democracy promotes dignity and freedom of the individual
(ii) Every individual wants to receive respect from fellow beings. Democracies have achieved this to a certain degree in many countries
(a) Dignity of Women
(i) Societies across the world have been male dominated. It is absolutely essential that women should get equal treatment.
(ii) Women can now wage a struggle against what is now unacceptable legally and morally. In a non-democratic set-up, women would not have a legal basis to fight for equality.
(b) Caste inequalities - Democracy in India has strengthened the claims of the disadvantaged and discriminated castes for equal status and equal opportunity.
“The Examination of Democracy never gets over”
(i) As people get some benefits of democracy, they ask for more and want to make democracy even better. (ii) People always come up with more expectations, and complaints against democracy.
(iii) Complains shows that people have developed awareness and the ability to expect and to look critically at power holders and the high and the mighty.
(iv) A public expression of dissatisfaction with democracy shows the success of the democratic project: it transforms people from the status of a subject into that of a citizen.
(i) Promotes equality among citizens;
(ii) Enhances the dignity of the individual;
(iii) Improves the quality of decision-making;
(iv) Provides a method to resolve conflicts;
(v) Allows room to correct mistakes
Near about every country of the world today claim and practice some kind of democratic politics, but most of them are very much different from each other in terms of their social situations, their economic achievements and their cultures.
The first step towards thinking carefully about the outcomes of democracy is to recognise that democracy is just a form of government. It can only create conditions for achieving something. The citizens have to take advantage of those conditions and achieve those goals.
Accountable, responsive and legitimate government
Is the democratic government efficient? Is it effective?
Non-democratic rulers do not have to bother about deliberation in assemblies or worry about majorities and public opinion. So, they can be very quick and efficient in decision making and implementation. But it may take decisions that are not accepted by the people and may therefore face problems.
Democracy is based on the idea of deliberation and negotiation. So, some delay is bound to take place. But because it has followed procedures, its decisions may be both more acceptable to the people and more effective.
Accountable Government -
(i) A citizen who wants to know if a decision was taken through the correct procedures can find this out. This is known as transparency.
(ii) Democratic government develops mechanism for citizens to hold the government accountable and mechanisms for citizens to take part in decision making whenever they think fit.
Legitimate Government -
(i) In democracy governments are elected through a regular, free and fair elections. Open public debates are held on major policies and legislations. Citizens have the right to information about the government and its functioning.
(ii) Laws are made following proper procedures, after much discussion with the representatives of the people.
(iii) If people feel that government has done soemthing which goes against the Constitution, people can challenge it in the Judiciary.
Democracies have fallen short of :
(i) holding elections that provide a fair chance to everyone.
(ii) every decision is not brought forward for in a public debate.
(iii) They do not have a very good record in sharing information with citizens.
(iv) Democracies have not been free of corruption and often ignore the demands of a majority of its population.
Support of Democratic Government
(i) A democratic government is people's own government. There is an overwhelming support for the idea of democracy all over the world.
(ii) The support exists in countries with democratic regimes as well as countries without democratic regimes. (iii) People wish to be ruled by representatives elected by them. They also believe that democracy is suitable for their country.
(iv) Democracy's ability to generate its own support is itself an outcome that cannot be ignored.
Economic growth and development
(i) Dictatorships have slightly higher rate of economic growth.
(ii) Economic development depends on several factors: country's population size, global situation, cooperation from other countries, economic priorities adopted by the country, etc.
(iii) Overall, we cannot say that democracy is a guarantee of economic development.
Is Democracy a guarantee of Reduction of inequality and poverty
Democracies are based on political equality, but we find growing economic inequalities. A small number of ultra-rich enjoy a highly disproportionate share of wealth and incomes.
Those at the bottom of the society have very little to depend upon. Their incomes have been declining. Sometimes they find it difficult to meet their basic needs of life.
In actual life, democracies do not appear to be very successful in reducing economic inequalities.
Accommodation of social diversity
Democracies accommodate various social divisions. Democracies usually develop a procedure to conduct their competition. This reduces the possibility of tensions becoming explosive or violent.
Ability to handle social differences, divisions and conflicts is thus a definite plus point of democratic regimes. A democracy must fulfil two conditions in order to achieve this outcome:
(i) In democracy majority always needs to work with the minority so that governments function to represent the general view.
(ii) Rule by majority means that in case of every decision or in case of every election, different persons and groups may and can form a majority. Democracy remains democracy only as long as every citizen has a chance of being in majority at some point of time.
Dignity and Freedom of the Citizens
(i) Democracy promotes dignity and freedom of the individual
(ii) Every individual wants to receive respect from fellow beings. Democracies have achieved this to a certain degree in many countries
(a) Dignity of Women
(i) Societies across the world have been male dominated. It is absolutely essential that women should get equal treatment.
(ii) Women can now wage a struggle against what is now unacceptable legally and morally. In a non-democratic set-up, women would not have a legal basis to fight for equality.
(b) Caste inequalities - Democracy in India has strengthened the claims of the disadvantaged and discriminated castes for equal status and equal opportunity.
“The Examination of Democracy never gets over”
(i) As people get some benefits of democracy, they ask for more and want to make democracy even better. (ii) People always come up with more expectations, and complaints against democracy.
(iii) Complains shows that people have developed awareness and the ability to expect and to look critically at power holders and the high and the mighty.
(iv) A public expression of dissatisfaction with democracy shows the success of the democratic project: it transforms people from the status of a subject into that of a citizen.
Wednesday, 7 January 2015
Food Security in India
Food security means availability (food production within the country, food imports and the previous years stock stored in government granaries), accessibility (food is within reach of every person)and affordability (individual has enough money to buy sufficient, safe and nutritious food) of food to all people at all times.
Food security depends on the Public Distribution System (PDS),government vigilance and action at times, when this security is threatened.
Why food security?
The poorest section of the society might be food insecure most of the times while persons above the poverty line might also be food insecure when the country faces a national disaster.
Who are food-insecure?
Economic Groups - The worst affected groups are landless people with little or no land to depend upon, traditional artisans, providers of traditional services, petty self- employed workers and destitutes including beggars. In the urban areas, the food insecure families are those whose working members are generally employed in ill-paid occupations and casual labour market.
Social Groups - The SCs, STs and some sections of the OBCs (lower castes among them) who have either poor land-base or very low land productivity are prone to food insecurity. The people affected by natural disasters are also among the most food insecure people. A large proportion of pregnant and nursing mothers and children under the age of 5 years constitute an important segment of the food insecure population.
Food Insecure regions - Economically backward states with high incidence of poverty, tribal and remote areas, regions more prone to natural disasters etc have more food insecure people. In fact, the states of Uttar Pradesh (eastern and south-easter n parts), Bihar, Jharkhand, Orissa, West Bengal, Chattisgarh, parts of Madhya Pradesh and Maharasthra account for largest number of food insecure people.
Hunger is another aspect indicating food insecurity. Hunger has chronic and seasonal dimensions. Chronic hunger is a consequence of diets persistently inadequate in terms of quantity and/or quality. Poor people suffer from chronic hunger because of their very low income and in turn inability to buy food even for survival. Seasonal hunger is related to cycles of food growing and harvesting. This is prevalent in rural areas because of the seasonal nature of agricultural activities and in urban areas because of the casual labour. This type of hunger exists when a person is unable to get work for the entire year.
Indian measures to achieve self-sufficiency in food grains -
Green Revolution
(i) 'Green Revolution' especially in the production of wheat and rice.
(ii) Then Prime Minister of India, officially recorded the impressive strides of the Green revolution in agriculture by releasing a special stamp entitled 'Wheat Revolution' in July 1968. The success of wheat was later replicated in rice.
(iii) The highest rate of growth was achieved in Punjab and Haryana. Production in Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, Bihar, Orissa and the northeastern states continued to stagger. Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh, recorded significant increases in rice yield.
Food Security in India
India has become self-sufficient in foodgrains during the last thirty years because
(i) a variety of crops grown all over the country.
(ii) The availability of foodgrains at the country level has further been ensured with a carefully designed food security system
(i) Buffer Stock (ii) Public Distribution System
Buffer Stock is the stock of foodgrains, namely wheat and rice procured by the government through Food Corporation of India (FCI). The FCI purchases wheat and rice from the farmers in states where there is surplus production. The farmers are paid a pre-announced price for their crops. This price is called Minimum Support Price
Advantages of maintaining Buffer Stock
(i) distribute foodgrains in the deficit areas and among the poorer strata of society at a price lower than the market price also known as Issue Price
(ii) helps resolve the problem of shortage of food during adverse weather conditions or during the periods of calamity
Public Distribution System
Food procured by the FCI is distributed through government regulated ration shops among the poorer section of the society. This is called the public distribution system (PDS). There are about 5.5 lakh ration shops all over the country. Ration shops also known as Fair Price Shops keep stock of foodgrains, sugar, kerosene oil for cooking.
There are three kinds of ration cards: (a) Antyodaya cards for the poorest of the poor; (b) BPL cards for those below poverty line; and (c) APL cards for all others.
Rationing in India dates back to the 1940s against the backdrop of the Bengal famine, was revived in the wake of an acute food shortage during the 1960s, prior to the Green Revolution.
In the mid-1970s, three important food intervention programmes were introduced: Public Distribution System (PDS) for food grains (in existence earlier but strengthened thereafter); Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS) (introduced in 1975 on an experimental basis) and Food-for -Work (FFW) (introduced in 1977-78).
Several Poverty Alleviation Programmes (PAPs), mostly in rural areas, which have an explicit food component also. While some of the programmes such as PDS, mid-day meals etc. are exclusively food security programmes, most of the PAPs also enhance food security.
Current Status of Public Distribution System
(i) In the beginning the coverage of PDS was universal with no discrimination between the poor and non-poor.
(ii) In 1992, Revamped Public Distribution System (RPDS) was introducted in 1,700 blocks in the country. The target was to provide the benefits of PDS to remote and backward areas.
(iii) From June 1997, Targeted Public Distribution System (TPDS) was introducted to adopt the principle of targeting the 'poor in all areas'.
(iv) In 2000, two special schemes were launched viz ., Antyodaya Anna Yojana (AAY) and the Annapurna Scheme (APS) with special target groups of 'poorest of the poor' and 'indigent senior citizens', respectively.
Importance of Public Distribution System
It helps in
(i) in stabilising prices and making food available to consumers at affordable prices
(ii) in averting widespread hunger and famine
(iii) the prices have been under revision in favour of poor households in general.
(iv) has contributed to an increase in food grain production
(v) provided income security to farmers in certain regions
Criticism of Public Distribution System
(i) instances of hunger are prevalent despite overflowing granaries
(ii) high level of buffer stocks of foodgrains is very undesirable and can be wasteful
(iii) the storage of massive food stocks has been responsible for high carrying costs, in addition to wastage and deterioration in grain quality
Problems related with MSP
(i) Procurement is concentrrated in few prosperous regions
(ii) Farmers have diverted their land from caorse grains (staple food of the poor) to wheat and rice
(iii) led to enviormental degradation and fall in the water level
Problems related with PDS
(i) Average consumption figure varies from state to state
(ii) Poor have to depend on market, rather than the rations shops
(iii) PDS dealers are sometimes found restoring to malpractices
Role of Cooperatives in Food Security
The cooperatives are playing an important role in food security in India, especially in the southern and western parts of the country. The cooperative societies set up shops to sell goods to the poor people at lower prices. For example, out of all fair price shops operating in Tamil Nadu, nearly 94 percent are being run by the cooperatives. In Delhi, Mother Dairy is providing milk and vegetables to the consumers at controlled prices which are decided by the Delhi Government. Amul is another example in this regard. It has brought about the White Revolution in the country. There are many more cooperatives and NGOs also working intensively towards this direction.
Food security depends on the Public Distribution System (PDS),government vigilance and action at times, when this security is threatened.
Why food security?
The poorest section of the society might be food insecure most of the times while persons above the poverty line might also be food insecure when the country faces a national disaster.
Who are food-insecure?
Economic Groups - The worst affected groups are landless people with little or no land to depend upon, traditional artisans, providers of traditional services, petty self- employed workers and destitutes including beggars. In the urban areas, the food insecure families are those whose working members are generally employed in ill-paid occupations and casual labour market.
Social Groups - The SCs, STs and some sections of the OBCs (lower castes among them) who have either poor land-base or very low land productivity are prone to food insecurity. The people affected by natural disasters are also among the most food insecure people. A large proportion of pregnant and nursing mothers and children under the age of 5 years constitute an important segment of the food insecure population.
Food Insecure regions - Economically backward states with high incidence of poverty, tribal and remote areas, regions more prone to natural disasters etc have more food insecure people. In fact, the states of Uttar Pradesh (eastern and south-easter n parts), Bihar, Jharkhand, Orissa, West Bengal, Chattisgarh, parts of Madhya Pradesh and Maharasthra account for largest number of food insecure people.
Hunger is another aspect indicating food insecurity. Hunger has chronic and seasonal dimensions. Chronic hunger is a consequence of diets persistently inadequate in terms of quantity and/or quality. Poor people suffer from chronic hunger because of their very low income and in turn inability to buy food even for survival. Seasonal hunger is related to cycles of food growing and harvesting. This is prevalent in rural areas because of the seasonal nature of agricultural activities and in urban areas because of the casual labour. This type of hunger exists when a person is unable to get work for the entire year.
Indian measures to achieve self-sufficiency in food grains -
Green Revolution
(i) 'Green Revolution' especially in the production of wheat and rice.
(ii) Then Prime Minister of India, officially recorded the impressive strides of the Green revolution in agriculture by releasing a special stamp entitled 'Wheat Revolution' in July 1968. The success of wheat was later replicated in rice.
(iii) The highest rate of growth was achieved in Punjab and Haryana. Production in Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, Bihar, Orissa and the northeastern states continued to stagger. Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh, recorded significant increases in rice yield.
Food Security in India
India has become self-sufficient in foodgrains during the last thirty years because
(i) a variety of crops grown all over the country.
(ii) The availability of foodgrains at the country level has further been ensured with a carefully designed food security system
(i) Buffer Stock (ii) Public Distribution System
Buffer Stock is the stock of foodgrains, namely wheat and rice procured by the government through Food Corporation of India (FCI). The FCI purchases wheat and rice from the farmers in states where there is surplus production. The farmers are paid a pre-announced price for their crops. This price is called Minimum Support Price
Advantages of maintaining Buffer Stock
(i) distribute foodgrains in the deficit areas and among the poorer strata of society at a price lower than the market price also known as Issue Price
(ii) helps resolve the problem of shortage of food during adverse weather conditions or during the periods of calamity
Public Distribution System
Food procured by the FCI is distributed through government regulated ration shops among the poorer section of the society. This is called the public distribution system (PDS). There are about 5.5 lakh ration shops all over the country. Ration shops also known as Fair Price Shops keep stock of foodgrains, sugar, kerosene oil for cooking.
There are three kinds of ration cards: (a) Antyodaya cards for the poorest of the poor; (b) BPL cards for those below poverty line; and (c) APL cards for all others.
Rationing in India dates back to the 1940s against the backdrop of the Bengal famine, was revived in the wake of an acute food shortage during the 1960s, prior to the Green Revolution.
In the mid-1970s, three important food intervention programmes were introduced: Public Distribution System (PDS) for food grains (in existence earlier but strengthened thereafter); Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS) (introduced in 1975 on an experimental basis) and Food-for -Work (FFW) (introduced in 1977-78).
Several Poverty Alleviation Programmes (PAPs), mostly in rural areas, which have an explicit food component also. While some of the programmes such as PDS, mid-day meals etc. are exclusively food security programmes, most of the PAPs also enhance food security.
Current Status of Public Distribution System
(i) In the beginning the coverage of PDS was universal with no discrimination between the poor and non-poor.
(ii) In 1992, Revamped Public Distribution System (RPDS) was introducted in 1,700 blocks in the country. The target was to provide the benefits of PDS to remote and backward areas.
(iii) From June 1997, Targeted Public Distribution System (TPDS) was introducted to adopt the principle of targeting the 'poor in all areas'.
(iv) In 2000, two special schemes were launched viz ., Antyodaya Anna Yojana (AAY) and the Annapurna Scheme (APS) with special target groups of 'poorest of the poor' and 'indigent senior citizens', respectively.
Importance of Public Distribution System
It helps in
(i) in stabilising prices and making food available to consumers at affordable prices
(ii) in averting widespread hunger and famine
(iii) the prices have been under revision in favour of poor households in general.
(iv) has contributed to an increase in food grain production
(v) provided income security to farmers in certain regions
Criticism of Public Distribution System
(i) instances of hunger are prevalent despite overflowing granaries
(ii) high level of buffer stocks of foodgrains is very undesirable and can be wasteful
(iii) the storage of massive food stocks has been responsible for high carrying costs, in addition to wastage and deterioration in grain quality
Problems related with MSP
(i) Procurement is concentrrated in few prosperous regions
(ii) Farmers have diverted their land from caorse grains (staple food of the poor) to wheat and rice
(iii) led to enviormental degradation and fall in the water level
Problems related with PDS
(i) Average consumption figure varies from state to state
(ii) Poor have to depend on market, rather than the rations shops
(iii) PDS dealers are sometimes found restoring to malpractices
Role of Cooperatives in Food Security
The cooperatives are playing an important role in food security in India, especially in the southern and western parts of the country. The cooperative societies set up shops to sell goods to the poor people at lower prices. For example, out of all fair price shops operating in Tamil Nadu, nearly 94 percent are being run by the cooperatives. In Delhi, Mother Dairy is providing milk and vegetables to the consumers at controlled prices which are decided by the Delhi Government. Amul is another example in this regard. It has brought about the White Revolution in the country. There are many more cooperatives and NGOs also working intensively towards this direction.
Rajasthan State Talent Search Examination - 14
RBSE invites online applications for STSE 14
Exam Date - 22.02.15
Last Date to fill Online Applications - 27.01.15
Eligibility - Students of class X and XII, who have scored a minimum of 50 % marks in previous class.
Students have to fill online form through their respective schools
for further information, do visit
http://bserexam.com/BsErSTSE2014/mainpage.php
Exam Date - 22.02.15
Last Date to fill Online Applications - 27.01.15
Eligibility - Students of class X and XII, who have scored a minimum of 50 % marks in previous class.
Students have to fill online form through their respective schools
for further information, do visit
http://bserexam.com/BsErSTSE2014/mainpage.php
Tuesday, 6 January 2015
Consumer Rights
Consumer - Person who purchase goods and services that he/she needs
Rules and Regulations required for the protection of Consumers
(i) Individual consumers find themselves in a weak position.
(ii) Markets do not work in a fair manner, Companies with huge wealth, power and reach can manipulate the market in various ways.
(iii) False information is passed on to attract consumers.
Forms of Consumer exploitation in Market place
(i) Under weight / Under measurement
(ii) Extra charges
(iii) Adulteration in food items
(iv) Not fulfilling the promises
(v) Duplicate or low quality products
(vi) Undue demands
Consumer Movements
(i) Unfair practices by sellers, no legal system available to consumers to protect them from exploitation led to the starting of Consumer Movements
(ii) Sellers and Producers not taking the responsibility of ensuring quality of goods and services
(iii) Rampant food shortages, hoarding, black marketing, adulteration of food and edible oil gave birth to the consumer movement in an organised form in the 1960s.
(iv) In the 1970s Consumer Groups were formed
(v) Forced private as well as public firms to correct business conduct which may be unfair and against the interests of consumers
(vi) Consumer Protection Act 1986 (COPRA) was enacted
Consumer Rights
Right to Safety - Consumers have the right to be protected against the marketing of goods and delivery of services that are hazardous to life and property. Producers need to strictly follow the required safety rules and regulations
Right to be Informed - Consumers must be informed about the particulars of goods and services, directions for proper use, side effects and risk associated with usage, MRP, date of manufacturing, date of expiry etc.
Right to Information Act 2005, provides for the information about the functions of government departments
Right to Choose - Consumer has the right to choose whether to continue to receive the service. Many a times you are forced to buy things that you may not wish to and you are left with no choice.
Right to Seek Redressal - If any damage is done to a consumer, he/she has the right to get compensation depending on the degree of damage.
Formation of Consumer forums or Consumer Protection Councils to represents individual consumers in the consumer courts, creates awareness among people.
COPRA has led to a three-tie quasi-judicial machinery
District level court - Claims upto Rs 20 Lakh
State level court - 20 lakh to 1 Crore
National level court - 1 Crore and above
has led to the setting up of separate departments of Consumer affairs in Central and State governments.
Factors causing exploitation of Consumers
(i) Limited information (ii) Limited supplies (iii) Limited competition (iv) Low Literacy
Duties of Consumers
(i) Look at the quality/guarantee/warantee of the product
(ii) ask for the cash memo
(iii) form Consumer Awareness Organisations
(iv) Must make complain for genuine grievances
(v) must know their rights and must exercise them
Organisations responsible for ensuring quality standards
in India
BIS - Beureau of Indian Standards, issues ISI certificates to industrial and consumer goods
AGMARK - for agricultural goods
HALLMARK - for Gold
at International level
ISO - Organisation for Standardization, headquarters at Geneva
Codex Alimentarius Commission, headquarters at Rome, formed by WHO & FAO
Taking the Consumer Movement forward
(i) 24 December - National Consumer’s Day
(ii) 700 Consumer Groups, only 20-25 well organised and recognized for their work
Problems faced during Consumer Redressal process
(i) Expensive and time consuming (have to engage lawyer, time consuming in filing and attending the court proceedings)
(ii) Cash receipts are not issued, evidence is not easy to gather
(ii) existing laws are also not very clear on the issue of compensation to consumers injured by defective products
(iv) enforcement of laws to protect workers are weak, rules and regulations are often not followed
Rules and Regulations required for the protection of Consumers
(i) Individual consumers find themselves in a weak position.
(ii) Markets do not work in a fair manner, Companies with huge wealth, power and reach can manipulate the market in various ways.
(iii) False information is passed on to attract consumers.
Forms of Consumer exploitation in Market place
(i) Under weight / Under measurement
(ii) Extra charges
(iii) Adulteration in food items
(iv) Not fulfilling the promises
(v) Duplicate or low quality products
(vi) Undue demands
Consumer Movements
(i) Unfair practices by sellers, no legal system available to consumers to protect them from exploitation led to the starting of Consumer Movements
(ii) Sellers and Producers not taking the responsibility of ensuring quality of goods and services
(iii) Rampant food shortages, hoarding, black marketing, adulteration of food and edible oil gave birth to the consumer movement in an organised form in the 1960s.
(iv) In the 1970s Consumer Groups were formed
(v) Forced private as well as public firms to correct business conduct which may be unfair and against the interests of consumers
(vi) Consumer Protection Act 1986 (COPRA) was enacted
Consumer Rights
Right to Safety - Consumers have the right to be protected against the marketing of goods and delivery of services that are hazardous to life and property. Producers need to strictly follow the required safety rules and regulations
Right to be Informed - Consumers must be informed about the particulars of goods and services, directions for proper use, side effects and risk associated with usage, MRP, date of manufacturing, date of expiry etc.
Right to Information Act 2005, provides for the information about the functions of government departments
Right to Choose - Consumer has the right to choose whether to continue to receive the service. Many a times you are forced to buy things that you may not wish to and you are left with no choice.
Right to Seek Redressal - If any damage is done to a consumer, he/she has the right to get compensation depending on the degree of damage.
Formation of Consumer forums or Consumer Protection Councils to represents individual consumers in the consumer courts, creates awareness among people.
COPRA has led to a three-tie quasi-judicial machinery
District level court - Claims upto Rs 20 Lakh
State level court - 20 lakh to 1 Crore
National level court - 1 Crore and above
has led to the setting up of separate departments of Consumer affairs in Central and State governments.
Factors causing exploitation of Consumers
(i) Limited information (ii) Limited supplies (iii) Limited competition (iv) Low Literacy
Duties of Consumers
(i) Look at the quality/guarantee/warantee of the product
(ii) ask for the cash memo
(iii) form Consumer Awareness Organisations
(iv) Must make complain for genuine grievances
(v) must know their rights and must exercise them
Organisations responsible for ensuring quality standards
in India
BIS - Beureau of Indian Standards, issues ISI certificates to industrial and consumer goods
AGMARK - for agricultural goods
HALLMARK - for Gold
at International level
ISO - Organisation for Standardization, headquarters at Geneva
Codex Alimentarius Commission, headquarters at Rome, formed by WHO & FAO
Taking the Consumer Movement forward
(i) 24 December - National Consumer’s Day
(ii) 700 Consumer Groups, only 20-25 well organised and recognized for their work
Problems faced during Consumer Redressal process
(i) Expensive and time consuming (have to engage lawyer, time consuming in filing and attending the court proceedings)
(ii) Cash receipts are not issued, evidence is not easy to gather
(ii) existing laws are also not very clear on the issue of compensation to consumers injured by defective products
(iv) enforcement of laws to protect workers are weak, rules and regulations are often not followed