MIH - Economic Development & Political change

SYLLABUS:

Land reforms; Ecology and environmental policy in post – colonial India;  The politics of planning and rural reconstruction; Progress of science. Nehru’s Foreign Policy; NAM; India and her neighbours (1947-1964); Hindu Code Bill/1962/1971/Emergency 

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MAINS QUESTIONS:

 

Discuss the various approaches related to the policy of Land Reforms. 

LR were necessary to ensure - fruits of independence reach commonest sections. Political independence meaningless w/o socio-economic independence. 

Three main approaches emerged in the context of Land reforms after Independence 

Gandhian Approach – Voluntary Action.	Marxist Approach – Violent Revolutionary Methods.	Nationalist Approach – Use of Law.
Based on Sarvodaya. Big landowners persuaded to surrender their excess land holding to common good. NO pressure on landholders. ONLY moral persuasion.  Bhoodan movement (1951) and Gramdan movement (1957) of Acharya Vinoba Bhave.  NOT much success. To gain social prestige landlords surrendered most infertile lands for redistribution.  Only 11.9 lakh acre land (out of 42.7 lakh acre) could be distributed among landless and marginal farmers. For remaining land count NO taker because of poor quality.	Failure of B&G convinced the revolutionary peasant leaders that voluntary action and peaceful methods would produce no result.  Manifested itself in the form of Naxalbari movements and Maoist movements.  Tenant cultivators were asked to consider themselves as the owner of land. They were NOT required to share agricultural produce with land lords.  Resulted in violent clashes and conflicts in various parts of India.	Used by Government of India = necessary laws were enacted so that ownership rights could be transferred to actual cultivators and the evils of Zamindari system could be wiped out.  Constitution was amended ~ implementation of land reform laws in 1951. States were persuaded to enact the laws in consonance with the central laws => LR throughout India.  Partially successful. In some states like West Bengal and Kerala, where the governments took a strong action and enacted effective laws, the land reforms were highly successful. But in states like Andhra Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh the land reforms could not find much success. In other states these reforms were moderately successful.

  

What were the factors behind the failure of Land Reforms? 

• Various states different laws => In states like Andhra Pradesh the limit of land ceiling was so high that most of the landowners remained unaffected. 

• Concept of land ceiling was applied only to land under cultivation. The land under the trees was not taken into account. 

• Big peasants resorted to Benami transaction = transferred in names of various family members, relatives and even servants to escape land ceiling. 

• Political clout = influenced the law making process. Many of the landlords were part of legislature. 

• Immense influence over bureaucratic machinery as well => obstructed the effective implementation of LR. 

• Land being a state subject, tied the hands of Central Government = lack of necessary political will and commitment. A big factor. 

 

 

"The biggest task before independent India was not only economic development of India as a whole, but even more so the psychological and emotional integration of the people of India." Comment. 

• Political independence from BR but dream of united and complete India yet to be attained. Economic development was critical need - Level of poverty very high (>50% BPL); Infra non-existent; Severe scarcity of food; >1 million died in 1943 Famine; Industry, agriculture = medieval state 

• But bigger challenge - different cultures; when territories were combined - people were apprehensive - about existence of culture. Linguistic reorganization - INC - language be criteria, later left the idea. India shouldn't face similar challenge / Partition like Pakistan on grounds of language - JVP - Dhar - SRC = 14 states, 3 groups - challenges tackled; helped in cohesive development; A343 Language commission under Prez. NI (pro Hindi) vs SI (DMK pro English). English to continue. Challenges faced and tackled effectively. 

 

Despite breeding discontent and putting pressure on the political system, the problem of economic inequality among different states has not so far given rise to regionalism or feeling of a region being discriminated in India. Comment critically. 

• Economic inequality - suffered under British - India left under poverty and famines - state of Agri, resource, industry - when India was facing these challenges - three wars; Green revolution - regional inequality increased further - land reform (success only in WB). 

• In spite of these challenges Indian regionalism could not emerge - Reorganization of states ensured regionalism does not go out of hand. 70 years of Indian unity - unity has remained but fissures exist. Demand for small states exist - internal disturbances, political disturbances, NE state situations. 

 

 

 

“Having won political freedom, India had to win economic and cultural freedom.” Comment. [1995, 20m] 

• <Role of SNA, Kamaladevi, other women, cultural organisations, represented by Indians.> 

 

In May of 2014, India saw a peaceful transfer of power from one political formation to another for the eighth time since 1952. On September 24, 2014, the Mars Mission launched by the Indian Space Research Organization entered the orbit of the red planet. In 2008, India and United States concluded a Civil Nuclear Agreement which recognized India as a State with advanced nuclear technologies and brought India into the international nuclear mainstream. 

Nehru had a clear vision of what modern India should look like and he set out to realize his dreams by establishing strong pillars which would support the young nation. 

If India has become the third largest economy in the world in terms of Purchasing Power Parity, it is because of the multi-purpose projects, the public sector undertakings and institutions of higher learning established by Nehru as well as the systematic planning process initiated by him. If India is today counted amongst the technologically advanced nations of the world, it is because of Nehru’s promotion of scientific temper and the chain of scientific research laboratories that he built across the country. 

“Jawaharlal Nehru, though a declared socialist, was pragmatist enough to focus on providing building blocks to the making of new India.” Examine. [2015, 20m] 

A major achievement of India during early decades after Independence was in the fields of scientific research and technological education. Elucidate. 

Nehru’s ‘temple of Modern India’ consisted not only of steel and power plants, irrigation dams, but included institutions of higher learning, particularly in the scientific field. Elaborate. [2011, 30m] 

After having won independence from British rule, the government of India had to take serious steps for the socio-economic and educational (development) programmes of Indian citizen. The government emphasised on creating institutes of excellence. 

1. Science Policy was adopted by the Government and scientific laboratories set up across the country. Indian Institutes of Technology were established to nurture manpower in engineering. Frontier disciplines such as space and atomic energy came under the personal supervision of the PRIME MINISTER.  

   1. On the lines of Massachusetts, IITs were set up. First IIT was inaugurated in 1951 at Kharagpur. Thereafter, similar IITs were set up at Mumbai, Chennai, Kanpur and Delhi.  

   2. In 1954, Atomic Energy Establishment was created at Trombay.  

   3. UGC was established in 1953 and in 1956 it was conferred a statutory recognition. 

   4. The steps were taken towards space research. ISRO was established in 1969 and in 1972 Space Commission was created 

2. Planning Commission was set up in 1950 and in 1952 enacted the first FYP for growth and development of the country.  

3. A number of steel plants had been setup with foreign assistance. Eg, Bhilai, Rourkela. They helped in fulfilling the socio-economic objective set for and in achieving food security for this nation.  

4. Damodar Valley Corporation came into existence in 1948 as first multipurpose river valley project of Independent India.. 

“He consolidated a nation, trained it for democracy, constructed a model for economic development and set the country on the path to growth”. 

It must be however kept in mind that in many newly independent nations, first generation nationalist leaders concentrated all power in their own hands and were succeeded by military rulers. It was Jawaharlal Nehru and other founding fathers who ensured that on gaining independence, power was transferred to the people of India through adoption of the Constitution and regular free and fair elections. 

 

This dam (Bhakra) has been built with the unrelenting toil of man for the benefit of mankind and therefore is worthy of worship (-JLN). Comment. 

Bhakra dam is among the earliest river valley development schemes undertaken by India after independence, though the project had been conceived long before India became a free nation. Its preliminary works commenced in 1946 while construction started in 1948. First Prime Minister of India Jawahar Lal Nehru had poured the first bucket of concrete into the foundations of Bhakra on November 17, 1955 and the dam was completed by the end of 1963. Successive stages were completed by the early 1970s. 

In October 1963 at the ceremony to mark the dedication of the Bhakra-Nangal project to the nation, Jawaharlal Nehru had said, "This dam has been built with the unrelenting toil of man for the benefit of mankind and therefore is worthy of worship. May you call it a temple or a gurdwara or a mosque, it inspires our admiration and reverence".  

But ironically, 49 years after Nehru's address, people who gave their lands for the construction of dam are still running from, pillar to post as they have yet to get their dues. The affected villagers are yet to be completely rehabilitated and recompensed.  

 

 

 

Critically examine the nature and scope of environmental movements in independent India. [2016] 

“The Chipko became famous as the first major environmental movement in post-colonial India and gave to the understanding that environment issues are often women’s issues because they suffer most from its deterioration.” – Explain. [2012, 30m] 

Chipko movement was a non-violent movement based on Gandhian ideals. The border construction for quick mobilization of troops resulted in massive deforestation and other harmful effects. The contract system led to loss of livelihood of locals as well as ecological destruction. Describe the significance of Chipko Movement. 

 

An Ecological Movement	A women movement	A first movement	Significance
An ecological movement concerned with the preservation of forests.  Maintenance of the traditional ecological balance between people and environment.   The water requirements were met through nearby ponds or rivers  Mostly clean due to the trees as trees stopped soil erosion and hence silting of rivers, ponds and lake, etc.	Reason = contemporary Indian Society and dependence of women upon the trees. The society necessitated women to arrange firewood, fodder and water, etc.   The slow degradation of the hilly region and the fall out of water shortage, of landslides, of lack of fodder and firewood – affected the women directly   Resulted into them going far to collect the fuel, food, fodder and water. Perceived the link = their victimization & the denuding of mountain slopes by commercial interests.   Radical but peaceful methods, the women had taken up leadership positions, in a heavily patriarchal society. Became aware of their true potential as soldiers of the movement and went on to enhance their roles.	One of the first and primary movements on environmental concern which was later imitated in many other regions of the country.   Local inhabitants especially women took a lead [Gauri Devi] and stood before the giant timber mafia. True that many of the pioneers were men like Chandi Prasad Bhatt and Sundarlal Bahugana, but the woman formed the backbone of the surge.  Name from actions of women in Uttarakhand in 1970s who hugged trees in order to prevent them from being cut down by timber contractors.   With constant pressure and the movement gathering momentum the then PM banned tree felling in the region for 15 years.	Non-violent; exhibited resolve of local people against adverse impact of deforestation on their socio-econ life.  Government had to change the contract system -rights of locals safeguarded.  Socio-economic revolution = locals won => control of bureaucracy over forest resources no longer absolute.  Environmental degradation reversed.  Inspired similar struggles Rajasthan, Bihar, Appiko in Karnataka ~ Western Ghat.  Community afforestation with indigenous species enormously successful.  Example: Farmers and citizen’s groups like the Beej Bachao Andolan in Tehri (Uttarakhand) and Navdanya ~ diversified crop produce without use of synthetic chemicals. [Navdanya = women centred movement for the protection of biological and cultural diversity, network of seed keepers and organic producers spread across 18 states in India.]

 

 

Analyse Indian foreign policy of Non-alignment between 1947 and 1964. [2004, 60m] 

Would you agree that India’s effort to pursue an independent foreign policy was a highlight of post-1947 politics? [2011, 30m] 

What was the nature of Indian foreign policy in post-independent times? What factors shaped the Indian Foreign Policy? 

Jawaharlal Nehru was the architect of India’s policy of non-alignment. In the light of this statement discuss India’s relations with the two ‘Power Blocks’ between 1947-1964. [2001, 60m] 

Nature of Indian Foreign Policy:

Factors that shaped IFP:

Peaceful co-existence. Good neighbourly relations with all the nearby countries. [PANCHSHEEL] Emphasis on Mutual respect.  Egalitarian in outlook - No nation weak or powerful. Non-discriminatory approach.  Non-violent methods for resolving international disputes/ differences. NOT militarism.  During early years after independence, maintaining independent stand on important matters of international concern, so that, IFP remain unaffected from cold war politics.  Changes and continuity are also visible in IFP with the passage of time and international scenario.  Anti-colonial and anti-imperialist outlook. India has always supported the quest of different groups of people for independence from foreign rule.  Principle of internationalism by Indian leaders to have close friendly relations with every nation of world.  Non-interference in the internal matters of other nation. In this way IFP is based on principle of respecting the sovereignty of other nation. Idea of non-alignment was put forward by Jawahar Lal Nehru and India was the founding member of NAM.

The experiences gained during long struggle against British colonial + suffering under colonial rule => India supported the struggle of various nations for independence.  Ideals and values of INM also shaped IFP.  Geographical realities have also played an important role in shaping IFP because India believes that everything can be changed but not neighbours.  Needs of socio-economic development  ~ India had to take long strides to uplift the millions out of poverty and to ensure the availability of necessities with the citizens => take help from every nation to carry out rapid economic development.  Rourkela Steel Plant was set up with help of West Germany in 1955.  Durgapur Steel Plant was set up with the cooperation of Britain in 1962.  Bhilai Steel Plant (1967 and Bokaro 1964) ~ of Soviet Union.  India wanted to remain away from block politics and that is why India perceived the policy of non-alignment.

 

 

 

 

"After facing a serious debacle against China, India took a long time to recover from the blow to its self-respect and get back the sense of self-worth." 

• 1 month war, Chinese entered 20km inside, Impact was lasting. Doklam - Chinese are standing with confidence. 

• Emerging as leader of NAM; Personal failure of Nehru, since Panchseel failed as policy. 

• Integration of Sikkim - 1975; Nuclear Explosion - 1974; LPG reforms boosted real development; 

 

 

To what extent did the Freedom Movement in India influence the Liberation Movement in Africa? 

The Liberation movement in Africa mostly started after India’s Independence and borrowed many traits of the India national movement in their struggle for freedom. 

Most of the African countries were the colonies of Britain and hence the methods adopted by the Indian National Congress under the leadership of Gandhi, were looked upon as the precursor to their independence movement. 

The idea of non-violent struggle, boycotts of European goods, and general strike were used frequently in their struggle. Their leaders, like their Indian counterparts, were educated in Europe and USA and hence considered the colonization as the humiliation and exploitation of the blacks by whites. 

However, African struggle also resorted to violent terrorist activities to a large extent which was usually absent in Indian struggle for Independence. 

 

 

Describe the cause and consequences of Indo-China war of 1962. Was it a failure of army or political leadership?  Write its significance. 

Why was Indo-Pak war of 1965 fought? Who triggered it and how? Write a note on Tashkent declaration. 

What led Indo-Pak war of 1971? Explain the humanitarian crisis in East Pakistan. Write short note on Shimla Agreement post 1971 war. 

 

 

 

 

Cow commission 

Journalist Rasheed Kidwai in his book Ballot — Ten Episodes That Have Shaped India’s Democracy, released this week, recalls that even during Indira Gandhi’s tenure as prime minister, the anti-cow-slaughter agitation figured prominently. Eight sadhus died in police firing outside Parliament on November 7, 1966. In response, Gandhi set up a panel under retired Supreme Court Chief Justice A K Sarkar to study if a nationwide ban on cow slaughter was feasible. In an unconventional move, she even nominated RSS chief M S Golwalkar as a member of the panel, which had, among others, the Shankaracharya of Puri, V Kurien of the National Dairy Development Board, and economist Ashok Mitra. Kurien later wrote that Golwalkar admitted to him in so many words that the RSS had launched the 1966 campaign to embarrass the government. The panel’s initial mandate was to submit a report in six months, but it kept procrastinating until it was finally disbanded in 1979 by the Morarji Desai government. 

From <http://indianexpress.com/article/opinion/columns/inside-track-scramble-for-seat-5068144/>  

 

Protecting his killer 

Rajiv Gandhi presented to LTTE leader Velupillai Prabhakaran, the man responsible for his death, his own bullet-proof jacket as a gesture of friendship in 1987. The then PM had also handed over Rs 50 lakh to Prabhakaran as part of his efforts at reaching an accord agreement between Sri Lanka and India, in which India would dispatch an Indian Peace Keeping Force (IPKF). Gandhi made sure that Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M Karunanidhi, through his nephew Murasoli Maran, was kept in the loop on his Sri Lanka policy. However, Karunanidhi, when later re-elected chief minister, changed his mind and demanded that the IPKF withdraw. These are some interesting nuggets of information provided by journalist Kalyani Shankar in her new book, Regional Satraps and the Battle for India’s Foreign Policy.