Life Lines of National Economy
Q.1. Examine with examples the role of means of transport and communication in making our life prosperous and comfortable.
Ans. Railways, airways, waterways, newspapers, radio, television, cinema and internet, etc. have been contributing to its socio-economic progress in many ways. It has enriched our life and added substantially to growing amenities and facilities for the comforts of life.
Means of transport and communication are often called the lifelines of a nation and play an important role in the economic development of a country.
They move goods from their supply locations to demand locations.
They also help in the movement of labour from one place to another. This helps in creating employment for the labourers as well as helping in supplying labour to the agricultural and industrial sectors.
Communication has also helped in the transfer of information which has led to technology transfer.
Communication has been the major driving force in the process of globalization. All these factors have helped in the growth of humans as well as helped them in making their lives easier with improvement in the economy, trade and commerce, culture, technology and thus in a way have helped in the evolution of human beings.
Q.2. “Roadways still have an edge over railways in India”. Give reasons
Ans. Roadways still have an edge over railways in India because :
(a) the construction cost of roads is much lower than that of railway lines.
(b) roads can traverse comparatively more dissected and undulating topography.
(c) roads can negotiate higher gradients of slopes and as such can traverse mountains such as the Himalayas,
(d) road transport is economical in the transportation of few persons and a relatively smaller amount of goods over short distances.
(e) it also provides door-to-door service, thus the cost of loading and unloading is much lower.
(f) road transport is also used as a feeder to other modes of transport such as they provide a link between railway stations, air and seaports.
Q.3. Why does the movement of goods and services from one place to another require fast and efficient means of transport? Explain with examples.
Ans. Reasons for fast and efficient means of transport :
(i) It is necessary to carry raw materials to production centres and from manufacturing hubs to markets in as little time as possible to achieve efficiency. This is particularly true for perishable goods. (ii) It enables goods to reach newer markets and allows people greater access to goods and services. An efficient transport network enables markets to expand to the hinterland. (iii) Communication opens new avenues of commerce. Modern communication tools like the internet allow commercial transactions to take place over large distances, facilitating electronic commerce and banking across countries and contributing to the integration of markets. They also keep buyers and sellers informed about their present and prospective markets. (iv) Goods and services cannot move on their own from supply houses to demand locales. This necessitates the need for transportation. Thus, a country’s economy depends not only on the production and sale of goods and services but on their transport as well. (v) The means of transportation communication are called the lifeline of a nation and its economy because they are the pre-conditions for progress.
Q.4. Why is air travel more popular in the northeastern states of India? Explain.
Ans. Air transport is the only way to commute fast in the North-East.
There are no functioning railway routes to states like Manipur, Arunachal Pradesh and Mizoram. Although flights are much more expensive, students and working professionals tend to choose flights over trains as there are no other alternatives.
Even if the option of trains is it takes days to reach a destination in the North-East from the mainland. And in remote areas, even buses are not available to the public due to the hilly topography and underdevelopment of this region.
The problem gets compounded during the monsoon season as even buses cannot ply through the National Highways sometimes due to landslides.
Q.5. “Railways are the principal mode of transportation in India.” Explain.
Ans. 1. Railways are the principal mode of transportation for freight and passengers in India.
Railways also make it possible to conduct multifarious activities like business, sightseeing, and pilgrimage along with transportation of goods over longer distances.
Apart from being an important means of transport, the Indian Railway has been a great integrating force for more than 150 years.
Railways in India bind the economic life of the country as well as accelerate the development of the industry and agriculture.
The Indian Railways have a network of 7,031 stations spread over a route length of 63,221 km. with a fleet of 7817 locomotives, 5321 passenger services vehicles, 4904 other coach vehicles and 228,170 wagons as of 31 March 2004
Q.6. Describe the significance of tourism as a trade-in India.
Ans. The significance of tourism as a trade-in India:
(i) Tourism in India has grown substantially over the last three decades.
(ii) Foreign tourists’ arrival has witnessed an increase, thus contributing to foreign exchange.
(iii) More than 15 million people are directly engaged in the tourism industry.
(iv) It provides support to local handicrafts and cultural pursuits.
(v) Tourism also promotes national integration.
(vi) It helps in the development of international understanding of our culture and heritage.
(vii) Foreign tourists visit India for heritage tourism, eco-tourism, adventure tourism, cultural tourism, medical and business tourism.
Q.7. Explain any five major problems faced by road transport in India.
Ans. Five major problems faced by road transport in India are:
Most of the Indian roads are unsurfaced and are not suitable for use of vehicular traffic.
Roads are not properly maintained. Poor road surfaces cause a heavy loss in the wear and tear of vehicles.
There are multiple check-posts, toll-tax and octroi duties collection points on the roads which bring down the speed of the traffic, waste time and cause irritation to the commuters.
Many roads have the inadequate capacity, weak pavement, unbridged level crossings and lack of wayside amenities and safety measures.
Q.8. Why is the distribution of roads not uniform in India? Explain with examples.
Ans. The distribution of roads is not uniform in the country.
i. Density of roads (length of roads per 100 square km of area) varies from only 10.48 km in Jammu and Kashmir to 387.24 km in Kerala with a national average of 75.42 km.
ii. The density of roads is high in most of the northern states and major southern states. It is low in the Himalayan region, north-eastern region, Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan.
iii. Nature of terrain and the level of economic development are the main determinants of the density of roads.
iv. Construction of roads is easy and cheaper in the plain areas while it is difficult and costly in hilly and plateau areas.
v. Therefore, not only the density but also the quality of roads is relatively better in plains as compared to roads in high altitude areas, rainy and forested Regions.
Q.9. What are the advantages of pipeline transportation?
Ans. The advantages of pipeline transportation are the following :
- The pipelines can be laid over difficult terrain as well as underwater.
- Their operation and maintenance cost is lower.
- It involves very low energy consumption.
- It ensures a steady and constant supply of liquid and gases to places at long distances.
- It minimises transhipment losses and delays.
- The pressure of carrying mineral oil and natural gas by railways has been reduced by the use of pipeline transport.
Political Parties
Q.1. State the various functions that Political parties perform in a democracy.
Ans. The various functions political parties perform in a democracy are:
Candidates are put forward by political parties to contest elections. These candidates may be chosen by the top leaders, or by members of the party.
Parties put forward their policies and programmes for voters to choose from them.
Political parties play a major role in making laws for the country. No law can become a bill unless the majority parties support it.
Political parties form and run governments.
Parties that lose election play the role of opposition to the party in power.
Parties shape public opinion.
Political parties form an important link between the government and the people. It is easy for the public to approach their local leader than a government official. The local leader has to listen to the public demand, otherwise, he will lose the next election.
Q.2. What are the various challenges faced by political parties?
Ans. The various challenges faced by political parties are:
Lack of Internal democracy:
• Every member of the party does not have a chance to take part in the decision-making process.
• Every member is not consulted before taking a decision.
• There is no proper organisation or registration of members.
• Power remains in the hands of a few top leaders, who do not consult ordinary members.
• Ordinary members have no information about the internal working of the party.
Dynastic Succession: With power in the hands of a few top leaders, all party positions go to their family members. These members may not be qualified or have the ability to hold their positions.
Money and Muscle Power:
• Money is needed to organise demonstrations, public meetings, and speeches to publicise the image of the party. Parties choose those candidates who can raise money for the party and win elections with their money.
• Sometimes parties also support criminals candidates because they can win elections.
The meaningful choice to others: Most political parties have the same fundamental and ideological issues. Voters do not have a meaningful choice. Even leaders keep changing parties, thus confusing the voter.
Q.3. Lack of internal democracy within parties is a major challenge to political parties all over the world. Analyse the statement.
Ans. The political parties play an important role in democracy as:
(i) Parties contest elections: In most democracies, elections are fought mainly among the candidates put up by political parties.
(ii) Parties put forward different policies and programmes and the voters choose from them.
(iii) Parties play a decisive role in making laws for a country.
(iv) Parties shape public opinions. They raise and highlight issues.
(v) Form and run governments.
(vi) Role of opposition. The opposition role is important in a democracy as it voices different views and criticizes the government for its failures or wrong policies.
(vii) Parties provide people access to government machinery and welfare schemes implemented by governments.
Q.4. Elucidate some of the recent efforts taken in our country to reform political parties and its leaders.
Ans. The main vision of the constitution makers cannot be achieved until the representatives of the people don’t follow democratic practices within the political parties. Some measures were taken by the government to reform political parties have been:
(i) Anti-defection law, which states that if any sitting MLA or MP changes his party, he will lose his seat in the legislature.
(ii) It is mandatory now for every candidate to furnish all details related to the assets, and criminal cases pending.
(iii) Election Commission has made it mandatory for parties to hold regular elections a file income tax.
(iv) The recent judgment by Supreme Court that disqualifies convicted MP’s and MLA’s who have sentenced to more than two years of imprisonment by the lower court and whose appeal against their conviction is pending and is debarred from contesting elections is considered to be the landmark decision by the apex court to clean the system.
These are the few reforms made by the government to ensure transparency and make the parties accountable. However these reforms should be followed in the spirit also along with the letter, only then the democracy will be deepened.
Q.5. What is a political party? Suggest and explain any four measures to reform political parties.
Ans. A political party is a group of people who come together to contest elections and hold power in the government. They agree on some policies and programs for the society, with a view to promoting the collective good.
(i) The anti-defection law was introduced to curb the growing trend of elected representatives who changed political parties to become ministers or to get cash rewards.
(ii) The affidavit requirement was an order passed by the Supreme Court as a measure to curb the challenge of money and muscle power.
(iii) The third reform measure was made by the Election Commission where for all political parties it was mandatory to hold regular elections and also file their income tax returns. Besides these, many suggestions are often made to reform political parties:
(iv) It should be made mandatory for political parties to give a minimum number of tickets, about one-third, to women candidates. Similarly, there should be a quota for women in the decision-making bodies of the party.
Q.6. ‘Modern democracies cannot exist without political parties.’ Examine the statement
Ans. The examination is as follows:
(i) Modern forms of democracies also need representatives from various political parties to form the government and to keep a check on the ruling party by being in opposition.
(ii) Without political parties, there would be chaos and turmoil in society.
(iii) Existence of political parties in a representative democracy ensures that the country runs as per its policies and ideologies and has a responsive and accountable government that is answerable to the people.
(iv) Without political parties, candidates elected will be independent and will be accountable to their constituency for what they do in the locality.
(v) Political parties are required so that a country is governed as per set ideologies and will be responsible for how the country will be run.
Q.7. What is one-party system? What are its merits and demerits?
Ans. There are many countries in the world with a one-party system. The formation of other parties is banned there. For example, the Soviet Union, China, Bulgaria, Rumania, Poland, Czechoslovakia, Yugoslavia, and Finland are Communist countries and there is only one Communist Party.
Merits of One Party System
It helps in the establishment of stable administration which further helps in the progress of the country. The progress of the Soviet Union is a glaring example in this regard.
In this system, the formation and execution of long-term planning are possible.
The country achieves remarkable economic progress as the Government ends the conflicts among all the classes and it devotes its entire energy, towards the increase of production in the country.
The administration becomes efficient because all the powers are concentrated in the hands of one leader and their favoritism, nepotism, and black-marketing are banished altogether.
There is unity and discipline in the country.
Demerits of One Party System
Since there is only one party in this system, there is no freedom of expression.
Democracy is eroded and dictatorship emerges.
There is no regard for the views of different classes and interests.
The Government becomes absolute and the administration becomes irresponsible.
The development of the personality is hindered because all social freedoms are crushed.
