Understanding the State of Kerala in India

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1.What is development?

We live in a world where concepts like human rights and political liberty are part of the day-to-day language yet we also live in a world were deprivation, destitution, and oppression taunt human existence every day. Existence of problems such as hunger, persistent poverty, and violation of basic human rights are undeniably a shame to human life and civilization. The main function of economic development is to overcome these problems. However, different economists approach development in different ways. Some express that economic growth and increasing real per capita income are constitutive function for economic development of a nation. In this paper, I recognize and substantiate that development means expanding the real choices and opportunities of each and every individual. The development potential of a state or a nation is determined by the economic, social, and political opportunities that are provided to its people.

It has been agreed and empirically proven that rising GNP and individual income are intermediate variables that play a prominent part in the process of achieving development but such increasing per capita income levels will be meaningless if determinants such as economic, social, and political arrangements are not given due consideration for expansion in the course of development. Quoting Amartya Sen, “Growth of GNP, and individual income are means for expanding the freedom enjoyed by the members of the society rather than ends in themselves”. Thus, what a nation can accomplish depends on its historical background, political outlook, and social fabric. Real economic development involves introducing key reforms that provide basic facilities of health, education, encouragemen...

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...vate profit or desire for power. The process of development was seen as a movement for social and economic justice.

Thus, Kerala experience demonstrates the unique pattern of social and economic changes that have been taking place as a result of initiatives, both governmental and non-governmental, based on public action. One must keep in mind the optimistic conclusions that are drawn from the Kerala and must realize the true potential of disposed groups and communities in changing the economic framework of a region. Kerala at a very early stage built most of it’s socio- economic policies on the indomitable spirit of individual freedom and liberty that have in turn contributed to the broadening of capabilities and capacities of individual economic agents, had Kerala not realized this, such creditable achievement would not have been achieved.

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