To understand the basic economic framework of the country
To gain knowledge of major economic policies since independence that have contributed to country’s growth
To learn about various infrastructure projects that have been undertaken since independence
To know about significant changes in the field of agriculture and industry
To be able to appreciate the country’s global footing
To be able to interpret budget and other economic indicators
Classroom Policies
Cell Phones!! Not to be used under any circumstances during the lecture
Assignments!! All assignments have to be submitted on time and no excuses for late submissions will be entertained. The class representative has to collect the same and submit it on the scheduled date.
Punctuality - I am a firm believer of this policy. Once I have entered the class and the attendance is complete, no attendance will be given to late comers. However they may attend the class without attendance if they wish to.
Active participation is required in the class. Students are expected to ask question in a disciplined manner by raising their hands or standing up at their respective places.
Copying of assignments is not allowed. Your hard work will pay you in the long run and will go a long way in developing your creative thinking and empowering your minds.
Grading and performance evaluation External assessment – 60 marks Internal assessment – 40 marks Weight age of Internal Assessment (40 marks): Mid semester examination – 15 Marks Tests – 10 Marks Assignments – 5 Marks Presentation – 10 Marks
Lectures
S. No. Topics Assignment Test Activity / Case Study
1 Introduction of the class
Overview of the Subject- Relevance of the subject, announcement of policies and grading system.
2 -3 India as a developing economy, basic characteristics and issues of development
4 -5 National income – growth, structure and interstate variations
6 - 7 Infrastructure – physical and social, role of infrastructure in economic development
Assignment 1
8 Newspaper activity 1
9-12 Indian planning – objectives and strategies, achievements of economic planning, 5 year plans in India, present five year plan and inclusive growth.
13 -15 Agriculture – importance in Indian economy, progress of agriculture under year plans, food security in India
16-17 Agriculture – production and productivity trends, green revolution
18 Newspaper activity 2
Assignment 2
19-20 Land reforms and rural credit
21 Industrial sector – growth of industries and role of industrialization
22 -23 Small scale and large scale industries, industrial growth during planning period
24 Newspaper activity 3
25 -26 Industrial Policy , Librelaisation, Privatization and Globalization
27-28 Public Sector and Indian planning, role of public sector, performance and new directions of policy for public sector
29 Major economic problems, hurdles in development
30 Newspaper activity 4
31-32 Population growth and control, poverty and planning process in India.
33-34 Unemployment in India, nature and estimates, schemes of government to reduce unemployment, employment policy
35-36 Inflation, price movement since independence, control of inflation in India, causes of price rise
37 Regional imbalances and inequalities
38 Newspaper activity 5
39-40 Foreign trade of India – importance and composition, foreign trade since independence
41-42 Balance of payments and import export policy
43-44 India and WTO , Impact of WTO on the economy, WTO subsidies and agriculture
45 Newspaper activity 6
46 Test from the whole syllabus
Assignments
During the semester the students will have to undertake two assignments. One of them will be individual e – assignment and other will be a group assignment.
Assignment 1:
This will be an individual assignment where the students are required to make a small study of the Indian economy in comparison to any other economy of the world. The comparison will be on the basis of some broad parameters like forms of government, GDP growth rate, contribution of agricultural and industrial sector, major import and exports and prevailing interest rates and inflation. The same has to be submitted through email and two days will be given to complete the assignment.
Assignment 2:
This will be a group assignment where students will be divided in groups of four. They are required to describe one of the sectors of the Indian economy. The various sectors that will be allocated amongst them will be automobile, steel, cement and infrastructure, information technology, telecom, power, textile, oil, banking, insurance and FMCG. The study of these sectors will be made on parameters like, growth of the sector, major public and private enterprises in the sector, major brands and products of these sectors, major policies of the government if any in these sectors and any other essential aspects could also be highlighted. Three days will be given to complete the assignment. The class representative needs to collect the same and submit on the scheduled date.
Presentation
The students will be divided into groups of four. Each group has to make a power point presentation on one of the states of India and present it to the class on the schedule date. They are suppose to present relevant facts related to these states on parameters like, chief minister and governor of the state, contribution towards agriculture and major agricultural products produced in that state, presence of major industries or companies, mineral resources and mines , handicrafts, import and export, tourism value, water resources and major rivers, population, literacy rate, any major infrastructure projects of government like roads, highways, dams, power plants, mining etc.
Activities
Newspapers will be used in the class on a regular basis to make students aware about general economic news and to familiarize them with economic terms and also develop their thinking and analyzing skills. On every activity day they will be required to bring newspaper (The Times of India) to the class. An article will be selected and the groups will be trying to explain the article in their own words to the class. Active participation is expected from all the students and it will form the basis of all class discussion and case studies related to various economic events and happenings in the country.
Suggested Readings:
•Indian Economy – Ruddar Datt & KPM Sundharam • Indian Economy – Mishra & Puri Additional references: Currency and banking reports by RBI , Latest Economic Survey.