K. N. Raj's work for the United Nations helped shape which significant development model?

AThe Punjab Model of Agricultural Growth

BThe Gujarat Model of Industrial Development

CThe Kerala Model of Development

DThe Bengal Model of Social Reform

Answer:

Dr. K. N. Raj (Kakkadan Nandanath Raj) was a distinguished Indian economist, widely regarded as one of the principal architects and intellectual stalwarts behind the 'Kerala Model of Development'.
His work provided the intellectual and theoretical foundation for an alternative development strategy that prioritized social welfare and human development alongside economic growth.
While his direct work for the United Nations in shaping the Kerala Model is less documented than his broader academic and policy influence, his intellectual contributions significantly shaped the understanding and implementation of the Kerala Model. This model subsequently garnered international recognition, including from various UN bodies like the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), for its unique approach.
The Kerala Model contrasts sharply with conventional development paradigms that primarily focus on Gross Domestic Product (GDP) growth, emphasizing instead the importance of social indicators.

High Social Indicators: Kerala consistently ranks high in human development indices, including literacy rates (highest in India), life expectancy, and low infant mortality rates, comparable to developed nations, despite having a relatively lower per capita income.
Public Investment in Social Sectors: A strong emphasis on public expenditure in education, healthcare, and public distribution systems has been a cornerstone of the model.
Land Reforms: Significant land reforms, notably the Kerala Land Reforms (Amendment) Act of 1969, redistributed land, empowered the marginalized, and reduced rural inequality.
Decentralized Planning: The 'People's Plan Campaign' (initiated in 1996) empowered local self-governments, allowing for greater public participation in planning and resource allocation.
Strong Welfare Orientation: An extensive network of social security measures, including pensions, unemployment benefits, and subsidized food, contributes to the state's high quality of life.

K. N. Raj played a significant role in India's early Five-Year Plans and was closely associated with the Planning Commission of India. He was one of the initial members of the Planning Commission's Research Programmes Committee.
He was instrumental in establishing and nurturing the Centre for Development Studies (CDS) in Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, a premier research institution focused on development studies. He served as its first director from 1971 to 1991.
His doctoral thesis at the London School of Economics was on the monetary policy of the Reserve Bank of India, titled 'The Monetary Policy of the Reserve Bank of India: A Study of the Development of the Central Banking in India'.
He also played a key role in the establishment of the Delhi School of Economics, where he was a professor.
The Kerala Model is often cited globally as an example of 'growth with equity' or 'human-centered development', attracting interest from international organizations due to its unique achievements in social development.
Other key figures who contributed to the implementation of policies associated with the Kerala Model include political leaders like E.M.S. Namboodiripad and C. Achutha Menon.

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