Question

The Kerala Model of Development primarily stresses the creation of which type of infrastructure?

• A. Productive infrastructure
• B. Industrial infrastructure
• C. Social infrastructure
• D. Military infrastructure

Answer 1

Answer:

C. Social infrastructure

Kerala Model of Development: Focus on Social Infrastructure

• The Kerala Model of Development refers to the distinctive approach to socio-economic development adopted by the Indian state of Kerala. It is globally recognized for achieving high social development indicators, such as literacy, life expectancy, and low infant mortality rates, comparable to developed nations, despite having a relatively low per capita income.
• This model primarily emphasizes the creation and strengthening of social infrastructure. This includes robust public investment and widespread access to essential services like education, healthcare, and public distribution systems, rather than solely focusing on economic growth indicators or industrialization.

• Key Components of Social Infrastructure in the Kerala Model:

  • Universal Public Education: Kerala has historically invested heavily in public education, leading to the highest literacy rate in India.
    • As per the 2011 Census, Kerala had a literacy rate of 93.91%, which further improved to 96.2% (rural 95.8%, urban 96.7%) according to a 2017-18 NSO survey report on education, making it the most literate state.
    • Emphasis on primary and secondary education for all, regardless of caste, class, or gender.
  • Comprehensive Public Healthcare System: The state boasts an extensive network of public hospitals, primary health centers, and community health centers accessible to all sections of society.
    • Kerala has one of the lowest Infant Mortality Rates (IMR) in India (around 6 per 1000 live births, significantly lower than the national average).
    • The state also records one of the highest Life Expectancy at Birth figures in India.
    • Strong focus on preventative healthcare and mother and child health.
  • Effective Public Distribution System (PDS): Kerala's PDS ensures food security by providing subsidized essential commodities to a vast majority of its population, significantly reducing malnutrition and food insecurity.

• Historical and Ideological Roots:

  • The foundations of the Kerala Model were laid by progressive social reform movements in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, advocating for universal education and healthcare access.
  • The policies of enlightened princely states of Travancore and Cochin also contributed significantly to early investments in social sectors.
  • Post-independence, successive democratically elected governments, particularly those led by left-wing parties, continued and strengthened public welfare policies, prioritizing human development over capital-intensive industrialization.

• Outcomes and Achievements:

  • Kerala consistently ranks highest among Indian states in the Human Development Index (HDI), indicating a high level of human well-being.
  • It demonstrates that high social development can be achieved even at lower levels of economic prosperity, making it a unique example for other developing regions.
  • The model is sometimes referred to as 'growth with equity' or 'development with justice'.

• Challenges and Criticisms:

  • Despite its social achievements, the Kerala Model has faced criticism for issues like high unemployment rates, slow industrial growth, and heavy reliance on remittances from migrant workers (especially from the Middle East), which makes its economy vulnerable to external shocks.
  • The sustainability of high social spending with relatively low revenue generation is also a recurring debate.