Question

What is the full name of K. N. Raj ?

• A. Kakkadan Nandanath Rajan
• B. Krishnan Namboodiri Raj
• C. Kuppu Nambi Rajan
• D. Keshava Narayanan Raj

Answer 1

Answer:

A. Kakkadan Nandanath Rajan

K.N. Raj: An Eminent Indian Economist

• K.N. Raj, whose full name is Kakkadan Nandanath Rajan, was a highly influential Indian economist.
• He is widely recognized for his significant contributions to development economics and economic planning in India.
• Raj played a crucial role in the initial economic planning of independent India, including his involvement in the drafting of India's First Five-Year Plan (1951-1956). This makes him a key figure in India's early economic history for competitive exams.
• He was a principal architect and the first Director of the Centre for Development Studies (CDS) in Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, established in 1971. CDS is a renowned research institution focusing on development studies.
• K.N. Raj is strongly associated with the concept of the 'Kerala Model of Development'. This model highlights achievements in social indicators like education, healthcare, and welfare, often at lower per capita incomes compared to other regions, demonstrating a unique approach to development.
• His work often focused on issues such as poverty, employment, income distribution, and the role of the state in economic development.
• He served as an economic advisor to several Indian Prime Ministers, including Jawaharlal Nehru and Indira Gandhi, underscoring his influence on national policy.
• Raj was honored with the Padma Vibhushan, India's second-highest civilian award, in 1990, in recognition of his immense contributions to economics and public service.
• He was known for his critical and independent thinking on economic policy, often engaging in debates that shaped India's economic discourse.