Question

With whom did K. N. Raj co-found The Centre of Science and Technology for Rural Development (COST FORT)?

• A. M. S. Swaminathan and Verghese Kurien
• B. Laurie Baker, Achutha Menon and T.R. Chandra Dutt
• C. C. Rangarajan and Bimal Jalan
• D. Amartya Sen and Jagdish Bhagwati

Answer 1

Answer:

B. Laurie Baker, Achutha Menon and T.R. Chandra Dutt

The Centre of Science and Technology for Rural Development (COSTFORD)

• COSTFORD was co-founded by Dr. K. N. Raj, Laurie Baker, C. Achutha Menon, and T. R. Chandra Dutt.
• It was established in 1985 in Kerala, India.
• The primary objective of COSTFORD is to promote and implement cost-effective, environmentally friendly, and people-friendly technologies for rural development, particularly in housing and sanitation.
• It emphasizes the use of local materials and appropriate technology to provide affordable and sustainable solutions.

Key Individuals Involved:

• Dr. K. N. Raj (Konnanath Rajanikanth Raj):
  • A renowned Indian economist who significantly contributed to the planning and economic thought in post-independence India.
  • He was instrumental in shaping Kerala's development model, often referred to as the 'Kerala Model'.
  • Served as a member of the Prime Minister's Economic Advisory Council.
  • Known for his work on Kerala's land reforms and the financing of education.
  • He was the founder and first Director of the Centre for Development Studies (CDS), Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, which is a leading research institution.
• Laurie Baker (Laurence Wilfred Baker):
  • Popularly known as the 'Gandhi of Architecture' or 'Architect of the Poor'.
  • A British-born Indian architect, famous for his pioneering work in cost-effective, sustainable, and vernacular architecture.
  • He promoted the use of local materials like mud, brick, and rubble, and traditional building techniques, minimizing the use of steel and cement.
  • His designs are characterized by their harmony with nature, energy efficiency, and low cost.
  • Received the Padma Shri from the Government of India in 1989.
• C. Achutha Menon:
  • A prominent Indian politician and a significant figure in Kerala's political history.
  • Served as the Chief Minister of Kerala for two terms (1969–1970 and 1971–1977).
  • He belonged to the Communist Party of India (CPI).
  • His tenure as Chief Minister saw crucial reforms, including the implementation of comprehensive land reform acts and the establishment of various public sector undertakings and educational institutions in Kerala.
  • Played a key role in the formation of the Centre for Development Studies (CDS) and the initial conception of COSTFORD.
• T. R. Chandra Dutt:
  • A lesser-known figure compared to the other three, but he played a crucial role in the administrative and organizational aspects of COSTFORD.
  • He was associated with social development initiatives and contributed to the practical implementation of COSTFORD's vision.