Question

(A) “In India, after 1947 land reforms were introduced on a large scale.” In the light of the given statement, discuss any one such land reform.

(B) “In the post-reform period, the Government of India decided to retain profit-making Public Sector Undertakings (PSUs). It provided a special status to PSUs to enable them to expand in the global market.” Do you agree with the given statement? Give valid reasons in support of your answer.

Answer 1

(A) Land reforms were inevitable in the post-independence era. The policy makers of independent India introduced land reforms such as land ceiling, abolition of intermediaries etc. Land ceiling means fixing up the maximum size of landholding which could be owned by an individual. This step was essential to promote equity in the agricultural sector so as toreduce the concentration of land ownership in a few hands.

(B) Yes. In order to improve efficiency, infuse professionalism and enable Public Sector Undertakings (PSUs) to compete more effectively in the liberalised global environment, the government identified profit making PSUs. Government declared them as Maharatnas, Navratnas and Miniratnas. PSUs were given greater managerial and operational autonomy, in taking various decisions. As a result, over the years these Maharatnas, Navratnas and Miniratnas have performed exceedingly well and established themselves as market leaders.