<<–2/”>a href=”https://exam.pscnotes.com/5653-2/”>p>agriculture: Stagnation and Challenges
The agricultural landscape in Telangana during 1948-1970 was characterized by stagnation and numerous challenges. The region, predominantly agrarian, grappled with issues like feudal land relations, lack of Irrigation facilities, and low agricultural productivity. The majority of the land was concentrated in the hands of a few landlords, while the majority of the farmers were small and marginal landholders with limited access to Resources. The lack of irrigation facilities made agriculture heavily dependent on rainfall, leading to frequent droughts and crop failures.
The government's focus on industrial development during this period often neglected the agricultural sector, resulting in inadequate Investment in agricultural Infrastructure-2/”>INFRASTRUCTURE and technology. Consequently, agricultural productivity remained low, and farmers struggled to make a decent living.
Irrigation: Limited Progress
Irrigation development in Telangana during this period was limited, despite the region's vast potential for Water Resources. The major irrigation projects like the Nagarjuna Sagar Project were initiated but faced delays and cost overruns. The lack of smaller irrigation projects and inadequate maintenance of existing ones further exacerbated the problem.
The limited progress in irrigation development meant that a large portion of the cultivable land remained unirrigated, leaving farmers vulnerable to the vagaries of the monsoon. This had a detrimental impact on agricultural production and rural livelihoods.
Power: Deficit and Unequal Distribution
The power sector in Telangana during this period faced a significant deficit and unequal distribution. The installed power capacity was insufficient to meet the growing demand, leading to frequent power cuts and load shedding. The Industrial Sector was given priority in power allocation, leaving the agricultural and domestic sectors with inadequate power supply.
The lack of access to electricity in rural areas hampered agricultural activities and limited the scope for rural industrialization. It also had a negative impact on the Quality Of Life in rural communities, as they lacked access to basic amenities like lighting and water pumps.
Education: Limited Access and Quality
The Education sector in Telangana during this period was characterized by limited access and quality. The Literacy rate was low, especially in rural areas, where a large proportion of the Population remained illiterate. The educational infrastructure was inadequate, with a shortage of schools, teachers, and Learning materials.
The quality of education was also a concern, with outdated curriculum and teaching methods. Higher education institutions were limited, and access to them was often restricted to the privileged few. This limited the educational opportunities for the majority of the population and perpetuated social inequalities.
Employment: Agrarian Distress and Migration
Employment opportunities in Telangana during this period were limited, especially in the non-agricultural sector. The agrarian distress, coupled with the lack of alternative employment Options, led to large-scale migration from rural to urban areas in search of livelihoods.
The government's focus on industrial development did create some employment opportunities in the urban areas, but these were often insufficient to absorb the growing workforce. The informal sector remained the largest employer, but the wages and working conditions were often exploitative.
Medical and Health: Poor Infrastructure and High Mortality
The medical and health infrastructure in Telangana during this period was poor, with limited access to healthcare facilities and trained medical professionals. The majority of the population, especially in rural areas, relied on traditional healers and home remedies for their healthcare needs.
The lack of sanitation and hygiene, coupled with Malnutrition and poverty, led to high rates of communicable diseases like malaria, tuberculosis, and cholera. Infant and maternal mortality rates were also high, reflecting the poor state of healthcare in the region.
The development scenario in Telangana during 1948-1970 was marked by challenges and shortcomings in various sectors. The agricultural sector faced stagnation, irrigation development was limited, the power sector faced a deficit, education was characterized by limited access and quality, employment opportunities were scarce, and the medical and health infrastructure was poor. These challenges had a significant impact on the socio-Economic Development of the region and contributed to the growing discontent and agitation for separate statehood.