Economy of Rajasthan: Agriculture, Water, Industry & Welfare — Practice

Question 1

Name three crops in which Rajasthan is the leading producer in India.

Accepted Answer

Bajra, rapeseed and mustard, and guar. The state is also a leading producer of seed spices such as coriander and fenugreek, and of wool.

Question 2

Where and when was Panchayati Raj first launched in India?

Accepted Answer

At Bagdari village in Nagaur district, Rajasthan, on 2 October 1959, inaugurated by Jawaharlal Nehru following the Balwant Rai Mehta Committee of 1957.

Question 3

Explain why water is Rajasthan's central economic constraint and name two responses.

Accepted Answer

Rajasthan has about a tenth of India's area but roughly one per cent of its surface water, and much of it is arid, so irrigation, drinking water and industry compete for scarce supply. Responses include large imported-water projects such as the Indira Gandhi Canal, Chambal and Narmada canals, and community-level water harvesting under the Mukhyamantri Jal Swavlamban Abhiyan.

Question 4

Write a note on petroleum in Rajasthan.

Accepted Answer

The Barmer basin holds the Mangala, Bhagyam and Aishwariya fields, developed by Cairn (now Vedanta), making Rajasthan a major crude producer. The associated downstream project is the HPCL Rajasthan Refinery at Pachpadra in Balotra district. Petroleum has raised state revenue and supports industry in the western districts.

Question 5

Describe Rajasthan's position in renewable energy.

Accepted Answer

Rajasthan is India's leading solar state, with abundant sunshine and open land. Its installed renewable capacity is reported above 30 GW, including the Bhadla Solar Park of about 2,245 MW, and wind in Jaisalmer. Challenges include transmission capacity, land use, water for panel cleaning and grid integration.

Question 6

Define revenue deficit, fiscal deficit and primary deficit.

Accepted Answer

The revenue deficit is revenue expenditure minus revenue receipts. The fiscal deficit is total expenditure minus revenue receipts and non-debt capital receipts, that is, the total borrowing need. The primary deficit is the fiscal deficit minus interest payments, and shows borrowing for current needs. Rajasthan's Fiscal Responsibility and Budget Management Act, 2005 sets targets for these.

Question 7

Discuss the role of the Indira Gandhi Canal in the development of western Rajasthan. (~150 words)

Accepted Answer

The canal takes Himalayan water from the Harike barrage to Sri Ganganagar, Hanumangarh, Bikaner, Jaisalmer and Barmer, transforming the Thar's economy. It supports wheat, cotton, mustard and citrus, supplies drinking water and enables fodder, dairy and settlement in previously barren areas. Problems have followed: waterlogging and salinity in the command, seepage through sandy soil, uneven supply to tail-end areas and pressure on the state's water share. Remedies include canal lining, drip and sprinkler irrigation, drainage and demand management. The canal shows how imported water can change an arid region, and that sustainable gains depend on efficient use.

Question 8

Evaluate the welfare schemes for women and children in Rajasthan. (~150 words)

Accepted Answer

Rajasthan uses platforms and targeted schemes. Bhamashah and its successor Jan Aadhaar provide a family identity for direct benefit transfer, with women as recipients. The Rajshri Yojana gives staged assistance to girl children, Palanhar supports orphans and children in distress, and social security pensions cover widows. The Right to Health Act, 2022 and the state health-cover scheme extend access to care. Strengths are digital delivery and targeting; weaknesses include patchy awareness, documentation barriers and delays in payment. Outcomes still lag in female literacy and child sex ratio, which the 2011 Census recorded below the national level. Better convergence, awareness campaigns and monitoring would improve results.

Practice — Economy of Rajasthan: Agriculture, Water, Industry & Welfare

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