Artha Vijnana: Journal of The Gokhale Institute of Politics and Economics

K. R. Shanmugam ¹

Affiliations
1 Madras School of Economics, Chennai 600 025, IN

Abstract

This study attempts to estimate the technical efficiency of growing rice crop in different regions of Karnataka, India from 1991-92 to 1994-95. It employs the stochastic frontier production function methodology for unbalanced panel data. The estimation results indicate that the technical efficiency varies widely across regions and is time invariant. The mean efficiency is 86 per cent, indicating a scope for raising the output of Paddy, without employing additional resources. This study can prove useful to policy makers and researchers in evaluating the performance of rice crop in Karnataka. The existing gap between observed and potential output highlights the need for strengthening extension services in different regions.

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K. R. Shanmugam ¹, Saumitra N. Bhaduri ¹

Affiliations
1 Madras School of Economics, Behind Government Data Centre, Chennai 600 025, IN

Abstract

This study provides a few composite indices of development, using the State level data for 1981 and 1991. It uses the principal component technique, which provides a straightforward procedure for deriving a single index from a multiplicity of variables, Income and basic need indicators. The results show that a considerable inter-State inequality exists in the case of income, basic needs and overall development index. The overall development and income indices indicate that the inequality has slightly declined during the last decade. However, the income inequality is much lower than the inequality in the overall development. We hope that this study will help policy makers to identify the States making improvement in the living standards and to know whether the State disparity has been reduced over time in India.

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K. R. Shanmugam ¹

Affiliations
1 Madras School of Economics, Madras, IN

Abstract

This study examines the worker's behaviour in choosing their job risks and the role of trade unions in influencing the wage-risk trade-off. It also analyses the problem of sample selection and its effects on the estimated compensation for job risks. The empirical results provide a strong support for the efficiency of labour market in deriving the optimal risk level. They also imply that the unionists receive a higher compensation for work related risks than the non-unionists. Allowing for sample selectivity produces a downward bias in the estimated union wage differentials for deadly hazards. The estimated values of life and injury might he useful for policy makers, international agencies and researchers in evaluating the health projects in India.

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