M.A. ECONOMICS (SEMESTER-WISE) - Dr BR Ambedkar University

DR. BHIM RAO AMBEDKAR UNIVERSITY, AGRA .M.A. ECONOMICSSEMESTER WISE - DETAILED SYLLABUSFOURTH SEMESTEROPTIONAL PAPER – 404 (B)ECONOMICS OF INFRASTRUCTUREUNIT 1: IntroductionInfrastructure and economic development — Infrastructure as a public good, Social and physicalinfrastructure, Special characteristics of public utilities. The peak-load, Off-Load Problem, Dual PrincipleControversy, Economies of scale of Joint supply, Marginal Cost Pricing vs. other methods of pricing inpublic utilities, Cross-subsidization — free prices, equity and efficiency.UNIT 2: Transport and Communications EconomicsThe structure of Transport Costs and Location of Economic Activities. Demand for Transport. Models ofFreight and Passenger Demand. Model Choice, Cost Functions in the Transport Sector. Principle ofPricing. Special Problems of Individuals Modes of Transport, Inter-modal condition in the Indian Situation.Rate-making in Telephone Utilities. Principles of Decreasing Costs in Telephone Industry. Characteristicsof Postal Services. Criteria for Fixation of Postal Rates. Measurement of Standards of Service inTelephone and Postal Utilities.UNIT 3: Energy Economics (Electricity, Gas and Water Supply)Primacy of Energy in the Process of Economic Development. Factors Determining Demand for Energy,Effects of Energy Shortages. Energy Conservation. Renewable and Non-conventional Sources of Energy.Energy Modeling. The Search for an Optimal Energy Policy in the Indian Context. Bulk Supply and Pricingof Electricity. The Relative Economics of Thermal, Hydel and Nuclear Power Plants. The Case for aPage 71