Q1. Explain the meaning and importance of social cost-benefit analysis. Discuss the procedure for estimating the social cost and benefit of a project.
- SCBA evaluates projects from society's perspective, not just private profitability.
- SCBA uses 'shadow prices' to reflect true social value, unlike market prices.
- SCBA addresses market failures and accounts for externalities (e.g., pollution).
- Agribusiness SCBA considers food security, rural employment, and environmental impacts.
Answer: Social Cost-Benefit Analysis (SCBA) is a systematic analytical tool used primarily by governments and public agencies to evaluate projects from a societal perspective, rather than just a private or financial one. It aims to determine if a project's overall benefits to society outweigh its overall costs, considering all direct, indirect, tangible, and intangible impacts. Unlike financial cost-benefit analysis which uses market prices and focuses on profitability to the project proponent, SCBA emp...