Equality through trusteship

This monograph makes an attempt, perhaps for the first time, at presenting an economic model using Gandhian Trusteeship as the corner-storie. Although only macro-economic policy aspects that flow from the Trusteeship idea have been examined in this
monograph, care has been taken to see that no relevant economic or ethical building block of the logical foundations
of modern political economy is omitted. At a juncture when the prevalent modes of macro-economic organisation are being found to be increasingly unsatisfactory, the author has ventured on this essay as an alternative along Gandhian lines. After briefly reviewing the wide spectrum of available institutional arrangements ranging from Smithian notions of laissez-faire to Marxian ideas of socialism, the alternative Trusteeship model is set out. In the light of the model presented, the Indian economic scene is critically evaluated, and an alternative economic strategy-involving a redesigning of allocative priorities and stressing the need for the evolution of appropriate technologies-is delineated. It is further argued, on the basis of copious detailed factual information, that the modus operandi suggested in this monograph will reduce income inequalities and raise the level of living of the Indian people above their present poverty line. The implementation scheme has also a specified time-horizon within which it can be completed to
achieve economic self-sufficiency. All in all, here is an essay in persuasion embodying, as it does, the results of keen observation, active participation and deep contemplation of a person involved tor decades in the socio- economic and socio-political processes
of the nation. And his conclusion: Appropriate is bountiful.