Psychological strategy for alternative human development : India`s performance since independence

Despite the laudable goal of multifaceted and all-round human development enshrined in Constitutional directives coupled with the oft-repeated public pronouncements of political leaders, India's performance in this crucial area has been dismal. It is now widely recognised that India lags behind not only the developed world but also most Third World countries. What is still not thoroughly discussed, however, are the reasons behind this monumental failure or ways to reverse this disastrous trend.

In this comprehensive and authoritative work, Professor Prayag Mehta identifies a large number of inter-related issues which affect human development in India. Wide-ranging fieldwork supported by appropriate data form the backdrop for detailed discussions of the country's programmes for poverty alleviation, health care, literacy, primary education, and for protecting forests and the environment.

Professor Mehta's analysis points towards certain dysfunctional systemic tendencies as the major culprits for the faulty implementation of these otherwise laudable programmes for social development. These include behavioural patterns induced by the traditional values of superordination and subordination entrenched in India's social fabric and administrative system; the tradition of paternalistic authoritari anism on the part of administrators; and excessive bureaucratisation. Instead of empowering the people, these tendencies have the effect of sapping their energies, engendering low self-esteem and alienating them.

The author concludes his study by suggesting ways of improving the

country's human development record. He propounds an alternative psychological strategy to bring about far-reaching structural and behavioural changes. This approach is designed to develop capability amongst the vulnerable and to inculcate positive self-concepts in order to liberate the creative energies of the people. He does not, however, exclude the state and proposes ways to achieve a happy marriage. between social mobilisation and active state intervention so as to accelerate the socio-economic development of the country. This important and timely book will be essential reading for scholars in the fields of political science, management, education, psychology, behavioural sciences, development studies, public administration and activists involved with grassroots development.