Economic growth and technological change in India

Technological change is an inevitable feature of economic development. It does not create many problems in an already industrialized country because the pro cess of research and development (R & D) is self-generating there, but in the less developed countries (LDCs), where the level of technological infrastructure is very primitive, it is necessary to consider the various aspects of the problem very carefully.

The fifth five year plan of India has laid much emphasis on technological regeneration in India. This country. has reached a critical phase where social resurgence requires a radically different mode of production, product design, industrial discipline and labour-management relationship. Eradication of poverty is a difficult objective and social justice has many dimensions.

To provide a decent living standard to India's teeming millions, mere augmentation of the production potential, though by itself it may be highly essential, will not be adequate. The way natural resources and human endowments are mobilized for social goals is much more critical than the mere installation of capital-intensive manufacturing units. The relationship bet ween technological breakthrough and an industrial programme must be established in such a way that the link between socio geological-economic conditions and the psycho-political aspira tions of the people is forged thoughtfully.