Economic policy and development in India: issues and challenges for 21st century

Our experiences of nearly four decades of planned development have evoked reactions which appear to have regressed from great optimism to exaggerated disappear. Such reactions of diverse nature of Indian economy is quite true as its performance has been both remark able and disappointing. As regards achievements, perhaps one could say that during the plan period the country has had many impressive gains. Substantial progress has been achieved in terms of increase in output, invest ment, savings, industrialisation, self-sufficiency and scientific-technological and entrepreneurial manpower. However, inspite of such an impressive performance, a vast majority of our people still live below the line of poverty and the number of estimated unemployed is very large. Our spectacular development at the macro levels have not been reflected in significant improvements in the standards of living of a large number of people nor it has made any significant dent on the twin problems of poverty and unemployment. Therefore, it is but natural that the elimination of poverty and creating conditions of meaningful employment, the satisfaction of the basic needs of the people in terms of food, clothing and shelter, attainment of universal elementary education, and access to health facilities for all, should become the first priority of the Eighth and the Ninth Five Year Plans.

The learned authors in this outstanding book. discuss the major issues to bring about needed transformation of the Indian economy as it enters the 21st century.
This important book will be of great use to teachers, scholars and students of economics and commerce and to planners and policy makers.