Planning and development in India / edited by R. K. Sinha

As India became Independent and as the new international institutions were formed, there arose a need for sound policy advice to tackle developmental problems. Economists were called upon for such advice. Consequently, economic studies in India came to acquire a new life and dimensions. Since then, the progress has indeed been remarkable. Today the best among our economists can stand up to any intellectual challenge in their own fields.

The present volume contains innovative ideas on a varied and wide range of issues concerned with economic theory, policy and practical problems including teaching of economics and the role of economists. Such ideas, coming from the pioneers of Indian economic profession, display not only intellectual charm, but taken as a whole, they also offer an unusual opportunity for a retrospective view of what has happened to development economics. And naturally, these retrospective views have implications for assessing the present and for looking to the future.

The discussion in the volume also deals with critical appraisal of the various facets of planning and economic policies which have been followed since Independence. The different viewpoints contained here depict our growth and maturity in the arena of planning and policy. They will provide to us, in midst of large scale failures, some cause for hopes and rejoicing.