Economic Development & Poverty in India

After the initiation of economic reforms in 1991, the Indian economy has been growing faster than its historical growth rate. Tenth Five Year Plan (2002-07) recorded annual growth rate of 7.2 percent and the underway Eleventh Five Year Plan (2007-12) aims to achieve 9.0 percent growth rate per annum. However, the pattern of economic reforms over the last 20 years has left in its trail a variety of inequalities which have caused socio-politico tensions. Some States have surged ahead while others are lagging behind. While the economy has performed well in terms of growth rate of gross domestic product (GDP), its performance in terms of human development indicators has been unsatisfactory. Economic reforms have not paid adequate attention to health and education sectors. The industrial growth of India is becoming elite-oriented by registering relatively large increases in the production of commodities consumed by wealthy people. It is noteworthy that 70 percent of India''s population still lives in rural areas. India''s recent economic growth performance is creditable. However, is has not made any demonstrable difference to the lives of the poorest and the vulnerable sections of society. The present volume contains 12 well-researched papers -- contributed by scholars in the field -- which provide deep insights into India''s recent growth pattern and its deficiencies.