Development is not merely ‘economic growth’, it is multi-dimensional, holistic, socially equitable, ecologically sustainable and inclusive progress or planned change emancipation from any kind of bondage, subjugation and exploitation. The book Development and its Discontents provides a serious account of the discourse on development and related issues. Role of both the Indian State and the NGOs has been discussed at length in this volume. The vulnerable sections of the society, namely, the tribals, the poor and the marginalized have received adequate space in the book. Issues such as food, water, poverty and education have been dealt with vis-à-vis the deprived people.
The book is a clear evidence of Dr Sharma’s empathy for the poor. Insights drawn from his long administrative experience and from his engagement with scholastic endeavours are evident in a semblance in this volume. Such a volume would be highly useful for both policy-makers and academia
Contents
1 Development for What and Whom and at Whose Cost? Reflections on Development of Tribes in India
2 Population and Development: Critical Issues
3 Food Security: Critical Issues and Perspectives
4 Dynamics of Use and Abuse of Water: A Critical Appraisal
5 Poverty Eradication in Rural India: Microfinance and Beyond
6 Higher Education in India: Core Issues and Policy Implications
7 School Education of the Marginalized: A Critical Study of Tharu Tribals’ Education in West Champaran (Bihar)
8 Why the Marginalized Protest: Environmental Movements as a Critique of Dominant Development Discourse