DEVELOPMENT AND ITS DISCONTENTS

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

Subhash Sharma did his M.A. and M.Phil. in Sociology at the Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU), New Delhi and Ph.D. from Patna University, Patna. He also obtained M.A. degree in Development Administration and Management from the Manchester University, UK. He joined Indian Administrative Service (IAS) in 1984 and has held important positions in both the Government of India and the Government of Bihar. Presently, he is Principal Secretary, Government of Bihar, Patna.

Dr Sharma has widely published (both in English and Hindi) on ecology, agrarian change, development, education, human rights, gender, child labour, etc. He has also translated some literary works of eminent scholars. His contribution has been acknowledged by way of several awards and recognitions.