Author: P N Dhar
Publisher: Oxford University Press
Year: 2003
Language: English
Pages: 252
ISBN/UPC (if available): 0 19 566413 2
Description
In this collection P N Dhar, one of India’s most eminent economists, provides a unique and intelligible record of the causes and consequences of changes in economic policy during the first half-century of India’s independence. He deals with the economics of development policy and issues relating to the changing nature of India’s political economy.
The book traces various aspects of development under the aegis of the five-year plans. For decades, the Indian government under-emphasized agriculture and over-depended on foreign aid. It institutionalized inefficiency of the public sector and followed a confused socialist ideology leading to structures of privilege. Policies that were politically popular and yet economically irrational were implemented. Dhar underlines that unless this gap between economic rationality and political feasibility is substantially reduced India will not fully realize its economic potential.
These essays were written over a period of forty years for public discussion and debate and will find a large audience amongst the general readers. However, the volume is also a must-read for policy-makers, researchers, and students.
Contents
Acknowledgments
Introduction
Evolution of Economic Policy: An Overview
Strategy for Growth: emphasis of Capital Good Sector
Economy under a Shadow: Plea for Aid
Economic Challenges
Centre-State Relations and Industrial Development
The Need for Debate
Political Economy of Development in India
Constraints on Growth
Economic Reforms in India: An Interim Assessment
Epilogue: India and the World
APPENDICES
Industrialization and the Indian Elite
Indira Gandhi on the Role of the Public Sector: Interview with P N Dhar
Some Observations on Small-Scale Enterprise Development
Globalized Economy: Much Ado about Sovereignty
Agenda for Economic Reform
Nehru Versus Nehruites
Index