This book presents a multidimensional perspective on the interlinkage between human development, community characteristics and public service delivery with special reference to India. The chapters in the book analyze the influence of public service delivery on human development from neo-classical as well as Marxian point of view. Thus, the expositions in the book provides a balanced mix of macro and micro approaches in the study of development. The analytical discussions are supplemented by case studies and empirical estimates so as to demonstrate the applicability of the theory and the theoretical discourse about human development, community network and the success and failures of critical public services in the Indian context. The methodology followed in the chapters involves critical survey of existing literature, case studies, field survey and use of econometric techniques as well as statistical tools of index construction. While contributors are primarily scholars from neo-classical economics discipline, some are intellectuals from the field of political economy and development studies. Given the wide array of development perspectives, this book is of interest not only to students and researcher of development economics, social science and management, but also a valuable reading for development practitioners and policy makers, who would be interested in understanding how community and public institutions interact to determine access to health, education and social security services that shapes the wellbeing of disadvantaged populations. The lessons and implications are extremely pertinent to other emerging economies, in particular those in South Asia.
In a vast country like India with varied resource base and socio-economic conditions macro level studies may not throw much light on the problems of all regions. So, more micro level studies for each region are necessary for understanding the prospects and problems of artisan units in different regions of our country. The present study conducted in Kurnool District, one of the drought prone and backward districts of Andhra Pradesh, is a modest attempt in this direction and it throws much light on the problems and prospects of artisans and village industrial units in the District. Contents: Present Study-Scope and Limitations of the Study, Introduction and Role of Artisans in Rural Development, Kurnool District A Profile, Implementation of Adarana Scheme for Rural Artisans in Kurnool District, Socio-Economic Conditions of Artisans in Kurnool District, Summary and Conclusions.
“Empowering women is a prerequisite for creating a good nation, when women are empowered, society with stability is assured. Empowerment of women is essential as their value systems lead to the development of a good family, good society and ultimately good nation”.-Dr.A.P.J. Abdul Kalam The status of women in India has been subject to many great changes over the past few millennia. From equal status with men in ancient times through the low points of the medieval period, to the promotion of equal rights by many reformers, the history of women in India has been eventful. In modern India, women have adorned high offices in India including that of the President, Prime minister, Speaker of the Lok Sabha, Leader of Opposition, etc. The current President of India is a woman
The book is an outcome of a report of a major research project sponsored by UGC, New Delhi; entitled "A study of scheduled castes in two districts of rural Rajasthan" which was submitted by the author in March, 1995. It deals with the various dimensions of social change which are largely affected by occuptional mobility and/or continuity in the people of two major categories, viz .leatherworking and scavenging.
The efforts made by the Indian development planners during the past decades are commendable in reducing poverty and other dimensions of human development. However, a number of tasks remain unfinished. Abject poverty is still a stark reality for millions of Indians. Also, wide gaps in human development among states, districts and social groups exist. There is an urgent need for more concerted efforts to achieve greater social and gender equality. Women in India are victims of a multiple socio-economic and cultural factors. They are an integral part of every economy. All round development and harmonious growth of a nation would be possible only when women are considered as equal partners in progress with men. Emancipation of women is a pre-requisite for a NATION'S ECONOMIC development and social upliftment. Poverty is the main obstacle for the improvement of the women. The role of women and the need to empower them are central to human DEVELOPMENT programs including poverty alleviation.