A4
Hard-cover
•
2007
Pages: 380
ISBN: 8171886213
INR 1295
Rajasthan, the largest state in India, started its quest for development with several handicaps and a few advantages. Nearly two-third of its area is arid or semi-arid, with low and irregular rainfall characterised with extremes of climate. For a predominantly agrarian economy these conditions prove a major handicap in ensuring sustainable growth.
If geography of the state is proving a stumbling block, its history—especially, recent history— makes the task of sustainable growth all the more daunting. The feudal tendencies had a deep sway over social organisation, which was characterised by hierarchical outlook, paternalistic institutions, low status of women and sharp social and economic discrimination against certain sections of population.
The state has some favourable ‘initial conditions’ as well. Its hardy stock of peasantry is capable of facing adversities. Its agriculture is diversified, with animal husbandry occupying an important place. It has vast mineral resources and enviable tourist potential. Its feudal past has also contributed to the inculcation of values of bravery, fortitude and charity among the people. Above all, it encouraged spirit of adventure and entrepreneurship.
Transforming such a state to a modern, egalitarian and democratic state, and to place it on a path of sustainable development is not easy. Essays in this volume address this task in all its complexities.
Vijay S. Vyas is Professor Emeritus at the Institute of Development Studies, Jaipur. He has a Ph.D in Economics from University of Bombay. His current research interests are public policies for agricultural growth and rural development.
Sarthi Acharya was educated at the Indian Institute of Technology, Kanpur and Central School of Planning and Statistics, Warsaw. He is a former Director of the Institute of Development Studies, Jaipur. He specialises in agrarian issues and labour economy.
Surjit Singh is a Professor of Economics at the Institute of Development Studies, Jaipur. He has a Ph.D in Economics from Gujarat University through Sardar Patel Institute of Economic and Social Research, Ahmedabad. His areas of interest are economic policies, labour markets and rural financial sector.
Vidya Sagar is Visiting Professor at the Institute of Development Studies, Jaipur. He has a Ph.D in Economics from the University of Rajasthan. His current research interest include issues related to poverty and human development besides agriculture.
Anita is Professor at Indira Gandhi Panchayati Raj Gramin Vikas Sansthan, Jaipur. She is Ph.D in Sociology from University of Rajasthan, Jaipur. Her areas of specialisation are: panchayati raj, human development, human rights and gender issues.
Pradeep Bhargava is Professor, Institute of Development Studies, Jaipur and adviser to the Commissioners of the Supreme Court in the PUCL case on Right to Food. He has Ph.D in Economics from University of Rajasthan. His research interests include: poverty, education and public policy.
K.N. Joshi is Professor in the Institute of Development Studies, Jaipur. He has a Ph.D in Geography from Jai Naryan Vyas University, Jodhpur. His current research interests include: application of remote sensing in national resource and environment management.
Varsha Joshi is Associate Professor at Institute of Development Studies, Jaipur. She is Ph.D in Cultural History from University of London, London. She specialises in cultural studies, nutrition and gender issues.
Devendra Kothari is the Director and Professor, Population Programme Management, Parivar Seva Sanstha, a NGO working in the area of reproductive health. He has Ph.D in demography from the Australian University. His area of specialisation is demography and health systems.
Kanchan Mathur is Professor at the Institute of Development Studies, Jaipur and Coordinator of the Women’s/Gender Studies, Unit. She is Ph.D in Sociology from the University of Rajasthan. Her areas of interest include: gender based violence, women’s empowerment, education, sexual and reproductive health, poverty, gender and livelihoods, child labour and childhood poverty
Shobhita Rajagopal is Associate Professor at the Institute of Development Studies, Jaipur. She has a Ph.D in Sociology from the University of Rajasthan. Her areas of research include: gender and education, childhood poverty, gender, poverty and livelihoods and violence against women.
Jyotsana Rajvanshi is Associate Professor and Coordinator of NGO Unit in Institute of Development Studies, Jaipur. She has a Ph.D in Sociology from University of Rajasthan. Her current research interests are: panchayati raj institutions, gender studies and child rights.
M.S. Rathore is Professor at the Institute of Development Studies, Jaipur. He has Ph.D in Agricultural Economics from University of Himachal Pradesh & ICRISAT. His current research includes: environment and natural resource management with special reference to water resource management.
Sunil Ray is Professor at the Institute of Development Studies, Jaipur. He obtained Ph.D from University of Mysore through Institute for Social Economic Change, Bangalore. His current area of interest is management of natural resource through development of local institutions.
P.R. Sharma is Assistant Professor at the Institute of Development Studies, Jaipur. He is Ph.D. in Political Science from M.D.S University, Ajmer. His areas of specialisation are decentralised planning, panchayati raj institution and human development.