Social Development in Independent India

Preface

The social and economic aspects of development were emphasized by leaders such as Mahatma Gandhi and Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru, as is reflected in their copious writings and speeches. A notable case in point was Nehru's celebrated ‘Tryst with Destiny’ address on the eve of India's emergence as a sovereign democratic entity. Subsequently, when India embarked on the path of planned development, the five-year plans were envisaged as an agency for both economic and social development. As the planning process unfolded, the social aspects of development became explicit, and there was a specific articulation of objectives and allotment of resources.

It was against this backdrop that the Planning Commission agreed to sponsor a study of social ...