This book explores the intersectional perspective of sustainable social development in key sectors, such as education and skill development, health and nutrition, gender concerns, and food security and agriculture in India. It delves into contemporary concerns of poverty, employment and inclusive growth, and social marginalisation and inequality. The volume brings together the contributions of various stakeholders from academia, research organisations, NGOs and policymakers to address social-sector issues and sustainable development goals (SDGs) in the Indian context. It reflects on policies, strategies and performance in the context of Constitutional goals and the commitment to global SDGs and examines the character and contours of social development in the country. Comprehensive and topical, this volume will be useful to scholars, researchers, policymakers and practitioners of development studies, political studies, sociology and development economics.

As education and health are two major areas of concern in the context of social sector development and human development achievements, this book explores their situation in India. The liberalisation of the Indian economy had a major impact on the growth rate of its Gross Domestic Product (GDP), with the economic growth of the country jumping from the so-called Hindu growth rate of 3.5% to 8–9% per annum. The literacy rate increased to 74.04% in 2011 from 12% in 1947, while the universalization of elementary education has been achieved to a great extent, and dropout rates have decreased. However, despite considerable progress, exclusions and wide disparities still exist. Combining access with affordability and ensuring quality with good governance and adequate finance are still of great concern. On the health front, significant achievements have also been made, with a number of diseases eradicated or on the verge of elimination. There has been a substantial drop in the Total Fertility Rate (TFR) and Infant Mortality Rate (IMR), and life expectancy has increased from 36.7 years in 1951 to 67.14 in 2011. The crude birth rate has been reduced from 40.8 in 1951 to 20.6 in 2012, and the crude death rate from 25.1 to 7.43 in the same period. These achievements are impressive, but at the same time our failures appear even more glaring. As such, this volume brings together contributions from eminent Indian scholars on a range of social issues, including linkages between growth, poverty and the social sector; the efficiency of social sector spending in India; disparity in health statuses; IPR protection in health innovations; pollution and health; the universalisation of elementary education; problems faced at the higher levels of education; and issues of child labour.

Social sector development is a complex and challenging issue, which necessitates an active discourse at multiple levels aimed at the fundamental definitional questions on the one hand and the choice of institutions, strategies and mechanisms towards the realization of accepted objectives on the other. Given the intensity of prevailing conflicts of interest and power structure, which define the very framework of action and inaction in society and polity this is not an easy task. Yet this is extremely important as crucial dimensions of social sector development in post-independence India are linked to these questions. The post-Independence Indian state has been grappling with social sector development issues through planning, policy making and institution building exercises. //In the context of the recent initiatives of the government to shift the focus from outlays to outcomes , a Round Table Conference was organized at IIPA to take a closer look at the meaning of this shift for social sector development. Engaging a large number of eminent scholars, practitioners and public persons, the Round Table deliberated upon the complex range of issues pertaining to the realm of governance and social justice. It examined questions of policy framework, issues in implementation and monitoring, as well as policy substance and alternative conceptualization and perspectives needed to ensure desired outcomes in social sectors, with particular reference to education, health and rural development. This book reports the proceedings of the Round Table.

This publication offers new insights into the economic theory of social economy organisations, their role in an evolving political and economic context, and the links to local development and the empowerment of users.

Written for students and practitioners of social entrepreneurship, this text is about the opportunity and challenge of applying leadership skills and entrepreneurial talents creatively and appropriately to create social value.

This bookexamines inclusive growth in a range of social and economic areas in India, including physical infrastructure, vulnerable sections of the population and underdeveloped states. It provides a comprehensive study of disparity and deepens insight into understanding processes of economic and social development.