Bharat : Unnayon O Banchona by Jean Dreze , Amartya Sen [Hardcover]

In 1947, immediately after gaining independence from two hundred years of colonial rule, India adopted a path of democratic politics with a multiparty system, freedom of speech, and extensive political rights. The famines of British rule disappeared, and the economic stagnation of that era was replaced by rapid economic growth. Over the past three decades, this growth has become the second fastest among the world's major countries. Despite a recent slowdown, this growth rate is still among the highest in the world. Environmentally sustainable rapid economic growth has been an important and achievable goal for India.

In the book "India: Development and Deprivation," two leading economists of the country show that India's main problem is the neglect of the needs of its people, especially the poor and women. The failure to achieve inclusive economic growth and utilize the resources gained from economic growth to improve people's quality of life is significant. There is a lack of social services such as school education and health care, as well as material services like clean water, electricity, sewage systems, transportation, and sanitation.

These shortcomings in social and material development and human capability become obstacles to rapid economic growth. Conversely, following the paths shown by Japan, South Korea, and China, the Asian perspective of combining economic growth and human development has effectively emerged. Valuing India's democratic system is indeed very crucial. However, it is also necessary to reconsider policies at the government level regarding failures and to have clearer debates and understanding in the public sphere about the severe social and economic deprivations in the country. Yet, due to India's deep inequalities, public discussions primarily remain focused on the problems of the relatively affluent. This book discusses the various barriers to eliminating deprivation and inequality and how these can be addressed through democratic practices.