The main objective of this Seminar proceedings book is to analyse the performance of the present development programmes, the issues and challenges and also reflect and think about whether and to what extent the benefits of these programmes have percolated to the weaker sections of our society- indeed, have they reached those they were meant to reach ?

Offering new insights into the political economy of contemporary India, this book considers how and why unequal patterns of economic growth have taken shape within the context of a democratic and decentralising political system, and how this has impacted upon the processes of economic development.

The Indian Economy Since 1991: Economic Reforms and Performance is the outcome of a collaborative effort by 28 experts who have made significant contributions in research toward the Indian economy. Using a data-based, analytical approach to key economic issues and problems, coupled with extensive coverage and a critical and in-depth analysis of the developments in all major sub-sectors of the Indian economy, this edited volume examines the impact of the reforms on various fronts such as economic performance, employment, unemployment, planning process, financial and fiscal sectors, external sector, agriculture, industry, infrastructure, health, education, poverty and federal finance since 1991.

This book provides a comprehensive presentation of the realization of improved rainfed agriculture yield in semi-arid and dry land areas. The incentive of watershed programs is to increase the return on investment with over 20% for 65% of the projects that are currently underperforming. Besides techniques to improve the livelihood of the many small-scale farmers in developing countries, it includes examples and case studies for further support. The methods discussed have recently shown to be successful and economically remunerative in India and in various African countries. Intended for professionals (investors, policy makers), researchers and (post) graduate students working on dry land and sustainable agriculture and water and natural resources management. Suited for courses in dry land agriculture, soil and water management and watershed development.

This publication, Our Fragile World: Challenges and Opportunities for Sustainable Development, presents perspectives of several important subjects that are covered in greater detail and depth in the Encyclopedia of Life Support Systems (EOLSS). The contributions to the two volumes provide an integrated presentation of knowledge and worldviews related to the state of: Earth's natural resources, social resources, institutional resources, and economic and financial resources. They present the vision and thinking of over 200 authors in support of efforts to solve the complex problems connected with sustainable development, and to secure perennial life support on "The Blue Planet'. These contributions are holistic, informative, forward looking, and will be of interest to a broad readership. This volume presents contributions with focus on the Natural and Social Dimensions of sustainable Development in to two sections: NATURAL SYSTEMS AND RESOURCES (Natural Systems and Climate Change ; - Natural Resources Management). - SOCIO-CULTURAL ISSUES (Human Security, Peace, and Socio-Cultural issues; Equity and Ethical issues).

Choice of themes and the manner in which they are dealt with is a noteworthy feature of this book, Seven out of the twenty articles are on women. A striking feature is that out of the seven articles four of them discuss the daily work undertaken by women.