The issue of water in South Asia seen from the perspective of human development. Report analyses the impact of water on people's ability to survive and prosper in the context of reduced supply of and increased demand for water because of growing population, increased economic activities and the effects of climate change. Economies of most South Asian countries are growing, but are the people, facing inadequate health, education and food insecurity benefitting from these economies? Can this growth be sustained without efforts to mitigate the impact of climate change? And in view of reduced water supply, can this region afford not to cooperate with its neighbours on water sharing? These are some of the issues the Report tries to analyze and address. The high quality of analytical work and the wealth of data on water and human development in South Asia collected for this Report will be valuable for policy makers and the academic community.

The Report presents an analysis of the diffusion and adoption of technology, particularly ICT in the region and its impact on overall economic growth, employment, poverty reduction, as well the provision of health and education services in the region. The report draws from several interesting case studies particularly from India and Bangladesh that illustrate how ICT is being used innovatively to improve the efficiency and transparency in the delivery of public services. The Report however reiterates that technology by itself does not result in wonders. It has to be accompanied with an educated and skilled population as well as basic infrastructure.

Contributed articles presented at a seminar organized by Institute of Social Sciences, New Delhi, India.

This third report on human development in South Asia presents a comprehensive profile of education in the region, analyses current educational policies and programmes, and presents a five-year plan to achieve universal primary education in the area.

Mahbub ul Haq Centre's report on Food Security in South Asia is a valuable contribution towards the conceptual and empirical analysis of food security in South Asia. The high food and fuel inflation, and rising unemployment have put half a billion South Asians into poverty, and millions of children and women malnourished. The Report argues that the economic growth of the region must translate into people's wellbeing through ensuring their food security.