Development: Experiences, Insights and Introspection

Development thinkers and practitioners remain divided over the debate of ‘developing’ versus ‘developed’; and whether there is a time frame or prescription for a developing country to become developed. The cycle of development seems never ending for developing countries. To join the developed club, developing economies must not only grow, but grow faster than their developed counterparts. What the Western economies achieved in over 200 years post industrialisation in terms of development, the developing economies are expected to achieve in a few decades. 

Since independence, India has embarked on a journey of ever-evolving composite policy interventions in its quest to become a developed nation. 'Indian model of development' has attempted to address multidimensional development aspirations, based on holistic and sustainable human, social, moral and economic aspects. 

Development: Experiences, Insights and Introspection by Vipin Sharma offers a direct view into some development experiences and insights, mainly India-centric, with a focus on economic aspects. The themes covered in this book range from pro-poor growth, international finance, public financial management, government as a development actor and market failure, to development cooperation and aid policy. While doing so, the book introspects the development process through different lenses – historical, social, economic, political, financial and administrative.

Dr. Sharma’s unique narrative of attempting to find some missing links between development theory and practice stems from his experience as a development administrator and practitioner in the Indian Administrative Service. His insights into the development puzzle makes this book an enthralling read for development academicians and practitioners alike. The book also reflects on the ongoing and vigorous debate, involving critique and contestation over development knowledge, meanings and practices.