INDIA: SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT REPORT 2010; The Land Question and the Marginalized

This report is a collection of analytical studies based on concrete evidence showing the record of social development in India. It strongly posits that development has to be a comprehensive process of change benefiting not only the recognized dimensions of human development but also the conditions of -the marginalized-Dalits, women, and children. A comprehensive analysis of the key issues of development, this report focuses on the land question and the marginalized-issues that remain at the core of much of the crisis in Indian society, economy, and polity. l l The essays present an intensive analysis of the history of development in the years since Independence. Divided into four sections, this report covers various key issues of social development. While the first section concentrates on child rights and administrative reforms, the second focuses on the land question. The following section includes the social development index which provides useful statistical information on social dimensions of development. In conclusion, the report examines why an alternative development strategy is needed so that India can move towards achieving the goals enshrined in the Preamble of the Indian Constitution.