ABSTRACT

This introduction presents an overview of the key concepts discussed in the subsequent chapters of this book. The book reviews the empirical literature on measuring development, both internationally and for India. The concept of economic development has undergone major metamorphoses since the emergence of development economics as a distinct sub-discipline in the middle of the last century. Economic development is not perceived to be merely economic growth and prosperity, but includes a multitude of goals and dimensions. A multidimensional concept of development will enable states to reflect on their development experience and focus their attention on dimensions or areas where they think they should be performing better relative to other states. The search for a better measure of development led to a plethora of academic contributions from various social science disciplines over the years that have enriched the understanding of development, incorporating new dimensions.