Gender Caste and Growth Assessment

Abstract

High rates of growth have characterised developments in the Indian economy over the last few years, with a growth rate of over 9 per cent in 2005-6 and 2006-7 surpassing all expectations (Economic Survey, 2006-7). This has however also led to some genuine concerns about the inclusiveness of the growth process, especially on account of the near stagnation of the agricultural sector. Reports of farmer suicides from different parts of the country have raised questions about the neglect of the rural sector, still home to over 60 per cent of the Indian population, and its exclusion from growth. The Approach Paper to the 11th Plan highlights this concern, drawing attention to both the rural-urban divide and the gender divide as critical barriers to growth (2006: 3).