Book on rural infra, Viksit Bharat vision released
Jamia Millia Islamia (JMI) launched a new scholarly volume titled "Rural Infrastructure and Socio Economic Growth in Viksit Bharat Perspectives of North East India", authored by Prof Debarshi Mukherjee from the Department of Commerce & Business Studies, JMI, and Rajesh Chatterjee from Tripura University.
The book was officially released by the Vice Chancellor of Jamia Millia Islamia, Prof Mazhar Asif, who has also written the foreword of the book, highlighting the work’s relevance to India’s evolving development discourse and the national vision of Viksit Bharat.
The volume presents an evidence based analysis of the role of rural infrastructure in driving socio economic growth in Northeast India, addressing gaps in earlier studies that relied primarily on Census 2011 and NSSO 66th Round data.
The authors focus on four key themes, including a systematic examination of rural infrastructure beyond macro level descriptions, and an expanded understanding of infrastructure as a catalyst for social and economic progress encompassing education, health, water, sanitation, nutrition and rural services.
The study also situates its findings within the framework of changing government policies and regional infrastructure distribution, offering insights relevant for planning and policy formulation. Methodologically, it integrates field interviews, statistical analysis and regional comparisons, providing a comprehensive and innovative research approach.
The book documents critical ground realities, including how poor educational levels in rural areas limit access to financial aid despite the availability of schemes and loans, largely due to the absence of assured buy back mechanisms and institutional support. It further highlights that in Least Developed Panchayats (LDPs), weak infrastructure and inadequate transport, especially after sunset, lead to physical and psychological isolation, increasing dependence on local government for banking and administrative services.
The book is expected to be of significant value to scholars, policymakers, development agencies, and students engaged in the study of rural development, infrastructure, and Northeast India.
