Changes in Private Consumption Expenditure in India 1900-01 To 1950-51 By Bina Roy

Book Description

About The Author

Dr. Bina Roy holds a Ph.D. in Economics from Calcutta University and was recruited for research by Professor P.C. Mahalanobis in the Planning Division of the Indian Statistical Institute, where she contributed to the Second Five-Year Plan. With nearly three decades of focused research in national income and its distribution, she has served as an Associate Professor and has published over a hundred papers in various scholarly outlets. Her work on capital formation in India has been widely cited, notably by American economist R.W. Goldsmith.

Acknowledgment

Dr. Roy’s study on private consumption expenditure began as a project for the Indian Council of Social Science Research (ICSSR) but faced delays due to unforeseen personal and logistical challenges. The work required extensive investigation of India's data landscape, from parliamentary papers to statistical abstracts, as well as insights from numerous scholarly texts. She expresses deep gratitude to her technical assistants, who aided in data collection and processing, and pays tribute to her late husband, whose encouragement and support were vital throughout her academic journey.

Preface

Standing on the brink of a new millennium prompts a reflection on the past century, particularly the changes in the material life of the Indian populace. This survey focuses on quantifiable aspects such as food consumption, literacy, healthcare access, clothing, and housing. Following independence, the introduction of five-year plans aimed to uplift the Indian economy and improve the quality of life. However, progress was hindered by persistent challenges, including the feudal land system and regional disparities, which overshadowed the intended outcomes of development initiatives. Despite efforts to create a mixed economy, the anticipated transformation remained elusive, underscoring the complexities of socio-economic change in India.