Growth or Development: Which Way is Gujarat Going

In this book, researchers from prominent academic institutes in Gujarat examine objectively the much talked about Gujarat model-the growth process in the state in the past decade or so. Apart from examining the validity of the theory and policy framework underlying the economic reforms in India, the book examines in depth the interpretation and implementation of this framework in Gujarat and studies the inclusiveness of the growth in terms of achieving development goals. This book goes much beyond the state-level analysis. It studies the role of the Gujarat economy in the context of the national economy as well as in comparison with the performance of other states’ economies. Further, it analyses the dynamics of growth in the state, that is, the sources and process of growth, sustainability of growth, and its interaction with development goals. The book also highlights the growing disconnect between economic growth and development goals in Gujarat. Although there are some limitations of the neo-liberal policy framework in delivering inclusive growth, the focus of Gujarat on becoming the fastest growing state in the world and the most attractive destination for corporate investments has led the state government to make serious compromises with respect to development goals. In spite of being one of the fastest growing states, therefore, the state is lagging behind other fast-growing as well as slow-growing states in achieving inclusive growth.