Challenges to Punjab Economy

""The Indian Punjab has been under various types of crises for long, especially economic and agrarian distress. The book gives a very comprehensive regional perspective on Indian Punjab which was much needed. It analyses economic issues of various sectors and the state, and more importantly, social issues like health and nutrition, gender and caste. Without addressing the latter, no meaningful development can be discussed or attempted. I am sure that it will be a great resource for researchers and policy makers interested in holistic and sustainable development of Indian Punjab and similar regional economies in India and the world."" Sukhpal Singh, Professor, Indian Institute of Management, Ahmedabad (IIMA) ""The remarkable achievements of the regional economy of Punjab at least since the 1970s have evinced continued interest in academia, policy circles and civil society organisations. The subnational economic development journey has been complex, inspirational and also leaves space for introspection as it focused on building both production and institutional capacities at the local levels. There have also been deep concerns over certain unintended consequences especially in the social sectors, labour and also the small scale production spheres. This book, with intensely-researched contributions from serious scholars and observers of the Punjab economy, provides us with the much-needed ringside view of the nuanced changes that the economy and society have undergone. The articles cover all major issues/sectors and are rich with insights for future policy learning and research. This comprehensive volume promises to be an essential reading towards understanding the dynamics of local and regional economic development in Punjab and certainly much beyond."" Keshab Das, Visiting Professor, Institute for Human Development, New Delhi, India ""Through this volume, the editors and contributors have truly epitomised the writings and endeavors of Professor Lakhwinder Singh Gill, a development economist, an expert on the Punjab economy, an educationist and above all, a voice of the farmers. Prof. Gill has throughout his scholarly career, by engaging with the marginalised farmers, experienced their trials and tribulations. Hence, it is his experience which has been organically enriched by his continuous engagement with the stakeholders in the economy of Punjab, that the editors have succinctly portrayed and curated for the benefit of readers. This volume is a must-read for students, researchers, economists and policymakers who are interested in any strand of rural development, food security, agrarian and labor markets."" Reena Marwah, Professor, Jesus and Mary College, University of Delhi