Jamia Millia Islamia (JMI) announces the launch of 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 at JMI and Dr. Rajesh Chatterjee from Tripura University. Hon’ble Vice Chancellor Prof. Mazhar Asif officially launched the book and has also written the foreword that highlights its relevance to India’s development discourse.
Overcoming the limitations of previous studies based solely on Census 2011 and NSSO 66th Round data, this research provides a pioneering, evidence-based analysis of how rural infrastructure impacts socio-economic growth in Northeast India. The authors identify a significant gap in the existing literature and focus on four key themes. First, they systematically explore rural infrastructure, moving beyond macro-level descriptions. Second, they emphasize that infrastructure is not merely physical but also a catalyst for social and economic progress—covering education, health, water, sanitation, nutrition, and rural services to improve living standards. Third, the study contextualizes its findings within evolving government policies and infrastructure distribution, offering relevant insights for regional planning. Fourth, it employs innovative methodology by integrating field interviews, statistical analysis, and regional comparisons, setting a new standard for future research.
The book documents critical ground realities, such as how poor educational levels prevent rural communities from accessing financial aid—even when schemes and loans are available—due to the absence of assured buy-back mechanisms and institutional support. It also highlights that in Least Developed Panchayats (LDPs), weak infrastructure and poor transport, especially after sunset, cause physical and psychological isolation, making residents dependent on local government for banking and administrative services. These insights serve as valuable guidance for policymakers, development practitioners, and financial institutions designing suitable interventions for the region.
During the launch, Prof. Mazhar Asif praised the authors for their pioneering contribution and stressed the importance of rural infrastructure in Northeast India for India’s Viksit Bharat initiative. He pointed out that the book offers a robust analytical framework and actionable evidence to rethink regional development, equity, and social justice in sensitive and strategic areas.
The volume, 'Rural Infrastructure and Socio-Economic Growth in Viksit Bharat – Perspectives of North East India,' will be of tremendous relevance to scholars, policymakers, development agencies, and students interested in rural development, infrastructure, and Northeast India studies.
