Historical pattern of India's economic growth: salient features

Purpose – This paper aims to present a review of the main features of India's economic growth and human development during nearly 50 years of India's planned development. Design/methodology/approach – The paper examines all major aspects of India's growth such as growth in net total national product and per capita product, changes in the production and occupational structure resulting from growth, changes in government revenue, infrastructure and social services, in income distribution and in poverty. Findings – Although the growth was uneven and low up to 1980, the country recorded a reasonable and steady improvement in most aspects of growth. Nevertheless the effects of growth have not produced better results in poverty alleviation. Originality/value – Reviews the main features of India's economic growth and human development.Economic development, Economic growth, India