B. N. Yugandhar (ed). Land Reforms in India: Andhra Pradesh--People's Pressure and Administrative Innovations.

Malik, Afia

B. N. Yugandhar (ed). Land Reforms in India: Andhra Pradesh--People's Pressure and Administrative Innovations. New Delhi: Sage Publications, 1996. 393 pages. Hardbound. Indian Rs 495.00.

This volume is a collection of sixteen case-studies and thoroughly covers the history, progress, and current status of land reforms in the Indian state of Andhra Pradesh. A wide range of issues has been covered: for instance, the impact of peasant struggles and agrarian movements in the state; the enactment of legislation and the implementation of land-ceiling laws; the distribution of surplus land; tenancy reforms; and the status of landless labourers. Other topics discussed are the role of state agencies in both framing policies and implementing them; the response of judicial machinery; successful administrative efforts; the status of women agricultural labourers; and the role played by activists and the NGOs.

The general feeling that the contributors to this volume express is the insufficient impact of these land reforms so far as altering the power structure in Andhra Pradesh is concerned. Therefore, they suggest a number of measures, notable among which are strengthening the official machinery, simplifying and rigorously implementing existing legislation, and seeking active participation of the community. Their opinion is that these will help to counter the challenges posed by the dominant and large land-owners. This book would be of interest to those studying land reforms and agrarian change.

By Afia Malik, Staff Economist, Pakistan Institute of Development Economics, Islamabad