Abstract Economic development is a comprehensive and continuous process aimed at improving the economic, social, and institutional well-being of people in a country. It goes beyond mere economic growth and emphasizes improvement in living standards, reduction of poverty and unemployment, equitable distribution of income, and access to basic necessities such as education, healthcare, housing, and sanitation. This project examines the concept and meaning of economic development along with its important indicators such as Gross Domestic Product (GDP) per capita, Human Development Index (HDI), literacy rate, life expectancy, and poverty levels.The study also analyses the major factors influencing economic development, including natural resources, human capital formation, technological progress, infrastructure development, and political stability. Furthermore, the project highlights India’s economic development journey since independence, the role of planned development through Five-Year Plans, and the impact of economic reforms introduced in 1991.The study concludes that sustainable and inclusive development, supported by effective governance and human-cantered policies, is essential for achieving long-term economic progress and improving the overall quality of life in India.
Ankita Ramkrushna Ingale (Sat,) studied this question.