This book explores the intersectional perspective of sustainable social development in key sectors such as education and skill development, health and nutrition, gender concerns, and food security and agriculture in India. It delves into contemporary concerns of poverty, employment and inclusive growth, and social marginalization and inequality.

Foreword. Preface Part I. Introduction 1. Social Sector Development in India: An Overview Part II. SDGs: Process and Outcome 2. Reflections on Sustainable Development Goals from the Perspective of Developing Countries: Transformative Change or Business as Usual? Part III. Education and Skill Development 3. School Education in India and SDGs: Issues and Challenges 4. Knowledge, Skills and Sustainable Development: Role of Higher Education 5. Challenges Beyond Schooling: Skilling Youth to Realise the Goal of Vocational Education and Training in India Part IV. Health, Nutrition and Food Security 6. Achieving Sustainable Development Goal 3 in the Indian Context: The Policy-Action Incoherence 7. Public Health Policies: Generating Revenues or Relief? 8. Macro-Masking of Micro Realities: Access to Food and Nutrition among Tribals 9. Food Security and Sustainable Agriculture in India Part V. Gender Equality 10. Gender and Sustainable Development Goals 11. Women's Work Participation and Maternity Protection Conundrum in India: Call for High-Priority Interventions Part VI. Poverty, Employment and Inequality 12. Are We Really Concerned About Employment? Some Reflections on India's Current Macroeconomic Policy Regime 13. Exploring the Relationship between Economic Growth, Employment and Education in Indian States 14. Elite Dominance and Rising Inequality in India 15. Thinking Samata at the SDG Moment Part VII. Conclusion 16. Making India's Development Inclusive: Centrality of Education and Health. Index