CONCLUSION

To conclude, there is a need for micro and participatory studies of population linking the global imbalance between population and resources with the local solutions acceptable to people in different social milieus. Let us learn from the people how they decide what is best for them and how they evolve sustainable models of development in the value framework of their culture, keeping in view their limited resources. In these studies social scientists would act as facilitators, helpful to the communities and people, in arriving at more optimal solutions. Econometric and statistical models have certainly played a role in the past in estimating the unknowns and in suggesting macro level solutions but when it comes to developing effective intervention strategies they have been found to be of limited application: the abstractions on which they are based are far away from reality. Voluntary action groups, research NGOs, and those receptive to the idea of multiplicity of perspectives are the most suited people to evolve the workable development plans in the fragmented society of India in our times. Time has come to learn about the possible emancipatory strategies and empower communities and people to manage common and limited resources.