The following booklet titled “Economic Development Of Backward Areas” was published in September 1976. Its text is derived from a note by Mr. D. R. Pendse which was published by the “Financial Express”, Bombay, in which he reflects upon the regional disparities within India in regards to industrial and economic development. Mr. Pendse’s articulate writings are still relevant today as the Indian economy is still bearing the weight of undeveloped areas and underutilized resources. His comprehensive case studies of Britain, Yugoslavia, Brazil and Japan give us an important insight into the thoughtful economic policies used and the importance of government intervention to promote the development of backward areas. His work also covers why India was not able to significantly reduce the regional disparities and highlights the inadequacies of the policies framed by The Committee of the National Development Council.