This book assesses the changing nature of the state in the period after liberalization in India. It is clear that liberalization as state policy has complex forms of regulation and deregulation built into it. These policies have resulted in dramatic increases in productivity and economic wealth but also generated spectacular new forms of inequality between social groups, regions, and sectors.

Through a detailed examination of the Indian state state, contributors - all experts in their respective fields - explore questions such as:

• Have the new inequalities resulted in greater social unrest and violence?
• How has the meaning of citizenship changed?
• What will the long-term effects of regional economic imbalances be on migration, employment, and social welfare?
• Will increasing federalism result in new problems?
• Will smaller governments be more effective in providing basic necessities such as clothing, housing, food, water, and sanitation to citizens?
• What does liberalization mean to Indians in cities and villages, in small towns, and metropolises, in poor, middle class, or wealthy homes?
• Are concepts like social capital, decentralization, private enterprise, and grass-roots globalization effective in analyzing the post-liberalization state, or are new concepts needed?

This is a unique book which deals with the experiences of the members of society in post-liberalization India. It will be of interest to scholars of a variety of disciplines, including sociology, anthropology, political science, geography, international studies, public policy, environmental studies and economics.

This book assesses the changing nature of the state in the period after liberalization in India. It includes detailed analysis of its implications for important issues such as inequality, poverty, basic needs provision, citizenship, federalism and democratization.