Quarter Century of Liberalization in India

Book excerpt: July 1991 was a momentous month in the contemporary economic history of India, when a market-friendly set of policies shifted the centre of country's political economy more rightward than ever before. This book examines the 1990-91 reforms from different ideological perspectives. Authors from diverse backgrounds track the origins and continuation of liberal policies, dissecting the role of the state over the last 25 years in addressing issues like poverty, nutrition, and income inequality. It argues that neo-liberal globalisation, global capitalism and inclusive development have come to constitute the new order of things in the Indian economy, and examines the economic and social outcomes of the non-interventionist state. Explaining why there is still widespread dissatisfaction with the progress and outcome of reforms, the book elaborates on India's tumultuous start in the new millennium.