Jumpstarting South Asia

'This is an insightful book on a very important aspect of public life in contemporary India. Its value is enhanced by the fact that the country is undergoing major political changes.' Andre Beteille, Professor Emeritus of Sociology, University of Delhi, India 'The book overwhelmingly emphasizes the fact that public policy is not an entirely autonomous domain of activityl its is embedded in a variety of knowledge practices, social norms, political proceses, insitutional cultures...there is simply no other guide of its sort available.' Pratap Bhanu Mehta, Vice Chancellor, Ashoka University (Quote from the Foreword) 'Chakrabarti and Sanyal take a suitably pragmatic approach, identifying some useful theories (such as complexity theory) and insights (such as that the policy process does not resemble a cycle with clear stage) that seem to travel across time and space, and building new insights from case studies to explain the passage of nine ''landmark laws'' since 1999. The end result is an engaging book which highlights the potential for a new research agenda in India.' Paul Cairney, Professor of Politics and Public Policy, Division of History and Politics, University of Stirling, Scotland, UK 'Anywhere in the democratic world, the journey of a law is long and complex, with its origins frequently debated, and is evaluation almost marked with conflict and controversy. Every bill presented in Parliament invariably bears marks of those battles and compromises. Unfortunately, the grammar of policymaking in India--from felt need to legislation--is rarely studied. The present volume fills this important void. Using case studies to understand the unique journey of some laws is a welcome effort.' C. V Madhukar, investment partner, Omidyar Network, and co-founder, PRS Legislative Research