This book sheds light on social policies in six South Asian countries introduced between 2003 and 2013, examining the ways in which these policies have come about, and what this reflects about the nature of the state in each of these countries. It offers a detailed analysis of the nature of these policies introduced in recent years in Bangladesh, India, Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan and Sri Lanka, and illustrates the similarities and differences in policy approaches amongst the six countries. Through this analysis, the book explores the thesis of whether there is a particular type of 'developmental welfare state' that can be observed across South Asia. The focus is on social policies or policies designed to address poverty and deliver welfare at the level of programming and design, i.e. the stated intent of these policies. The book also presents an analysis of the fiscal space available in each of the six countries, thereby drawing conclusions about the financial feasibility of a 'developmental welfare state' model in the region. This comprehensive book uniquely explores critical aspects of policy debates on a possible move from welfare to 'rights'. It introduces students and researchers in development studies, social policy and South Asian studies to innovative welfare programmes in South Asia and gives a new perspective on the nature and patterns of welfare in South Asia with the view of tackling inequality and promoting well-being.

Preface, Naila Kabeer PART I 1. Introduction: Development and welfare policy in South Asia, Gabriele Koehler and Deepta Chopra 2. Some preliminary reflections on development, public policy, and welfare states, Gabriele Koehler 3. Approaching developmental welfare states: A "welfare geography" of South Asia, Gabriele Koehler 4. Fiscal space in South Asia: Evidence for the welfare state, Aniruddha Bonnerjee PART 2 5. Development, welfare, and governance: Explaining Bangladesh's "development surprise", Wahiduddin Mahmud and Simeen Mahmud 6. The Indian case: Towards a rights-based welfare state?, Deepta Chopra 7. The Maldives: The shifting nature of a welfare state, Aniruddha Bonnerjee 8. Nepal: Social policy in a nascent welfare state, Yuba Raj Khatiwada and Gabriele Koehler 9. Political economy of reform: Social protection reform in Pakistan, Haris Gazdar 10. Sri Lanka's experience of social development: Towards equity and justice, Laksiri Jayasuriya PART 3 11. Social sector spending in South Asia: A mixed bag, Aniruddha Bonnerjee 12. Welfare, development, rights in South Asia, Deepta Chopra, Outlook: The logic of Southasian evolution, Kanak Mani Dixit