Policy making in India evokes an image of rational decision-making and technical optimality. However, the arena of policy making is characterized by conflict and contestation resolved through processes of negotiations and compromises. A significant amount of research in India focuses on policy goal and consequences, and less on policy processes. Breaking away from that approach, Public Policy and politics in India directly addresses policy processes and discusses the role of institutions in policy making  in India. The wide-ranging essays cover issues such as environment, education, Parliament, liberalization, and governance.