ABOUT THE BOOK National policies?economic, social and cultural?that until recently were determined by the States and people within a country have increasingly come under the influence of international agencies and processes. This has led to the narrowed ability of governments and people to make choices from options in economic, social and cultural policies. Globalisation implies widening and deepening integration with the globe, i.e. with people and processes abroad. Globalisation is widely seen as the most important factor that could influence economies of nations the world over in the new millennium. The rapid advancement in information technology and communications has made it not just possible but absolutely essential for economies of the world to adapt or fall by the wayside. The socio-economically disadvantaged are yet to benefit from globalisation. The challenge to overcome the scourge of poverty remains a daunting task. The support of the poor for reforms and their involvement in the development process can be achieved only if they start benefiting from government policies. On the positive side, globalisation has compelled developing countries to improve overall economic management, and make their economies efficient. Despite distortions and aberrations, globalisation is a reality. Developments in information and communication technologies are unifying markets and people, cutting across barriers of space and time. This volume is a collection of 26 academic and research papers contributed by scholars in the field belonging to reputed universities and centres of academic excellence in India. This work, it is hoped, will generate meaningful debate and discussion on this topical subject affecting the lives of the people across the board