ABSTRACT

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.

part I|61 pages

Part I

chapter 1|6 pages

Introduction

Development and welfare policy in South Asia

chapter 3|14 pages

Approaching developmental welfare states

A ‘welfare geography' of South Asia

chapter 4|23 pages

Fiscal space in South Asia

Evidence for the welfare state

part II|120 pages

Part II

chapter 5|20 pages

Development, welfare and governance

Explaining Bangladesh's ‘development surprise’

chapter 6|21 pages

The Indian case

Towards a rights-based welfare state?

chapter 7|23 pages

The Maldives

The shifting nature of a welfare state

chapter 8|19 pages

Nepal

Social policy in a nascent welfare state

chapter 9|17 pages

Political economy of reform

Social protection reform in Pakistan

chapter 10|18 pages

Sri Lanka's experience of social development

Towards equity and justice

part III|34 pages

Part III

chapter 11|13 pages

Social sector spending in South Asia

A mixed bag

chapter |5 pages

Outlook

The logic of Southasian 1 evolution