Two of India's leading economists have brought together top-notch experts-some senior scholars, others younger- to offer sophisticated, in-depth, and insightful studies of the relationship between public policy and developmental performance with respect to the economy and social sectors in a poor state (Bihar), a rich state (Gujarat), and a middle-level state (Andhra Pradesh). The central message of the volume is that poor and middle-level states are not condemned to underdevelopment; rather, there is abundant hope for substantial economic and social advance in India's various states, given-and it is fundamental-a leadership at the helm with vision and decisive administrative ability.