This book discusses the various forms of social and economic exclusion (discrimination and marginalisation) that persist in contemporary India, and how they may be remedied. It argues that a welfare state can be created by securing social, economic and political justice for the socially and educationally backward classes of citizens. It argues that inclusive growth and human development can be achived only by ensuring equality of status and opportunity for the vulnerable sections of society. It suggests affirmative action/positive discrimination?reservation of seats in education institutuions and reservation in jobs?that may be adopted to build a more inclusive society. This proposition is examined with reference to nine excluded social categories?Dalits, Adivasis, subalterns, religious and linguistic minorities, women, migrants, the poor, and the disabled.