86 SOCIAL SCIENTIST considered, let alone be implemented. The answer to this puzzle lies in the complex dominant coalition determined politico-economic structure of country, where the key policy decisions are not determined by 'majority5 rule, but are guided by the interests of the dominant proprietary class. Given the plural and heterogeneous character of this dominant proprietary class (which includes the bureaucracy) with each sub-group fighting to acquire a larger share of the pie, the 'majority' of the population are left in the lurch, often even ignorant of the fact that a pie exists! Unless power is diversified and the bottom half is also actively involved in the decision-making process, any policy, even a pro-poor policy will fail to reach its target. And, in this context, perhaps the biggest failure of the pro-democratic political movements in this country so far has been their inability to make the majority of the polity aware of their own rights. Mausumi Das, Research Associate, Delhi School of Economics, University of Delhi, Delhi. With best compliments from Glorious Printers 1597-98 Pataudi House Daryaganj New Delhi 110 002 Phone: 3279877, 3261649