The author is interested in examining the process of introduction of reforms to explain why the same set of reforms failed to translate into growth in the 1990s in India but have had successful impacts on the economy in later political regimes. In particular, he wants to frame the process of introducing reforms within the socio-political context in India which brings unique challenges and political constraints. This book chapter intends to assess how political capacity and institutional mechanisms are key to understanding why reforms have failed in certain contexts.