Persistent, and often increasing, inequalities is largely the result of ‘social exclusion’, whereby groups of people (based on their identity) are denied rights to fully participate in society, leading to material and other forms of deprivation. In recognition of this, UNICEF India has placed social inclusion as a central pillar in its current country programme, parallel with the theme of inclusive growth articulated in India’s 11th Five Year Plan. In lieu of this strategic understanding, UNICEF India has recognized that a broad-based analysis of lessons from NGO and other initiatives working in social development and towards reducing disparities and exclusion will contribute to furthering both, UNICEF’s own work in the area, as well as government policy and action.