Social Development is an approach to promoting people’s welfare that is well suited not only to enhancing the quality of life for all citizens but to responding towards the problems of distorted development that integrates economic and social objectives. Social development offers a comprehensive macro-perspective that focuses on communities and societies, emphasizes planned intervention, promotes a dynamic change-oriented approach, which is inclusive and holistic, and above all seeks to harmonize social intervention with economic development efforts. Keeping in view the significance of social development issues, this book has been compiled. It contains 37 well written papers covering the important aspects and dimensions of social development, such as - spatial, social and gender issues. The papers identify, articulate and appraise the critical challenges and issues related to social development in India with a view of social reconstruction. The contributors have made their own assessment of the situation and have come up with their thoughtful observations and recommendations to provide fresh directions to make the concept of social development relevant and responsive to Indian society. It is expected that the book will be useful in understanding the dynamics of emerging social issues and evolving road map for social reconstruction.