This book provides a comprehensive exploration and reflection of the opportunities and challenges that have shaped India&s growth trajectory in past seven decades. The book contains rigorously researched articles on various contemporary issues and debates around four broad key themes on-political economy appraisal, sectoral challenges, employment, labour and informality and social sector performance, offering conceptual understanding, critical analysis and policy implications. In addition to offering significant insights into recent emerging issues such as the agrarian crisis, non-performing assets (NPAs), post-COVID-19 transformations, shifts in the labor market due to artificial intelligence (AI), digitalization, and more, the book also explores the dominant theoretical discourses essential for comprehending India's political economy since independence till recent. The book offers actionable policy recommendations to address existing gaps between policies and practices of India&s development trajectory. The book is particularly intended for research scholars and students, of economics, political science and development studies. Also, policymakers, institutions, general reader and academics worldwide who are interested in understanding the political aspect of Indian economy, its development trajectory, and the challenges and opportunities that nation faces at the cusp of completing 75 years of independence.