These two presentations made at the seminar on ‘Power Sector Reforms and Privatisation’ organised by The World Bank Institute and others at Bangalore, India (May 2000). The presentations argue that the process of taking decisions regarding reforms lack transparency and also the efforts to educate and build confidence among various sections. Thus, reforms try to develop consensus around a pre-decided model rather than evolving a model through consensus. On the other hand, the development and democracy, two core social and political concerns in developing country like India, are compromised in the process. As a result, these structural and governance changes in the power sector are likely to lead to conflicts and delays–that are very costly