Breaking the Mould : Reimagining India’s Economic Future

2024 | English | 0670099899 | EPUB | 336 pages | 0.6 MB

Where is India going today Is it surging forward, having just overtaken the United Kingdom to become the fifth-largest economy in the world Or is it flailing, unable to provide jobs for the millions joining the labour force What should India do to secure a better future

India is at a crossroads today. Its growth rate, while respectable relative to other large countries, is too low for the jobs our youth need. Intense competition in low-skilled manufacturing, increasing protectionism globally and growing automation make the situation still more difficult. Divisive majoritarianism does not help. India
broke away from the standard development pathfrom agriculture to low-skilled manufacturing, then high-skilled manufacturing and, finally, servicesa long time back by leapfrogging the intermediate steps. Rather than attempting to revert to development paths that may not be feasible any more, we must embark on a truly Indian path.

In this book, the authors explain how we can accelerate economic development by investing in our peoples human capital, expanding opportunities in high-skilled services and manufacturing centred on innovative new products, and making India a ferment of ideas and creativity. Indias democratic traditions will support this path, helped further by governance reforms, including strengthening our democratic institutions and greater decentralization.

The authors offer praise where the Indian establishment has been successful but are clear-eyed in pointing out its weaknesses. They urge India to break free from the shackles of the past and look to the possibilities of the future. Written with unusual candour, and packed with vivid examples and persuasive arguments, this is a book for anyone who has a stake in Indias future.