Constraints on Growth: Reflections on the Indian Experience

by P.N. Dhar

This is a critical analysis of the failure of the Indian public sector, originally delivered as the 4th V.T.Krishnam-Chari Memorial Lecture. The lecture focuses on the question of why Indian economic growth has been as slow as it has. The author puts forward the thesis that preoccupation with reducing dependence upon imports and an emphasis upon the limitations of the trickle down of growth has led to the de-emphasis of growth itself. The oil shock forced doctrinaire planners to reassess their position, and since 1985 there have been many moves towards liberalization of the economy. Nevertheless, Professor Dhar's critique of the public sector shows there is still much to be done if India is to become a high-growth economy.

38 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1990