What do you think?
Rate this book
BACKSTAGE: The Story behind India’s High Growth Years
Tracing the spectacular trajectory of Ahluwalia’s life from its humble beginnings in Secunderabad to the corridors of power in New Delhi, this book is a classic insider’s account of how the India story was shaped and scripted. Ahluwalia played a key role in the transformation of India from a state-run to a market-based economy, and remained a constant fixture at the top of India's economic policy establishment for an unprecedented period of three decades.The book traverses the politics, personalities, events and crises in India's recent history. It goes behind the numbers to bring alive the politics of reform, and how policy change was pushed through—at first, slowly, under Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi, and then much more boldly in 1991 when the opportunity provided by a severe balance of payments crisis was seized for wide-ranging reform. Ahluwalia, who served as commerce secretary and finance secretary during this crucial period, makes a convincing case for why, contrary to the accusations at the time, the reforms that formed part of the conditionality of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) programme in 1991, were home-grown and not thrust upon a reluctant India by the IMF.Ahluwalia discusses the successes and failures of the UPA regime during which period he served as deputy chairman of the Planning Commission, a Cabinet-level position. He presents the story behind India’s spectacular economic growth in the first half of the UPA’s tenure as well as its historic achievements in poverty alleviation. He also candidly discusses the policy paralysis and allegations of corruption that came to mark the last few years of UPA 2. Narrated with wit, humour and remarkable intellect, Backstage is a definitive contribution to India's economic and political history by one uniquely positioned to write it.
437 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 15, 2020
174 people are currently reading
885 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 184 reviews
April 21, 2020
It’s a good book when your questions are answered towards the end of it. But, it’s a superlative book if you have food for thought after finishing it. MSA’s Backstage fits in this category. Backstage is a reflective account of MSA’s tenure in Indian bureaucracy. It puts in perspective pre and post-license raj years in Indian economic policy, the challenges in kickstarting the economy after the balance of payment crisis and subsequent decades noting a steady growth, all of which is well documented.
This review is based on some of my reflections as an afterthought.
First, policymaking can be both rewarding and nerve-wracking for a variety of reasons including socio-political and economic context, countless stakeholders, the slippery slope of accommodating political interests among others. The Indian scenario is far more complex given the diversity in all aspects - geographical territory, distribution of wealth, natural resources, sociological dimensions and of course political interests. Problems are compounded when you throw reticent politicians and bureaucrats in the mix. The book provides a pertinent view of how India dealt with the balance of payment (BOP) crisis and eventually moved towards a liberal economy.
Second, policies are not created in isolation and considering that governance is multilayered and cross-sectoral, a great amount of coordination between ministries, departments, state and local governments is essential for policy coherence. Again, the book neatly problematises this aspect, particularly between different central government ministries, at least about industrial and economic policies over the years. The lack of policy coherence unless addressed will undermine the positive outcomes of any policy, which is reflected in the present state of the Indian economy.
Third, there is a growing need for specialists and experts in Indian bureaucracy to address policy gaps and provide targeted advice to governments. The role of generalists can be limited particularly when policy interventions require subject-matter expertise and sophistication. MSA alludes to this especially in the areas of economics and finance, particularly when our economic performance is wobbly. He also rightly makes an argument for the political elite to listen to experts to make informed decisions. I would argue the same for foreign policy, especially when our bilateral relations with several states are on the edge.
Fourth, if highly qualified experts are in the need of the hour in Indian bureaucracy, then well-informed, politically conscious and well-aware politicians are also required to be at the helm of affairs. I do not mean to be elitist when I say that educated political representatives are the only kind to have a right to political office, but empirical evidence suggests that informed and educated political leaders are better positioned when it comes to decision making.
Fifth, if necessity drives inventions, then moments of crisis serve as catalysts in policy change. The BoP crisis again revealed that India has enormous capability and the ability to adapt when faced with a crisis. However, this mode of operating also makes me think that we are reactive as an establishment instead of pro-actively anticipating challenges and roadblocks. While such modus operandi may be useful in the short-term, it can be a disaster, in the long run, more so when there is a vacuum of foresight in some of our policies.
Sixth, for India to be on track for economic growth and great power status, federalism and decentralisation have to be fundamental pillars. Ultimately, basic services to citizens and issues that matter the most come under the purview of state and local governments. This also means greater independence and freedom for states to develop policies that are tailor-made to serve its population. We would do well to avoid a one size fits all solution. Again, MSA’s work beautifully underscores the need for decentralisation for economic growth in India.
And seventh, NITI Aayog has not been able to fill the shoes of its predecessor - the Planning Commission. Although a successful think tank which deals with issues and themes across sectors, it misses the mark when it comes to seeing the bigger picture and setting realistic targets. The need to reinvigorate our institutions has never been greater than today, not just in terms of physical structures but also in terms of providing a healthy work environment where dissent is not seditious but crucial to foster critical thinking. Again, an example of this was provided when the ‘dream team’ consisting of Dr. Manmohan Singh, MSA, C. Rangarajan, Bimal Jalan, Y.V.Reddy and Raghuram Rajan among others offered their services to the Indian state and worked together despite their ideological differences.
Finally, despite disagreements with some of the arguments presented in the book, I would encourage readers to read MSA’s account of the Indian economy only because it will leave you with several open-ended questions.
This review is based on some of my reflections as an afterthought.
First, policymaking can be both rewarding and nerve-wracking for a variety of reasons including socio-political and economic context, countless stakeholders, the slippery slope of accommodating political interests among others. The Indian scenario is far more complex given the diversity in all aspects - geographical territory, distribution of wealth, natural resources, sociological dimensions and of course political interests. Problems are compounded when you throw reticent politicians and bureaucrats in the mix. The book provides a pertinent view of how India dealt with the balance of payment (BOP) crisis and eventually moved towards a liberal economy.
Second, policies are not created in isolation and considering that governance is multilayered and cross-sectoral, a great amount of coordination between ministries, departments, state and local governments is essential for policy coherence. Again, the book neatly problematises this aspect, particularly between different central government ministries, at least about industrial and economic policies over the years. The lack of policy coherence unless addressed will undermine the positive outcomes of any policy, which is reflected in the present state of the Indian economy.
Third, there is a growing need for specialists and experts in Indian bureaucracy to address policy gaps and provide targeted advice to governments. The role of generalists can be limited particularly when policy interventions require subject-matter expertise and sophistication. MSA alludes to this especially in the areas of economics and finance, particularly when our economic performance is wobbly. He also rightly makes an argument for the political elite to listen to experts to make informed decisions. I would argue the same for foreign policy, especially when our bilateral relations with several states are on the edge.
Fourth, if highly qualified experts are in the need of the hour in Indian bureaucracy, then well-informed, politically conscious and well-aware politicians are also required to be at the helm of affairs. I do not mean to be elitist when I say that educated political representatives are the only kind to have a right to political office, but empirical evidence suggests that informed and educated political leaders are better positioned when it comes to decision making.
Fifth, if necessity drives inventions, then moments of crisis serve as catalysts in policy change. The BoP crisis again revealed that India has enormous capability and the ability to adapt when faced with a crisis. However, this mode of operating also makes me think that we are reactive as an establishment instead of pro-actively anticipating challenges and roadblocks. While such modus operandi may be useful in the short-term, it can be a disaster, in the long run, more so when there is a vacuum of foresight in some of our policies.
Sixth, for India to be on track for economic growth and great power status, federalism and decentralisation have to be fundamental pillars. Ultimately, basic services to citizens and issues that matter the most come under the purview of state and local governments. This also means greater independence and freedom for states to develop policies that are tailor-made to serve its population. We would do well to avoid a one size fits all solution. Again, MSA’s work beautifully underscores the need for decentralisation for economic growth in India.
And seventh, NITI Aayog has not been able to fill the shoes of its predecessor - the Planning Commission. Although a successful think tank which deals with issues and themes across sectors, it misses the mark when it comes to seeing the bigger picture and setting realistic targets. The need to reinvigorate our institutions has never been greater than today, not just in terms of physical structures but also in terms of providing a healthy work environment where dissent is not seditious but crucial to foster critical thinking. Again, an example of this was provided when the ‘dream team’ consisting of Dr. Manmohan Singh, MSA, C. Rangarajan, Bimal Jalan, Y.V.Reddy and Raghuram Rajan among others offered their services to the Indian state and worked together despite their ideological differences.
Finally, despite disagreements with some of the arguments presented in the book, I would encourage readers to read MSA’s account of the Indian economy only because it will leave you with several open-ended questions.
March 7, 2020
Highly Insightful
A must read if you're interested in politics and economics, and a bit of history, or just curious to know. I can't think of a better way in which this book could be structured. The author is someone who has actually been behind the scenes when all of it happened, and still, has presented in a neutral way, without any biasness towards any group.
Can't comment on the accuracy of the data, but in any case, the book is very much informative.
A must read if you're interested in politics and economics, and a bit of history, or just curious to know. I can't think of a better way in which this book could be structured. The author is someone who has actually been behind the scenes when all of it happened, and still, has presented in a neutral way, without any biasness towards any group.
Can't comment on the accuracy of the data, but in any case, the book is very much informative.
May 24, 2021
Montek Singh Ahluwalia’s stature as an economist is perhaps exceeded only by that of Manmohan Singh. Both served in a range of official positions related to the finance portfolio. While Manmohan Singh returned to the centre stage as a politician first as finance minister and then as prime minister of India, Ahluwalia vacated the stage after his post-retirement stint as the deputy chairman of the Planning Commission. Perhaps more meaningful roles await him if ever the Congress comes back to power. This book is his memoirs that consist of three parts – that leading to the 1991 reforms, the 1990s and the decade in which UPA was in power (2004-14). It also includes an epilogue to make a brief commentary on the performance of Modi with a suggestion of required reforms for the government to consider. Montek Singh had a brilliant academic career both in India and England and he returned to India as a civil servant abandoning a highly-paid job with the World Bank. This book is a comprehensive catalogue of almost three decades (1980 – 2014) which redefined India on the world economic map.
Along with the author’s reminiscences of his college days and early career in Washington, Ahluwalia provides a snapshot of the economic scene up to 1980, without dwelling too much on the Nehru era. We would be shocked to find too much politicization of the economy, sometimes going against the national interest. India was always ridden with a balance of payments crisis. The World Bank used to extend long term soft loans to developing countries with interest rates close to zero. In order to protect their money, the Bank used to set conditions regarding mandatory changes in the debtor’s economic policy. Opposition politicians used to cite these as infringement on the nation’s sovereignty. In 1966, India devalued the rupee by 36 per cent in one stroke to meet a precondition to a World Bank loan. However, US President Lyndon Johnson intervened to reject India’s claim due to its hostile position on the Vietnam War which US was prosecuting with disastrous consequences resulting in devaluation of the rupee without getting a loan. Another valid instance is related to the Green Revolution. India’s agriculture was in a poor shape with no prospect of a change for the better. The Club of Rome had remarked that India would not be able to feed herself and was too large to be fed by the rest of the world! Import of high yielding varieties of Mexican wheat seed became essential to kick-start the revolution. However, the left parties opposed the idea of Mexican wheat because it was actually developed by the American agronomist Norman Borlaug under a grant from Rockefeller Foundation and perceived it as adoption of US technology. Such was the level at which politics played in economic decision making in India. In the first case, India’s affinity to Vietnam’s suffering population can be justified on moral grounds, but the latter case is a clear vindication of the left’s propensity to follow the Soviet agenda even in spite of collision with India’s national interests in eradication of hunger.
Ahluwalia is a darling of the Congress party and he treats the dynasty’s economic policies without any censure even when many of them openly blocked the country’s progress. The cozying up to the family starts with the panegyrical conclusion that ‘Nehru had a distinct vision for India as a post-colonial economy going through a public-sector led process of modernisation’. This is delivered straight without a tinge of criticism. Indira lurched to the left in the 1960s and 70s to exploit populist sentiments for her faction in the party when the Congress was heading to a split. She was, however, somewhat open to reforms in the 1980s, but it was by gradualism and ‘stealth’. Ahluwalia’s claim that Rajiv Gandhi prepared India for the 21st century does not stand the negative observations that can be pulled out from the book itself. Rajiv was not a warm supporter of reforms. He reluctantly originated some reforms, but that were intended only to tide over the payments crisis India was facing. His attitude to reforms is clear from his well known remark that ‘we must give up controls, without giving up control. He never initiated the kind of systemic policy review that would reveal which strategic controls were to be retained. He was not even willing to issue a white paper on public sector reforms even after much persuasion. FDI remained pegged to priority sectors only and that too was capped at 40 per cent.
The real transformation came about in the early 1990s when Narasimha Rao dismantled archaic policies that stifled growth and spawned corruption in bureaucratic and political circles. He was ably assisted by Manmohan Singh handling the finance portfolio but Singh was not Rao’s first choice. It was only when I G Patel refused Rao’s invitation did the mantle fell on Singh. More details may be obtained from the book, ‘Half Lion’ by Vinay Sitapati, which was reviewed earlier. In a way, Singh reversed many of the policies which he himself had helped implement as a bureaucrat during Indira’s tenure. The author remarks that Rao was always cautious of leaving himself open to the charge of pushing through a new policy without consulting all concerned. The change in the world’s perception of India is evident from the response to Reliance Industries’ long term corporate bond with tenure of 100 years. These bonds for $100 million sold extremely well, while in 1991, India as a nation had to physically pledge its gold reserves in London as collateral to a loan from international banks.
This book attempts a comparison of Narasimha Rao and Manmohan Singh for the success of the 1991 reforms. It concedes that Rao recognized that the changes were necessary if India was to realise her full potential, but did not understand the full gamut of changes needed to unleash the economic prowess. Singh had been in government for twenty years as a senior civil servant and was aware of all ripples, however subtle, in Indian economy. Rao backed the policy changes while the crisis was raging and did little to educate the public on the need for continued reform. Singh was Ahluwalia’s mentor and the conduit through which he was absorbed into the civil service. So it is not astonishing to watch the author declaring that Manmohan Singh was the true architect of the reforms, but this would not have happened without Rao’s backing. The architect-backer dichotomy can be lucidly explained by another parallel. Ustad Ahmad Lahouri was the architect of Taj Mahal at Agra while Emperor Shah Jehan was the backer!
Ahluwalia devotes considerable effort to present the two tenures of Manmohan Singh as superlatives in performance almost as if he was a member of the cabinet. What he does by silence on Nehruvian policies is complemented by eloquence on Manmohan’s policies. While it may be true that Singh’s quiet leadership was the critical driving force that made the nuclear agreement with the US a reality, the overall failure and universal perception of horrible corruption is linked directly to Singh’s lack of roots in the party or with the public at large. Singh was a person with impeccable integrity but his ministers took him for granted. These aspects are not covered in this book that attempts to lionize Singh. It also tries its hand in whitewashing of 2G and coal block scams claiming that the presumptive loss calculations are flawed. It also contains an outrageous assertion that the CAG was unaware of basic accounting practices!
The author then makes a comparison of UPA ministries under Singh and the NDA ministry under Modi. This is just pure political discussion without any technical merit. Many factors are considered for evaluation but are riddled with naked cherry-picking. The contrast is made out between the best years of UPA with the worst of the NDA. For some parameters, he would take the year 2007-08 and for others it would be 2011-12 or any other convenient year. Looking at the statistical gymnastics one wonders whether Ahluwalia is really harping on the possibility of becoming the finance minister of the country in a future Congress regime.
The book is somewhat tedious to read at some places even though great effort has been made to make it palatable to the general reader. It provides an on-the-spot assessment of the events that unfolded in 1991 when the country made a paradigm shift from the socialist Nehruvian model. Overall, it gives a glimpse of India from 1980 to 2014.
The book is recommended.
Along with the author’s reminiscences of his college days and early career in Washington, Ahluwalia provides a snapshot of the economic scene up to 1980, without dwelling too much on the Nehru era. We would be shocked to find too much politicization of the economy, sometimes going against the national interest. India was always ridden with a balance of payments crisis. The World Bank used to extend long term soft loans to developing countries with interest rates close to zero. In order to protect their money, the Bank used to set conditions regarding mandatory changes in the debtor’s economic policy. Opposition politicians used to cite these as infringement on the nation’s sovereignty. In 1966, India devalued the rupee by 36 per cent in one stroke to meet a precondition to a World Bank loan. However, US President Lyndon Johnson intervened to reject India’s claim due to its hostile position on the Vietnam War which US was prosecuting with disastrous consequences resulting in devaluation of the rupee without getting a loan. Another valid instance is related to the Green Revolution. India’s agriculture was in a poor shape with no prospect of a change for the better. The Club of Rome had remarked that India would not be able to feed herself and was too large to be fed by the rest of the world! Import of high yielding varieties of Mexican wheat seed became essential to kick-start the revolution. However, the left parties opposed the idea of Mexican wheat because it was actually developed by the American agronomist Norman Borlaug under a grant from Rockefeller Foundation and perceived it as adoption of US technology. Such was the level at which politics played in economic decision making in India. In the first case, India’s affinity to Vietnam’s suffering population can be justified on moral grounds, but the latter case is a clear vindication of the left’s propensity to follow the Soviet agenda even in spite of collision with India’s national interests in eradication of hunger.
Ahluwalia is a darling of the Congress party and he treats the dynasty’s economic policies without any censure even when many of them openly blocked the country’s progress. The cozying up to the family starts with the panegyrical conclusion that ‘Nehru had a distinct vision for India as a post-colonial economy going through a public-sector led process of modernisation’. This is delivered straight without a tinge of criticism. Indira lurched to the left in the 1960s and 70s to exploit populist sentiments for her faction in the party when the Congress was heading to a split. She was, however, somewhat open to reforms in the 1980s, but it was by gradualism and ‘stealth’. Ahluwalia’s claim that Rajiv Gandhi prepared India for the 21st century does not stand the negative observations that can be pulled out from the book itself. Rajiv was not a warm supporter of reforms. He reluctantly originated some reforms, but that were intended only to tide over the payments crisis India was facing. His attitude to reforms is clear from his well known remark that ‘we must give up controls, without giving up control. He never initiated the kind of systemic policy review that would reveal which strategic controls were to be retained. He was not even willing to issue a white paper on public sector reforms even after much persuasion. FDI remained pegged to priority sectors only and that too was capped at 40 per cent.
The real transformation came about in the early 1990s when Narasimha Rao dismantled archaic policies that stifled growth and spawned corruption in bureaucratic and political circles. He was ably assisted by Manmohan Singh handling the finance portfolio but Singh was not Rao’s first choice. It was only when I G Patel refused Rao’s invitation did the mantle fell on Singh. More details may be obtained from the book, ‘Half Lion’ by Vinay Sitapati, which was reviewed earlier. In a way, Singh reversed many of the policies which he himself had helped implement as a bureaucrat during Indira’s tenure. The author remarks that Rao was always cautious of leaving himself open to the charge of pushing through a new policy without consulting all concerned. The change in the world’s perception of India is evident from the response to Reliance Industries’ long term corporate bond with tenure of 100 years. These bonds for $100 million sold extremely well, while in 1991, India as a nation had to physically pledge its gold reserves in London as collateral to a loan from international banks.
This book attempts a comparison of Narasimha Rao and Manmohan Singh for the success of the 1991 reforms. It concedes that Rao recognized that the changes were necessary if India was to realise her full potential, but did not understand the full gamut of changes needed to unleash the economic prowess. Singh had been in government for twenty years as a senior civil servant and was aware of all ripples, however subtle, in Indian economy. Rao backed the policy changes while the crisis was raging and did little to educate the public on the need for continued reform. Singh was Ahluwalia’s mentor and the conduit through which he was absorbed into the civil service. So it is not astonishing to watch the author declaring that Manmohan Singh was the true architect of the reforms, but this would not have happened without Rao’s backing. The architect-backer dichotomy can be lucidly explained by another parallel. Ustad Ahmad Lahouri was the architect of Taj Mahal at Agra while Emperor Shah Jehan was the backer!
Ahluwalia devotes considerable effort to present the two tenures of Manmohan Singh as superlatives in performance almost as if he was a member of the cabinet. What he does by silence on Nehruvian policies is complemented by eloquence on Manmohan’s policies. While it may be true that Singh’s quiet leadership was the critical driving force that made the nuclear agreement with the US a reality, the overall failure and universal perception of horrible corruption is linked directly to Singh’s lack of roots in the party or with the public at large. Singh was a person with impeccable integrity but his ministers took him for granted. These aspects are not covered in this book that attempts to lionize Singh. It also tries its hand in whitewashing of 2G and coal block scams claiming that the presumptive loss calculations are flawed. It also contains an outrageous assertion that the CAG was unaware of basic accounting practices!
The author then makes a comparison of UPA ministries under Singh and the NDA ministry under Modi. This is just pure political discussion without any technical merit. Many factors are considered for evaluation but are riddled with naked cherry-picking. The contrast is made out between the best years of UPA with the worst of the NDA. For some parameters, he would take the year 2007-08 and for others it would be 2011-12 or any other convenient year. Looking at the statistical gymnastics one wonders whether Ahluwalia is really harping on the possibility of becoming the finance minister of the country in a future Congress regime.
The book is somewhat tedious to read at some places even though great effort has been made to make it palatable to the general reader. It provides an on-the-spot assessment of the events that unfolded in 1991 when the country made a paradigm shift from the socialist Nehruvian model. Overall, it gives a glimpse of India from 1980 to 2014.
The book is recommended.
April 3, 2020
The backstage is great book contains enormous amount of information which brings the picture of India economic journey over the the years.
The book is basically divided into four parts and each one is more interesting and enthralling then the previous one.
The language is simple and clear and makes understanding the complex financial and developmental concept easy to understand.
I really enjoyed and appreciate the book and would highly recommend it for everyone to read in current time , when alot economical changes are taking place.
The book is basically divided into four parts and each one is more interesting and enthralling then the previous one.
The language is simple and clear and makes understanding the complex financial and developmental concept easy to understand.
I really enjoyed and appreciate the book and would highly recommend it for everyone to read in current time , when alot economical changes are taking place.
November 29, 2025
There was a high degree of arbitrariness in the decisions (..to grant import licences). A manufacturer of electric irons wanted to import a particular grade of stainless steel. Domestically produced steel sheets were too thick and would make the iron too heavy. Import of thinner sheets would have been readily allowed if the production of electric irons was for exports, where quality was acknowledged to be paramount, but it was felt the domestic consumer could make do with a heavy iron. No one seemed bothered that the domestic producer would never gain credibility to market his product internationally if his general production line was deemed substandard!
---
I very rarely read memoirs but Montek Singh Ahluwalia was on the scene and in the midst of it for two of the most impactful periods of Indian (economic) history - the opening up of the economy of 1991-92 and the high growth years of 2004-2010.
After Manmohan Singh, Montek Singh Ahluwalia is probably someone who you associate most with economic reforms in India. His memoir is an excellent compilation of all the major shifts in polity in India since he joined the Indian government as a bureaucrat in 1979.
He doesn't underplay his role in many of these reforms but also doesn't really seem to overplay it either. He is very understanding of the political constraints that his Prime Ministers and Finance Ministers were under and the only possible way to do these reforms were by "stealth".
I think a large reason why the current government has been unable to replicate the economic impact of Narasimha Rao in 1991-92 and Manmohan Singh in 2004-2010 despite not being constrained by coalition politics and internal party conflicts is because they haven't been able to attract people of Ahluwalia's caliber to work in the shadows of the government.
Either way, a very recommended read for those interested in modern India's transition from a closed economy to a (partially) open one, the realities of working as a senior bureaucrat and also many fun anecdotes of his time working in the government.
---
I very rarely read memoirs but Montek Singh Ahluwalia was on the scene and in the midst of it for two of the most impactful periods of Indian (economic) history - the opening up of the economy of 1991-92 and the high growth years of 2004-2010.
After Manmohan Singh, Montek Singh Ahluwalia is probably someone who you associate most with economic reforms in India. His memoir is an excellent compilation of all the major shifts in polity in India since he joined the Indian government as a bureaucrat in 1979.
He doesn't underplay his role in many of these reforms but also doesn't really seem to overplay it either. He is very understanding of the political constraints that his Prime Ministers and Finance Ministers were under and the only possible way to do these reforms were by "stealth".
I think a large reason why the current government has been unable to replicate the economic impact of Narasimha Rao in 1991-92 and Manmohan Singh in 2004-2010 despite not being constrained by coalition politics and internal party conflicts is because they haven't been able to attract people of Ahluwalia's caliber to work in the shadows of the government.
Either way, a very recommended read for those interested in modern India's transition from a closed economy to a (partially) open one, the realities of working as a senior bureaucrat and also many fun anecdotes of his time working in the government.
March 1, 2020
The book talks about Indian history, politics and economy. It also shows how policy change was pushed through—at first, slowly, under Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi, and then much more boldly in 1991. Narration is good and engaging. I haven't read anything on such topics before but I liked it. Easy-to-gasp language helps the story moving ahead well but it's quite lengthy. Overall, it is an informative book.
March 5, 2020
I picked up as reading recent trends in newspaper about economy and I have poor knowledge regarding that. And this book turned out quite good and informative. The book has been divide into parts and written in well explained manner. I was afraid that it will be in form of data, tables and to the point descriptive format but it’s written in story/article or in form of verbal narration so I enjoyed reading it. Overall good one.
March 5, 2020
The book navigates the legislative issues, characters, occasions and emergencies in India's ongoing history It felt great finding out about our Nation's financial changes From the ascent of government to the fall of government appears right now. The book subtleties on all the emergency and strategies that India had experienced in recent decades and how the improvement of India's GDP affected its advancement The book discusses every single fundamental component of the economy of a nation including legislative issues that impacts it
November 11, 2020
Definitely one of the best books I have read in 2020! Through the book, MSA has laid out the pre & post license raj years with equal emphasis given to both, the economic and political scenario. The book is written in the best possible manner with MSA explaining gradual changes in the Indian economic scenario while maintaining an unbiased tone.
This is a must read for anyone who is interested to have a recap on how India set on the path of reforms to become one of the most promising emerging economies.
This is a must read for anyone who is interested to have a recap on how India set on the path of reforms to become one of the most promising emerging economies.
March 9, 2021
A good book if you have interest in economics and how politics influence decisions keeping economic principals in the backfoot. Tells a lot about Prime minister manmohan singh too. The book is very well structured.
March 2, 2020
Enlightening!
A travelogue of India’s journey of economic reforms.
It follows the story of Ahluwalia from his humble beginnings in Secunderabad to his walk in the power corridors of Delhi.
Ahluwalia played a key role in the transformation of India from a state-run to a market-based economy, and remained a constant fixture at the top of India's economic policy establishment for an unprecedented period of three decades. The book details on all the crisis and policies that India had gone through over the past three decades and how the improvement of India's GDP had an impact on its development. And how this rise in GDP actually came out to be with the help of change in the economic policies. I was always fascinated with the subject economics, trying to understand how things can be changed so easily with the right tools and reading this book not only gave some insider info but it also showed me how many wonderful individuals were important and necessary for our country to be what it is today.
All in all, a great one time read.
A travelogue of India’s journey of economic reforms.
It follows the story of Ahluwalia from his humble beginnings in Secunderabad to his walk in the power corridors of Delhi.
Ahluwalia played a key role in the transformation of India from a state-run to a market-based economy, and remained a constant fixture at the top of India's economic policy establishment for an unprecedented period of three decades. The book details on all the crisis and policies that India had gone through over the past three decades and how the improvement of India's GDP had an impact on its development. And how this rise in GDP actually came out to be with the help of change in the economic policies. I was always fascinated with the subject economics, trying to understand how things can be changed so easily with the right tools and reading this book not only gave some insider info but it also showed me how many wonderful individuals were important and necessary for our country to be what it is today.
All in all, a great one time read.
March 14, 2020
This book is written by the author Montek singh Ahluwalia.
Montek singh Ahluwalia, the great indian economist and civil servant, who was the deputy chairman of the planning commission of India.
He was awarded the padma vibhushan, India's second highest civilan honour by the president of India in 2011 for his outstanding contribution to economic policy and public service.
The book is telling India's story, that is history, Politics, and Economy.
The book gives a clear, step by step account of the moments in that reform process and is particularly useful on the build up to 1991.
The language used in this book is simple and understandable. Overall it's a gud read with lot of knowledge.
Must read.
Montek singh Ahluwalia, the great indian economist and civil servant, who was the deputy chairman of the planning commission of India.
He was awarded the padma vibhushan, India's second highest civilan honour by the president of India in 2011 for his outstanding contribution to economic policy and public service.
The book is telling India's story, that is history, Politics, and Economy.
The book gives a clear, step by step account of the moments in that reform process and is particularly useful on the build up to 1991.
The language used in this book is simple and understandable. Overall it's a gud read with lot of knowledge.
Must read.
August 28, 2022
Great story about how the Liberalization story happened in India. Montek was one of the key guys and in this book, he has given a good description of what all transpired. Every party in power has given their contribution for the progress of the country.
He bravely covers the coalgate and 2G scams and said they were all imagined scams -- and I guess the recent SC judgement proves his point to an extent. I am a child of liberalization and have taken the full benefit of these policies. We went from a middle class family to an upper middle class these days and that was just because of the policies that the likes of Montek, MMS, Narasimha Rao did in the 90s.
Highly recommend this book.
He bravely covers the coalgate and 2G scams and said they were all imagined scams -- and I guess the recent SC judgement proves his point to an extent. I am a child of liberalization and have taken the full benefit of these policies. We went from a middle class family to an upper middle class these days and that was just because of the policies that the likes of Montek, MMS, Narasimha Rao did in the 90s.
Highly recommend this book.
March 4, 2020
Backstage :The Story Behind India's High Growth Years by Montek Singh Ahluwalia is a biography which tells us how Ahluwalia played an important role in the transformation of India to a market based economy. The author has discussed the story behind the India's economic growth under the UPA nicely. He has also discussed the rise and fall of UPA government.
Narration is witty and humorous with grasping language.
Overall, an informative read.
Narration is witty and humorous with grasping language.
Overall, an informative read.
January 4, 2025
I had the privilege of meeting Mr. Ahluwalia at a workshop in my post-graduate public policy program, and we received this book as a giveaway there.
This book marks the first out of the three books I wanted to first read about the 1991 reforms.
What India was able to achieve in terms of growth post 1991 has been nothing short of spectacular. Managing the complexities of unintuitive economic concepts with political incentives and civil society demands is a mammoth task, and the many examples in this book are a testament to the same.
I really liked the justifications and slow, reflective approach that Mr. Ahluwalia took when explaining his stances.
In a few chapters, I did feel that the book was tending towards a defensive approach to the criticisms aimed at the UPA. However, I doubt there's any self reflection possible without biases.
Lastly, a really beautiful thing I noticed about Mr. Ahluwalia's writing is how, in the middle of all the serious concepts and complexities, he wrote with utmost love and respect about his relationship with his late wife, Isher. The hopeless romantic in me shed a few tears and smiled through the words describing their relationship. :')
Recommended to anyone wanting to understand how economics, politics and policy can shape ordinary people's lives.
This book marks the first out of the three books I wanted to first read about the 1991 reforms.
What India was able to achieve in terms of growth post 1991 has been nothing short of spectacular. Managing the complexities of unintuitive economic concepts with political incentives and civil society demands is a mammoth task, and the many examples in this book are a testament to the same.
I really liked the justifications and slow, reflective approach that Mr. Ahluwalia took when explaining his stances.
In a few chapters, I did feel that the book was tending towards a defensive approach to the criticisms aimed at the UPA. However, I doubt there's any self reflection possible without biases.
Lastly, a really beautiful thing I noticed about Mr. Ahluwalia's writing is how, in the middle of all the serious concepts and complexities, he wrote with utmost love and respect about his relationship with his late wife, Isher. The hopeless romantic in me shed a few tears and smiled through the words describing their relationship. :')
Recommended to anyone wanting to understand how economics, politics and policy can shape ordinary people's lives.
February 21, 2022
Backstage is not just the story behind the growth years of India as the name suggests, backstage of the political executive is a permanent executive and they are making our governance function with continuity with several reforms, policies and agendas despite political executive changing at times with full terms and in case of growth years there was a patchy decade where five governments were changed, where it was backstage heroes who gripped the reforms and made it possible that we grow.
Montek tells the story from India being asked to send physical gold to IMF and WB to get a loan for deficit financing to mother of economic reform to macroeconomics achievement and India being placed in BRICS among fastest growing and emerging market of the world and how we could have done better in other fronts as well. Even the assessment of scams which were not scams apart from headlines for journalists and improper auditing at the chief office in India which were corrected later.
This is a phenomenal book on the history of the growth years of India with the integration of India with the global markets from the man who himself led at different departments and others like him is a critical report of macroeconomic economic reform in a complex and diverse country like India.
Montek tells the story from India being asked to send physical gold to IMF and WB to get a loan for deficit financing to mother of economic reform to macroeconomics achievement and India being placed in BRICS among fastest growing and emerging market of the world and how we could have done better in other fronts as well. Even the assessment of scams which were not scams apart from headlines for journalists and improper auditing at the chief office in India which were corrected later.
This is a phenomenal book on the history of the growth years of India with the integration of India with the global markets from the man who himself led at different departments and others like him is a critical report of macroeconomic economic reform in a complex and diverse country like India.
February 2, 2023
Written by the former Deputy Chairman of the Planning Commission Mr Montek Singh Ahluwalia, the book provides an in-depth look at how India achieved its high growth rate over the past two decades.
It also examines some of the challenges that were faced along the way and offers insights into how these issues could be addressed in order to sustain future economic success.
The book also focuses on understanding why India was able to achieve such rapid growth during this period, with particular emphasis placed on reforms implemented since 1991 when liberalization began taking place.
It looks at various factors including fiscal policy, infrastructure development, foreign direct investment (FDI), trade policies, banking sector reform and more.
Each chapter contains detailed analysis backed up with relevant data which makes for interesting reading even if you are not particularly familiar with economics or finance topics. Highly recommended those interested in learning more about modern-day macroeconomics!
It also examines some of the challenges that were faced along the way and offers insights into how these issues could be addressed in order to sustain future economic success.
The book also focuses on understanding why India was able to achieve such rapid growth during this period, with particular emphasis placed on reforms implemented since 1991 when liberalization began taking place.
It looks at various factors including fiscal policy, infrastructure development, foreign direct investment (FDI), trade policies, banking sector reform and more.
Each chapter contains detailed analysis backed up with relevant data which makes for interesting reading even if you are not particularly familiar with economics or finance topics. Highly recommended those interested in learning more about modern-day macroeconomics!
November 29, 2022
This is, the Epitome of Individual Excellence. If knowing Indian Economy is our duty, then BACKSTAGE is the go to book.
Perfect blend of easy-to-read + mature writing + technical + facts [Sometimes, tough :P]. Mr Montek has reposed my faith in good Politics. Persistency will always remind me of you.
You are an inspiration, Mr. Montek! Thank you for writing this wonderful book :) BACKSTAGE: The Story behind India’s High Growth Years
Perfect blend of easy-to-read + mature writing + technical + facts [Sometimes, tough :P]. Mr Montek has reposed my faith in good Politics. Persistency will always remind me of you.
You are an inspiration, Mr. Montek! Thank you for writing this wonderful book :) BACKSTAGE: The Story behind India’s High Growth Years
June 5, 2021
Must read for anyone who's curious about policy making that underwent in India since 1960s. He's also called out the stupidity of all the purported *scams* by an overtly ambitious but clearly incompetent CAG during UPA II. The kind of achievements the duo of Dr Singh and Montek achieved, particularly on growth and poverty reduction, is simply unparalleled which myopic Indian public failed to comprehend. Finally, the best part about reading accounts of learned people like Montek is that you almost always get some great links/recommendations of other equally great works. Found one such (Deng Xiaoping and transformation of China) in this gem of a book.
April 15, 2020
Being an integral part of the economic reforms in India montek Singh ahluwalia did an excellent job in penning down his experiences and thinkings. He crafts his ideas in a beautiful manner along with throwing proper light on all the facts and reports. So the book was a very satisfying read.
February 13, 2023
Many doesn’t know the growth story of Indian economy. This book gives a great insight into that & I started appreciating the hard yards put by people like Montek, Manmohan, PVNR & many more. His ideas for developing India for the next decade needs to be thought through and implemented for India 2030.
Special mention to the Indo-US nuclear deal chapter. Loved reading it
Special mention to the Indo-US nuclear deal chapter. Loved reading it
May 16, 2021
Hearing bits and pieces about the "Opening up of Indian Economy", I had some sense around a few initiatives taken up by the Govt of India. However, I was yet to be born at that time and had thus missed the entire euphoria of India arriving for the world. :P
Montek's book here provides a very detailed account of the major reforms brought in by India from the 1980s onwards. First-hand discussions, evaluation of different options at hand, and the way different Ministries and Ministers went about decision making make this book a very rich source to learn about change management, persuasion, and the value of networking.
Given Montek has been involved with Congress-led regimes for the majority of his stint, I felt there was a slight bias towards most decisions taken by those governments. However, he brings a fresh perspective towards the good done by those governments which are often downplayed in the Modi era.
Montek's book here provides a very detailed account of the major reforms brought in by India from the 1980s onwards. First-hand discussions, evaluation of different options at hand, and the way different Ministries and Ministers went about decision making make this book a very rich source to learn about change management, persuasion, and the value of networking.
Given Montek has been involved with Congress-led regimes for the majority of his stint, I felt there was a slight bias towards most decisions taken by those governments. However, he brings a fresh perspective towards the good done by those governments which are often downplayed in the Modi era.
June 8, 2021
Rating: 4.0/5
I was reluctant to pick up this book, thinking that the former Deputy Commissioner of the Soviet styled 'Planning Commission' of India will represent the old control economy thinking which dominated India. Little did I know that it was Montek Singh who advocated for a more liberal and open economy as early as 1990 in the famous "M Document".
This author successfully accomplishes what he had set out to do, provide a crisp and introspective travelogue of the economic development in India in the past 40 years. The key highlight of this book is gaining an insight into how decisions are made in the largest democracy in the world, where political constraints often restrict policy space. The evolution in how the consensus on how the economy should be run is clearly laid out and all the key players and their contributions are also highlighted.
How different policies interplayed and the exact timeline of reforms is often overwhelming for an individual to grasp from various sources online. The author who is clearly an authority figure on the matter provides a clear and crisp account. The range of topics discussed go from fiscal and trade reforms to various policies implemented to enhance inclusive growth in the country. The book is extremely easy to read and I swept past it in 5 days.
There are two main criticisms that I have. The book clearly lacks a central argument, something which ties various arguments together to create a cohesive essay. While it is fine for a travelogue to do so, it makes the information provided easy to forget. The description of a lot of interesting developments which come one after the other maintains your interest, but you often forget what was talked about a few pages ago.
The second criticism is the clear bias that the author has towards the UPA government. While the influence that Dr Manmohan Singh had on the author is tremendous, it is clear that the author is pulling his punches when talking about the various corruption scandals, poor fiscal and inflation management and inefficient banking loans given under the UPA government.
Despite some shortcomings, I would recommend this book to anyone with an interest in India's economy.
I was reluctant to pick up this book, thinking that the former Deputy Commissioner of the Soviet styled 'Planning Commission' of India will represent the old control economy thinking which dominated India. Little did I know that it was Montek Singh who advocated for a more liberal and open economy as early as 1990 in the famous "M Document".
This author successfully accomplishes what he had set out to do, provide a crisp and introspective travelogue of the economic development in India in the past 40 years. The key highlight of this book is gaining an insight into how decisions are made in the largest democracy in the world, where political constraints often restrict policy space. The evolution in how the consensus on how the economy should be run is clearly laid out and all the key players and their contributions are also highlighted.
How different policies interplayed and the exact timeline of reforms is often overwhelming for an individual to grasp from various sources online. The author who is clearly an authority figure on the matter provides a clear and crisp account. The range of topics discussed go from fiscal and trade reforms to various policies implemented to enhance inclusive growth in the country. The book is extremely easy to read and I swept past it in 5 days.
There are two main criticisms that I have. The book clearly lacks a central argument, something which ties various arguments together to create a cohesive essay. While it is fine for a travelogue to do so, it makes the information provided easy to forget. The description of a lot of interesting developments which come one after the other maintains your interest, but you often forget what was talked about a few pages ago.
The second criticism is the clear bias that the author has towards the UPA government. While the influence that Dr Manmohan Singh had on the author is tremendous, it is clear that the author is pulling his punches when talking about the various corruption scandals, poor fiscal and inflation management and inefficient banking loans given under the UPA government.
Despite some shortcomings, I would recommend this book to anyone with an interest in India's economy.
March 13, 2020
“BACKSTAGE” is the gripping epic saga of India’s extra-ordinary economic triumph!!..
This is written by none other than highly inspiring and brilliant Indian economist turned bureaucrat- MONTEK SINGH AHLUWALIA. This book has been written in a story telling format which keeps the reader glued until the end.
The success of the book lies in presenting vivid outlook of the state of Indian economy, political situation and the challenges ahead. The book outlines many instances how bureaucrats have roller-coaster walk balancing economic priorities and political aspirations of the leaders. This was particularly well pronounced during the account on economic activities during UPA II. Author clearly highlights the need of keeping the policy framework open to expression, critical review and appraisal process which we can connect to even our corporate lives. Author gives lucid account of typical youngster who wants to take challenges head on and for that take calculated risks which at that point might appear to be very high. Author’s rightful respect for Manmohan Singh is very well articulated. Author vividly depicts the character of this great statesman. Author has tried his best to highlight important initiatives and leadership demonstrations by all the prime ministers and finance ministers during his tenure though his affection for Manmohan Singh does stand out clearly.
This book is highly recommended for all those who are interested to know the great leapfrog by India during 1990-91 to get into orbital change and gallop on the high growth trajectory. This book introduces the complexity of the economic distortions that the author witnessed, ways to overcome and challenges in doing so. It also provides the account of importance of bringing fresh air, constantly challenging old ways – such as reorganization of Planning commission- its new avatar in the form of Niti Ayog. Author explains the importance of having very well-articulated economic vision and the need of all actions orchestrated in that direction. This is the hallmark of this book.
This is written by none other than highly inspiring and brilliant Indian economist turned bureaucrat- MONTEK SINGH AHLUWALIA. This book has been written in a story telling format which keeps the reader glued until the end.
The success of the book lies in presenting vivid outlook of the state of Indian economy, political situation and the challenges ahead. The book outlines many instances how bureaucrats have roller-coaster walk balancing economic priorities and political aspirations of the leaders. This was particularly well pronounced during the account on economic activities during UPA II. Author clearly highlights the need of keeping the policy framework open to expression, critical review and appraisal process which we can connect to even our corporate lives. Author gives lucid account of typical youngster who wants to take challenges head on and for that take calculated risks which at that point might appear to be very high. Author’s rightful respect for Manmohan Singh is very well articulated. Author vividly depicts the character of this great statesman. Author has tried his best to highlight important initiatives and leadership demonstrations by all the prime ministers and finance ministers during his tenure though his affection for Manmohan Singh does stand out clearly.
This book is highly recommended for all those who are interested to know the great leapfrog by India during 1990-91 to get into orbital change and gallop on the high growth trajectory. This book introduces the complexity of the economic distortions that the author witnessed, ways to overcome and challenges in doing so. It also provides the account of importance of bringing fresh air, constantly challenging old ways – such as reorganization of Planning commission- its new avatar in the form of Niti Ayog. Author explains the importance of having very well-articulated economic vision and the need of all actions orchestrated in that direction. This is the hallmark of this book.
April 14, 2024
An excellent summary of the thinking, objectives and compulsions behind the key economic decisions and actions taken by various Indian governments over a 35 year period, from around 1980 to 2014. There is a little bit of the author's own personal story, but as he clearly indicates at the very beginning, this book is not a memoir. By and large, barring a quick summary of his early years, the few personal elements are all woven into his experience as an economist with the World Bank, IMF and most of all, the Indian government. This is a fast-paced read that covers a lot of ground on the evolution of government economic policies and policy making processes without ever getting too technical or complex. So it is quite unlike Urijit Patel's book, "Overdraft" which I had read a few years back. Of course, the latter was narrower in scope, largely focused on the NPA problems with India's banks and not as wide-ranging as this one. I mention this not to compare the two books but to highlight that this one is an easier read for most people, even for those with nothing more than a passing acquaintance with economics and economic policies.
The book is structured in four parts - Part I covering his early years, graduation and post-graduation and early years with the World Bank, and ending with his return back home to join the central government as an advisor in the Ministry of Finance. The second part covers the 80s decade, the period from Indira Gandhi's return to power in 1980, Rajiv Gandhi's government from 84-89, the Janata Dal coalitions and ends with the 1991 balance of payments crisis. Part III is largely about the 90s - covering the major economic liberalization in PV Narasimha Rao's government, the United Front coalition years and the Vajpayee years - in the 2nd half of which the author also stepped out from a government role to a role in the IMF to setup the Independent Evaluation Office of the IMF. The fourth part is all about the UPA years - UPA-1 and UPA-2 and the continuation of the reforms, the significant acceleration of India's growth trajectory in UPA-1 and the difficult political years towards the end of UPA-2. In this section, the author is also a bit more expansive on select topics such as the role of the Planning Commission, Building Infrastructure through PPPs, Inclusive growth, the Nuclear treaty with the US etc. Finally, there is also an epilogue that touches on the first 5 years of the Modi-led BJP government from 2014-2019.
Given his long association with the UPA and Congress governments (though he also served in various capacities in the Janata Dal government and briefly in the Vajpayee government as well), it is also a book remarkably free from political rancour and personal mud-slinging of the various personalities the author had worked with or been associated with over the years, even those he disagreed with meaningfully. By and large, he even has kind words for even many of those he did not agree with or who probably espoused beliefs different from his own. The one consistent personal thread through the book that comes through is his long and lasting admiration and affection for Manmohan Singh - mostly reflected as a gentle undercurrent, never as any over the board praise or flattery.
The subtext of the book's title is "The story behind India's high growth years", and that is pretty much what most of the book covers starting from the early 80s with the return of Indira Gandhi when India moved from the 3-4% GDP growth trend to a 5%+ GDP growth trend, and following the 1991 liberalization to the 7-8%+ GDP growth trend. In between, he touches on Rajiv Gandhi's reformist approach and progressive mindset with some nice anecdotes about the initial bits of economic liberalization that were begun by him - in areas such as telecom and computerization. He also has nice things to say about VP Singh as a Finance Minister (though not so much as a prime minister) and Deve Gowda's sharpness even when it seemed like he was sleeping!
Given the vast scope of reforms and the significant undoing required of the License-Permit Raj, much of the meat in terms of economic thinking and policy shaping is in the third and fourth parts of the book - starting with liberalization under PV Narasimha Rao, designed, led and executed by Manmohan Singh as Finance Minister, and then through the Vajpayee years, UPA-1 and UPA-2. Some lovely behind-the-scenes stories and amusing anecdotes behind major decisions and actions (such as the second nuclear test under Vajpayee, the nuclear treaty with US under MMS, and various financial sector reforms) also liven the storytelling, keeping one engaged as a reader.
What's missing in the book are the details behind the political hot potato issues of the time that were not directly tied to economic decisions. For instance, things like the Gujarat riots, Nirbhaya case or terrorist attacks only get a fleeting mention. But it does look into some of the more economic-centered corruption issues such as the 2G scam and the coal scam in some detail, particularly the former. The author makes a sound and compelling case exposing the flawed reasoning behind the CAG's estimates of the 2G scam, which unfortunately led to a great deal of problems for UPA-2, without being of much merit in the first place. What's also missing is any deep/elaborate economic exposition of economic theories. While that is not the purpose of the book, at times, I did feel like he could have been a bit more expansive in explaining the economic logic behind his reservations against a few policies and decisions - to quote one, the revision to the National Accounts Series that many people think overstates growth today. It's a minor quibble though I feel an appendix on such issues would be a good addition to the book.
Overall, this is a fantastic book and worth reading to understand the story of India's positive economic transition in the 90s and 2000s, much of which is being unnecessarily denigrated today while the present government is itself taking us backwards both economically and socially. We achieved incredible things in the 90s and 200s, some of which we can only appreciate in hindsight and after seeing how we have regressed over the last 8-9 years. For that alone, it's worth reading this so that we can remember again a time when a forward-looking aspirational India was visible across the economic spectrum. I can only hope that we find our way back to the sort of policy making that drives inclusive growth again with positive spin-off effects on the national mood and national priorities.
The book is structured in four parts - Part I covering his early years, graduation and post-graduation and early years with the World Bank, and ending with his return back home to join the central government as an advisor in the Ministry of Finance. The second part covers the 80s decade, the period from Indira Gandhi's return to power in 1980, Rajiv Gandhi's government from 84-89, the Janata Dal coalitions and ends with the 1991 balance of payments crisis. Part III is largely about the 90s - covering the major economic liberalization in PV Narasimha Rao's government, the United Front coalition years and the Vajpayee years - in the 2nd half of which the author also stepped out from a government role to a role in the IMF to setup the Independent Evaluation Office of the IMF. The fourth part is all about the UPA years - UPA-1 and UPA-2 and the continuation of the reforms, the significant acceleration of India's growth trajectory in UPA-1 and the difficult political years towards the end of UPA-2. In this section, the author is also a bit more expansive on select topics such as the role of the Planning Commission, Building Infrastructure through PPPs, Inclusive growth, the Nuclear treaty with the US etc. Finally, there is also an epilogue that touches on the first 5 years of the Modi-led BJP government from 2014-2019.
Given his long association with the UPA and Congress governments (though he also served in various capacities in the Janata Dal government and briefly in the Vajpayee government as well), it is also a book remarkably free from political rancour and personal mud-slinging of the various personalities the author had worked with or been associated with over the years, even those he disagreed with meaningfully. By and large, he even has kind words for even many of those he did not agree with or who probably espoused beliefs different from his own. The one consistent personal thread through the book that comes through is his long and lasting admiration and affection for Manmohan Singh - mostly reflected as a gentle undercurrent, never as any over the board praise or flattery.
The subtext of the book's title is "The story behind India's high growth years", and that is pretty much what most of the book covers starting from the early 80s with the return of Indira Gandhi when India moved from the 3-4% GDP growth trend to a 5%+ GDP growth trend, and following the 1991 liberalization to the 7-8%+ GDP growth trend. In between, he touches on Rajiv Gandhi's reformist approach and progressive mindset with some nice anecdotes about the initial bits of economic liberalization that were begun by him - in areas such as telecom and computerization. He also has nice things to say about VP Singh as a Finance Minister (though not so much as a prime minister) and Deve Gowda's sharpness even when it seemed like he was sleeping!
Given the vast scope of reforms and the significant undoing required of the License-Permit Raj, much of the meat in terms of economic thinking and policy shaping is in the third and fourth parts of the book - starting with liberalization under PV Narasimha Rao, designed, led and executed by Manmohan Singh as Finance Minister, and then through the Vajpayee years, UPA-1 and UPA-2. Some lovely behind-the-scenes stories and amusing anecdotes behind major decisions and actions (such as the second nuclear test under Vajpayee, the nuclear treaty with US under MMS, and various financial sector reforms) also liven the storytelling, keeping one engaged as a reader.
What's missing in the book are the details behind the political hot potato issues of the time that were not directly tied to economic decisions. For instance, things like the Gujarat riots, Nirbhaya case or terrorist attacks only get a fleeting mention. But it does look into some of the more economic-centered corruption issues such as the 2G scam and the coal scam in some detail, particularly the former. The author makes a sound and compelling case exposing the flawed reasoning behind the CAG's estimates of the 2G scam, which unfortunately led to a great deal of problems for UPA-2, without being of much merit in the first place. What's also missing is any deep/elaborate economic exposition of economic theories. While that is not the purpose of the book, at times, I did feel like he could have been a bit more expansive in explaining the economic logic behind his reservations against a few policies and decisions - to quote one, the revision to the National Accounts Series that many people think overstates growth today. It's a minor quibble though I feel an appendix on such issues would be a good addition to the book.
Overall, this is a fantastic book and worth reading to understand the story of India's positive economic transition in the 90s and 2000s, much of which is being unnecessarily denigrated today while the present government is itself taking us backwards both economically and socially. We achieved incredible things in the 90s and 200s, some of which we can only appreciate in hindsight and after seeing how we have regressed over the last 8-9 years. For that alone, it's worth reading this so that we can remember again a time when a forward-looking aspirational India was visible across the economic spectrum. I can only hope that we find our way back to the sort of policy making that drives inclusive growth again with positive spin-off effects on the national mood and national priorities.
March 29, 2020
I picked up this book with great enthusiasm. I made a silent prayer that hope it isn’t a political play on economics and to my joy it isn’t.
I truly enjoyed the starting chapters, that detailed the author's early years. It set me up well to read the book. I too agree with Aung San Suu Kyi, that Mr. Ahluwalia made an excellent choice in Mrs. Isher Ahluwalia being his wife.
The book covers Indian economy from 1980 to 2014. The entire journey saw lots of leadership and economic changes. These changes have been captured beautifully, by providing the relevant political context in which the economic changes were being made.
My personal favorite is when the author was reviewing a speech that Rajiv Gandhi was to deliver. The speech talked about non-violence being deeply rooted in our value system. To this, the author observes that the statement is exaggerated, as the history of India is full of violence. After thinking about it for some time, Rajiv Gandhi responded, "Well, that may be true of the practice, but nonviolence as a principle has been embedded in our culture. Principles are important, even when we don’t always live up to them."
Full review at : https://richareadseverything.blogspot...
I truly enjoyed the starting chapters, that detailed the author's early years. It set me up well to read the book. I too agree with Aung San Suu Kyi, that Mr. Ahluwalia made an excellent choice in Mrs. Isher Ahluwalia being his wife.
The book covers Indian economy from 1980 to 2014. The entire journey saw lots of leadership and economic changes. These changes have been captured beautifully, by providing the relevant political context in which the economic changes were being made.
My personal favorite is when the author was reviewing a speech that Rajiv Gandhi was to deliver. The speech talked about non-violence being deeply rooted in our value system. To this, the author observes that the statement is exaggerated, as the history of India is full of violence. After thinking about it for some time, Rajiv Gandhi responded, "Well, that may be true of the practice, but nonviolence as a principle has been embedded in our culture. Principles are important, even when we don’t always live up to them."
Full review at : https://richareadseverything.blogspot...
May 23, 2020
Completed Backstage by Montek Singh Ahluwalia
The book stands out to its title and truly presents a backstage and a closer account of policy formulation of the country in the last 30 years.
The author touches major reforms taken by our country and how India traversed its journey from a nascent low growth socially dominated state to a more mature high growth inclusive state.
The author being from an academically dominated background shows aptly what it is like to work and enable decisions in a politically driven system.
The book talks in details about the reforms taken by the UPA which have become the foundation of the current NDA government’s vision.
He touches on unknown aspects of various instances (like the 2G scam) and delves into unknown/unaware details which brings a good perspective.
A quote by Manmohan Singh that “History will judge me more kindly than the press does today”, while this is close to a universal fact about Dr. Singh this book will help achieve the same.
A great read for someone who is willing to understand the economic reforms taken by the country and what lies ahead.
The book stands out to its title and truly presents a backstage and a closer account of policy formulation of the country in the last 30 years.
The author touches major reforms taken by our country and how India traversed its journey from a nascent low growth socially dominated state to a more mature high growth inclusive state.
The author being from an academically dominated background shows aptly what it is like to work and enable decisions in a politically driven system.
The book talks in details about the reforms taken by the UPA which have become the foundation of the current NDA government’s vision.
He touches on unknown aspects of various instances (like the 2G scam) and delves into unknown/unaware details which brings a good perspective.
A quote by Manmohan Singh that “History will judge me more kindly than the press does today”, while this is close to a universal fact about Dr. Singh this book will help achieve the same.
A great read for someone who is willing to understand the economic reforms taken by the country and what lies ahead.
March 7, 2020
Thanks a lot
Backstage is not a book it's a travelog to the journey of India's economic reforms that author himself has witness. It was a great honour to read this book. The book give you analysis of economic reforms with easy language which makes it's understanding to non - economic reader's also. The book is loaded with different angles of economic reforms giving you a wider view. A perfect read for anyone.
Some lines from story
1)I tested the hypothesis that the per capita agricultural GDP is inversely correlated with the percentage of the rural population in poverty. Having found evidence in support of this hypothesis, I argued that the way to reduce rural poverty over time was to accelerate the growth of per capita agricultural GDP.
2) An approach that seemed to work particularly well was to first introduce an idea as a suggestion, explore its implications with a senior colleague, subsequently refer to the idea as one that had evolved jointly in the discussion, and finally include more and more people in that discussion and share credit for the idea.
Backstage is not a book it's a travelog to the journey of India's economic reforms that author himself has witness. It was a great honour to read this book. The book give you analysis of economic reforms with easy language which makes it's understanding to non - economic reader's also. The book is loaded with different angles of economic reforms giving you a wider view. A perfect read for anyone.
Some lines from story
1)I tested the hypothesis that the per capita agricultural GDP is inversely correlated with the percentage of the rural population in poverty. Having found evidence in support of this hypothesis, I argued that the way to reduce rural poverty over time was to accelerate the growth of per capita agricultural GDP.
2) An approach that seemed to work particularly well was to first introduce an idea as a suggestion, explore its implications with a senior colleague, subsequently refer to the idea as one that had evolved jointly in the discussion, and finally include more and more people in that discussion and share credit for the idea.
March 4, 2020
This book is really great to read.
At first when I picked up this to read I thought this one would be a boring one, referring to India's economy and political reforms but whn I started reading it had all intresting and informative read. This book gives you a vast idea on India's growth on economy.
This book starts with the story of Montek Singh Alhuwalia in his early days how his early life was, where and how did he complete his education and why his family travelled frm Secunderbad in Pakistan to Delhi.
This book narrates all ups ans down faced in development of Indian economy. It also shows how policy change was pushed through at first slowly under Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi and then in 1991.
The language used in the book is simple and understandable. The cover of the book is also nice.
If one has to know about India and its growth in Economy then this is the book. I recommened reading this book to all.
At first when I picked up this to read I thought this one would be a boring one, referring to India's economy and political reforms but whn I started reading it had all intresting and informative read. This book gives you a vast idea on India's growth on economy.
This book starts with the story of Montek Singh Alhuwalia in his early days how his early life was, where and how did he complete his education and why his family travelled frm Secunderbad in Pakistan to Delhi.
This book narrates all ups ans down faced in development of Indian economy. It also shows how policy change was pushed through at first slowly under Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi and then in 1991.
The language used in the book is simple and understandable. The cover of the book is also nice.
If one has to know about India and its growth in Economy then this is the book. I recommened reading this book to all.
March 6, 2020
Great
The book might not be something that you expect to read, but something that you'll be glad you read. This book takes you to India's Economic transformation in the last 3-4 decades, irrespective of the ruling party. The Author, Ahaluwalia himself, have played a great role in the transformation. India's policies, and all those crisis India had gone through is been told in this book, with so much clarity.
The cover is quite apt for the contents in the book. Expected it to be a exaggerated read, to find out that the book is so clearly written with no unnecessary exaggeration or lagging at any point. One thing I like about this book is thr narration of the author, with easy language, that any layman can understand. The author have made sure to use a layman's language rather than using a political or such complex language. The writing style is pretty impressive. Overall a recommended book.
The book might not be something that you expect to read, but something that you'll be glad you read. This book takes you to India's Economic transformation in the last 3-4 decades, irrespective of the ruling party. The Author, Ahaluwalia himself, have played a great role in the transformation. India's policies, and all those crisis India had gone through is been told in this book, with so much clarity.
The cover is quite apt for the contents in the book. Expected it to be a exaggerated read, to find out that the book is so clearly written with no unnecessary exaggeration or lagging at any point. One thing I like about this book is thr narration of the author, with easy language, that any layman can understand. The author have made sure to use a layman's language rather than using a political or such complex language. The writing style is pretty impressive. Overall a recommended book.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 184 reviews