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India's Path to Prosperity 2022-2047: A Workable Agenda for the Next 10-15 Years
What do we have to do to make India a prosperous country by 2047, when we will celebrate 100 years of political independence? That's only 25 years away.In this fast-changing world, it is unrealistic to have a concrete 25-year plan. Instead, the book lays out the key issues that must be resolved in the next 10-15 years (Phase 1). This will lay the foundations of prosperity. After that, India can move quickly in the remaining years (Phase 2) on its path to prosperity, taking advantage of opportunities as they arise.These fundamental issues are complex, and their workable solutions have yet to be agreed upon. For example, in India, the average marginal and small farmers are poor. What will their children and grandchildren do? They can never become well-off on the small piece of land the family has. Plus, they go to lousy schools, and tend to be undernourished. So, their skill levels are low fault. Will they still be poor in 2047? If yes, how will India be prosperous?Hence, the book does not provide detailed solutions – just broadly defined options, where possible. The idea is to set off national discussions about the key issues.The book has no mathematics or jargon; it has plenty of charts. It is written at the reading level of Standard 9-10 students.
134 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 16, 2021
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Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews
August 11, 2021
Kudos to Prof Subodh Mathur for coming out with a brilliant and timely insight into the areas critical to India's future economic growth. The big question --- how do such ideas get conveyed to those who matter in the Government. My specific comments:
I fully agree with the author's theme point --- the states need to play a more significant role if the country as a whole has to progress. At the centre, institutions like NITI Aayog and RBI must shed red-tape and step on the gas with a sense of purpose. It’s not enough to set goals, the exercise has to be followed-up by drawing up specific plans to achieve these goals and then ensure that the plans are put into action. Then it’s also necessary to make the public aware of the progress against set goals, through the website and through other means.
One area that needs urgent attention is labour reforms. For too long have labour unions dictated terms, much to the detriment of industrial growth. Here again, the states have to play a more proactive role because every state knows the ground realities in its domain. What happens in Tamilnadu may not be relevant in Assam. Each state must learn from the success stories of other industrially developing states and replicate them in their own states with necessary modifications to suit local conditions.
On infrastructure, the power sector needs speedy reforms in generation as well as distribution. The National Grid has helped to distribute available power more evenly, but some states are reluctant to draw from the NG, either because of basic reluctance or inability to foot the bill. In the end, unless every industry, office and home gets uninterrupted electric power, the growth will remain sluggish.
The importance of support to MSMEs can never be over-emphasised. Many of them are unable to take loans as they have no ‘collateral’ security to offer. States come out with periodic ‘industrial policies’ intended to increase industrialization by offering capital subsidies and other sops, but the procedures for availing them are far too elaborate and require huge amounts of documentation --- something that every industry cannot cope with. Moreover, all said and done, nothing moves without a bribe!
In the agriculture sector, we know there are rich farmers and poor farmers. All cannot be painted with the same brush. It is obvious that centre and state government policies must be aimed at helping the poor farmers but certainly ensuring that the rich farmers are made to pay their due share of taxes just like other businesses.
I fully agree with the author's theme point --- the states need to play a more significant role if the country as a whole has to progress. At the centre, institutions like NITI Aayog and RBI must shed red-tape and step on the gas with a sense of purpose. It’s not enough to set goals, the exercise has to be followed-up by drawing up specific plans to achieve these goals and then ensure that the plans are put into action. Then it’s also necessary to make the public aware of the progress against set goals, through the website and through other means.
One area that needs urgent attention is labour reforms. For too long have labour unions dictated terms, much to the detriment of industrial growth. Here again, the states have to play a more proactive role because every state knows the ground realities in its domain. What happens in Tamilnadu may not be relevant in Assam. Each state must learn from the success stories of other industrially developing states and replicate them in their own states with necessary modifications to suit local conditions.
On infrastructure, the power sector needs speedy reforms in generation as well as distribution. The National Grid has helped to distribute available power more evenly, but some states are reluctant to draw from the NG, either because of basic reluctance or inability to foot the bill. In the end, unless every industry, office and home gets uninterrupted electric power, the growth will remain sluggish.
The importance of support to MSMEs can never be over-emphasised. Many of them are unable to take loans as they have no ‘collateral’ security to offer. States come out with periodic ‘industrial policies’ intended to increase industrialization by offering capital subsidies and other sops, but the procedures for availing them are far too elaborate and require huge amounts of documentation --- something that every industry cannot cope with. Moreover, all said and done, nothing moves without a bribe!
In the agriculture sector, we know there are rich farmers and poor farmers. All cannot be painted with the same brush. It is obvious that centre and state government policies must be aimed at helping the poor farmers but certainly ensuring that the rich farmers are made to pay their due share of taxes just like other businesses.
July 28, 2021
The book does reflect the dire need to prepare a workable economic agenda for the next 10-15 years. It also emphasises that the central & the state government need to work in unison to bring forward innovative means to enhance the growth of the Indian economy, with the state government taking the lead.
The graphs & charts provode a vivid experience & help the reader to analyse the facts better. As far as the issues in the Indian economy are concerned, the book broadly covers all of them. The introductory chapters also shed light on the dearth of data required to assess the performance of the Indian economy.
However, there are some instances where a biased conclusion is formed:
The MUDRA scheme is considered as unsound banking as loans are provided at distorted, low interest rates to the MSME sector but the long term negative effects of direct subsidies are well known and they outweigh the effects of the moderated interest rates. Also, the Indian financial sector has become a loan mela & the future generations would bear the brunt of the same. At a time when loans and interest on loans(not interest on interest) for the MSMEs, traders, labourers and other vulnerable groups of the society aren't being waived off, at least a lower interest must sound feasible.
Also, the broadly defined options would have become more impactful if the sources of funds required to take up measures were made known too. On the whole, reading this book was an enriching experience and a plethora of issues facing the Indian economy were analysed.
The graphs & charts provode a vivid experience & help the reader to analyse the facts better. As far as the issues in the Indian economy are concerned, the book broadly covers all of them. The introductory chapters also shed light on the dearth of data required to assess the performance of the Indian economy.
However, there are some instances where a biased conclusion is formed:
The MUDRA scheme is considered as unsound banking as loans are provided at distorted, low interest rates to the MSME sector but the long term negative effects of direct subsidies are well known and they outweigh the effects of the moderated interest rates. Also, the Indian financial sector has become a loan mela & the future generations would bear the brunt of the same. At a time when loans and interest on loans(not interest on interest) for the MSMEs, traders, labourers and other vulnerable groups of the society aren't being waived off, at least a lower interest must sound feasible.
Also, the broadly defined options would have become more impactful if the sources of funds required to take up measures were made known too. On the whole, reading this book was an enriching experience and a plethora of issues facing the Indian economy were analysed.
November 7, 2021
Prof. Mathur wrote a much-needed overview of the tasks required needed to be focused on in order for India to prosper in the next 25 years. He rightly pointed out on the need of the Union government and the State governments working as a team. Development of an employable workforce, drastic improvements in physical infrastructure, agriculture and financial systems have been adequately discussed. Also, he focused on how to learn form the past mistakes and avoid them in the future schemes and policies. I am highly thankful to Prof. Mathur for covering all aspects affecting the economy and in detail.
I think points such as creating an environment to promote more business opportunities, i.e. developing and implementing policies for ease of doing business is also important for India to prosper in the long run.
On the topic of instrastructure, one aspect of educational infrastructure that I have personally seen in rural areas is that the school infrastructure and the number of teachers are far too less. I think the government should focus on improving the quality of schools in remote locations.
A great book, and a must read.
I think points such as creating an environment to promote more business opportunities, i.e. developing and implementing policies for ease of doing business is also important for India to prosper in the long run.
On the topic of instrastructure, one aspect of educational infrastructure that I have personally seen in rural areas is that the school infrastructure and the number of teachers are far too less. I think the government should focus on improving the quality of schools in remote locations.
A great book, and a must read.
September 24, 2022
A short and crisp book mainly aimed to start a discussion/debate and does not provide solutions on a platter.
There are several pertinent questions raised in each of the chapters. This is a forward looking book and does not play any blame game. The author objectively shows data to highlight India's current status and then raises important issues for which we need to collectively find solutions. He also highlights the role of states and how the powers/responsibilities are distributed between state and union governments
This is a helpful guide for the policy makers, industrialists and governments with a list of issues which need immediate attention. But laypeople can also read the book and get a clear idea as to what to expect from a "good government" to lead a nation like India since the author has avoided jargon and has explained many terms with crystal clear explanations. The issues covered are quite broad and almost comprehensive.
Some discussions, especially regarding the financial markets could have been longer.
There are several pertinent questions raised in each of the chapters. This is a forward looking book and does not play any blame game. The author objectively shows data to highlight India's current status and then raises important issues for which we need to collectively find solutions. He also highlights the role of states and how the powers/responsibilities are distributed between state and union governments
This is a helpful guide for the policy makers, industrialists and governments with a list of issues which need immediate attention. But laypeople can also read the book and get a clear idea as to what to expect from a "good government" to lead a nation like India since the author has avoided jargon and has explained many terms with crystal clear explanations. The issues covered are quite broad and almost comprehensive.
Some discussions, especially regarding the financial markets could have been longer.
October 1, 2021
Does India have what it takes to be prosperous in the next 10-15 years? It's time to find out!
This book raises important questions to keep the average voter informed about what needs to be done to keep India on the path to economic prosperity. Starting out by acknowledging some hard truths, a very interesting comparison is made with major economic metrics to that of the emerging superpower, China. Issues of greatest and the most urgent impact such as improving productivity in the sectors of agriculture, and DISCOMS are highlighted, with much needed critique delivered on need to improve goals of govt. programs such as Niti Aayog and archaic banking/financial system. Overall, Dr. Mathur delivers an excellent presentation of current issues facing India. Definitely, a must read for any voter who looks to making informed voting choices!
This book raises important questions to keep the average voter informed about what needs to be done to keep India on the path to economic prosperity. Starting out by acknowledging some hard truths, a very interesting comparison is made with major economic metrics to that of the emerging superpower, China. Issues of greatest and the most urgent impact such as improving productivity in the sectors of agriculture, and DISCOMS are highlighted, with much needed critique delivered on need to improve goals of govt. programs such as Niti Aayog and archaic banking/financial system. Overall, Dr. Mathur delivers an excellent presentation of current issues facing India. Definitely, a must read for any voter who looks to making informed voting choices!
November 29, 2021
Thank you very much for valuable concepts on Indian economy. This books covers all fundamental parameters and enough to get to work.
Sectors : Agriculture, Power, Industry, Infrastructure, Education, Healthcare, Finance, .. are fairly adequate. Others : Welfare, Law & order, Defense, Politics, Religion also need a vision
When I tried to convert as action plan, I needed more knowledge. Some places it takes global bench marks, somewhere local (within India), that leads to some confusion.
I wish this work of Prof Mathur should take as shape as research project, then evolve into work book for various levels, also further to a software package that can monitor the VISION “India economically advanced by 2047”
Sectors : Agriculture, Power, Industry, Infrastructure, Education, Healthcare, Finance, .. are fairly adequate. Others : Welfare, Law & order, Defense, Politics, Religion also need a vision
When I tried to convert as action plan, I needed more knowledge. Some places it takes global bench marks, somewhere local (within India), that leads to some confusion.
I wish this work of Prof Mathur should take as shape as research project, then evolve into work book for various levels, also further to a software package that can monitor the VISION “India economically advanced by 2047”
July 22, 2022
For better India
The book is really good. Many concepts right or wrong got clarified.
I liked writings about
1. Why smart City could be a worst project?
2. banks, npi, bond, insurances
3. State and union government
4. Things to work for Indian agriculture point of view interms of agriech or fintech companies
5. Population related misconceptions
6. Indian infrastructure such as railways, roads and their development and importance.
The book is really good. Many concepts right or wrong got clarified.
I liked writings about
1. Why smart City could be a worst project?
2. banks, npi, bond, insurances
3. State and union government
4. Things to work for Indian agriculture point of view interms of agriech or fintech companies
5. Population related misconceptions
6. Indian infrastructure such as railways, roads and their development and importance.
February 9, 2022
Amazing book. Short but clearly explained problems in Indian Socioeconomics and provides some workable solutions. Anyone with very basic idea can read and learn a lot from this book. I really liked the graphical representation of some of the data points in a comparative format that gives you a perspective of the entire situation of India vis-a-vis comparable nations.
Go for this book.
Go for this book.
November 14, 2021
Well written and need of the hour to make India as progressive nation
Read this book in a single stretch. Very informative and unique suggestions provided for development of the country. Honestly, page turn overs.
Read this book in a single stretch. Very informative and unique suggestions provided for development of the country. Honestly, page turn overs.
November 14, 2021
Very informative, honestly page turner book. The author has provided quality suggestions, when implemented and addressed, might improve the economic condition of the nation. Ideas discussed are very brief, to make sure reader gets an overview on issues and it's Solution.
Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews