Category: Indian economy
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When the Rulebook Moves Faster Than the Business
From Licence Raj to a New Age of Permission India’s economic history is often divided into two periods: the controlled economy before 1991 and the liberalised economy after it. This division is convenient, but incomplete. The old Licence Raj may have weakened, yet its basic instinct has not entirely disappeared.…
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When an Asset Exists on Paper but Cannot Enter the Economy
From Revenue Collection to Economic Confusion India’s land problem did not begin with modern industry, urbanisation or infrastructure. Its roots lie in a system historically designed to collect revenue rather than guarantee ownership. Colonial-era surveys, village maps, tax registers and possession records were created by different authorities for different purposes.…
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When the Economy Trusts Familiarity More Than Capability
Modern economies claim to reward performance. A business with a good product, competitive price, reliable delivery and sound management should theoretically be able to compete. But real markets rarely operate so cleanly. Between capability and opportunity sits something much less measurable: reputation. And reputation is not always earned through performance.…
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When the Market Becomes the Middleman
For centuries, small businesses struggled because they could not reach the market. Today, millions can reach the market through a smartphone. A restaurant can find customers without opening another branch. An artisan sitting in a small town can display products nationally. A driver can find passengers without standing at a…
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The Institutional Distance Barrier
When an Institution Exists on the Map but Not in the Life of the Citizen India has spent decades building institutions. Banks have expanded into smaller towns. Government departments have district offices. Universities and technical institutions have multiplied. Courts exist across the country. MSME support organisations, industry associations, skill centres,…
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When Economic Power Becomes More Valuable Than Economic Growth
Every generation believes that bigger companies are a sign of a stronger economy. History often supports that belief. Large corporations have built railways, automobile industries, telecommunications networks, pharmaceutical giants and digital platforms that transformed entire nations. Scale has always helped reduce costs, improve productivity and attract investment. But history also…
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The Biggest Economic Problem Is Often Not a Lack of Policy but Too Many Policies Moving in Different Directions
Every government wants faster economic growth, stronger industries, more jobs, higher exports and better living standards. New policies are announced regularly with ambitious targets and large financial commitments. Yet many economies continue to struggle with slow implementation and disappointing outcomes. The problem is often not the absence of good ideas.…
