Reforms continued haltingly, with forward and backward movement, and only to the extent that doing so did not lead to a major crisis. And yet, the reforms transformed living standards, accelerated the growth of the national economy, and contributed to the rise in national power and prestige. People old enough, and with a sound memory, can compare the times and know this. The fact remains, however, and it is a worrisome predicament, that there was no public support when reforms first forced themselves upon us, nor was there much public support for them later.
Now, the challenge from not doing enough is truly critical. Today, the greatest challenge is to withstand technological, trade and productivity competition internationally, while building leverage in terms of military and diplomatic prowess to protect national interests. Those who have an edge are relentlessly seeking to extend it further, by fair and foul means. The European nations, once masters of much of the globe, are, for instance, themselves reeling under pressure as they struggle to match the accumulated strength of the old superpower and the kinetic energy of the challenger. How to make the economy competitive is the moot question, and we can avoid it only at our peril.
Citizens must create an ambience supportive of the next generation of reforms so they can drive political parties and governments to talk about and pursue them. All must focus on aiding and supporting reforms, that is, on making it easier to do business sustainably.
Frivolity in our talk and actions may land us in dire straits.
Niraj Kumar Jha
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