India Heads Down Right Path at Wrong Speed
The only way to make big structural reforms work is to slow down and get buy-in from the states first.
Some states are already refusing to implement new agricultural reforms.
Photographer: Noah Seelam/AFP/Getty Images
In recent weeks, India’s government has shown unusual amounts of energy in pushing through long-awaited economic reforms. The last session of Parliament — cut short when several MPs tested positive for Covid-19 — was exceptionally productive. Two labor-law amendments were passed, as was a package of measures addressing the agricultural sector.
However you look at it, these moves take India in the right direction. They don’t go far enough, are badly planned and have been poorly communicated —nevertheless, they are grounds for optimism.