India’s improved scorecard in the World Bank’s ‘ease of doing business’ index has come as a shot in the arm for the beleaguered Modi government that has been in the dock for the economic slowdown (“Moving up”, Nov. 2 ). Private investment is one of the engines of economic growth and job creation. Businesses, both domestic and foreign, tend to flock to countries and regions which erect the least number of hurdles for setting up new ventures.
India’s federal structure demands that the States also play a meaningful role in removing roadblocks to faster economic development. It is disappointing that the States have demonstrated a singular lack of interest in reforming four key areas of the economy: agriculture, land acquisition, real estate and property registration. The Opposition seems to be more interested in maligning the Prime Minister and his government than engaging in reasoned criticism that is backed by a broad and sensitive understanding of the future trajectory of the Indian economy.
V.N. Mukundarajan,
Thiruvananthapuram
