Book Name: India Ahead: 2025 and Beyond
Author: Bimal Jalan
Publisher: Rupa
Genre: Non-fiction
Rating: 4/5
Book Blurb: India’s fundamentals are, no doubt, stronger now than ever before, but the country also faces several old and new challenges in the areas of politics, economics and governance. These can only be met if we are able to generate sufficient political will to pursue the right policies and shake-off the dead weight of the past.India Ahead: 2025 and Beyond highlights the immediate priorities that need to be tackled. The primary focus of this book is to promote the country’s national interest in the long run, irrespective of any party-specific political agenda—be it the right, the left or the in-between. The strength of this book lies in the fact that its suggestions are relevant for any party or coalition of parties, that come into power.
Bimal Jalan brings his remarkable expertise in policy and economic affairs to bear on a range of topics of critical importance to India’s future. Written in an incisive yet lucid style, Jalan concludes that India’s opportunities are huge, but so are the challenges which need to be resolved to realize India’s full potential. Of paramount importance, however, is the need for sufficient will and cooperation among the legislature, judiciary and executive. This would make it easier to find solutions and move further on the path of progress.
Review: Bimal Jalan has utilised his extensive experience to pen a book that looks at India’s shortcomings and the road ahead. The book is written in a simple, lucid style and does not deal solely with economics. It also lists out and discusses the political situation in the country and how the legislature and the executive must reform in order to build a better India.
Since the political leaders are the ones who drive major economic policies in any country, the book delves deeply into the role of Parliament, criminals in politics and also offers solutions to set things right. Corruption, a major issue in India is dealt with in a separate chapter.
“Penalties for corruption, including dismissal from service, have to be swift, so that they have a deterrent effect on the entire civil service and reduce incentives for corrupt behaviour.”
This is more of a scholarly work and relies heavily on compiled literature but has been put together remarkably well.