Governance Community

Economic reform in India remains a contentious issue, with all major political parties, from Left to Right, aligning on the need for substantial economic changes. However, critics argue that the impressive GDP growth since the 1991 reforms has failed to uplift incomes at the bottom, leading to growing public unrest among farmers, workers, and unemployed youth across diverse demographics. While the capitalist Right advocates completing the liberalisation agenda, granting more freedom to capital markets, the socialist Left calls for better governance of these sectors to ensure fair wages and prices. Both sides, however, rely on politically necessary but unsustainable measures like direct money transfers and subsidies to address market failures. Experts suggest that before accelerating reforms, India must objectively evaluate the outcomes of its 1991 economic liberalisation. Comparing India’s performance to China and Vietnam reveals stark disparities. Both nations, starting from similar economic conditions in the 1980s, have achieved significantly higher income growth among their poorest citizens. This success is attributed to their retention of socialist principles, blending state planning with market reforms, and prioritising public welfare. In contrast, India’s adherence to free-market ideologies, influenced by Western economic theories, has left its lower half economically stagnant. Critics warn that prioritising GDP growth and corporate interests over fundamental metrics like healthcare, education, and income equality has corrupted governance and political integrity. The debate highlights the need for Indian economic reformers to draw lessons from socialist economies like China and Vietnam, rather than solely from capitalist models. Sustainable reform, they argue, lies in policies that enhance citizen welfare over mere economic indicators, ensuring long-term stability and equitable growth. As India prepares for its next wave of reforms, this introspection could redefine its path toward inclusive prosperity.

Traversing Undri’s roads feels like a roller-coaster ride for its commuters — bumpy, back-breaking, and nauseating. Despite being merged into Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) limits in 2017, this rapidly urbanizing locality continues to grapple with basic civic deficiencies. Residents’ Concerns Sunil Koloti, director of Mohammadwadi Undri Residents’ Welfare Development Foundation (MURWDF), criticized PMC’s inefficiency, stating: “Despite paying exorbitant property taxes, we lack essentials like proper roads, water, sewage systems, and reliable power. This neglect has turned Undri into a symbol of civic mismanagement.” Another resident, Col Pradeep Masand (retd), highlighted the dire need for civic reforms: “I have lived here for 12 years, still waiting for basic amenities like water and usable roads. New constructions must be permitted only if existing residents’ needs are fulfilled.” Key Issues Road Network: Residents call roads like Kadnagar Chowk and Undri Marg accident-prone due to incomplete widening projects and ill-placed electric poles. Water Crisis: The lack of pipelines has forced residents to rely on water tankers for decades, creating traffic chaos and accidents. Sewage Failures: Societies depend on septic tanks, adding recurring costs and inefficiency. Encroachments: Illegal structures and hawkers choke roads, exacerbating traffic and safety concerns. Power Outages: Frequent blackouts reflect outdated infrastructure and a pressing need for upgrades. Official Statements Manoj Patil, Additional Commissioner (East), acknowledged Undri’s inadequate road network and heavy vehicle traffic, promising collaboration with PMC for solutions. Aniruddha Pawaskar, Chief Engineer, PMC Road Department, assured residents that a development plan is underway, pledging to make roads motorable soon. Looking Ahead With over 3 lakh residents, including working professionals and retired defense personnel, Undri’s unplanned growth calls for urgent action. Immediate priorities include water pipeline installation, sewage systems, road expansion, encroachment removal, and improved safety measures. Residents remain hopeful yet skeptical, with a clear message to authorities: progress must match promises, and urgent action is the need of the hour.