Visible hand : public policy and economic growth in the Nehru era

This paper investigates the relationship between the policy regime and growth during 1950-64 termed here ‘the Nehru era’. While there exist valuable early appraisals of the period, access to new data and fresh information allows for a longer and comparative view of the outcome. We find overwhelming evidence not only of resurgent growth but also of a lasting transformation of a stagnant colonial enclave into an economy with firmer foundations capable of sustained growth. It is useful to recognise the economic policy of this period as distinct, not only from what preceded it but also from what came after, for that facilitates an understanding of the political conditions needed for economic interventions which are growth inducing. The paper also addresses some lingering perceptions of the economic policy of the time, notably its impact on agriculture and the governance of the public enterprises. The shibboleth ‘Hindu rate of growth’, presumably a broad-brush description of movement in this period, manages to obscure the extraordinary economic dynamics of the Nehru era. Key words: Economic Policy in India, Nehru era, Drivers of Growth, Mahalanobis Strategy, Public Sector Performance JEL Classification: O2, O3, O5, P

Trade liberalisation, market power and scale efficiency in Indian industry

Using information on listed firms in each of the industry groups at the two-digit level within Manufacturing this study investigates whether the radical shift in trade policy in India in 1991 resulted in a reduction in market power and/or an improvement in scale efficiency. We estimate a group-wise production function allowing for firm-specific effects. A plausible estimate of market power is obtained and the assumption of constant returns to scale is mostly rejected. As regards the effects of the trade-policy shock of 1991, evidence of a move to a more competitive market structure or of an improvement in scale efficiency is not widespread across Indian manufacturing. JEL Classification: F12 Key words: Trade liberalisation; Market power; Scale Economie

Visible Hand: Public Policy nd Economic Growth in the Nehru Era

This paper investigates the relationship between the policy regime and growth during 1950-64 termed here ‘the Nehru era’. While there exist valuable early appraisals of the period, access to new data and fresh information allows for a longer and comparative view of the outcome. [WP 391].Economic Policy in India, Nehru era, Drivers of Growth, Mahalanobis Strategy, Public Sector Performance, Adam Smith,

The Rationale and the Result of the Current Stabilisation Programme

Apart from the episode of the mid-sixties, macroeconomic crises have not played a major part in India's economic development. A certain sort of stability had accompanied the lack-lustre growth of the economy. Through the Eighties, while many of the economies of the developing world were being forced into the strait-jacket of adjustment programmes, India's policy makers actually availed of the luxury of the most irresponsible kind of macro management. [Working Paper No. 253]episode, macroeconomic, stability, growth, economy, developing world, India

Trade Liberalisation, Market Power abd Scale Efficiency in Indian Industry

Using information on listed firms in each of the industry groups at the two-digit level within Manufacturing this study investigates whether the radical shift in trade policy in India in 1991 resulted in a reduction in market power and/or an improvement in scale efficiency. They estimate a group-wise production function allowing for firm-specific effects. A plausible estimate of market power is obtained and the assumption of constant returns to scale is mostly rejected. As regards the effects of the trade-policy shock of 1991, evidence of a move to a more competitive market structure or of an improvement in scale efficiency is not widespread across Indian manufacturing. [Working Paper No. 336]Trade liberalisation; Market power; Scale Economies

Trade liberalisation, market power abd scale efficiency in Indian industry

Using information on listed firms in each of the industry groups atthe two-digit level within Manufacturing this study investigates whetherthe radical shift in trade policy in India in 1991 resulted in a reductionin market power and/or an improvement in scale efficiency. We estimatea group-wise production function allowing for firm-specific effects. Aplausible estimate of market power is obtained and the assumption ofconstant returns to scale is mostly rejected. As regards the effects of thetrade-policy shock of 1991, evidence of a move to a more competitivemarket structure or of an improvement in scale efficiency is notwidespread across Indian manufacturing.Trade liberalisation, Market power, Scale Economies