Shankar Acharya

India's fiscal deficits: A short history

India's fiscal deficit trends are a bit like an alcoholic trying, unsuccessfully, to reform. Virtue does not last for too long, says Shankar Acharya.

A decent Budget for trying times

Against a turbulent and uncertain background, Budget 2017-18 hewed a steady, forward-looking course, says Shankar Acharya, former chief economic adviser to the government.

6 states hold key to India's demographic dividend

Perhaps half-way through India's demographic transition, what is the outlook for the future?

10 reasons why India won't grow at 8% plus

The prospects for strong, sustained economic reforms do not appear to be promising in India.

Evaluating India's well-being

The challenge ahead for central and state governments remains enormous.

A good Budget, Mr Jaitley!

'On the tax front, most of the Budget proposals are sensible'.

Budget 2016: Some dos and don'ts

20 key predictions for India and the world in 2016

Shankar Acharya gives ten predictions on key politico-economic developments in the world and ten for India.

A verdict no less historic than Bihar

It was the first reasonably free and fair national election held there since 1990, when Aung San Suu Kyi's fledgling National League for Democracy won a landslide victory.

Balance of payments: Why we should not be complacent

Stability in currency markets was only restored from September.

Few pointers that suggest Modi's Bharat is away from major reforms

Economic reforms seem to be on a slow train, while good old fiscal populism is alive and flourishing.

The 10 biggest policy mistakes of the past

There are conflicting signs on India's investment cycle.

'Modi@1: It has been a good year for the economy'

The Modi government's array of economic policy has been impressive.

How fast is India growing?

The estimates of national income and growth do not pass the 'smell test'.

Budget not excellent but just above average

This Budget plans for an increase to 10.3% of GDP from 9.9%.

4 areas that Modi govt should focus on in its '1st real Budget'

FM should avoid proposals such as to tax financial transactions and fringe benefits

There's little proof that acche din has arrived for India

Because of India's weak fiscal position, the plethora of debt-burdened infrastructure companies and the poor asset quality of public sector banks, economic growth in 2015-16 may be limited to about six per cent, say Shankar Acharya.

Is a strong Team Modi in the making?

The success of the government will depend substantially on the quality of its team of key ministers, officials and advisors

Understanding Modi government's economic priorities

The prime minister's August 15 address was undoubtedly inspirational and outlined important economic and social objectives, such as making India a global hub for manufacturing, ensuring bank accounts for all poor families, major thrusts in sanitation and cleanliness, and a radical restructuring of the Planning Commission.

Indian election only one of at least four important elections in Asia

Indonesia, Turkey and Afghanistan also see important polls in the seven short weeks between end-March and mid-May, says Shankar Acharya