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'In India, articulation is mistaken for accomplishment'

April 24, 2009

Do you think the government can do, say, 4-5 things to help alleviate the pain, not just in the IT sector but across industries?

You know I am of the opinion that the primary objective of the government in a country like India is making sure that there is efficient delivery of basic services, like primary education, primary healthcare, nutrition, and shelter to the poor people. I don't think corporations should expect the government to put money and help them out.

However, can there be any policy changes? Well, yes. We must become more aggressive in promoting our exports. We must become more aggressive in accepting foreign direct investment... so that they start creating more and more jobs.

And even if they do not make profit, because these are large multinationals, they can withstand a year or two of losses.

I would say that we must promote investments heavily, make sure that banks provide working capital to Indian companies quickly and efficiently at the lowest possible interest rates, and make sure that the Indian company does not have to spend too much time in state corridors or even in Delhi. That's all the government can do.

Image: Infosys' Mysore campus. | Photograph: Shishir Bhate

Also read: The man behind the Satyam takeover

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