Economic development perspectives v.3

Since the inception of planning for economic development and the declared objectives of a welfare state practising a mixed economy, the Government of India has sought to place the public sector in the position of "commanding heights". However, over the past three decades of economic development, it has now become evident that by and large the public sector has failed to live up to expectations. The extent of industrial sickness among public sector units has been increasing year by year. The watershed year of 1982-83, when there was a visible turnaround in public sector performance, was however not long lasting. Sickness, inefficiency and mismanagement persist, in spite of the creditable efforts of the various organisations such as SCOPE, BPE, etc.

This compilation of papers, addresses, comments and extracts seeks to present a comprehensive view of the dynamics as well as distress of public sector undertakings in India, while for comparison it includes a few studies of public sector policies and practices in other countries. The book will be a valuable addition to current literature on public sector enterprises and performance and as such will be of both academic and practical use to students, college and university teachers Interested in the economics of public enterprises, as well as to professional managers, executives and practising economists in the area.