Land and people Vol.30

On May 31, 1990 the National Front Government placed on the table of the Lok Sabha a statement of policy measures for the promotion of small scale and agro-based industries and changes in procedures for industrial approvals. The statement provoked a spate of discussion in the press and the political circles. It was in this back ground that the Institute of Economic Growth decided to hold a panel dis cussion on industrial policy on July 21, 1990 with a view to elicit expert opinion on the subject. Besides a dis tinguished group of panellists (see back cover), about sixty economists drawn from the universities, research institutes and the government attended the day-long session.

The outcome of the discussions is contained in the present book. Its scope is not confined to the latest policy measures of the government. It also covers the broad direction and relevance of the policy of deregulation followed since late 1970s. The discus sion clarifies the basic issues involved in the current debate on the subject.