Alan Kohler is one of Australia’s most experienced commentators and journalists. Alan is the founder of Eureka Report, Australia’s most successful investment newsletter, and Business Spectator, a 24-hour free business news and commentary website. He also hosts Inside Business, a half-hour Sunday programme on the ABC, is the finance presenter on the ABC News - and producer of the nightly graph (or two).
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Comments on this article
Comments PolicyHaving lived for long periods of time in both countries I would agree with this article. However China has two major advantages over India. Electricity and Telephones. (Mythbusting China's Indian match-up, February 20)
From the late 50's erratic domestic power supply even in major cities in India was a fact of life. Frequently we were without power for hours together and had to rely on generators.
The second was the telephone system which was a disaster. One had to have "special connections" (bribes) with the staff at the local exchange to keep home and office telephones going.
If these issues had been tackled head on in the 50's and 60's then yes things would really have been different in India.
It is pity because the average Indian is really a nicee person and they deserve better than what they have.
Given the fractured state of Indian federal politics and the fractous state of state-level politics, compared tot he overweening political control of so much of Chinese life, the successes that India has racked up in recent decades are especially praiseworthy (Mythbusting China's Indian match-up, February 20).
India needs to continue to refiorm its society to reward innovation and entreprenourship, recent reforms, especially with the commencement of the dimantling of the 'Regulation Raj' of stifling bureacracy, are steps in the right direction, essential if India is to meet its destny and continue to improve the lives of its people.
This article quantifies what I suspected for a long time (Mythbusting China's Indian match-up, February 20).
The curse of India are (1) corrupt politicians with delayed justice when exposed and (2)the so called affirmative action and reservation provisions based on caste and religion exploited by well to do, at the expense of merit and ability. Fortunately the public awareness of these problems is increasing and may force reforms.
The grip of religion and political appeasement of these for vote bank politics is also holding back India.
The federal election next year may overcome the disparate politicians . There appears to be increasing support for Mr.Narendra Modi who has achieved remarkable progress in Gujarat to be the next Prime Minister of India.He has a reputation for creating a noncorrupt and able administration.
It is interesting that the academics can often dissect a problem/situation and come to a conclusion different to the general perception.
But isn't PERCEPTION, ultimately the determinant/driver of success? (Mythbusting China's Indian match-up, February 20)
Well balanced article by John Lee (Mythbusting China's Indian match-up, February 20). Robert Peterson (February 20, 8:51) has very well summarised the issue of Infrastructure; however, after my recent visit to Gujarat I must admit that things have improved drastically. If Gujarat story is true for other parts of India too; I've no doubt India will overtake China's economic growth in one or couple of decades,
Excellent and very thought provoking article (Mythbusting China's Indian match-up, February 20). As an Indian Australian and always fascinated by the creative potential of the Indian people I meet, would love to think India will march ahead & transform. In every industry there are exemplary examples of success in India. However, India's problems are so basic - transport, electricity, water and garbage collection -- & so route casue of all that is a poor Govt & corrupt politicians. This is why it goes 3 steps forward and 4 step backwards. Requires a complete revamp -- do not see that changing unless there is a benevolent dictatorship ( Singapore style) for at least few years.