On the Turnpike

In tracing the origin and history of the Indian Economic Service, this account provides fascinating glimpses into the shaping of economic policy in India, the drama behind the various budgets, and the thinking and compulsions that led to important decisions being made. While capturing the personalities of key players, it describes the circumstances under which the Ministry of Finance’s cadre was formed, the contributions it has made, and the challenges it has faced. Those looking for insights into the wisdom and follies of Indian economic policy over the last 60 years will find this book instructive and amusing.

T. C. A. Srinivasa-Raghavan is the senior associate editor at the Hindu Business Line. As a journalist and columnist, he has contributed to various papers, including the Business Standard, the Economic Times, and the Financial Express. Kaushik Basu is the chief economic advisor for the government of India and a professor of economics and international studies at Cornell University. He is a former visiting professor at both Princeton University and the London School of Economics.