Restart: The Last Chance for the Indian Economy

Restart: The Last Chance for the Indian Economy examines India's economic challenges and opportunities since independence. The book analyzes policy decisions, reforms, and systemic issues that have shaped the nation's economic trajectory. Sharma chronicles key events from the 1991 liberalization through subsequent decades of growth and stagnation. Through research and interviews, he presents both the successes and failures of India's economic policies across different administrations. The narrative moves between historical analysis and contemporary challenges, outlining potential solutions for India's economic future. The book addresses infrastructure, manufacturing, labor markets, and the role of government intervention in the economy. The work serves as both a warning and a roadmap, highlighting the urgent need for structural reforms while exploring what true economic transformation could mean for India's billion-plus population. Through its examination of past policies, the book raises fundamental questions about development, governance, and modernization in emerging economies.

Readers appreciate Sharma's clear analysis of India's economic challenges and policy failures, with many noting his ability to explain complex issues through relatable examples and engaging writing. Multiple reviews highlight the book's examination of India's "license raj" system and its lasting effects. Readers liked: - Detailed historical context behind economic decisions - Solutions-focused approach rather than just criticism - Accessible explanations of economic concepts Common criticisms: - Too focused on criticism of Modi government - Some solutions proposed seem impractical - Writing style can be overly casual at times Ratings: Goodreads: 4.1/5 (226 ratings) Amazon India: 4.3/5 (108 ratings) "A rare economics book that's both informative and entertaining" - Reader review on Amazon "Makes compelling arguments but seems biased against current administration" - Goodreads reviewer "Good diagnosis but oversimplified solutions" - Business Standard reader comment

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🔹 Author Mihir Sharma is a Bloomberg Opinion columnist covering Indian economics and policy, and previously served as Opinion Editor at Business Standard, one of India's leading financial newspapers. 🔹 The book was published in 2015, a year after Prime Minister Narendra Modi came to power, and critically examines whether his government could deliver the economic reforms India desperately needed. 🔹 "Restart" won the Tata Literature Live! First Book Award in the non-fiction category, establishing it as one of the most significant works on Indian economic policy of that year. 🔹 The book argues that India's 1991 economic reforms were incomplete and half-hearted, leading to what Sharma calls a "post-liberalization limbo" where neither free markets nor state control works effectively. 🔹 Throughout the book, Sharma uses personal anecdotes and stories from everyday Indians to illustrate complex economic concepts, making it accessible to readers without an economics background.