Need a framework to launch several small reform arrows

LET US ENABLE EACH STATE TO HAVE TWO CITY-SIZE REGIONS WITHIN WHICH THEY ARE FREE TO IMPLEMENT REFORMS IN CONCURRENT LIST AREAS

- Rahul Ahluwalia

Last week, two extraordinary outpourings of anti-government angst took place. One, of course, was in the US, against Donald Trump's decision to impose tariffs against the whole world. On the other side of the world, was the response to the Union commerce minister Piyush Goyal's comment at Startup Mahakumbh, where Indian entrepreneurs were asked why they were focusing on consumer platforms instead of deep tech manufacturing. Across social media, entrepreneurs, business owners and commentators, many of whom are otherwise supporters of the government, came out in force to protest. When government clearances, bureaucratic obstructionism and corruption are all holding back Indian startups, especially in manufacturing, why is the minister pointing fingers at Indian entrepreneurs?

On the face of it, these two strands of commentary may not seem to have much in common, but they hold deep significance. They are rare public expressions of support for a philosophy that has delivered prosperity and well-being to billions of people across the world and in India. The philosophy goes something like this: Those with political power must focus that power on laying the foundations of peace, law, and order, and property rights. After that, if they get out of the way, voluntary transactions between consenting adults can over time build a skyscraper of prosperity for everyone on that foundation. If those with political power try to do too much more, you get neither foundation nor skyscraper.