Nitin Gadkari: A Maverick Leader and India’s Education and Industrial Challenges
The Economist recently published a glowing article on Nitin Gadkari, referring to him as an “outspoken maverick” and a potential successor to Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The article highlights Gadkari’s political journey, contrasting his candid approach and inclusive ideology with Modi’s more divisive style. At the same time, broader challenges facing India’s economic and educational landscape remain under the spotlight, as discussed in recent pieces by the Financial Times and the Wall Street Journal.
Nitin Gadkari: A Potential Successor
Nitin Gadkari, often regarded as a pragmatic and versatile politician, has carved a unique niche in Indian politics. According to the Economist, Gadkari is among the top contenders for the prime ministerial position post-Modi, despite his removal from the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)’s parliamentary board. This sudden removal was perceived as a result of tensions with Modi, yet Gadkari continues to maintain his relevance within the BJP and the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), the ideological parent of the BJP.
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The article notes that Gadkari’s chances of succeeding Modi have been bolstered by recent allegations of fraud against Gautam Adani, a close ally of Modi. This scandal, coupled with challenges stemming from the BJP’s recent electoral performances, has somewhat tarnished Modi’s image. Gadkari, seen as a more approachable and moderate leader, now has an opportunity to emerge as a unifying figure in Indian politics.
A Different Leadership Style
The Economist draws attention to Gadkari’s leadership style, which sharply contrasts with Modi’s. Gadkari emphasizes dialogue and harmony among diverse political ideologies, reflecting his RSS-aligned belief in fostering unity. This was evident when he remarked, “No one is perfect, and no one can claim that he is perfect,” an apparent critique of Modi’s often unilateral approach. Gadkari’s focus on fostering an atmosphere of cooperation rather than division aligns with the RSS’s preference for less contentious rhetoric in politics.
Despite speculation about his ambitions, Gadkari denies aspiring to the prime minister’s chair. He insists he is content with his current responsibilities and dismisses the idea of his party nominating him for the top role. However, the Economist highlights his political acumen and media-savvy approach, which have enabled him to maintain a strong public image.
India’s Industrial Aspirations: Opportunities and Challenges
While Gadkari represents a possible shift in Indian political leadership, the country’s economic and industrial challenges remain pressing. The Financial Times, echoing a similar perspective from the Wall Street Journal, recently outlined India’s potential for industrial growth. However, the opinion piece argues that India’s government must reduce its interventionist approach to unlock this potential fully.
The article highlights India’s progress in addressing macroeconomic challenges, such as infrastructure development, equity markets, and credit availability. With its youthful demographics and growing domestic demand, India is well-positioned for economic growth. However, several microeconomic issues persist.
Indian industrialists face significant hurdles, including government favoritism toward large corporations and advanced industries, leaving small and medium-sized enterprises struggling. Additionally, India’s lack of free trade agreements with major global economies makes it less competitive in international markets. In contrast, countries like Vietnam and Bangladesh have leveraged free trade deals to climb the supply chain and achieve manufacturing-led growth.
The op-ed concludes optimistically, suggesting that most of India’s obstacles to industrial progress require minimal expenditure or painful reforms. By reducing bureaucratic red tape and allowing the entrepreneurial spirit of India’s youth to flourish, the country can aspire to rival China’s dominance in global manufacturing.
India’s Educational Approach: A Comparative Perspective
The Economist also examines India’s educational development, comparing it to China’s path. The article delves into how differing approaches to education have shaped the economic trajectories of the two countries.
China’s emphasis on universal primary education created a robust foundation for its manufacturing-led growth. By the 1980s, China had achieved a primary school enrollment rate of 93%, far ahead of India’s 69%. This focus on primary education enabled China to develop a skilled labor force suited for industrial jobs.
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In contrast, India prioritized tertiary education at the expense of primary schooling. This resulted in a workforce less equipped for manufacturing but more suited for service-oriented industries. By 1988, India had a much higher percentage of college graduates compared to China, but a significantly larger proportion of its population remained illiterate.
This disparity has had long-term consequences. While China became the “world’s factory,” driving rapid economic growth, India became the “world’s back office,” focusing on service-led development. Despite efforts to address these educational imbalances, India faces significant challenges.
The Current State of India’s Education System
The legacy of prioritizing higher education over primary schooling continues to impact India’s workforce. Many economists fear that the era of manufacturing-led growth, which fueled China’s rise, may no longer be achievable for India. The country now faces a surplus of highly educated individuals vying for limited job opportunities. For instance, only 10% of the 1.5 million engineering graduates expected this year are likely to secure employment in their field.
The Way Forward
India’s path to industrialization and educational reform requires a balanced and inclusive approach. The government must focus on empowering small and medium-sized enterprises, enhancing primary education, and fostering international trade relations. Additionally, leaders like Gadkari, with their emphasis on unity and pragmatic governance, could play a pivotal role in steering India toward a more sustainable future.
By addressing its foundational challenges and embracing its entrepreneurial spirit, India can aspire to replicate the manufacturing success of nations like China while leveraging its unique strengths in services and innovation.