Redistribution is not inclusive growth

Only in India does redistribution, which keeps the poor and marginalised out of the mainstream of the economy, pass for inclusive growth. In much of the rest of the world, inclusive growth would mean giving the poor and marginalised a direct stake in the economy with fast-growing industries and services absorbing them into gainful employment and, thus, making them true participants and partners in the growth process.

But in India, we go by an altogether different paradigm: we tell the marginalised to stay where they are. Indeed, we do everything to bolt them down to their rural location offering employment and free health and education if they would stay where they are. "Why bother moving," we tell them, "when we are bringing the fruits of rapid growth elsewhere right to your doorstep."