An economist's selective notes

Kaushik Basu offers an engaging account of his days at North Block and World Bank but steers clear of controversial issues

Imagine you have just joined the Indian government as chief economic advisor (CEA) in the ministry of finance. You are given the final draft of the Mid-Year Economic Review, which your predecessor has prepared and which you now have to approve before the finance minister (FM) tables it in Parliament. You take that copy along to read on your flight from New Delhi to Kolkata, and after reading it, place it in the magazine pouch in front of your seat – but absentmindedly leave it behind while disembarking. You realise your folly only when you reach home. What would you