ABSTRACT
To understand the dynamics of the process of industrialization in the post-Independence period until the onrush of liberalization, to take stock of both the successes and failures, it is essential to study the public sector. This introduction presents an overview of the key concepts discussed in the subsequent chapters of this book. The book argues that it is the combination of all three factors, state ownership, soft budget constraints, and monopoly market power, rather than any one of them treated in isolation that imbues the bureaucratic regime of production with its distinctive culture. It also argues that the chronic dysfunctioning of Indian Telephone Industries (ITI) stemmed as much from official regulations and inefficiencies on the part of P&T as from the management's own shortcomings, all three elements having a mutually reinforcing effect. The archival sources mobilized can be regrouped under five broad categories: documents relating to employment relations; production and technology issues; commercial and financial subjects; correspondence with the supervisory ministry; and publicity and informational material.
