As a 5th generation Indian ex-pat, I can say that that when I first landed in India, I was _appalled_ . There are so many factors holding this country back, it's not even funny. A lot of it has to do with mentality, corruption, illiteracy and a general sense of lethargy which pervades existence here.
Once I went into the city (Pune) and was informed that nothing (given, in a certain area) would be open until 11am. Every day. How can you expect markets to grow in such an environment? India really needs to catch a wake up and start implementing viable infrastructure and services. Until that happens, I don't see how people would have a use for technology (X) when they don't have access to the basics.
Once I went into the city (Pune) and was informed that nothing (given, in a certain area) would be open until 11am.
I'm guessing this was a while back.
I live in Pune right now. Yesterday I bought supplies from the supermarket, got a haircut, and bought breakfast all before catching an auto to my office at about 8:45AM. Admittedly, my building's gym opens up relatively late (7:15).
Is there a national sense in individuals in India that if it was communicated to them that its their family-cultural duty to empower business without corruption that one would make progress in this?
The obstacle seems to be cultural dynamics, Or am I miss-understanding the situation?
42% of the worlds poor live in India. There is very cheap labour, and extreme social inequality.
To give you an idea, a primary school teacher in an average school makes about $200-$300/month. With this type of pay scale for most middle class professions, there will be corruption. A traffic cop can make 3 months salary by pulling over a few guys speeding in their BMW's and taking a bribe from them, so why won't he, especially since the current system supports it.
Also, our judicial system in India is broken; it takes years(5-10) for any court case to get resolved, which is another problem since the corrupt don't get prosecuted in a timely manner.
Corruption here is part of life. It is understood that things will not get done properly unless you pay someone. This includes most administrative tasks as well as the justice system.
The police routinely stop drivers and hold their licenses until a bribe is paid.
Once I went into the city (Pune) and was informed that nothing (given, in a certain area) would be open until 11am. Every day. How can you expect markets to grow in such an environment? India really needs to catch a wake up and start implementing viable infrastructure and services. Until that happens, I don't see how people would have a use for technology (X) when they don't have access to the basics.