As we have discussed in these columns, politics is an incredibly hard calling in any democratic society. It is particularly vexing in poor societies. A government comes to office and survives in power with the willing consent of the people. There is a need to address the short-term needs of voters, even as the long-term interests of the society at large are promoted. And there is a moral imperative to mitigate the pain of poverty immediately, even as steps should be taken to eliminate poverty altogether by enhancing the earning capacity of people and providing opportunities for a better life in the future.

Clearly, the Union government and some of the states are doing a commendable job of maintaining growth momentum by reconciling the short-term individual welfare with long-term public go

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