The post-independence record is disappointing in relation to what the
country set out to achieve and could certainly have achieved. Even after
succcessive five-year plans, 25 to 40 percent of our population is still
below the poverty line. The basic problems like illiteracy,
unemployment, health and shelter still persist. The situation as regards
public and primary health, drinking water, sewerage, sanitation and
housing is far from satisfactory.
 The Public sector is uncompetitive and unprofitable. The bureaucratic
stranglehold and procedural red tape have undermined autonomy and
enterprise. Corruption is rampant at all levels of government and
accountability is misting.
 The pressures of numbers, the economics of survival, obsolete
technologies and undisciplined development have resulted in major
environmental degradation. Many species of flora and fauna are danger
of becoming extinct.
 Years of freedom have not yet instilled the concept of 'Indianness'.
People still fight and are divided on issues of caste, language, region
and religion.