On the Turnpike traces the origin and history of the Indian Economic Service and in the process provides fascinating glimpses into how economic policy in India was shaped, the drama behind the various Budgets, and the thinking and compulsions that led to key decisions being made. It also captures the personalities of the key players who shaped these policies.

The book describes the circumstances under which the Cadre for advising and shaping economic policy under the Ministry of Finance was born, the contributions it has made, the challenges it has faced and the path ahead.

Those looking for a quick and comprehensible insights into the wisdom and follies of Indian economic policy over the last 60 years will find this book instructive and amusing.

T.C.A. Srinivasa-Raghavan is a journalist and columnist. He has written extensively on political economy over three decades for papers such as the Financial Express, the Economic Times and the Business Standard. He is currently with the Hindu Business Line. His light style has helped simplify economics for the non economists and helped bring the subject closer to the reader.