i dont think these comments tell the true story .. there is another dimension for development .. like the industries that have come up ..a lot of change has happenned due to the industries like IT which have thrown up a huge middle class .. these industries were not there in 1995. ..but all in all it seems like an interesting take

it is interesting that michaels comments brings out the true nature of development which most of us staying in India already understand .. that it is largely driven by public enterprise and has happenned independent of any active government assistance.

I visited India in 1988(south) 2003 (North) and again in 2005 (South). The South has changed a lot. Not many beggars around Chennai and very much cleaner and the roads, definitely better. I have to agree completely with Michael that India is an expensive place for budget minded tourists. The hotels rates are one of the highest in Asia. A 3 star hotel does not come near many non-star hotels in MALAYSIA, INdonesia, Thailand,and other developing countries in the region. I saw very few tourists of non-Indian origin. I feel that INDIAN TOURISM MINISTRY SHOULD TRY TO MAKE TOURISM AS AN IMPORTANT SECTOR IN NATIONAL INCOME - YOU HAVE GOT SO MUCH TO OFFER AND SHOW - DON'T MAKE IT EXPENSIVE