Articles by Bernard D Mello

The risks of a militant struggle for an alternative path of development that is radically different from the one followed by India's ruling classes seem to most dissidents far too dangerous. Yet there are some who stand firm in their conviction: what should be, can be. An outline of a few of Mumbai's rebels who chose this arduous path

Steel Industry: India and China Bernard D'Mello Asian Crucible: The Steel Industry in China and India by Gilbert Etienne with contributions by Jacques Estier, Hari Bhusan and Dai Zhong; Sage Publications, New Delhi/1992; pp 304, Rs 285.

Technology An "Industrial Organisation' Approach Introduction THE 'late' industrialisation of Japan has been based on extensive learning from imported technology and plant (capital goods) in order to raise productivity and achieve international competitiveness. A great deal depends on whether the recipients or buyers (a) define exactly what component of the plant and technology package is to be imported; (b) research the potential suppliers and are able to short-list a lew who can best supply (heir needs and with whom they believe the best bargain can be struck; (c) prepare thoroughly for negotiations and bargaining (from the technical, legal and commercial angle); (d) contract for the 'core1 component (that component for which the market is highly oligopolistic, usually the more technologically complex part) with one of the short-listed firms and sub-contract the 'peripheral' component to cheaper foreign or local suppliers; and (e) invest in complementary resources (local R and D, design and engineering, pilot plants, experimental workshops and the shop floor) for the assimilation and adaptation of the imported plant and technology. The best example of this is that of the initial adoption of basic oxygen furnace steel-making in Japan in the

Technology in Third World Bernard D'Mello Technological Advance in the Third World: Strategies and Prospects by M R Bhagavan; Zed Books, London, 1990; pp xii + 156, price not stated.

Thermal Power Station Gayatri Singh Bernard D'Mello An investigation into the police firing on workers at the construction site of the Chandrapur Thermal Power Station in Maharashtra brings out the collusion and collaboration among public sector project authorities, private contractors and the local administration and police to deny workers their legal rights, including minimum wages, and to thwart all efforts to organise and unionise the workers.