<P> In the 80s, the government led by Rajiv Gandhi started light reforms . The government slightly reduced Licence Raj and also promoted the growth of the telecommunications and software industries . </P> <P> The Chandra Shekhar Singh government (1990--1991) took several significant steps towards the much needed reforms and laid its foundation . </P> <Ul> <Li> The low annual growth rate of the economy of India before 1980, which stagnated around 3.5% from 1950s to 1980s, while per capita income averaged 1.3% . At the same time, Pakistan grew by 5%, Indonesia by 9%, Thailand by 9%, South Korea by 10% and Taiwan by 12% . </Li> <Li> Only four or five licences would be given for steel, electrical power and communications . Licence owners built up huge powerful empires . </Li> <Li> A huge private sector emerged . State - owned enterprises made large losses . </Li> <Li> Income Tax Department and Customs Department became inefficient in checking tax evasion . </Li> <Li> Infrastructure investment was poor because of the public sector monopoly . </Li> <Li> Licence Raj established the "irresponsible, self - perpetuating bureaucracy that still exists throughout much of the country" and corruption flourished under this system . </Li> </Ul> <Li> The low annual growth rate of the economy of India before 1980, which stagnated around 3.5% from 1950s to 1980s, while per capita income averaged 1.3% . At the same time, Pakistan grew by 5%, Indonesia by 9%, Thailand by 9%, South Korea by 10% and Taiwan by 12% . </Li>

Who is called the pioneer of liberalisation of indian economy