The lessons from Modi’s attempt to formalise India’s economy

FOR hulking bureaucracy, it is a thoughtful gesture. Each year the chairman of the Indian Central Board of Direct Taxation e-mails a “Certificate of Appreciation” to every resident who has paid over 100,000 rupees ($1,500) in tax. There are even helpful instructions on how best to print out this “recognition of your contribution towards building of our great nation”, should you want to frame it.