# Sunil Mittal Recalls 1991 Reforms as Freedom Day for Business 2026-08-07T06:06:36+00:00 | Business & Economy | Indian Opinion Desk Corroboration: 1 independent outlet Bharti Enterprises founder Sunil Mittal has described Manmohan Singh’s 1991 Budget and the easing of import and industrial controls as a turning point for Indian businesses. In an interview with Business Standard, reported by Rediff.com, Mittal recalled restrictions on telephone components, production limits and repeated applications to officials. He said the abolition of the Directorate General of Technical Development and the expansion of Open General Licensing opened space for new firms to grow. Telecom liberalisation from 1992 helped clear the way for Airtel, which now serves more than 480 million subscribers in India, according to the report. Mittal said India does not need another large economic shock, but needs further changes. He backed Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s goal of making India a rich country, while saying growth of 6 to 7 per cent over the next decade could make a major difference. He also said the government must create opportunities for India’s young population. ## Coverage - rediff.com Tags: 1991 reforms, Airtel, economic liberalisation, Sunil Mittal, telecom Canonical: https://indianopinion.org/sunil-mittal-recalls-1991-reforms-as-freedom-day-for-business/ License: Summary and commentary (c) Indian Opinion, reusable with attribution. Facts belong to the linked sources. Cite: https://indianopinion.org/sunil-mittal-recalls-1991-reforms-as-freedom-day-for-business/#story-in-brief Review state: restored archive article, accurate at time of publication, not offered to search indexes.