FM lays out blueprint for economic revival, fiscal prudence, infrastructure growth, FDI push and a stable tax regime

The maiden Union Budget of the Narendra Modi-led NDA government presented by Finance Minister Arun Jaitley in Parliament on July 10 has been prepared from a long-term perspective. Laying out a blueprint to revive India’s sluggish economy, it has outlined a slew of measures to achieve fiscal prudence, job creation, FDI push and a stable tax regime as well as to give a major fillip to the infrastructure and manufacturing sector.

Delivering the budget speech, the Finance Minister said his budget aims at a 7-8% growth over the next three-four years, less fiscal deficit and a manageable current account deficit. Towards achieving them, he has chosen fiscal prudence over grand schemes in a bid to nurse public finances, tame inflation and simplify tax laws as he believes that by doing so, growth, investment and jobs will follow.

Emphasizing that the prevailing economic situation presents a tough challenge and there was a need to introduce “fiscal prudence” that will lead to fiscal consolidation and discipline, Jaitley said his government will aim to retain the fiscal deficit target for 2014-15 at 4.1% of GDP and reduce it further to 3.6% in 2015-16 and to 3% by 2016-17. The budget will prefer to lower the fiscal deficit by boosting revenues rather than cutting down on expenditure, he elaborated.

While reviving growth and reining in the fiscal deficit, the budget also nurtures a vision to improve investor sentiment and business climate, boost agriculture and manufacturing sector, generate employment opportunities and meet all the expectations that began to build up since May 16, after it became amply clear that the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance would form the next government with a clear majority. In that sense, the budget can also be termed as youth-oriented, farmer-friendly and pro-poor.

To promote skilling and vocational training among youth and to make them job-ready, the budget has made several announcements. To encourage rural youth to start their own ventures, Jaitley has announced a spending of Rs 100 crore to start village entrepreneurship training schemes. Recognizing the importance of stepping up vocational trainings and bringing it at par with the higher education system, he has announced the ‘Skill India’ programme and allocated an amount of Rs 14,389 crore  for job creation, a huge part of which will hopefully be spent in training the youth.  

The Finance Minister has also proposed setting up of five new Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs) and five Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs) across the country at a cost of Rs 500 crore.

For the farmers, the budget has announced a slew of much-awaited measures. Focus on increasing irrigation facilities, farm markets, financial help to landless farmers and Kisan TV to provide real time information to farmers would help in increasing productivity of the farm sector. Moreover, Haryana has been gifted a horticulture research institute and Jharkhand an agriculture research institute, while Maharashtra will get agri-biotech clusters.

The budget is not only progressive, but it is also pro-poor. It has tried to address the aspirations of almost all sections of the Indian masses, including the downtrodden. Landless farmers will be given cheaper credit, the rural poor have been promised broadband, cheaper TVs and better roads, Dalit-focused schemes have been allocated more money, the middle class have been given tax breaks, the youth got the Skill India and Digital India programs and India’s holiest river will get funds for a clean-up.

Not surprisingly, Narendra Modi has endorsed the budget through a tweet that stated: ‘Finance Minister presented a Budget that is a ray of hope for the poor & downtrodden. It converts people’s hopes & aspirations into trust.’

To give a fillip to the infrastructure and manufacturing sector, a 10-year tax holiday for undertakings that generate and transmit power has been unveiled. Focus on industrial infrastructure such as a plan to establish seven industrial cities in India would enhance industrialization and create employment opportunities in the economy. 

The allocation for urban infrastructure earmarked at Rs 50,000 crore is really appreciable and this would expedite the pace and urbanization in the country and give a massive boost to growth and expand the national economy much faster.

The boost to Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITS) and Infrastructure Investment Trusts is very encouraging news for the real estate and infrastructure markets as it offers innovative and modern tools of investment to Indians. These are all important signals. 

Investment allowance of 15% to the manufacturing companies investing Rs 25 crore in plant and machinery would accelerate capital investments and propel manufacturing growth. Steps undertaken to revive SEZs would help to rejuvenate the investment cycle. Similarly, facilitation to manufacturing units to sell their products through retail and e-commerce would reduce the selling cost and benefit both manufacturers and consumers.

Furthermore, it is also a taxpayer-friendly budget as the income-tax exemption limit has been raised by Rs 50,000 to Rs 2,50,000, the PPF ceiling to Rs 1,50,000, housing loan rebate to Rs 2,00,000, investments under 80C to Rs 1,50,00. In view of this, through appropriate tax planning those drawing a salary up to Rs 6,00,000 can bring down their tax liability to nil.

The Finance Minister has also assured investors that retrospective amendments to tax laws will be undertaken with extreme caution. Promising to set up a high-level CBDT committee to deal with retrospective taxation, Jaitley said all fresh cases arising out of the 2012 Retrospective Amendment to the Income Tax Act, 1961 will be looked into by the committee. However, the existing tax disputes, arising out of the said amendment, and are pending in Courts, will be allowed to reach their logical conclusions, he said.

Speaking about his government’s plan to introduce the Goods and Services Taxes (GST) this year, Jaitley said the GST aims to replace a series of existing taxes such as excise duty, service tax and value added tax (VAT). Revealing that discussions with state governments with regard to GST implementation have been encouraging, he said GST will streamline the tax administration, avoid harassment to businesspersons and also result in higher revenue collection both for the Centre and the States.

The budget also highlights the Union Government’s intention to overhaul the subsidy regime in a bid to ensure that subsidies reach the targeted beneficiaries. While food subsidy for FY15 has been increased to Rs 72,970 crore, the oil subsidy has been retained at Rs 63,427 crore.  Furthermore, there are plans to link the National Rural Employment Guarantee Programme to genuine asset creation and can’t be used to dig and fill up holes and pits as it were. 

Taking into account the fact that our Finance Minister got only 45 days’ time to prioritize his priorities and for drawing up the budget for 2014-15, he has done an excellent job because this budget is undoubtedly very progressive, astute and realistic.

In case you are anticipating a whole new era of politics, you are on the right track. We have all witnessed politicians becoming the leader of their squad on the basis of their last names or the number of years they have served politics, no matter they hold or do not hold the mandatory know-how of administration and delivery. Right from electing Mr. Modi as the prime ministerial candidate for the 2014 general polls till the finalization of Mr. Shah as the new BJP President, everything seems to work well in this pure anti-Congress party. Clearing all clouds and putting all arguments to rest, Mr. Shah has grabbed the honor that he very well deserves.

Until the news channels clearly announced that the BJP had solely won over 71 constituencies in the state of U.P., I believe none of the political experts would have ever imagined this number. Mr. Shah, who worked in the state for just over one year prior to the polls, changed all the predictions, crossed all the boundaries, and won every heart. Political groups with a history of many decades in the U.P. were sidelined to the core by this dexterous BJP leader. Who could have assumed that the BSP would just disappear from every equation? Indeed, the takeover by Mr. Shah as the BJP President promises new propositions and elevated outcomes.

The contribution of Rashtriya Swayamsewak Sangh in mentoring and preparing leaders for tomorrow is remarkable. Associated with the RSS since his college days and ABVP in 1983, Mr. Shah must have realized the expectations of the Sangh Pariwar as well as the BJP, wherein he came into the picture in 1986. Certainly, the leaders who have served RSS in the past have a much clearer and more progressive mindset owing to the fact that real groundwork and extensive know-how of the organizational structure teaches a lot. Those who relate themselves with the morals and views of the BJP can feel much relaxed as the new President is a graduate and a proven leader.

Now, is the coming in of Mr. Shah an alarming state for the Congress? We have heard many senior Congress leaders silently crossing the borderline and disseminating views on the failure of Mr. Rahul Gandhi in leading the party ever since he has been bestowed upon with this responsibility. BJP has sent across an exact message in the public that those who are accepted by the mass will be the ones serving them. Promotions based on performance and not on person’s hold within the group has now become the deciding factor. And we can expect the leader who united the general public of U.P. to manage and bring together BJP leaders uncomplicatedly.

Many are alleging the decades old relationship of Mr. Modi and Mr. Shah as the prime factor for this selection. Remember, a leader is the one who can comprehend the nerves of the mass, can unite the group with nil differences, can fetch outcomes rather than just promising, and above all, has the unmatched ability to bring in all-inclusive betterment. For Mr. Shah, the challenge has just begun. Upcoming elections in Maharashtra, Haryana, and Jharkhand are the foremost hurdles to be crossed resourcefully. Plus, BJP’s hold in the state of U.P., Bihar, Gujarat, and other constituencies will not just have to be upheld, rather has to be heightened. Lastly, with the Mr. Modi-led government at the center, which assures a thriving future and with Mr. Shah-led BJP, Indians can expect positive political restructuring, while the BJP can anticipate all new equations in states with limited presence.

Ever since the all-powerful Planning Commission was set up in 1950 by a cabinet resolution to assess, coordinate and allocate government’s resources efficiently for social and economic growth, this non-statutory body has often been criticized as a bunch of “arm-chair advisors and ivory-tower experts” who have failed to capture the pulse of ground realities.

With 30 divisions manned by 109 senior officers and staff strength of over 800, the Planning Commission, though lacking any constitutional and legal authority, has been distributing and monitoring plan funds to the state governments and central government departments right since its inception. The panel had been central to the process of projects getting clearance, timely funding and also coordinating with ministries, sectors and states.

However, state governments, mainly those run by regional parties opposed to the political party at the Centre, have rarely been satisfied by the funds allocated to them by the federal government on the recommendation of the planning body, which is not accountable to Parliament.

While many policy-makers and economists have called for revamping the plan panel, mandarins of the erstwhile UPA regime have also advocated a change in the role of the planning commission. Furthermore, recent media reports say that the new government views the Planning Commission as only adding to red tape and as a creature of the old ‘Licence Raj’ serving no useful purpose in the current liberalized economic scene.

Even former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh himself, in his farewell speech, called for a review of the Commission’s role in an increasingly open economy. India’s former Finance Minister P Chidambaram has also favoured downsizing of the Planning Commission and said that the plan panel should be a much more limited body tasked with drawing up prospective plans. At the moment it is too big, flabby and unwieldy, he emphasized.

The extreme opinion currently floating around is about abolishing the planning body, as many believe under the new dispensation of Narendra Modi there is hardly any space for planners devoid of grassroots connects and exposure, as the focus is now more on realistic execution and result-oriented implementation.

While abolishment of the Planning Commission may be a huge blow to the ivory-tower expert community, it is unlikely to happen soon. However, reliable sources say Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who is the commission’s new chairman, would review the planning body’s functioning and opt to restructure it.

The election manifesto of the BJP had also talked about revamping the Commission since it is seen as a legacy of our country’s socialist past. It had said that the Centre should only be an enabler and facilitator for state governments.

For the first time since its inception in 1950, this year the Planning Commission was not involved in the decision making process while finalizing the gross budgetary support for the Indian Railways. Furthermore, the recent decision to give the Finance Ministry charge of allocations for state and central level ministries shows the Commission will not function in its present form any longer.

The fact that Yojana Bhavan has been divested of its financial powers seems to hint at the end of the important role the Commission used to play so far. It also indicates the beginning of the biggest change that the Indian fiscal space has witnessed in decades. Recently, Rao Inderjit Singh, Minister of State for Planning (Independent Charge) made the nature of the likely change clear by indicating that his government was undecided about appointing a new Deputy Chairman for the Planning Commission.

Till May 2014, the key post of the Deputy Chairman was held by Montek Singh Ahluwalia. He and former members of the Commission resigned, vacated their offices and stepped out of Yojana Bhavan on May 27. Most of what were on the Members’ tables have since been transferred to Secretary-level officers posted as principal advisers at the Commission.

As such, currently everything related to the Planning Commission is in a state of flux. The Prime Minister has yet to decide whether he wants to appoint a Deputy Chairman. So far, this has always been a Cabinet-level post in every government.

In view of the aforementioned developments, it is recommended that the Narendra Modi-led NDA government should mull over the following three options while deciding on the future of the Planning Commission: (i) Restructure the Planning Commission or recast its role; (ii) Merge it with the Prime Minister’s Economic Advisory Council; or (iii) Totally scrap the Commission forthwith.

Here, let me elaborate on the scope of each of the above recommendations:

Recasting the role of the Planning Commission:

If the Central government believes that the Commission should be rejigged with a different structure and role from its conventional mandate of allocating funds to states and schemes, then the government should first take away the extensive powers vested in the plan panel.

Since, Rao Interjit Singh has been made the Minister of State for Planning with Independent Charge (MOSPI) under the new dispensation, he happens to wield more powers than the previous ministers. As such, the Commission can be made a part of MOSPI, and the current overlaps between MOSPI and the Commission can be eliminated.

Once that is done, the panel’s traditional role of doing budgetary and Plan allocations can be totally scrapped. The plan panel can then be assigned the task of monitoring implementation of projects. This would mean checking the progress of projects cleared by the state and central governments and also keeping a tab on how much of the allocated money has been spent. It can also review steps required to avert cost overruns with regard to each project.

The government can also do away with Five Year Plans and in lieu have annual plans for quick decision and fast implementation, which can be monitored by the Planning Commission working under MOSPI. The 12^th Five Year Plan that started from April 1, 2012 has not made any concrete progress so far.

So scrapping the current Five Year Plan also does not pose any kind of problem. This move will perfectly align with Modi’s mantra, which says India needs implementation and not just planning and vision. Moreover, Modi has always been publicly critical of centralized planning and of one-size-fits all approach.

Merging the plan panel with PM’s Economic Advisory Council:

In 2012, a committee, which was headed by Dr C Rangarajan, had recommended eliminating the distinction between Plan and non-Plan allocations. The forthcoming Financial Budget that will be presented by Arun Jaitley on July 10, 2014 is expected to implement this recommendation for the first time.

As the interim Budget has already transferred most centrally-sponsored schemes to state governments, this time the Planning Commission has no major role to play in the allocation of funds to states. And each state government has made it very clear that they want the new arrangements to be continued and further expanded.

In the above context where the traditional role of the Planning Commission has been scrapped, its importance is on a declining curve. Furthermore, since Modi is against centralised planning he does not want Delhi-driven policies or resource allocations for states, but state-specific solutions.

As such, the Central government can consider merging the Commission with the Prime Minister’s Economic Advisory Council (PMEAC), which was set up in a bid to provide a sounding board for inculcating awareness in government on different points of view on key economic issues. PMEAC has been reconstituted time and again with different organizational structures headed by various economists of recognized international eminence.

The Planning Commission has been the Nodal Agency for the PMEAC for administrative, logistic, planning and budgeting purposes. As the work of these two organizations are closely connected and even seem to overlap in certain areas, their integration will definitely lead to optimization of resource allocation. 

Abolishing the Commission:

Lately, because of the growing pitch for federalism, and better Centre-state relations, in certain cases the Planning Commission has been left out of the loop completely where states are concerned. The Finance Ministry has started dealing with the states directly for seeking their demands and for distribution of funds.

The Commission has also been left out from discussions to fix the size of the gross budgetary support as many Central ministries and state governments believe they are much better off without the Planning Commission sitting on top of their heads. Earlier, the figure was generally arrived at after discussions between the plan panel and the finance ministry, with the prime minister taking the final call.

Claiming that the Planning Commission is largely a Soviet era relic and has outlived its utility in the era of a market-driven economy, some say that the plans drafted in the air-conditioned chambers of Yojana Bhawan are more in the air and less on the ground. As such the planning body has become a “good for nothing” commission and this country cannot any more put up with such lavish nonperforming commissions, they argue.

In view of the above, there have been vociferous demands from some quarters for the outright scrapping of this outdated entity. For instance, emphasizing that there is a need to rethink on the need for institutions such as the Planning Commission, economist Arvind Panagariya, who is also a professor of economics at Columbia University in the US, says the Commission should be abolished.

Elaborating further, Panagariya says planning has become a habit in India and this habit needs to be broken. “We are in a market economy. It has to be planned, but not by the Planning Commissions, but by the ministries. It is time for a rethink on such institutions,” he emphasizes.

Over 66 percent of the voting population in the world’s largest democracy cast its ballot in 2014, reflecting palpable electoral dissatisfaction with India’s administrative and economic milieu. The exuberance at the expected change in government was so high that the Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE) surged 15 percent and the rupee gained four percent between March and May 16, 2014, when Narendra Modi was declared victorious in the national elections. The excitement notwithstanding, the fact of the matter is that the new government inherits a beleaguered economy which is rife with poverty, unemployment, unmanageable inflation, fading investment, decelerated growth and lack of adequate infrastructure. Before we get into reviewing what the Modi government can or will do to jump-start India’s economic growth, it is important to understand where the fault lies.

Planting new trees and felling the burnt ones

A couple of years back, normally referred to as the boom period, inept macroeconomic policy paved the ground for the current economic mess. The erroneous fiscal outlook and faulty monetary policy manufactured India’s largest-ever credit rush. This conspicuous failure of India’s economy is rooted in utopianism, which cannot be corrected by a one-size-fit-all solution. Grandiose measures will have to be replaced by complex and involved management of macroeconomic factors such that the current long view of the economy is transformed into a more meaningful short view. Macroeconomic policy in India lacks a deep institutional foundation, resulting in the country bopping from one crisis to another. The return of international markets to normalcy any time soon is a far cry. India will have to deepen its liquid markets to absorb the shock of a stagnating world economy. For this to happen, the country needs to replace its existing regulatory framework with large-scale reforms in the financial sector because without these reforms macroeconomic and financial uncertainty will remain. Reformation of the regulatory framework is essential also to prevent the misgivings raised by the knee-jerk economic interventions that administrators in India tend to make when there is a financial crisis, fiscal crisis and price instability. But these reforms can only be meaningful and effective if there is sustained economic growth; however, with less than five percent growth of the gross domestic product (GDP), the new government faces the uphill task of reviving India’s crippled economy, which has grown at its slowest pace in a decade. 

Despite the clear need for economic reforms, the government does not have the fiscal space for far-reaching reforms as the tax-to-GDP ratio has slipped to 10.2 per cent from a peak of 12.5 per cent in 2007-08 and tax revenues are unlikely to recover immediately. The new government plans to tackle supply side constraints, a major cause for galloping inflation.As indicated in the book titled, “Getting India Back on Track” (Bibek Debroy et al., London, 2014) fiscal consolidation, financial sector reform, capital account convertibility, and countercyclical monetary policy are the four components of the reforms that macroeconomic stability and reduction of business cycle volatility beckon. To forestall financial ailments like banking distress, world economic meltdown, bankrupt pension systems, and securities scandals that have plagued India in the recent past, a sound framework for financial regulation is required. In India today, stressed loans aggregate $100 billion, or 10 per cent of all loans. A recently released report of the RBI-appointed P.J. Nayak Committee suggested that banks could raise equity if government stake in them was reduced. The report also recommended that some weaker banks could be merged with strong ones. While addressing a joint parliament session on June 9, 2014, H.E.Pranab Mukherjee, the President of India, said, “We will work together to usher our economy into a high growth path, rein in inflation, reignite the investment cycle, accelerate job creation and restore the confidence of the domestic as well as international community in our economy.” The to-do roster is long, but the vital actions that top the new government’s economic agenda are narrowing the fiscal deficit, making the business climate congenial, introducing anti-inflation measures, and perking up efforts to reduce the current account deficit. All the measures that the government undertakes will have to be linked with its revenues as it does not have enough leeway to make grand plans which require substantial expenditure.

High Inflation and the bottomless pit of India’s fiscal and current account deficit

India’s fiscal deficit may have narrowed over the last two years, but, as of March 2014, it still lingers at 4.6 percent of GDP. When put in context, this figure is alarmingly high, especially if we consider China, which recorded a fiscal deficit of only 2.1 percent last year. Moreover, there is a high chance that the fiscal deficit may actually be higher than the quoted figure, given the probability of statistical jugglery by previous state head honchos. India’s fiscal deficit touched 45.6 percent of the full-year target within two months of 2014-15. While the deficit target slippage is a worry, the underlying source- below par revenue (collection from taxes and duties) – poses a huge concern. The government would have to take cognizance of the fact that stagnant revenues and messy expenditures will pose great difficulties in meeting the 4.1 percent-of-GDP fiscal deficit target set in the Interim Budget.

Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) is likely to be considered a major avenue for raising capital. Additionally, in the upcoming budget the government might consider introducing an aggressive disinvestment plan to reduce the fiscal deficit. This would partly compensate the shortfall in the country’s revenue collections and rein in its deficit proportionately. A larger effect of this will be visible in case these funds are used for funding capital expenditures that would help kick-start investment activity and growth. However, for a healthy investment cycle to be initiated, it is important for the government to harmonize with the central bank’s efforts to restrain inflation. Controlled inflation, which can be achieved by containing high levels of food inflation, is an essential precursor to ensure buoyancy in investments. During his joint parliamentary address, Mukherjee added, “Containing food inflation will be the topmost priority for my government. There would be an emphasis on improving the supply side of various agro and agro-based products by reforming the Public Distribution System. My government will take effective steps to prevent hoarding and black marketing.” 

Another expected measure for reducing the fiscal deficit and eliminating, not just alleviating poverty, is rationalisation of central subsidies. Subsidies can be divided into productive and transfers. The latter has averaged around three percent of GDP, almost double the levels of the past decade. Such subsidies have become unviable as economic growth has stagnated over the period. Welfare policies impact inflation and growth, thus it is imperative that India’s archaic policies are revised to reduce inflation and accelerate economic growth. Since agriculture is the means of livelihood for over 67 percent people in India, far-reaching changes in that area are expected. The government is expected to increase both public and private investment in agriculture. The government could consider allowing private sector to build storage and stock- gain, and shift from physical transfer of grains to consolidated cash transfers. Agri-infrastructure will be one of the major avenues of investment in agriculture. Farming can be made profitable through scientific practices and agro-technology. One of Modi’s biggest achievements in Gujarat was the revival of agriculture, and he is likely to mirror that across the nation. The agricultural value added in Gujarat grew at double the rate of that in India, and was among the fastest rates recorded anywhere in the world. Thus, at the national level a market stabilisation fund for farmers to get the optimum price for their produce is very much in the offing. Modi is likely to give attention to every state and see how agriculture can be boosted there. For example, he is expected to recharge the sugarcane industry in Uttar Pradesh by giving sugar mills incentives to clear their arrears of over INR 7,500 crore. Bad subsidies do not augment the output, but good subsidies do. If the non-merit subsidies on fuel and fertilisers are phased out over a period of time and direct cash transfers are introduced, then the genuinely poor and vulnerable households stand a chance of directly receiving the much needed financial relief. Decontrol of oil is expected to continue in the new regime, and oil subsidies, which total INR 1 lakh crore, could be restructured. However, scrapping or revising a subsidy is a politically contentious decision and might take more time and effort than expected.

In the past, the current account deficit (CAD) was reduced through artificial means as all the expenditure in the fiscal deficit had not been accounted for. The CAD was reined in by almost halving gold imports, thus reviving gold smuggling. The new government is likely to review gold import duties within three months of coming to power. Another way to keep the CAD under control is to boost manufacturing exports. Modi, who has turned around the manufacturing base in Gujarat, is expected to appoint a commission to advance manufacturing in the rest of the country.

To re-ignite growth, the government would need to up the capital expenditure, which has reduced from four per cent of GDP in 2003 to 1.7 per cent today. Despite it being a tough task, high volumes of expenditure would be needed to start rebuilding infrastructure. In order to step up its revenue collection, the government is expected to rationalise and simplify its tax regime to make it conducive to investment, enterprise and growth. Tax evasion is also an area which is likely to be addressed through tax reforms. The July budget is likely to set a deadline for the implementation of two key tax reforms – the Goods and Sales Tax (GST) and Direct Taxes Code (DTC) – which till now did not get consensus from all the states. It is estimated that with GST in place, India’s GDP will shoot up by a minimum of 1.5 to two percentage points, and the DTC will positively impact compliance.

Growth steered forward by a congenial business environment

It is important to address the environment that characterizes investment in India. Improving the business climate should be the anchor of the new government’s agenda. The reforms that the new government pushes would pivot around making infrastructure available and giving precedence to resource-based industries. The share of the manufacturing sector in India’s GDP is around 16 percent, which is abysmally low when compared to other Asian countries. The foremost thing that has plagued the manufacturing sector is government policy which leads to a difficult business environment, rigidities in deployment of labour, insufficiency in infrastructure, regulatory delays and absence of transparency, high cost and unavailability of bank credit. While keeping land costs at acceptable levels and reforming labour laws such that employers can hire and fire are important policy level changes, the most critical is addressing issues related to the business environment. The business environment stands to improve if India replaces the multitude of forms with a combined application form for getting the mandatory clearances. Currently, in India, businesses need to file over 100 returns; doing business in India would become much easier if a system of one common return was instituted. The business environment would perk-up if the time taken to start and exit a business is reduced significantly. Reducing the compliance burden would help remove the clutter from India’s business environment. Uniformity across the country in terms of registrations would ease the business environment in the country. Modi’s government has introduced a deadline on every process of regulatory clearance. This would help remove red-tape and bring about more transparency. Cost of commercial credit could be reduced by introducing more competition in the banking sector by issuing fresh licenses on a regular basis. Modi has already mobilized efforts in the direction of making the business climate congenial in India. For example, with respect to the mining industry, he is keen on a model similar to Ultra Mega Power Projects, by which mining rights would be awarded as a package, with all clearances in place. This is directed towards reducing the time spent on obtaining permissions.

And the verdict is…

It has been nearly three decades since Indian voters delivered such a momentous verdict. Whether Modi and his team will be able to stand up to their promises and agenda of hope is yet to be seen. Among the first indications will be the soon-to-be announced Union Budget of 2014 in which Modi might have to take some tough decisions to jack up the process of India’s economic recovery.

Known to all Indians is the fact that every political group has a distinct vote bank and the subsequent coming in of such groups varies the economic policies followed by the preceding governing party. The clash between the DMK and AIADMK in Tamil Nadu brings in new perks and measures, which are in favor of one or the other set of people. Subsidies flow emptying the reserves of the government and thus adding to the let down of the economic structure. When viewed in a broader sense, we can observe new governments coming up with all new sets of economic proposals as a way to recover the paralyzed economy; however no gains are secured.

Many experts talk of delinking the economic wing and the political arena, which would ensure that any change in the administrative squad would not allow the economy to writhe. On the contrary, the constitution accords supreme power to the government so as to devise workable policies for the betterment of the economy. Hence, economic and political wing are somewhere or the other in each other’s pocket. Indeed, India has witnessed numerous Finance Ministers with distinctive approach towards the economic arrangement, along with governments with altogether different perspective with respect to extending monetary favors or curtailing them.

In the year 2011, the arrival of the new government in the state of U.P. also welcomed drastic changes in the government expenditure structure. Subsidies too changed their recipients in the direction of the prevailing wind. Same is the scenario when new union governments steer clear of the strategies of the former government, leaving many vital projects in the midway, thus adding to the depletion of valuable and ever-scarce resources. We have even seen cases where funds are allocated by ministers in the areas of their concern despite of the fact that real assets rarely augment. Funds distribution and policy making have become more of person-oriented.

Economic momentum that is much-necessary is broken up with limited tenures of governments and the subsequent coming in of all new set of decision makers. Plus, the bureaucracy too modifies the manner of working in view of the new ministers. At last, the outgoing government leaves a burden of massive public debts, which rarely bothers the new government, rather eats up the fortune of the nation. Also, with restricted term of five years, none of the groups of administrators bothers about long-term goals that demand consistency and nil wastage of resources. ‘Mutual good’ is thus replaced by economic opulence of just a few clusters.

Ranging from the foreign policy and guidelines for the corporate sector to the reservation system and defense outlays, every new government comes up with unalike game plans that set aside the preceding measures. Certainly, the economic environment demands persistence, along with deep-rooted consistency. For instance, when a newly formed government announces a sudden decline in the tax slabs or custom tariffs, the revenues are sure to suffer unless balanced. For quite long, we have been witnessing every Finance Minister with altogether dissimilar principles that may prove to be a blessing in the short-run; however fail when uniformity lacks.

Either the political groups will have to come up with a clear consensus on the economic wing, or a structure outlining precise powers and limitations of the newly formed government will have to be adopted. Else, post every five years, resources would be moved from one scheme to the other, leaving nothing in the end. Having promised a prosperous tomorrow to all Indians, the new Modi-led government will have to fairly assess the former allocation of funds and policies in place with respect to subsidies, taxation, corporate sector, and government spending. Those necessary and constructive shall not be allowed to die owing to likings of new ministers.

It is a common saying that the youth of a nation are the backbone of economy. We all have heard our national and state leaders advocating the fact that the prosperity and viability of India is much dependent on the young blood. Do they talk about the same youth who have knowledge, outlook, and educational degrees; however no jobs. Or, do they address the little ones who walk through the compartments of trains begging for pity cash, which is then used for buying drugs and alcohol? Step out of your house and the very next moment you would come across the young brigade harassed at every stage, with nil backing from the government.

While on one hand, girls are not allowed to enter the world; the born ones fight at every level to maintain dignity and arrange for food. You can often see little boys, with their parents involved in disguised employment, and you can be sure that a day would come when they too would become a part of the same milieu. A report predicts that every third youth of Punjab is trapped in the curse of drug addiction, while the governments and the leaders are busy projecting the newly built flyovers. The irony is that the political men too know the vitality of the young blood in nation-building; however no labors are being done to exploit this immense power.

The Right to Education was seen as a key measure that could at least ensure that the little ones would have adequate knowledgeand academic aptitude. Visit a tea stall near your office, or a local restaurant around your home, and you would realize thereal picture. The hands which should have a pen and a book are busy cleaning glasses or arranging for the helicopter landing of any powerful political leader. Yes, we are moved; however no one dares to take a step ahead. And when we talk about the limited resource capacity of India, why do we oversee the fact that the prime resource, which is our upcoming generation, is being wasted to the core.

To be precise, more than 8 million children in India have no other option than to waste their crucial childhood days atfirework factories, restaurants, and even as disguised home maids. As per the reports of distinct NGOs, Delhi is home to more than 50 thousand street children, who spend mornings tolate evenings as beggars. Same is the condition in Mumbai,where out of 37 thousand street children; more than one-fourthare not even able to arrange for food for the day. Miserable to note, reports reveal that around 10 percent street children are severely addicted to drugs and alcohol. Plus, active involvement in criminal activities is a common scenario.

None of the ministries has ever been concerned to even take a minute note of this drastically ill position. The Right to Education Act strives for every child of age 6 to 14 to havecompulsory access to school and the accountability lies with the state governments. Lack of coordination among distinctministries and deficient willpower of state governments have caused millions to writhe. It is to be realized that since most of the street children come from backward castes, they must be accorded with all the services destined explicitly for thiscategory. Rescuing of street children and ensuring education, food, and above all, dignity is the prime need of the hour.

The primary authority that could help India fetch the maximum out of the youth is the policy-makers. While the election manifestos are flooded with blossoming prospects for unemployed, the 5-years term of almost every government has proven hopeless. I expect a lot from the new union government, which is being headed by a personality who has been tested at numerous times and has proven his capability. Mr. Modi, who realizes that the Indians have voted for pride and prosperity in the 2014 polls, will have to come up with visionary plans and workable solutions that can save the little ones and can enrichthe ones looking for work.

A lot can be done. Compulsory and I recommend forceful measures must be taken to ensure that none of our little ones issaved from being a part of the education system. Along with, the standards of our teaching system will have to be reformed in view of prevailing global trends. Counseling of parents is necessary too. Jobs will have to be created by allowing quickinflow of funds and easy commencement of new ventures.Technological domain is to be strengthened by importing technical know-how to render our youth with essential expertise.Bare promises will now not be accepted and I believe that Mr. Modi would surely have a concrete plan of action.

An SP leader, post the outcomes of the 2014 polls, claimed that even the Muslims who were adored with manifold perks did not favor the party. Subsequently, a few of the schemes that were announced to lure the minority were rolled back. Mayawati accused Muslims to have taken a wrong route since the BSP came up with nil numbers. And the Congress blamed the BJP of enticing all the Hindu voters who, with a view to oppose the Muslim voters, voted in bulk for the BJP candidates. When would anyone bother to ask the real concerns of the much-talked about ‘minority’, which is the actual sufferer of the ‘Secular’ approach of political groups?

I believe that the word ‘secular’ comes up with an altogether distinct meaning when talked about in the Indian scenario.Herein, the one who treats all religions alike is not secular, rather the one who promotes or even talks of promoting any minority community is considered to be a true secular. The synonym ‘anti-communal’ is what that has been accorded to this word. For sure, if you think or endeavor to endorse the Hindu community, you are being communal in India. And in case you just take part in a few dialogues with the community leaders of Muslims you will be allowed to claim yourself as a true secular.

The Sachar Committee, which was appointed in 2005 by the PM to report the real condition of Muslims in India, revealed thesocial, economic, and political backwardness of the community despite of uncountable measures adopted by the governments in more than past 30-35 years. Though the coming in of a minority-favoring government enhances the feeling of security among Muslims, in real sense, the living conditions rarely advance. It is quite known to all that the so-called secular political groupsmake every attempt to make the minority community realize that they are backed by the government in all the wrongs they commit.

While on one hand, most of the Hindus prefer preserving acceptable detachment from Muslims; the political groups on the other hand talk of promoting the wellbeing of this community till the votes are in their favor. Indeed, the essence of the word ‘secular’ has been manipulated in the country that is home toalmost every prevailing religion in the world. None of the political leaders is worried about the countless tailbacks; rather‘Ponzi’ schemes declaring extraordinary returns are announced every other day with a view to fascinate Muslim voters.According to a recent finding, Muslim women are far educationally backward than the SCs and STs.

Until the political groups and their so-called secular leadersdiscontinue considering Muslims as a mere vote bank, thecircumstances can hardly progress. Plus, a vital role has also to be played by the members of this community with respect to appreciating and favoring real development. A K Antony,heading the committee probing the underlying reasons of Congress’ disaster, has recently set the political arena on fire by claiming that too much appeasement of the minority was what that caused the Congress to pack bags. Again, no one seems to be worried of the facts revealed by the Sachar Committee, whichbegs for factual betterment of the minority.

Lastly, alike is the case with backward castes, which once werecoddled for being key voters for particular political groups; however with time focus shifted more towards the minorityvoters. Vital to note, the percentage of underprivileged from among the Hindu backward castes as well as the non-reserved castes is far more than the percentage of minority under the poverty line. And acknowledged by all is the fact that oursenseless reservation system enhances the living standard ofonly the capable backward families, whereas the reallyeconomically deprived families, no matter from general or the reserved category, rarely fetch any paybacks. Time urgently calls for comprehensive reinvention of the definition of secularism and backwardness.

Exchange of user-generated content via technologically-driven platforms can be understood just as the foundation of social media. Today, this has crossed almost every possible boundary and has allowed users to exchange information, modify it, assess it, and above all respond to the information in a completely dissimilar manner. Indeed, social media has transformed the social conduct of humans and has in turn added much more value to decisions. Awareness and feedback are traveling and crossing borders, with enormous impact on consumers’ buying preferences, voters’ voting preferences, and in fact on the overall outlook of the society.

Time has certainly changed from when you could just read a writer’s views in a daily newspaper and had no means to raise any questions or send across any feedback. Social media has accorded voice to every participant and hence has enhanced the reliability of the content. In case you disagree with the facts or perceptions of the content-generator, prompt response can be sent across which shall be accessible to every reader. Certainly, any perception cannot be closed-ended. Social media has brought people a step forward, wherein ease of participation in discussions has opened new ways for responsiveness and widely-accepted conclusions.

Easy access to the desired piece of information, availability of comments and feedback from others, and real-time sharing are the pluses that social media has brought in. Truly, the world was never so contracted, as it has become post the evolution of platforms that have allowed users to generate content, upload it from anywhere, make people notice it, and in case it is worth noticing, then to be paid for the good work. Ranging from Facebook and Twitter to ecommerce websites viz. Flipkart and Snapdeal, users are free to post comments and reviews, which in turn many a times modify the frame of mind of the subsequent reader.

Not just restricted to social networking sites as we believe it to be, social media embraces blogs and microblogs (Twitter), news networking sites (NDTV), and content communities (YouTube). Who could have thought of a day when businesses would spend huge cash on marketing their products and services in the social media? The underlying fact is the ever-high traffic with respect to number of users, along with number of active contributions in dialogues and the impact of such activities on the behavior of the user. From political groups to corporate houses, everyone wants an online presence so as to ensure noticeability and acceptability.

True is the saying that every revolution has a few minuses too. The society has witnessed cases when sharing of misleading content via the social media ignited the fire of hatred in many parts of India and caused communal displeasure. On the contrary, the freedom of speech and the power to share thoughts that have been extended to the society by social media are something to cheer about. Users are the ultimate power-bearers, hence shall recognize the potential and the opportunities. Today, my voice is free to flow, can fetch feedback from readers, and has the supremacy to drive social behavior in a far more constructive manner.

In case we were anticipating that commodity prices would decline to the level prevailing in 1950s; or if we foresaw that basic necessities, along with a few add-ons would come in a ‘free-of-cost package’ post the formation of the Modi-led union government, the mistake is ours. ‘Good days’ as proposed by the BJP during pre-poll milieu no way predetermined any drop in the rates of sugar, diesel, or for that matter the rail fares. I believe that ‘affordability’ to every Indian with respect to shelter, food, clothing, education, and security was what that embraced the definition of ‘good days’. Unluckily, theopponents are visionless to observe any revolution.

Tell me what shall your action plan be when your savings and earnings have continuously failed to match steps with your spending? Would you allow your family to still spend recklessly, or would you plan for ways that can enhance your inflows so as to stand tough as against the future outflows? Similar is the position of the new government at the center which has inherited a paralyzed economy, wherein resources were made available to corporates at throwaway rates, non-contributories were allowed to increase the demand of products by allowing them groundless subsidies, and nil management techniques were put in place.

The new government commenced operations by sending across a cordial as well as tough message to neighboring nations, realizing their vitality in the functioning of Indian economy.‘Good days’ did not promise that Pakistan would sign a Memorandum of Understanding with India with respect to Kashmir and terrorism; however Nawaz Sharif’s visit to India can be viewed as the beginning of a better tomorrow. Unlike former Prime Ministers of India, Mr. Modi accorded supreme prominence to country like Bhutan and scheduled his first overseas tour to this nation. For sure, today neighbors are moreconcerned and welcoming than ever.

The PMO has been working devotedly since past more than a month and the executives have no opportunity to forsake the assigned tasks. Even the cabinet ministers are being observed with respect to timely completion of missions, and unsubstantiated foreign tours of MPs and ministers have been contained. When did you last hear about any training programme for newly elected MPs, except the one we witnessed when U.P. cabinet ministers attended unworkable session overseas at the time when the state was being harassed bylawbreakers? Today, armed forces, bureaucrats, ministries, andISRO are all passionate for future endeavors.

Now those roaring over the hiked rail fares or onion and petro prices shall study the underlying factors for the increase in rates.Only a structured and sturdy economy can substantiate the survival of 125 crore Indians, hence false perks like subsidy and unstructured fares can serve no purpose. Remember, agovernment is not just a price-changer; it is an administrative body that is accountable for resourceful functioning of the economy. Thus, ‘good days’ are not the ones wherein you can buy products at lesser price; rather ‘power to all’ with robust economic base is what that constitutes good days. Stop expecting like always, rather become participative.

The drive to stay in touch with near ones, to share emotions and views, to fetch appreciation, and to mark a distinct presence is what that has brought in the unimaginable success to web-interaction platforms. Who could have anticipated that a non-manufacturing concern, Facebook, would one day become one of the most prosperous brands over the globe?

For sure, the world has now contracted; thoughts and feelingsare flowing through quickly, easily, and affordably; and almost everyone is aware of everyday happenings. But has this knowledge bettered our lives, or has it contributed to an adverse milieu wherein our opinions and relationships have tapered.

I can see young faces, with many who haven’t even stepped out of their school days, troubled with lesser likes and comments on their social networking page. I can see people making contacts across borders; however the communication lacks passion and devotion. I can also witness bloggers and news-makers sharing new thoughts; however the pace of creativity has not multiplied in the same proportion.

Quite amazingly, people now remember more birth dates, anniversaries, and events; however the purity of blessings and presents has diminished. Even with enriched means of communication, why do I observe that people are more bothered, disordered, and rushed?

The new management books talk about the pluses that have been brought in by technology wherein a manager can share feedback with the subordinate via a mail message. I wish this message could also have the power to send across the real mood and hopes of the sender. I would rarely trust the words of anyone who says that his father taught him the first lesson to drive a bicycle via a text message.

Indeed, I appreciate the revolution brought in by computers, the ease of working and concluding a consignment, the trimmed down prospects of errors and frauds; however when augmenting personal communication via technology is talked about, I dissent.

Now many may advocate the role of this webpage, wherein I am able to share my opinions, but how many of them are truly moved with any of my questions, is the area of my concern. You would approve that we go through only the topics of our likingsand leave the rest untouched. Can you recall which picture you last liked on your Facebook page?

Or for that matter, were you truly boosted when you last interacted with your overseas based cousin? I, in no way, oppose the use of digital media in our day-to-day lives; however when this platform surpasses our customary communication tools, I am a bit tensed.

Also, when I come across the vibrant blood of the country juggled with social networking platforms rather than envisioning ground-breaking proposals, I am bothered about the upcoming days of our society. Trapped on the twentieth floor of an apartment, with high-speed internet connectivity, many of us disremember the fact that we aren’t connected, rather we are all alone.

The real area of concern is not the prevailing technological means of communication, rather our excessive dependence, which has widened the emotional gap, is what that needs to be structured. Finest use of technology in terms of sharing creative proposals, along with ensuring that our traditional means of communication are not overshadowed, is the need of the hour.

It is true that with rise in responsibilities, productivity may decline. But, when we are concerned about a country, wherein people are anxiously waiting for real transformations, productivity can never be compromised. Mr. Modi has undoubtedly proven his administrative capabilities while ruling the state of Gujarat, wherein even the massive earthquake and the communal riots could not hold the pace of development.And then was the verdict of the nation in the favor of a person who promised for good days for all. While no one for sure can challenge the caliber of the PM of India; I feel a bit worried with a few roll-back measures.

Roll-back of hiked rail fares for local commuters, three months push for food security, and deferred gas price increase are not the propositions for which Mr. Modi has been known for in the past. Remember the rise in the power tariffs in the state of Gujarat in the initial months of Modi’s governance, which though was a detested move; however had paid unexpectedlywell in the subsequent years. Or for that matter recall the near-ban on liquor in Gujarat, which now is being acclaimed by all.This was the real-Modi, fearless and progressive, unmoved by any pressure or adverse circumstances- Moves that turned ‘Gujarat’ to ‘Vibrant Gujarat’.

With clear majority in the center and with Mr. Modi as the strategic ruler, the BJP-led union government is expected to overlook what the rivals or even the NDA-constituents criticize, and to go for hard decisions, which may appear unpopular in the short-run, however, can add to the country’s GDP in the long-run. For instance, the Fertilizer Minister, Mr. Ananth Kumar has recently ruled out any hike in the price of urea, even though the subsidy on fertilizers has been adding to the burden of the government. Vital to note, the Fertilizer Association of India has estimated that subsidy burden with respect to fertilizers is likely to cross INR 100000 crore.

Another noticeable event is the deferred enactment of the Food Security Law by a quarter. The announcement came just a day after the government decided to postpone the hike in gas prices by three months. In the same context, it should also be considered by the union government that the food subsidy bill is likely to touch INR 115000 crore in the prevailing fiscal year as compared to INR 92000 crore in 2013-14. Next is the partial rollback of rail fares probably due to the intervention of the Shiv Sena. The union government overlooked the fact that of 25 million passengers every day, more than 50 percent are suburban commuters.

Mr. Modi’s words, on the completion of a month for his government, may have armored many of his unlike-Modi moves, but India looks forward to much more. And knowing that this person has all the capacity to deliver, responsibilities have doubled. Mr. Modi has confessed that his government had no ‘honeymoon period’ and hence it appears that he comprehensively appreciates his accountability. The PM will too have to realize that even a trivial roll-back of vital decisions reveal either wrong strategy-formulation at the foremost stage, or the push of external factors on the working of the government. For sure, decisions once taken with utmost will and on valid grounds shall not be reverted unless warranted.

Mr. Modi’s vision and temperament, which prepared everycommon man to witness just the reduction in prices and upsurgein prosperity, now needs quick expansion and application.Conditions are however more tough and harsh, and the Modi-ledgovernment in the initial days has to scuffle with bad monsoon, the Iraq crisis, farmers’ expectations, and the inherited paralyzed economy. And no one appears to swallow the bitter pill of enhanced prices. The best way out will be to disremember the criticism and take hard economic decisions that can pay off in the long-run. ‘Preventive’ governance will have to be overruled by ‘active’ governance.

रेलवे के लिए मुमकिन नहीं घाटे के बावजूद विष्वस्तरीय सेवाएं दे पाना

आप ही बताईये, अगर किसी को दषकों तक उसकी जरूरतों की तुलना में कम पारिश्रमिक अदा किया जाता रहा है तो वह क्या करेगा? आप मुझे ईमानदारी से बताईये, उस सूरत में आप क्या करेंगे जब आप लाखों लोगों को अपनी सेवाएं प्रदान करते हैं फिर भी घाटे से भी उबर पाने की स्थिति में नहीं आ पाते हैं? हर विपक्षी दल रेल किराये में वृद्वि होने पर आक्रोष में आ जाता है, पर क्या उनमें से कोई इसे उचित ठहरा पाएगा कि क्यों केंद्र सरकार का यह कदम आम लोगों के लिए बाधक है? अर्थषास्त्र का एक सरल नियम बताता है कि कोई भी उत्पादक इकाई बगैर कुछ अर्जित किए लंबे समय तक सुरक्षित बची नहीं रह सकती। और अगर आप उम्मीद करते हैं कि भारतीय रेलवे घाटा उठाकर आपको सेवाएं प्रदान करती रहे तो एक दिन आप यहां तक कि बैंकिंग, दूरसंचार तथा अन्य सेक्टरों से भी अपेक्षा करने लगेंगे कि वे भी घाटा उठाकर आपको सेवाएं प्रदान करें।

हर दूसरे दिन हमें खबरें मिलती हैं कि अनुचित सिगनल प्रणाली के कारण रेल दुर्घटनाएं हो गईं। और फिर हम इसके दुश्परिणाम के लिए रेल मंत्रालय को जिम्मेदार ठहराते हैं पर हम भूल जाते हैं कि किसी भी आधुनिकता या अपगे्रडिंग के लिए फंड की जरूरत होती है। क्या आप अपने खर्च को अपग्रेड करने से पहले बढ़ी हुई आय संभावनाओं की अपेक्षा या उम्मीद नहीं करेंगे? यहां यह गौरतलब है कि रेल किरायों में वृद्वि की योजना यूपीए 2 के रेल मंत्री मल्लिकार्जुन खडगे ने बनाई थी, लेकिन 2014 के चुनावों में हार की संभावना को भांपते हुए सरकार ने इस योजना के क्रियान्वयन में देरी कर दी जिससे कि नई सरकार को इसका खामियाजा भुगतना पड़े। यूपीए के षासनकाल में सब्सिडियों का बोलबाला था लेकिन वे आखिर कब तक काम करतीं। रेल प्रणाली की अव्यवस्था पर विख्यात विषेशज्ञों एवं यहां तक कि पूर्व प्रधानमंत्री मनमोहन सिंह ने भी चिंता जताई है। अब हम इस अंतर्निहित तथ्य की विवेचना करें कि आखिर क्यों राजनीतिक दल और नेता रेल किरायों में वृद्वि से बचते रहे हैं? रेलवे भारत के आम लोगों से जुड़ा वह संवेदनषील क्षेत्र है जो चुनावों के दौरान मतदाताओं में तबदील हो जाते हैं। ममता बनर्जी से लेकर लालू प्रसाद यादव, नीतिष कुमार और पवन बंसल तक किसी भी रेल मंत्री ने इससे जुड़ी वास्तविक चिंताओं की पड़ताल करने की कभी कोषिष तक नहीं की। बल्कि उन्होंने आम आदमी को लुभाने की उन्हीं पुरानी नीतियों को कायम रखा जिसने आखिरकार राश्ट्ीय स्तर पर भारतीय अर्थव्यवस्था के लिए घोर अव्यवस्था की स्थिति पैदा कर दी।
आपको श्री दिनेष त्रिवेदी का वाकया भी याद होगा जिन्हें केवल इस बात के लिए रेलवे मंत्रालय से हटा दिया गया था कि उन्होंने रेल किराये में बढोतरी की सिफारिष की थी। हालांकि उनके पास उनके प्रस्ताव को उचित ठहराने से जुड़ी महत्वपूर्ण गणना और आंकड़े भी थे, लेकिन किसी भी राजनीतिक दल के पास इतना साहस नहीं था कि वे वोट बैंक से पहले भारतीय अर्थव्यवस्था की बात सोचते। यह स्पश्ट है कि यूपीए 2 ने 2014 के चुनावों में हार का अनुमान पहले ही लगा लिया था और इसलिए उन्होंने ऐसी स्थिति पैदा कर दी जिसमें नई सरकार के लिए किसी भी आर्थिक सुधार को प्रारंभ करना बेहद समस्यापूर्ण होता। और फिर आम जनता, जो जब सेवाओं की गुणवत्ता की वैष्विक मानदंडों के साथ तुलना करती है तो यह याद रखना भूल जाती है कि वह उसके लिए क्या योगदान दे रही है।

अब हम पिछले कुछ वर्शो में रेलवे में आई उस तेज गिरावट और कुछ कामचलाउ उपायों पर भी विचार करंे। 2004 से देष की आबादी रेलगाड़ियों की जुड़ने वाली संख्या की तुलना में बेहद तेज गति से बढ़ी है। पर इसमें आम आदमी को मिलने वाली सुविधाओं में मुष्किल से कोई वृद्वि हुई है, वह चाहे सुरक्षा के लिहाज से हो या फिर बुनियादी जरूरतों, उपलब्धता या गाड़ियों के सही षिडयूल पर चलने के लिहाज से हो। भारतीय रेलवे की आर्थिक संरचना को समझना मुष्किल कार्य है जहां सप्लाई की तुलना में मांग काफी अधिक है जबकि वित्तीय रिपोर्ट हमेषा घाटा ही प्रदर्षित करती है। नए मंत्रालय को स्वच्छता तथा कुषलता बढाने से लेकर सभी पहलुओं पर समुचित ध्यान देना होगा।

अंत में, जब हम यूरोपीय देषों के साथ स्पर्धा करने की बात करते हैं तो हम अपने बुनियादी ढांचागत क्षेत्र को नजरंदाज करते हैं। विदेषों में बुलेट ट्ेन समय पर चलती हैं और उच्च रैंक के मंत्री तक इसका उपयोग करते हैं। दूसरी तरफ, भारतीय रेलवे अक्सर देर से चलती हैं, उनमें दुर्घटनाओं की आषंका काफी अधिक रहती है और षायद ही किसी की सुविधा के अनुकूल साबित होती हैं। सबसे बड़ी बात यह कि रेल यात्रा का टिकट पाना भी अपने आप में एवरेस्ट पर चढने के समान साबित होता है।

यह कितनी बड़ी त्रासदी है कि जिस रेलवे के पास स्टेषनों, पार्सल आॅफिसों, रेलवे स्टाफ के क्वाटर्स के रूप् में देष भर में बेषुमार और सबसे ज्यादा जमीन है, वह इस बेहद बेषकीमती एसेट का उपयोग बिल्कुल ही नहीं कर पा रहा है। क्या रेल मंत्रालय एयर पोर्ट की तर्ज पर पीपीपी माॅडल पर टेंडर जारी कर षुरू में कम से कम अपने 25 या 50 स्टेषनों पर विष्व स्तरीय सेवाएं नहीं सुलभ करा कर उनका अनुकरण नहीं कर सकता। क्या रेलवे प्लेटफार्मों का निजीकरण एक बेहतर विकल्प नहीं है जिससे कि यह सुनिष्चित हो सके कि वहां एयरपोर्ट की तरह बेहतर सेवाएं मिल सकें? इसके अलावा, क्या एयर ट्ांसपोर्टेषन की तरह प्रतिस्पर्धा को बढ़ावा देने के लिए कुछ रेलगाड़ियों को भी निजी कंपनियों द्वारा संचालित किए जाने की अनुमति नहीं दी जानी चाहिए?

रेलवे की अगाध जमीनों से ही जुड़ा एक दूसरा संजीदा मसला इसके दुरूपयोग का है जिस पर पूरे देष में अवैध झुग्गी झोंपड़ियों और उसके आसपास बजबजाती गंदगी का कब्जा है। इस पर भी अविलंब ध्यान दिए जाने की जरूरत है।
यही नहीं, पूरे हिन्दुस्तान भर में षरीर की धमनियों की तरह जो रेल की पटरियां फैली हुईं हैं, उसके आसपास की हजारों किलोमीटर जमीन का उपयोग ब्राॅड बैंड से लेकर विभिन्न प्रकार के केबल्स, पाइप लाइन या बिजली के तार डालने के लिए किया जा सकता है और उससे अरबों खरबों का राजस्व उगाहा जा सकता है। इसमें भी निजी कंपनियों को साझीदार बनाया जा सकता है।

रेल दुर्घटनाओं में होने वाली बर्बादियों, जो हमेषा ही चिंता के विशय रहे हैं, का बीमाकरण घरेलू व अंतरराश्ट्ीय बीमा कंपनियों की मदद से किया जा सकता है। आईआरसीटीसी वेबसाइट को इतना सक्षम होना चाहिए कि वह पीक हावर्स में हैवी ट्ैफिक लोड उठा सके।

जब आम जनता ट्ेन की यात्रा के समय की अनिष्चितता के अभाव में अपनी गाढे पसीने की ढेर सारी कमाई को आॅटो, बसों तथा अनुषासित एयरलाइंस से यात्रा करने में खर्च कर रहे हैं तो फिर वाई फाई, स्वच्छता, पीने के साफ पानी, स्वच्छ टायलेट, साफ सुथरे बेड, ट्ेन में एवं रेलवे स्टेषनों पर ताजा खाने के सामान, ट्ेन की फ्रीक्वेंसी, गति, सुरक्षा तथा टिकटों की उपलब्धता जैसी सेवाओं के बेहतर हो जाने की सूरत में लोग बढा हुआ किराया देने में क्यों हिचकिचाहट दिखाएंगे? यहां यह गौर किया जाना चाहिए कि नई सरकार के पास दो विकल्प थे. भारतीय रेल को नुकसान में चलाना या फिर एक ऐसा निर्भीक कदम उठाना जो भविश्य में हो सकने वाली भीशण बर्बादी को रोक सके। नए रेल मंत्री सदानंद गौडा ने साहसपूर्वक दूसरा विकल्प चुना जिसे आम जनता द्वारा न केवल स्वीकार किया जाना चाहिए बल्कि इसे प्रोत्साहित भी किया जाना चाहिए। और विपक्ष को याद रखना चाहिए कि आम जनता ने बदलाव और स्थिर समृद्वि के लिए मतदान किया है इसलिए जो दहषत वे फैला रहे हैं, उससे राजनीतिज्ञों का कोई भी उदेष्य पूरा नहीं होगा।

Why should any student devote four years for an honors degree, which can otherwise be earned in three years? Or, shouldn’t the education system of India be allowed to match steps with global standards when it is evident that the current structure is not yielding the desired outcomes? Two questions can be answered separately, can be justified separately; however the conclusion can allow the survival of only one proposition. Which part should I favor; or rather which part should the country and the upcoming generation favor? The conclusion has to be reached via proper analysis, which hereunder has been attempted.

DU’s Four-Year Undergraduate Programme (FYUP) came into actuality last year when many students were enrolled for the same. The policy-makers of the University justify the FYUP on the grounds that many developed nations follow the same structure, which would set the foundation for the initial two years, post which the degree can be earned. The foremost evaluation appears justifiable; however when we are talking of developed nations, let us also note that India is a developing one. Moreover, our 10+2 education format sets the foundation for specialization, hence further two years of foundation is somewhat mystifying.

The Universities Grants Commission (UGC), which funds universities and works to coordinate college education standards and policies, post allowing the implementation of the FYUP last year, has now taken a step backwards asking the DU to repeal the programme with immediate effect. Shall we not ask UGC the cause of this delay? And was it that tough for the commission to comprehend that the programme violates the nation-wide education standards? Was this government agency so frozen during the UPA-regime that none of the officials could even utter a word then? And you have woken up when thousands of students are seeking admission.

It is quite true that the Delhi University’s planning board must have anticipated the bottlenecks of the prevailing graduate programme; however the answer could have been dissimilar to FYUP. Can they justify why should a student wait for four years for applying for a post-graduate programme or for that matter for work prospects when others have the opportunity to do the same after three years? Shocking to note, even the amendments in the Ordinances that were undertaken by the Vice-Chancellor and the former education minister, Mr. Kapil Sibbal are not in accordance with the set guidelines- Approval from the President of India is missing.

And when you were so concerned about the stakeholders (students and teachers), at least a round of discussion could had been resorted to prior to concluding the implementation of the much-criticized FYUP. As a key turning point, 57 out of 64 colleges of the University have now accorded support to the UGC’s view, hence under all circumstances the FYUP’s voyage seems to sink in the near future. Vital to note in the same context is that when countries like Japan had to rethink for years prior to changing their education system to programmes like FYUP, the Delhi University reached the conclusion in just a few months.

Leave apart all the politics that revolves around the students’ unions, the Ministries, and the University; rather give a fair view to the future of those who risk years to ensure stable and prosperous tomorrow- the students. Questions until the end would remain as to why should anyone invest four years for an honors degree, why spend two more years for foundation when the same was attained during school days, and who stands responsible for such mishaps? The HRD Ministry will now have to rethink the prevailing procedures and will need to send across a clear message that such unwarrantable positions would not be tolerable in the coming years.

Lastly, the Universities Grants Commission will too have to make sure that any educational reforms are in line with the real needs of the country and shall be implemented throughout the colleges with utmost uniformity. None of the universities shall has the sole power to decide upon abrupt changes in the structure, which in case if not prevented in the current scenario, will bring in even more complications in the future. The obdurate views, be it of the VC of a renowned university and of the minister of HRD, shall not surpass the boundaries and laid down procedures. Any and every such change must for sure fetch absolute approval of UGC.

Though my writings in English cannot completely justify the honor that our national language, Hindi deserves, yet with the superfluous modernization and adaptation of the western culture, not every thought can be expressed in Hindi. And just measure the decline of our national language that it is so uncomplicated to write electronically in English; however we need special techniques to express ourselves in Hindi. While many foreign languages including Chinese, German, French, and Japanese have earned equitable esteem as compared to the English language, Hindi seems unable to cross the boundaries of academic books and newspapers.

It was relishing hearing some encouraging words from the government of India with respect to use of Hindi language in conversations through social networking websites. And then were the politicians who stepped in blaming the union government of favoritism towards Hindi-based provinces and degrading those which are primarily using regional languages. Was the DMK chief, M. Karunanidhi defending the regional language of Tamil Nadu, or was he reviving his lost political ground in the state? Not much behind was the Chief Minister of the state who attempted to reflect her consciousness regarding the unnecessarily hyped matter.

What are these politicians trying to repel? Or, are they favoring an entirely unlike community within the same country? Let us appreciate the vitality of any language. Languages bind people and are the foremost requisite for the development of a civilization. Can anyone answer as to what is common among all the provinces that unite to form India? The answer can be ethical values; however in appropriate sense the answer should had been the Hindi language. The heads of distinct communities favored the promotion of regional languages so as to fetch support from the community and then exploit their power in the national political arena.

It is evident that the new government at the center endeavors to promote the national language of India which played a key role in the fight for freedom. And is it truly immoral to proceed in this regard? Can a few political groups surpass the national integrity of the nation knowing that every of their attempt is only to lure regional voters? Remember, in the scuffle to go global we are sacrificing our national unanimity. By according separate linguistic standards to the provinces of the same country, we are heading towards dividing our India internally. Not just the democratic and constitutional set up, linguistic harmony is too necessary among states.

Another view which has been prevailing over the years and is favored almost by many of us is the primary use of the English language in case the region does not support the use of Hindi. For instance, when people advocate the fact that a bureaucrat from Bengal and posted in a government department in Delhi, communications in Hindi would just not serve any purpose. Herein, are we finding a solution, or are we letting the complexities grow further? Why shouldn’t the schools all over the country have a compulsory session of Hindi language until the student gains perfection to read, write, and speak the mother tongue?

Questions are many and when comprehended wisely the impeccable solution can just be one- Uniform linguistic agreement across India so as to make every citizen realize that we are Indian prior to being Tamil, Bengali, Punjabi, and Marathi. Promotion of Hindi is also much-needed for global acknowledgment of the nation. Ranging from government departments and PSUs to private schools and companies, every organization across the country shall lay emphasis on stimulating the use of Hindi. Let us endeavor for a day when every produce of India is engraved with description in Hindi whether marketed within or outside the borders.

Tell me what would anyone do when he is underpaid for decades? Tell me honestly what would your action be in case you provide services to millions and yet do not even manage the break-even point? While every opposition party is panicking over the hikes in rail fares, would anyone of them justify why this measure of the union government is detrimental to common man? A simple rule of economics reveals that none of the productive unit can survive unless it earns some profit. And in case you expect Indian railways to provide services at losses, one day we would expect even the banking, telecommunication, and other sectors to work at loss.

Every other day we come across the news of rail accidents owing to improper signal systems. And then we blame the ministry of the consequences; however fail to understand that any advancement calls in for funds. Wouldn’t you look for enhanced income prospects prior to upgrading your spending? Vital to note, the scheme of enhanced rail fares was devised by the UPA-2 railway minister Mr. Mallikarjun Khadge; however sensing the prospective defeat in the polls of 2014, the government delayed the implementation so as to let the new government face the heat. Subsidies were the key driving factor of the UPA-reign, but for how long?

The disorder of the railway system has been observed by distinct experts and even the former prime minister, Mr. Manmohan Singh. Let’s realize the underlying fact as to why the political groups and leaders steered clear from hiking the fairs. Railways is the area of responsiveness of India’s common man, who turns into a voter during polls. Ranging from Mamta Banerjee and Lalu Prasad Yadav to Nitish Kumar and Pawan Bansal, none of the leaders ever attempted to diagnose the real concerns. Rather they continued with the same old policies to lure the common man, which in turn created a chaos for the Indian economy at the national level.

You can also recall the episode of Mr. Dinesh Trivedi being removed from the ministry of railways for the bare fact that he recommended hike in the rail fares. Though he had the relevant calculations to justify his proposal, none of the political group had the courage to think of the economy prior to the vote bank. It is evident that the UPA-2 anticipated the defeat in 2014 polls and hence created such a milieu wherein it would be more than problematic for the new government to undertake any economic reforms. And the general public, which when compares the quality of services with global standards, forgets to realize what we are contributing.

Now let us also consider the drastic degradation of railways in the past many years and some workable measures. Since 2004 population has multiplied with an excessively increasing pace than the addition to number of trains. Common man’s conveyance has rarely added to the user-friendliness whether in terms of security, basic necessities, adherence to schedule, or availability. It is tough to comprehend the economic structure of Indian railways wherein demand is much more than supply; however financial reports reveal only losses. The new ministry will have to pay heed to all aspects, along with enhancing cleanliness and efficiency.

Lastly, when we talk about competing with European nations, we overlook our basic infrastructural domain. Bullet trains in foreign nations adhere to time and are opted for even by ministers of high rank. On the contrary, Indian rails are quite often behind the schedule, are vulnerable to accidents, and rarely provide any suitability. Above all, you need to conquer Everest for a train ticket. Isn’t privatization of railway platforms a better option so as to ensure that services are offered at par with airports? Also, similar to the air transportation, a few trains can be run by private players to infuse competition. Accidental damages, which have always been a concern, can be insured with the help of domestic/ international insurance companies. IRCTC website should be able enough to bear the heavy traffic load in peak hours.

When general public is parting with much of the hard-earned money to travel via autos, buses and disciplined airlines in the absence of certainty of travel time of trains, no doubt if services like wi-fi, cleanliness, clean drinking water, hygienic toilets, neat & clean bedding, fresh eatable food in train as well as at railway stations, frequency of trains, speedy & safe travel and most importantly the ticket availability are improved, people would not hesitate to pay the hiked fare. Please note that the new government had two options- To run the Indian rail in loss, or to take a brave step that could prevent severe collapse in the future. The new railway minister, Mr. Sadanand Gowda has courageously opted for the second option, which shall be accepted and rather encouraged by the general public. And the opposition shall note that the common man has voted for change and stable prosperity, hence the panic created would serve no good purpose for politicians.

Taking the voyage ahead of where Mr. Vajpayee had left, Mr. Modi is all ready to prove correct his selection as the key administrator of India. Though concerns are many and not much can be expected in such a short term, we can feel relaxed with the beginning. The time seems to be over for bureaucrats and ministers to stay motionless post their appointment and it is certain that every department would now have to prove its survival. It may seem too early to predict or assess the deliveries of the new government; however the synergy and effectiveness that the PMO has attempted to ensure uncovers the near positive outcomes.

The key factors responsible for the inefficiency of previous two governments, UPA and UPA-2 were excessive dependence on the alliances and extreme control exercised by a few Congress leaders. If the U.P. state government is weighed on these parameters, the alliances are absent and control is being exercised by uncountable powerhouses. Hence, none of the positions can assure productivity. Mr. Modi seems to have understood how the balance between delegation of authority and centralization has to be sustained. You must agree that limits are necessary for every parameter, which when recognized deliver anticipated outcomes.

Many of us advocate that centralization can work out while administrating a state; however running the country needs delegation of responsibility, along with co-operation. With PMO interfering in the subject matters of appointment of Private Secretaries, you just cannot conclude that power is being exercised single-handedly. Rather, old curses are being worked out to realize Mr. Modi’s vision 2022 and attempt is being made to keep away from the bottlenecks that held the pace of development in the past ten years. And forget about the Governors who were appointed by the previous government without any due diligence and selection criteria.

Fifty essential medicines are very soon to be made available free of cost to every Indian; neighboring as well as other foreign nations are looking forward to cordial relations; armed forces of India are motivated; and none of the ministers has superfluous control over the working of the government are a few signs that promise that Mr. Modi’s way of governance can soon fetch quality accreditation. And those complaining about the recent hike in the railway fares shall grab a book of management and economics to realize how funds are to be managed and how excessive subsidies and favors result into unworkable collapses.

Mr. Modi’s 8 point development model- Education (IITs, IIMs, and AIIMS in all states), Urban Development (smart cities, interlinking rivers, bullet trains, and satellite cities), Healthcare, Anti-corruption measures (curbing money laundering), Price Control (price stabilization fund, special courts for black marketers), Children and Women Development (Beti Bachao Programme), Federal Structure, and Agricultural Reforms (national agriculture market and data bank for agri produce) if implemented properly would surely fetch quality certification for the government. Viewing the beginning, the end seems productive and enriching.

Hurdles are many and goals are endless. Ranging from eradication of poverty and unemployment to access to basic necessities to all, the new government has uncountable targets. And every Indian, along with those in the opposition in Parliament must comprehend the real delivery prior to commenting on the way of governance. I realize that criticism is a part of appraisal and hence any of the wrong measures of the government shall also be taken note of. India looks forward to dignity of life to every citizen, calm and productive relations with foreign nations, security of the inhabitants, and above all deep-rooted peace and harmony.

Well now your close connections with any of the ministers would rarely serve any purpose. How would you review the turndown of the Home Minister’s choice of private secretary by the Prime Minister Office? Prior to this Mr. Modi had clarified that none of the ministers shall employ any of their relatives in the office of profits. The new Prime Minister has surely marked the beginning of a new way of governance that just not focuses on delivering results, but also maintains a close eye on the working of distinct government departments. When the second most powerful personality of the BJP has to strictly abide to rules, imagine the severity.

Of course, the state of affairs calls in for rigorous changes in the way of governing the nation. The past government could not match steps with the changing environment and the ministers along with their support staff were rarely capable to understand the nerve of the economy. This could be the probable reason why the Department of Personnel and Training had to come up with a circular indicating that any appointments with respect to ministers’ personal staff shall have the approval of the Appointment Committee of Cabinet. This is what that has put on hold the appointment of Mr. Alok Singh in the office of private secretary to the Home Minister.

While many may claim this as the way to stay away from the bureaucrats that served the previous ministers; the move of the PMO can be looked upon as a measure to curb prevailing inefficiencies and non-productivity. What was delivered by the ministries and the bureaucrats in the UPA and UPA-2 regime is known to all. Private Secretaries play a vital role in the functioning of the ministry and hence must carry the competence to stand tough. Along with, fresh talent has to be motivated and excessive reliance on the same old faces shall be parted with sooner than later. The motive of DoPT thus seems unambiguous.

PMO is into much interference in the decisions of the ministries, which can be seen as Modi’s way of governance, wherein extreme decentralization is often restricted. This can be compared with what the U.P. government follows, wherein every minister and family member is a powerhouse. Though the prior experience of Mr. Modi may be limited to administering a state, his intentions and policies can rarely be challenged. With just one move, the PMO has not only sent a message to the ministers, but also to the bureaucrats who leave no stone unturned in ensuring their appointments in best workplaces and in best provinces.

Again, the future impacts of this measure have to be studied deeply. Another way out can be the time-barred deputation of private secretaries, along with the selection based on merits and with consent of an autonomous body. Prime Minister’s initiative of cleaning the working mechanism of government departments is a brave step towards transparency and ensuring effectiveness. It is quite clear that the old and laidback approach would rarely find any place in the current environment and the ministries along with their support staff will have to prove their existence and their contribution towards nation-building.

While everyone has a distinct stand on the subject-matter of vacation of office by Governors appointed by the previous UPA government, the underlying facts will have to be considered prior to establishing any conclusion. Shall I not start this with the appointment of Mrs. Sheila Dixit as the Governor of Kerala post the poor performance of the Congress in the state polls of Delhi and just prior to the biggest-ever defeat of the Congress in the general elections? A candidate who was completely forbidden by the general public was given an opportunity to enjoy the constitutional office, along with the perquisites of accommodation in the Raj Bhawan.

The congress spokespersons are repeatedly alleging the unconstitutional validity of the stance of the NDA government; however are overlooking what has many a times been witnessed in the history. When the NDA-led union government vacated office in 2004 and was succeeded by the UPA four Governors were removed on arbitrary grounds owing to their appointment by the then NDA government. And then were the Governors appointed for the sole reason to accommodate political personalities in an honorable office and to maintain smooth equilibrium between the union government and the alliances. Was this at all justifiable?

Now when we look at the present scenario, it appears that the new government at the center is too following the same outlook. The Governors appointed during the UPA and UPA-2 reign are on the verge of losing their offices and almost every political party is criticizing the approach of the union government, along with alleging the decision of the honorable Supreme Court in 2010. ‘Valid and compelling reasons’ for the removal of the Governor was a part of the judgment, hence BJP appears to stand a step behind. However, facts are to be considered prior to concluding that the present government is moving on an erroneous path.

Goa’s Governor, Mr. B V Wanchoo and West Bengal’s Mr. M K Narayanan may be questioned by the CBI with respect to the much-hyped Augusta Westland deal. On the other hand, many Governors are about to complete their tenures. Plus, the fact that Gujarat’s Governor, Ms. Kamla Beniwal and Mr. H R Bhardhwaj of Karnataka have many a times fallen into unjustifiable conflict with the policies of the respective state governments is unhidden. Another part of this episode is the office of the Governor occupied by Mrs. Sheila Dixit, which can be related to granting her invulnerability with respect to the Commonwealth Games outrage.

Mr. B L Joshi seems to have recognized the fact that when the appointments were made on reprehensible grounds, the vacation has to be unordinary. To ensure nexus between the productive policies of the union government and the Governors, shall we not conclude that the BJP has no other way than to remove the Governors appointed by the former government. However, such ceremonial measures can be avoided every time the new government comes into picture by excluding politicians from the purview of the office of Governors. Best option can be the culmination of political position once anyone finds place in the office of Governor.

Newspapers flooded with cases of rapes, murders, burglaries, and power cuts don’t seem to be capable enough to wake up the state government of U.P. While everyone was expecting an exhaustive changeover in the manner of administration, the Samajwadi Party is heading yet again to an altogether different route. With the elevated graph of crime, the only measure taken by the U.P. Government is the move of bureaucrats, which alone can hardly serve any purpose. The topmost leader, Mr. Mulayam Singh holds extensive know-how of administrating a state, yet he seems to misjudge, or rather overlook the real concerns in view of being in the power.

The gathering of the cabinet ministers headed by Mr. Mulayam Singh was looked upon as a dialogue that would concentrate on reviving the law and order of the state; however the only subject matter was the poor performance of the Samajwadi Party in the general elections, along with the upcoming sub-elections in distinct constituencies. No way, the ministers or the first line of leaders of the party were concerned about the consistent failure of the government with respect to ensuring secured and prosperous state of affairs. It appears as if the state government has disremembered the basic necessities and is concentrating only at the continuance of power.

I would restrict to the key events that have recently added to the disgrace of the state of U.P. On the 13th of June, a boy slaughtered a teenage girl in Moradabad, four men were arrested for raping a girl in Hapur, two cousin sisters were tried to be abducted in Shahjahanpur which resulted in severe disorder in the district, policemen were beaten inside the police station in Itawa, and SP workers charged with unlawful mining attacked policemen in Lucknow. Yet another incidence occurred in Varanasi wherein an auto driver raped a girl along with other men. The list is countless; however rarely is paid heed to by the government.

On the 16th of June, two policemen were shot dead by criminals in Ferozabad, which reveals the incompetence of the U.P. government even in ensuring wellbeing of the law-protectors. And, the government is now concentrating on the all new aspect of welcoming investments in the state so as to uplift the revenues. Trying to replicate the Gujarat model, the U.P. government has overlooked the fact that pre-requisites to investments are the stringent law and order position, generation and distribution of power, easy clearances, and security for entrepreneurs as well as the workforce. The CM has almost failed in every domain in the past 27 months.

What really is the underlying factor that is limiting the governance? Vital to note, out of 1560 police stations in the state, 800 are being headed by Yadavs. The humiliation of the law and recurring instances of illicit use of power is a common scenario in the state. It is known to all that the SP has made every attempt to lure a particular community and religion. Though headed by the CM, the extensive decentralization of power in the hands of the family members and other dominant leaders is the root cause of such a decline. It is evident that sooner than later the U.P. government will have to reorganize and revive the way of governance.

Shall resources be deployed for the growth of the country, or shall they be utilized for the security of borders- A vital question that can only be handled by a skilled administrator. It was remarkable to observe Mr. Narendra Modi’s participation with the armed forces of India and the encouragement that he extends. While we all talk about raising the GDP, living standards, monthly wages, and domestic prosperity, we forget about the key driving factor of any nation- ‘Security’. What shall then be the approach of the administrator of the state? Let us discuss this aspect briefly and come down to a valid conclusion.

India could have attained better growth rate and productivity in case the East India Company did not dump foreign goods in India, and take away vital resources and production. The produce of India was exported at throwaway prices and was reimported at elevated rates for consumption in India. And almost everything that could have added to the permanent assets of the country was taken away. What helped the British to develop such an extraordinary control in the Indian affairs? It is quite clear that domestic prosperity would serve no purpose unless the produce and the borders are safeguarded.

Today’s newspaper talks about the illicit plan of Al-Qaida with a view to freeing the Kashmir from the control of India. Now, shall we only look forward to a leader who should work towards enhancing the productivity, or a leader who should also protect the residents and the land from any foreign invasion? Surely, equitable prominence will have to be accorded to both. We appreciate when RBI’s announces the lowering of interest rates and enhancing of caps on foreign investment; however when it comes to honoring the administrator’s decision of elevating the defense budget, or for that matter Section 370, we are rarely attentive.

While thinking of the inflated prices of commodities, we rarely pay heed to the illegal detention of the Indian soldiers by foreign nations. We are interested to know the pay scale of jobs in the private and the government sector; however no one seems bothered to know the pay scale of the personnel of Indian armed forces. And, it is sad to note that the urban youth never anticipates being a part of the armed forces and is lured to striking paybacks and perquisites of private jobs. Quite often, we disregard the policemen and presuppose their participation in unlawful acts. Change and that too in depth has to take place sooner than later.

It is evident that the country’s development is not secured unless deployment of funds and personnel for the safekeeping of borders. The inapt and sloppy outlook of the past governments discouraged the armed forces; however encouraged terrorists and external agencies to assume vulnerability of India towards violence and assault. The new Prime Minister has certainly boosted the buoyancy of forces and has passed over a tough message to extremists as well as rebellious countries. Balance will be the key to manage internal growth as well as security. And, equal involvement is desirable from the community for the sake of India’s integrity.

Trends do vary with time. Really? We have read about the kings passing over their reign to the descendants. India expected much from the constitution that allows any Indian citizen to be a part of the parliament/ legislative assembly; however for decades, the country is being taken care of by the same families although with distinct participants. We have witnessed instances of a former Chief Minister of Bihar handing over the administration of the state to his spouse; sons and daughters being passed over the representation in the Parliament; political groups led by particular families; and above all, the elevated curses of price rises and unemployment.

What does democracy in real sense mean? The expression ‘of the people, for the people, and by the people’ has ‘of the people’ a bit tensed and misplaced in India. The word ‘people’ in this context means the general public, which has not inherited power/ politics and is rather the most capable to run the administration. Indian MPs and MLAs are though elected through the ballot system; we could rarely find candidates with nil political background coming up with any equations. This means that corporates shall never employ raw candidates, and the task of policy making shall lie only with the descendants of the CEO, CFO, or the Chairman.

A change has been sensed. The general polls of 2014 did make a few transformations with prominent descendants including Farooq Abdullah, Milind Deora, Sachin Pilot, and Jitin Prasada losing their seats, which however can be related with the wave of Mr. Narendra Modi wherein the Indians did not vote for any party/ leader, however, voted for change. SP’s only five seats won by the family members prove that even how strictly we decide to change; India would not stop welcoming the kings and their descendants. Are we so deficit with respect to aptitude and talent? And if no, then why the policy makers aren’t chosen by merit in India?

I read somewhere that two-third of our recently elected MPs, aged below forty-five have their near ones in the arena of politics. And when we talk about the Indian National Congress, a political group that played a key role in India’s liberation, almost every young MP has inherited the position from either of the parents. The trends are almost similar with the YSR Congress, Samajwadi Party, TDP, and most of the other political groups. Though real talent be awarded, excess is alarming. And it is evident that unjustifiable trend of dynasty politics has not delivered any paybacks. Post decades of democratic setup, Indians scuffle for basic necessities.

We can expect some workable solutions from the PMO, which has clearly indicated strict end to family favors in government departments/ ministries. With a Prime Minister who attained success by placing a step over every single level of the ladder, India can expect trends to vary now. Much also depends upon the voters, and even the political leaders who have no aspirations above the prosperity of the family. I suggest that the constitution of all political groups must be altered to add a clause with inclusion of new members on the basis of merit and aptitude. For how long would the Indian talent stay out of the most vital administrative role?

Cleanliness doesn’t need labors, rather it needs will. Why would anyone be pained to put things in place, unless someone else disorders them? Though the country we live in has a global impact in terms of cultural heritage, moral values, production capacity, and brainy natives; why don’t our roads, towns, railway stations, and markets match the global standards with respect to cleanliness? From Mahatma Gandhi to Mr. Narendra Modi, every capable leader has advocated the vitality of a clean nation, wherein the natives shall realize their fundamental duties and every single Indian should be a contributory towards nation-building.

Is that so tough so keep a place clean? Yes, it can be when not all inhabitants participate in maintaining the purity, rather create a messed up state for others too. And then we expect the authorities to be the sole caretaker of this concern. Remember, chaos is sure where one passes the responsibility to other and continues the same trend. And when we are so concerned about the cleanliness and hygiene of our homes, why aren’t we even a bit alarmed about the purity of our nation’s roads and marketplaces? That’s not all. Many of us are least bothered to know the location of dumping waste while walking through the street.

The customs of India are tough to comprehend. While on one hand we regard our rivers as goddesses and cows as our spiritual mother, we stand with eyes closed when the rivers are jam-packed with waste and the cows tussle with polythene packets, thrown by households, in search of food. Most of us possess utmost faith in God; however belongingness is nil towards the world that he has created for us to live. ‘Why should I?’ The words help Indians to part with their basic obligation of upholding the purity of India. It is sad to notice that the Indians disremembered this vital concern until the PM intervened and expressed distress.

So, where from can this begin? Self–realization would be the key determining factor. Else, covering up for the wrongs of others would never counterpart with the extent of damage caused. Refrain from throwing even the tiniest waste item anywhere apart the designated place of dumping. Also, talk to others and educate them on the gravity of this issue and how every individual can be a shareholder. The viewpoint of preserving cleanliness in and outside own home and passing away the waste will no way serve any purpose. Dependency on authorities will have to end and personal pains be taken to recover the mess.

Authorities can too play a dynamic role. Public awareness shall be created with the help of workable communication channels. Also, the law-breakers will have to be penalized with nil escapes so as to ensure utmost adherence to the concrete rules. The municipal corporations will have to part with their laidback approach and no work policy. Remember, the cleaner India would call in for additional opportunities and dignity to life. Our rivers, roads, and public places are craving for speedy rescue and zero tolerance in the future. And when we say that India is the center of world’s legacy, let us demonstrate this in real terms too.

Can you recall the last occasion when a leader of one political group appreciated the works of the other political party? Or, can we even remember when for the last time the union and the state government/s had a consensus? Though the constitution of India is federal in nature with exclusive powers to the states and UTs; distinct parts of the nation are inseparable and combine to form ‘India’. This means that the unitary character of our democratic and political setup cannot be denied. Sad to notice, however, that the politicians representing separate groups and the governments representing different Indian states are rarely united.

With the formation and rise of countless political groups, politics has become an arena of competition, hatred, lust, and arrogance. It is depressing to note that the social service drive has absolutely disappeared, and the politicians have regarded politics as the way to get hold of money and power. The flow of funds during polls, use of illicit measures, and unethical ways to accomplish goals substantiate the underlying fact that politics is no longer a way to serve humanity; rather this is an uncomplicated and powerful method of attaining whatever one desires. The makers of the constitution would never have anticipated such a downfall.

It was impressive, and above all, satisfying to hear the strong words of the President, Mr. Pranab Mukherjee, while he was addressing the combined session of the Parliament. Though Mr. Mukherjee has a lasting relationship with the Congress, he seemed unbiased and visionary. His words reflected the potential of the present union government in delivering all that has been promised in the manifesto. He honestly counted the letdowns of the UPA and UPA-2 reign and indicated the probable re-election of the Modi-led BJP in 2019. The President is surely positive and assured of the competence of Mr. Modi and his team of cabinet ministers.

The Prime Minister’s visionary goals and prosperity-oriented motives can rarely bring in the much-needed reformation until the state governments participate comprehensively in the evolution of the nation. Though Mr. Modi has the unbeaten capability of putting things in place on his own; with the support of the states and leaders of distinct political groups, the target can be attained swiftly and more effectively. The five T’s of Mr. Modi viz. Tradition, Talent, Tourism, Trade, and Technology would surely work towards strengthening the roots; however states will have to contribute with real aims and above personal greediness.

Even Mr. Modi realizes the vital role of the states in the process of nation-building. Working towards the sole aim of betterment of India, prosperity of the underprivileged, women and youth, and transparency and efficiency in the working of the government, Mr. Modi needs firm cooperation from every part of the society. Plus, the general public will too have to apprehend the need of the hour and will have to part with the laidback attitude. Every public servant, representative, and guardian will have to think of the nation prior to looking for personal gains. Remember, the path to India’s glory passes through every state, every town, and every house.

Indian women deserve far more than what the society is offering them. While on one hand we feel proud to have women like Kiran Bedi and Mother Teresa; the everyday instances of molestation, eve-teasing, and rapes call for urgent attention. We respect our mothers, sisters, and wives; however when it comes to respecting the sisters of others, we are somewhat biased. And then we say ‘the society is not safe’. Aren’t we the part of same society? Concerns are many and I believe every one of us knows the answers. Then why isn’t our cities and villages secure for women? A lot was expected after the ‘Nirbhaya’ instance; however nothing changed.

From birth till death, a woman plays numerous roles. And, at every such stage the surrounds are distinct. I will talk about how the life of a woman can be rendered dignity and resourcefulness. Four pillars that can adhere to this duty are parents, teachers, government, and the society at large. The men-led society of India undertakes the illicit task of discrimination right from the birth, and many a times even before that. Female child is often looked as a debt and is not allowed to live. And when they live, girls are provided with lesser perquisites as compared to boys. Hence, the change has to take place at the very first stage- Parents.

Next is the role of teachers. When properly educated, it is a known fact that any woman can supersede men. Hence, appropriate education facilities, along with aptly equipped education centers are the need of the hour. Post this is the crucial role of the government in ensuring that women are not discriminated in terms of work prospects. Inclusion of a woman director in the Board of companies is a brave step towards this. However, government’s accountability doesn’t end here. Security at workplace and at home, and even at roads and in buses/ trains, stringent legislation, and quicker judiciary process will add to the justice to women.

The most crucial pillar is the society. It now doesn’t even shock anyone when the new channels are flooded with rape instances and acid attacks- Have we accepted this? The recent back to back molestation in U.P. and the laid back attitude of the state government and the police system reflected how unaffected are we. Acceptance is not the solution; rather reforms and tough measures are needed sooner than later. Those involved in molestation shall not be given even a single opportunity to escape. Much is expected from the state and the union government who have been entrusted with the task of securing secured and honorable life for all.

What has been happening in the U.P. and other parts of the nation is disgraceful and needs to be stopped anyhow. Even women have to understand their responsibilities and the power of Indian judiciary. Silence will no way serve any purpose. I am quite sure that the U.P. Chief Minister, Mr. Akhilesh Yadav would not allow any misuse of power and the accused will be punished. Lastly, the police will have to be fair, vigilant, and above all ethical while dealing with such circumstances. Together we can surely put an end to the ills of our society, and the women of India can be delivered with the conditions that are favorable and prosperous.

In the end, I will share a worry that is vital to note. The Indian heritage is one of its own and excessive westernization would create grave imbalance. Indian women must too realize the centuries-old Indian culture and rituals that encompass embedded integrity. Extreme exposure and unjustifiable relationships are too the root causes of this grave issue. Let me clarify that I in no way repel transformation; however upper limit of every aspect shall be paid heed to. Another area of concern is the prevailing access to porn websites that in no way are adding to either the evolution or the dexterity of India. Herein, self-realization by women will be the key.

I would advocate the adaptation to western ethics only to the extent they are not detrimental to Indian heritage. And when we favor the infusion of western norms, let us first understand the viability of our legislative and judiciary system that is incapable to stand at par with European standards. Hence, the foremost concern must be to uplift the standards of our key wings viz. legislative, political, and judiciary, prior to thinking of following the fashion trends of European nations. Lastly, the Indian censorship board for films shall also take a note of prevailing unwarranted sexual content. All this can lead to an enhanced living place for women.

Boosting the paralyzed economy is no easy task. Laid down rules and proven measures can surely direct the future actions; however cannot assure success until the present drawbacks and threats are addressed to. Yet another year of sub-5 percent growth rate in 2013-14 has added to the curse. The sufferers are not just the corporate houses and the affluent section of the society, the paralyzed economy augmented the gap between the present workforce and work prospects, beyond widening the difference between earning capacity and inflated prices of products/ services. Problems have been discussed a lot; let us now look upon some workable solutions.

What shall be the foremost area of attention? I am sure that the visionary capability of Mr. Modi would look for measures to enhance the productivity. It is known to all that vital projects, embracing power and technology, are waiting commencement of operations owing to the lack of executive decision making of the past government and ministers. The outcome is the incremental capital-output ratio that has halved over the span of five years. The delay has added to the cost of these projects and the factors of production are now extremely demanding. The new ministers will have to accelerate the pace of clearances and decision making.

I am sure that curbing the ever-high inflation would remain a topmost priority for the Modi-led union government. Herein, the subsidy regime will also have to be considered, which is almost 4 percent of the GDP and hence accounts for more than USD 80 billion of funds being extended to programmes that are incapable to yield equivalent output. The basic law of economics states that this cash results in excessive demand, which in turn creates supply-demand disequilibrium and augments the rate of inflation. The public distribution system demands prompt attention, along with curbing of subsidy on diesel, and better supervision of food stocks.

The private sector has suffered high debt-servicing conditions owing to the prevailing inflation and the laidback attitude of the past government. Something that can prove a blessing is the positive real rates. The positive real rates will be capable of shifting the domestic savings to financial assets rather than physical assets. Also, the recapitalization of public sector banks would enhance the deposit ratio of banks, which in turn would assist the banks to step into a much better and growth-oriented milieu. Plus, the real rates would appeal the investors to move towards the capital market, hence adding to the borrowing power of the corporates.

The economists believe that the country would need to grow at more than 8 percent every year so as to sustain the global reputation and influx of foreign funds. Growth is the only factor than can assure dignity of work to the workforce that upsurges by 10 million new entrants per year. The support extended by the general public to the Modi-led BJP in the general elections of 2014 depicts the outlook of the residents. For sure, the households are expecting realistic prices for goods of basic necessity, and the youth is anticipating better and secured work prospects. I am quite sure that the Modi-led union government would get matters sorted out, sooner than later.

I completely agree that no two leaders can be same. Accomplishment of goals can be guaranteed by many ways, of which the most feasible one be employed by the administrator. Hence, the title of this article no way advocates that the CM of U.P. must follow the footsteps of Mr. Modi in entirety. However, referring to some established ways for realizing positive outcomes is not forbidden. Almost every state of India possesses, more or less, the same pluses and similar minuses- social, political, environmental, legislative, and economic. Sad to notice, a few states have been able to surpass others and the rest are still struggling with same old lines of underdevelopment, dynasty politics, and caste/communal differences.

Exceeding many nations in terms of surface area and population density, U.P. could have delivered far better outcomes in case the managerial squad would have been able to curb the weaknesses and threats, and utilize the strengths and opportunities. Post six decades of independence, when many of the other states are talking about accountability, all-inclusive prosperity, unbiased policy framework, and good governance, the state of U.P. seems to walk on the same old lines of appeasement and misuse of power. And those, blaming just the CM of the state for the everyday mishaps, must know that the crew of ministers is liable too. On the contrary, power flows from upwards and corrective actions should commence from the top.

Accountability- The word embraces not only the tasks that are bestowed upon the elected representatives, but also the evaluation of outcomes and liability for any deviations from what was projected. The ministers seem to have forgotten this crucial concept. And therefore, tasks are pending, outcomes are much below expectations, and alertness is nowhere. The prime task of the CM shall be to fix the accountability of every minister and assess the deliveries post a certain time period- Similar to what Mr. Modi’s cabinet anticipates in its 100-days reassessment programme. Management is half-finished without the control measures. Reported deviations must be studied and reliable control measures be implemented sooner than later.

All-inclusive prosperity and unbiased policy framework- The expression connotes that advantages flowing in a secular democracy must reach every constituent regardless of the caste/ community. The Samajwadi Party started off with the ideology of Shri Ram Manohar Lohia and Shri J.P. Narayan; however socialism and secularism seem to have lost somewhere. Reason? The incompetence of the government and lack of visionary abilities of the leaders forced the party to depend upon caste/ communal votes, which in fact would not have been the case if the leaders were capable enough to bring in development and dignity. Herein, top to bottom restructuring, along with quick move from the traditional laidback attitude is needed.

Misuse of power- To realize this expression, a stay in U.P. is all that someone needs. Every leader, and even the party workers, supporters and appreciators have considered that the state is being ruled in a dictatorship mode of governance by the Samajwadi Party. Law and order, and fear of doing wrong is unconditionally missing. The U.P government will have to realize the bottlenecks and take corrective actions without delay. Excessive delegation of authority shall be curbed, accountabilities be fixed, and paybacks must flow to all beyond caste/ community favors. Rather than counting the logjams, the CM of the state will have to come up with constructive policies that can help U.P. to stand at par with other developed states of India.

Even the SP would not have anticipated such a win in the assembly elections of 2012. Nor would had the government expected such a loss in the general polls of 2014. What went wrong in these two years has already been discussed many a times. Law and order, business growth aspects, work prospects for youth, women security, and power, the unpardonable condition of these domains was the key limiting factor for the party in the general elections. Above all, the young and dynamic Chief Minister of the state has been unable to match steps with the expectations of the general public that have now multiplied.

And, what has happened post the outcomes of the general polls is even more disturbing. Extensive power cuts in all the regions of the state, except where the party could fetch the requisite votes, have added to the misery of the general public. Would such an act serve any productive purpose for the party in the upcoming days? I doubt, never. The mindset of the mass has reformed, and the crowd now places prosperity above community/ religion and personal payback schemes. Remember, development was the key factor in the general polls that assisted the BJP to come up with such an extraordinary win in the U.P.

The recent incident of Badayu has augmented the fire. And the state government, like always, seems to be unaffected. A time when females are secured enough to commute even during late night hours in the cities of Mumbai and Bangalore, the constituencies of U.P. are unsafe even during the day time. The society has taken a step ahead towards women empowerment and security; however the state of U.P. seems to have been left behind. Shall we not comprehend this as the most terrifying state of affairs, wherein teenage girls are bound to stay at homes, even when the police force is bestowed upon with the accountability of law and order?

Post the outcomes of the general polls, it was anticipated that the SP would restructure the milieu from top to the bottom. Democracy adds to the glory of a nation, wherein the public has the power to discard the representatives who fail to deliver. With a clear note, from the public to the state government, evidencing the powerlessness of the leaders in delivering what was promised, the SP should had come up with something distinct and constructive. On the contrary, the government has taken an altogether abrupt route that leads to even more distress. I doubt whether the SP has reconsidered its functional approach or not.

Nothing seems to be at the precise place. Either the administrators are too unwise to comprehend the needs of the general public, or the execution of plans is wrong. I must say that the young CM of the state, backed up with his academic credentials, and wide know-how of the political arena, appears helpless in executing the corrective plan of action. Excessive decentralization of power, inapt law and order state, lack of opportunities, and biasness has to be curbed sooner than later. Let us expect that the CM would soon comprehend the nerve of the mass and will come up with real and workable solutions.

Was it right on the part of the previous union government to not even bother about simplifying relations with a neighboring nation? Despite of many calls from Pakistan, the UPA and UPA-2 PM did not care even once to share the expectations of India. Nor did the previous government take any sturdy actions to curb terrorism in India, which has a concrete association with this neighboring nation. The all they did was to sit, watch, tolerate, and express sympathy. However, the picture is quite distinct now. With a buoyant administrator of the state, India now looks for new alternatives and renewed outcomes.

Mr. Modi was quite clear of his stand to invite the Pakistan’s PM on the occasion of his swearing-in. The next day saw a constructive meet, wherein the Indian leader shared his expectations from the nation that shares close vibes with India in term of history and culture. Terrorism and the attacks of 26/11 were a key part of the agenda of discussion, and it was unmistakably conversed that India would not tolerate any terrorism that finds its roots in Pakistan. Surely, the Pakistani PM too wants cordial relations with India; hence the dialogue can be expected to reap enhanced consequences.

We need to learn from our past experiences that silence cannot serve any purpose. When you want the circumstances to progress, actions are compulsory. And it is sure, that the new leader acknowledges this fact. It is evident- If you want to secure cordial and peaceful relationship with Pakistan, you have to take a stand. The PM of Pakistan, too deserves applaud, who crossed the barriers of domestic differences with respect to his visit, and took a vital step towards the harmony of two nations- Something, that even the past Indian PM, Mr. Manmohan Singh could not do even when called officially to attend the swearing-in of Mr. Nawaz Sharif.

Next is the most sensitive subject-matter that has grabbed the attention of the entire political family- Section 370. I believe that the BJP and RSS are fairly clear about their intentions. Mr. Modi while addressing the general public during his campaigning persuasively advocated a transparent discussion regarding the deliveries of this Section in terms of prosperity that the residents of J & K have secured. And, is that so wrong? In a democratic setup, outcomes shall be reliably assessed and correction actions, if required shall be taken. And, when the center of discussion is the fortune of the mass, nothing is forbidden.

It was astonishing to hear the comment of the J & K CM, wherein he has warned the BJP to either forget the revocation of Section 370 or J & K as the part of India. I would call this pure dictatorship. It is to be remembered that the inclusion of Section 370 was temporary considering the then prevailing circumstances. A revision, therefore, is the need of the hour. Plus, when the said Section was for the betterment of the state and the residents therein, actual delivery of this has to be analyzed. Mr. Modi, though, has not revealed his actual outlook over this vital subject; I am sure that this capable leader would resolve the prevailing concerns.

Did you at any time in the past hear that the prime leader of the nation has called in for the CVs of the elected representatives? Mr. Modi did this. You can expect such measures from a leader who has delivered real work in the state of Gujarat, which observed dreadful events in terms of communal riots and earthquake. Wasn’t it amazing to watch the new Prime Minister of India in his swearing-in when almost every other member present at the ceremony was accompanied by relatives/ spouse, and the PM’s mother was witnessing his son at television? I can say that this person has nothing to lose- The key reason why India must be proud to have elected Mr. Modi as the new administrator of the state.

Arun Jaitley, Rajnath Singh, Uma Bharti, Ravishankar Prasad, Sushma Swaraj, and Nitin Gadkari, who have been chosen to lead from the front, have years to prove their competence. And, those alleging this to be the extension of responsibilities to unproven personalities, must know that this team has helped the BJP attain the requisite numbers in the general polls. Though it is quite early to depict the success or failure of the new government at the center; I am sure that the leader and his team of highly experienced members would be capable enough to comprehend the strengths and weaknesses, along with threats and opportunities so as to bring in the much-awaited viability.

Let us now move on and analyze a few vital aspects. I heard many criticizing the inclusion of Smriti Irani in the PM’s cabinet. Is it justifiable to weigh the aptitude of a person in such a vague manner? Those criticizing her inclusion are only concerned with her past association with the entertainment industry. Her deliveries as an active member of the BJP since past many years aren’t paid heed to. I remember the day when the results were being announced on the 16th of May and Mr. Rahul Gandhi was many a time on the verge of losing. I can also recall Irani’s assertive dialogues during campaigning and her fluency in the Hindi language. Those being adjudicators must look at the complete picture.

Next, many are also taking about the consolidation of ministries/ departments and the trimmed down size of the cabinet. Let us recall the helplessness of the UPA government, which was enormously dependent on the regional political parties, and hence was not left with any other option than to enhance the number of ministers so as to keep everyone pleased. And, the outcomes were delays in clearances, massive corruption, unjustifiable decentralization of power, and nil work. Mr. Modi hasn’t made everyone happy. The descendants of many dominant leaders, along with many CM-turned-MPs are unable to find a place in the cabinet. Shouldn’t this be viewed as a measure to curb dynasty politics?

The new ministers and MPs will now have to realize the fact that the massive support that they have been able to fetch was on the terms of good governance and prosperous India. The nation is anticipating real and quick reforms, with inclusion of every member of the society. Accountability must follow responsibility. Those bestowed upon with the responsibility to cater to the needs of the society must endeavor to be accountable. The beginning has been phenomenon; however the next five years will be a period of assessment. The general public would ask for outcomes and would accordingly weigh the deliveries of the government. I am sure that Mr. Modi and his ministers would not let aspirations die.

I feel proud to have witnessed this remarkable and celebrated episode while being present at the Rashtrapati Bhawan. It was honorable to have met most of the new cabinet ministers and congratulate them. I whole-heartedly wish success to the new squad of administrators, and in particular, Mr. Piyush Goyal, Chartered Accountant who will probably lead the power and coal ministry from the front. For the very first time in the history, the Indians had been so curious for the clock to display 18:00. I am sure that the dwellers of this nation are now much relaxed and are looking forward to a recovered tomorrow. Let us also remember a famous quote ‘Change starts from within’- Every Indian would need to be a part in India’s prosperity.

Mr. Modi’s call to South Asian nations may have been repelled by a number of political groups and their leaders, the list of beneficiaries embraces common men. It was delightful to hear that Pakistan and Sri Lanka have freed Indian fishermen in response to Mr. Modi’s invitation for the swearing-in. Wouldn’t you call this as the beginning of what the general public is aspiring of? Though the targets for the new government are many, with the presence of a visionary and proven administrator as the leader of the state, the upcoming days seem to be more secured and undisturbed. Let us take a note of few vital facts.

The subsequent aim for Mr. Modi shall be the inclusion of skilled members in his core management team. India has witnessed multiple departments, ministries, and men; however the pace of development has ever been declining. It is to be remembered that the expectations of 125 crore Indians are far more significant than the number of ministers. The nation is expecting steady reforms in almost every sphere; hence the new ministers will have to set aside their personal ambitions and will have to concentrate hard to deliver what has been projected. I am sure that the new leader will be accompanied with capable men.

The foremost section of the society that looks forward for enhanced living conditions is the underprivileged ones. Artificial jobs, free of cost foodgrains, and multiple schemes promising perks to the poor were though an inseparable part of every policy-decision in the recent past; real betterment of the underprivileged was far than attainable. The decline of regional political groups and massive support to the BJP proves that the backward section, to whichever caste/ community they belonged, have voted for a prosperous tomorrow. Discarding the luring schemes, the poor have opted for real work.

Every political party must have realized the power of the youth of the country in the general polls of 2014. Millions of newly added voters, along with the youth aspiring for better work prospects have demonstrated a fact that they seek job rather than allowance for unemployment. India must be proud of this section, which promises prosperity for all. The new government will have to work hard to bring in opportunities for the youth, along with advancement in living standards. It has to be learnt that jobs can be created with visionary capabilities and effective policy-making. Mr. Modi has to deliver more than average in this arena.

Corporates too seek a better environment for investment, manufacturing, fund allocation, and borrowing. The past ministers, if would have paid heed to the valid demands of the corporate sector; the nation would never have witnessed such a decline in the GDP. Ranging from agriculture, legislature, women safety, and judicial reforms to infrastructure, security, and education, every sector seeks swift measures from the upcoming ministers. The Planning Commission will play a vital role, and Mr. Modi’s outlook towards the organization and working of the commission predicts that we can surely look forward to constructive outcomes.

The arrival of the new Indian leader has been sensed across the globe. For the very first time, Indian politics was at the center of discussion in every probable nation. It was overwhelming to notice overseas newspapers and news headlines flooded with the win of BJP, and more precisely, Mr. Narendra Modi. Plus, the formation of a stable government at the center has boosted the confidence of the global market; hence stakeholders are much more relaxed and aspirant. Though the Modi-led union government will have to prove what was promised during campaigning, the beginning has done a lot.

What would you say when you hear an Indian leader calling the head of the government of Pakistan in the swearing-in? The move could have been doubted in case the leader was someone who advocated support on religious lines. However, the story here is distinct. A leader, who warned the neighboring nation for forbidden acts within the borders of India, is now looking forward to an entirely unlike equation. This has proven a fact that a capable leader can never be predicted. A competent administrator realizes the need of the hour and takes appropriate actions accordingly.

When the past union government comprehended only one way to maintain relations with a not so participative neighboring nation, the new Indian leader has demonstrated that ways shall be devised as per the circumstances. And this is what he meant when he invited the leaders of the governments of all South Asian states to attend his swearing-in. The foreign secretary has confirmed that the nations have accepted the invitation; however their turnout is not sure. The PM of Pakistan seems to have been dominated by the extremists; however he favors cordial relations with India. Whether or not the leaders visit, India has a win-win situation.

Considerable to note in this context is the fact that despite of numerous official invitations from Pakistan, the former PM, Dr. Manmohan Singh did not even once dared to cross the border. Neither was the former government ready to take a stringent route, nor were the leaders capable to sort things with dialogues. And the same leaders are today viewing the measure of the upcoming PM as forbidden. The CM of J & K, however, has favored the call and viewed this as a way to building warm relations with a neighboring country which shares closest vibes when talked in terms of culture and history.

The game cannot be always played with same old rules. And the new leader has made an endeavor to revise the principles which shall be in the favor of all South Asian nations. Not just Pakistan, cordial relations with all other neighbors are being looked forward to for mutual betterment. Though funds to Indian corporates flow from European nations, neighbor countries play a key role in sharing of agricultural produce and manufactured goods, which demands healthy associations. The beginning may have appealed many; it would be remarkable to witness what shall be the policy of the new government and the vibrant leader.

Employing more than 60 million people, and accounting for 45 percent of the manufacturing sector output and 40 percent of nation’s total export, the MSME sector can be regarded as one of the most vital pillars of the Indian economy. To understand the terminology, it is significant to note that the micro segment embraces units with investments in plant and machinery not exceeding INR 2.5 million, while the small and medium sectors embrace units with similar investments more than INR 2.5 million but not exceeding INR 50 million and more than INR 50 million but not exceeding INR 100 million respectively.

Though endeavors have been made by the authorities to help the MSME sector overcome uncountable hurdles, vulnerability to macroeconomic policies and cyclical fluctuations is a prominent tailback. Let us take a bird’s view at some key bottlenecks for the sector followed by some workable suggestions. Vital to note, the credit by scheduled commercial banks to the small and medium enterprises accounts for mere 13 percent of the total bank credit. In the same context, the banks have been directed to attain 20 percent year-on-year growth with respect to lending to MSME enterprises.

Thus, the concern of availing easy credit still prevails curbing the much-needed expansion. The banks favor lending to larger enterprises alleging that small and medium sector units are vulnerable to default; however the NPAs exist round the industry despite of the size of the firm. For sure, the credit delivery system of the banks for medium level players in the market has to be realigned, along with enhancement in laid down procedures. The awareness of the MSME sector units in the same context is the need of the hour. The Code of Bank’s Commitment to Micro and Small Enterprises, 2008 can be of great help if used properly.

Small scale units must know that they have the right to approach the Banking Ombudsman in case they do not receive acceptable redress of grievances from the respective bank within the stipulated time frame of one month. Plus, such units can approach Consumer District Forum (amount up to INR 2 million), State Consumer Commission (amount above INR 2 million but not more than INR 10 million), and National Consumer Commission (amount above INR 10 million). Despite of the codes set out by the Banking Codes and Standards Board of India, the unawareness of the units is accountable for the depression of MSME sector.

Another vital concern for the sector is the collection of account receivables. Let us know where the problem commences. The central and state governments hold payments due to public sector units, which in turn delay payments to large industries, and subsequently the dues of small units held by large industries are postponed. It is considerable to note in this context that the report of the Vaghul Working Group recommended the system of commercial bills with minimum proportion of dues under bills system, along with predetermined date of payment and zero level tolerance for defaults.

It is to be remembered that when 10 percent GDP growth rate was predicted, the MSME units built up capacities and uplifted the output levels. The actual GDP of less than even 5 percent resulted in bulky inventories and cumbersome workforce. Along with assuring enhanced ways for procuring funds and devising techniques for quick realization of account receivables, the authorities will have to free the sector from unwanted interference. Also, the move of small and medium units towards non-bank sources of funds shall be reviewed in light of the fact that this easy appearing route adds to the burden of interest.

The provisions of the Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises Development Act, 2006, which call for streamlined payments to MSME units was expected to add to the dexterity; however nothing much has been achieved. It is sure that the macroeconomic scenario in the upcoming years would experience quick changes owing to the globalization and cross-border deals. The MSME sector will have to devise ways to stand tough during such changes and a lot is expected from the authorities and the new government too. The role of the sector in terms of generation of abundant work prospects for local residents and check on labor migration from rural to urban parts shall be duly appreciated.

Describing itself as a democratic socialist group, the Samajwadi Party has been entrusted by the general public of U.P. with the responsibility to govern for five long years. Being one of the political groups formed post the fragmentation of Janata Dal, the party is believed to carry the philosophy and principles that were talked about during the much-hyped J P movement. The irony however is that the party’s flag bearing the election symbol when appears on a car or outside a house, leaves a common man scared.

Trusting the young blood of the party, Akhilesh Yadav, the voters extended massive support in the legislative assembly elections of 2012; however the deliveries of the government have not even touched half the expectations of the public. Though Laptops have added to the grace; the administrators overlooked the fact that these machines are being resold at throwaway prices. Sad to note, the state has become home to communal riots, viciousness of SP workers and leaders, unjustified favors to special communities, and above all, drastic mismanagement.

It was astonishing to read news of 9th April 2014 reporting the arrival of a former MP in Noida, which created a chaos on the roads of the city, with hundreds of SP workers halting traffic on DND. The spokesperson of the Noida Toll Bridge Co. Ltd urged that the authorities were requested to clear the jam; however no one even bothered. Incidences of SP leaders ruthlessly disobeying rules and thrashing guiltless toll workers have now become countless.

Leave what is happening in the villages and far-flung zones, even the metros have become zones of anomalies and abrupt occurrences of violence. Time when most of the other states of the nation are stepping towards brighter and safer living conditions, the state of Uttar Pradesh is struggling with the same old curses of riots, malpractices, corruption, and appeasement. The public that voted in favor of the vibrant blood, Akhilesh Yadav, urgently awaits good governance. Extensive decentralization of power has to be curbed, without delay.

The SP chief at several instances has warned the key administrator, his son and the ministers alleging that the state should not be mismanaged in view of personal interests and abuse of power. The family politics of SP, which revolves around the father, and his son, brothers, and nephews, along with wide intervention of leaders like Azam Khan, failed to comprehend the needs of the common man, corporate houses, farmers, and small scale industries. Multiple power centers created due to superfluous delegation of authority have created issues of favors to a particular business group, which subsequently is reversed in favor of another group that is close to a distinct power center. Curbing this is a pressing necessity.

Plus, instances like refusal of the civil society to work under the leadership of Azam Khan accusing the leader of abusing and insulting the staff. Advising Muslims to have a DNA test in case they do not vote for the party in the general elections of 2014 was another statement of an SP leader that reflected the arrogance of the representatives elected by people. Muslims, who have been the key help to the SP during polls, have too made a move viewing the party’s disaster in managing communal brotherhood and providing work prospects.

High Court’s intervention in matters like withdrawal of cases filed against Muslims, and recklessly providing red lights to party’s leaders reflect the extent of mishandling and exploitation of power. Delays in clearances from the government offices, corruption in the process of tenders and unwanted recurrence of the bidding process delaying the implementation of projects along with cost inflation, lack of adequate infrastructure including power and road transport, groundless policies of the government, and absence of visionary capabilities have restricted businesses to expand and flourish in the state.

The SP leaders will have to learn a lesson from what has happened in the general election with a view to working in the manner which is expected out of the team of top administrators and policy-makers of the state. Law and order are the topmost areas of concern, followed by betterment of infrastructure for corporate houses, and work prospects for youth. Sooner than later, the government will have to take corrective actions, else the lost reputation would be tough to regain. Parting with timeworn ways of governance, and streamlining the administrative and ministerial wings are the urgent needs of the hour.

A sector that contributes around 5-6 percent to the Gross Domestic Product of India; employs the largest number of workforce after agriculture and textile; and stands accountable for the sustainability of more than 250 ancillary industries, including, steel, cement, brick, consumer durable, and building material deserves a special attention. The prominent bottlenecks for the sector include slow rate of approvals, cost inflation, regulatory changes in key micro market, and drastically reduced demand owing to the upsurge in prices. The highly fragmented and capital intensive sector urges for the status of a well-recognized industry, along with a quick look into the concern of adverse changes in the macroeconomic factors that affect the cash flows of the developers during the gestation period of the project.

Also, the new government is being looked for by the sector for extraordinary incentives so as to promote research and development activities that can bring in technological advancements, which in turn will lower the costs. The present scenario demands that bifurcation of housing loans basis the population, which is currently INR 25 lakh in metros and INR 15 lakh in other cities for purchase of a residential unit, be curbed and the amount be unvaryingly enhanced to INR 35 lakh. The applicable risk weight on housing finance shall be trimmed and LTV ratio with respect to loans up to INR 35 lakh can be revised up to 90 percent. Long-term funds can be extended to the projects by provident fund organizations and insurers. Reconsidering the income tax exemption limit of interest on housing loans considering the spurt in the cost of dwellings is the need of the hour.

The FDI allowance in the real estate sector was accountable for the boom in the investment and development, which assisted the sector attain new heights in 2007 as well as in early 2008. The trend, however, reversed in the mid of 2008 when the global slowdown resulted in the decrease of inflow of foreign funds. Internal accruals, customer advances, and debt are the prominent sources of funds, of which the self-finance remains quite limited owing to the sluggish demand and customer advances too are rarely available during the initial stages of the project. This in turn has enhanced the dependability of the developers on the debt from banks as the principal source for funding the project. However, the total exposure of banks calculated as a percentage increase in lending towards real sector projects has declined in recent days.

The Indian real estate sector has always been attractive owing to sturdy economic fundamentals and demographic factors. Plus, in the coming years the sector is expected to fetch higher returns, which will appeal global players to become a part of the projects. Much is being looked for from the new government at the center that will probably comprehend the demands of this sector. Vital to note, RBI has expressed concerns over the exposure of banks to this sector saying that the NPA level may increase beyond expectation. The gross NPA of the financial sector is likely to rise 4.6 percent amounting to INR 2.29 lakh crore by September 2014. The RBI reports that the total exposure of banking sector to real estate witnessed a rise of 17.3 percent in 2012-13 amounting to INR 9.33 lakh crore.

Experts from the real estate segment consider that speculators and investors who deploy money during initial phases and subsequently sell the property post completion are responsible for the surge in NPAs. Genuine end-users are less likely to default the loan repayment commitments. Also, the growing NPAs in the corporate sector will result in increased auction of properties. Owing to the slowdown in the real estate sector, sale of mortgage properties would not benefit the lenders. Banks, on the contrary, are more worried about defaults by developers rather than by individuals. Other prominent measures for the sector include curbing the illicit commitments by developers to the investors by enforcing strict penalties, mandatory guideline to sell the property basis the carpet area, and limiting instances wherein developers during the initial stage project a certain percentage of built-up area, however, enhance the number of dwellings subsequently with the permission of the concerned development authority.

Real Estate Investment Trusts (REIT) have been a prominent investor in the real estate projects globally. They deploy funds in completed revenue generating commercial properties and the earnings are disseminated among the investors. India awaits such a module. REITs have emerged as a convenient investment option for retail investors and even for long-term capital pooling funds like pension funds and insurers, which prefer regular income stream. Added advantages of the REIT regime include enhanced transparency owing to better corporate governance, disclosures and reporting. Compliance with the standards laid down by the regulator enhances availability of desired information in the public domain. Professionalism with emphasis on risks attached to title and transaction costs is the outcome.

Plus, financing through equity participation would improve the debt-equity balance, beyond providing a vehicle for addressing the issues of NPAs. NPAs sold to REIT will facilitate the realization of the true value with ease of liquidating once the high value of real estate is removed from the books. This is an appropriate time for the implementation of REIT module so as to provide the sector with advanced funding options and help investors to participate in the gains. The investment would be less risky owing to the fact that funds will not be deployed to under-construction projects and income in form of rentals will be a good hedge against inflation as the underlying asset would adjust itself to the cost of living. Plus, diversification of portfolio of the investors and stability of income source will be the added advantages. Sooner than later, SEBI and government officials will have to consider this route for the overall restructuring and revival of the real estate sector.

Foreign Direct Investment has proved out as one the most vibrant contributors towards procurement of funds by Indian entrepreneurs and as a measure for trimming down the Current Account Deficit. Foreign investors have been considering India as a secure and sound investment place. As per the United Nations report, the FDI inflows grew 17 percent in 2013 touching USD 28 billion, which proves that the investors are assured of the competency of Indian enterprises. In the recent past, doors have been opened for the foreign investors in sectors ranging from telecom and stock exchanges to PSU oil refineries and defense with a view to provide the requisite push to the economy.

What FDI aims is resolving multiple concerns at a time. Funds are the pre-requisites for running any business concern, however, domestic funds are unable to meet the demands of the economy, and hence foreign investors are encouraged so as to provide the much-needed stimulus to the industry. Plus, rather than burdening the Indian concerns with the obligations of servicing debt, FDI is a much convenient option, wherein the loss incurred, if any, would not result in severe implications. It is vital to note that India has brought in USD 306.88 billion as foreign investment since 2000. The participants are nations ranging from Singapore, Mauritius and Netherlands to U.K. and Canada.

At the same time, it has to be comprehended that the paybacks from foreign investment do not accrue automatically and uniformly across nations, sectors, and communities. The DIPP and FIPB, along with RBI have been playing a significant role in attracting foreign funds; the need for broad, transparent, and enabling policy environment for investment as well as to build institutional and human capacities for proper implementation is being sensed until today. It has to be realized that the UNCTAD survey projected India as the second most favorable destination for investment after China; however our policy and IP Rights regime have not been able to reap the complete benefit of transnational flow of funds.

Caps imposed on the equity holding of overseas investors in distinct sectors including aviation have to be reconsidered. On the contrary, the mounting participation of foreign players in some sectors too has to be analyzed keeping in view the limitations and potential of our domestic system of flow of funds from financial intermediaries to businesses. A competent and stricter Intellectual Property Rights regime is the need of the hour. This would encourage groundbreaking companies to handover new know-how and business devices to their counter-parts in India, which in turn would boost the overall FDI structure as well as the productivity, development, and employment.

FDI in retail sector has been the most talked about subject matter of foreign inflow of funds. The new government must analyze the pros and cons keeping in view the interests of the consumers and retail traders at large. The potential gainers post the implementation of this module will be the consumers who will profit from competitive prices and superior quality products. The real estate sector too will benefit as vacant spaces in shopping malls would be utilized, which in way will also boost the banking sector. The losers, on the contrary, can be the small scale retailers and manufacturers, along with unqualified workforce. Special privileges to domestic retailers and manufacturers, and training sessions for existing workforce can be of massive help.

The recent variations to the route for foreign funds viz. automatic and approval, have added to the dexterity of the FDI regime; however the delay in clearances from FIPB and other government departments has been an area of concern. Under automatic route, Indian concerns have the expediency to file returns of the funds routed and shares allocated post the completion of activities to RBI; however prior approval from FIPB, sectoral caps, and cumbersome documentations create hassles under the approval route. The Board and the government have been recurrently enhancing the sectoral caps, and adding more and more sectors under the automatic route; real paybacks will be unattainable until proper restructuring is done.

What has happened was though predictable, it has substantiated a fact that Indians are capable to comprehend, assess, and decide the appropriate. A ground-level leader, backed only by the work he delivered and the support of the general public, has corroborated that not all wins can be fetched by selling fabricated promises. Mr. Modi has also demonstrated a basic truth that past deeds pave the way for the future. Unless you deliver what was expected, you will be thrown out. Something that Congress must have realized. And nowhere can you find anyone criticizing the win of Mr. Modi; those who are in distress have locked themselves in rooms.

When we analyze this win, we would know that everyone who elected to sail in the BJP ship was able to touch the destination. So is the fascination of Mr. Modi that the voters rarely bothered about the profile of their local BJP candidates. And those who criticize this fact must know that a capable leader can assuredly assist the group attain the projected outcomes. The win also links itself with the utmost faith of the public that better days are waiting to step in. I am sure that millions who trusted the words and vision of this extraordinary Indian must have expressed every of their emotions while viewing the television screens on the 16th of May.

What India and the residents will secure from this win shall be observed post a few months. And for those who allege that promises are easy to be made, however, tough to deliver shall know that with honest aims and sharp minds, nothing is unattainable. If we can regard Mahatma Gandhi as the sole hero of the freedom movement, Mr. Modi is surely the conqueror of 2014- A man who depicted that India can survive, prosper, and deliver devoid of the century old political entity, Indian National Congress. Administration is not the task of those who are gifted with the last name of dominant leaders; vision and sturdy outlook are the prerequisites.

The political groups backed by the illicit support of particular castes/ religions must have now realized that the general public can no longer be conned. People have comprehended the real sense of democracy, development, unity, and above all brotherhood. The win of Mr. Modi demonstrates that those who are the real prosperity-seekers, to any caste/ community they belong, have voted for veracity and proven track record. It is now unmanageable to lure the general public with schemes and proposals for their individual homes; Indians today seem to stand in one premise- A day that the constitution-makers aspired of.

Certainly, challenges are many. With such vast support comes the accountability to deliver. Mr. Modi is being looked forward to bring in the much-awaited economic, social, political, and legislative viability. We can expect the new Prime Minister to replicate what he has delivered in the state of Gujarat. However, expectations are endless, and means to attain prosperity are limited. Let us, rather than being the aspirants of an optimistic future, become a part in the triumph of the nation. It is an established fact that success cannot be attained without hard work. Let’s pump up our spirits, and be a sincere contributor in India’s fortune.

The think tank of India, Planning Commission, is viewed as the body of intellectuals that can apprehend the needs of the society and economy, and devise policies and measures accordingly. The progress of the nation and the allocation of funds are dependent on the strategies formulated in the five-year plans. It is expected that the government, the ministers, the regulatory agencies, and the bureaucrats would contribute in the best possible manner for the success of the plan. Considering India as an economy, the five-year plans can be looked upon as the most prominent set of fiscal and economic budgeting. Let us briefly evaluate the delivery of the 11th plan and conclude as to whether the think-tank and administrators succeeded in their tasks of planning and administration.

Vital to note that at the mid-term review of the plan, the Planning Commission lowered the targeted growth rate of 9 percent per annum to 8 percent. Let us also consider some credentials. The agriculture growth rate from 10 percent in 2003-04 declined to 3.8 percent in 2006-07, which was the last FY for the 10th plan. As per the mid-term assessment of the 11th plan, the average growth rate (2007-10) was just 2.2 percent. For the industry sector, the 11th plan targeted facilitation of FDI, PPP initiatives, world-class infrastructure, and foreign technology collaborations. The plan foresaw manufacturing and general industrial sector growing at an average rate of 10-11 percent, which however in real terms slipped to even 2.6 percent in 2008-09 and 3.5 percent in 2011-12.

As always, the 11th plan too focused on elementary, secondary, and higher education. Plus, improving the quality of education was also the target. The literacy rate, which as per the census of 2001 stood at 64.8 percent with a gap of 21.6 percentage points between males and females at national level, grew to just 74.04 percent in 2011 indicating a decadal growth of mere 9 percent in the decade. Reducing malnutrition to half its present level, Infant Mortality Rate to 28 per live births and Total Fertility rate to 2.1 percent, and access of clean drinking water to all was the goal of the 11th plan in the health domain. It is appalling that the World Bank has estimated India as one of the highest ranking countries in the world in terms of children suffering from malnutrition. Access to clean water was also far than achievable.

In terms of employment generation, the plan aimed at generating 58 million work prospects during 2007 to 2012. The rate of unemployment, on the contrary, reached an all-time high of 9.4 percent in December 2010. MGNREGA scheme was introduced, which has been creating artificial work prospects for the rural population, and in turn is broadening the economic gap. Other areas of focus for the 11th plan were social justice, rural development, infrastructure, energy, transport, science and technology, environment and forest, water resources, urban development, and women’s agency and child rights. The planners though were smart enough to project healthy figures in terms of development, most of the domains witnessed decline even from the previous figures.

It is shocking to note that the government assesses the mid-term achievements/ drawbacks of the five year plans, however overall appraisal post five years can nowhere be found. Either, the planners and those responsible for the execution of the plans are assured enough that the goals envisaged would be attained, or they realize the ambiguity of their vision and expertise at the very beginning of the plan. Else, aims like infrastructure, rural, and urban development would not have been threatening for the so-called intellectuals to handle. Good governance advocates not just planning and implementation, but also the appraisal and control of the devised plan so as to curb any deviations from the projected outcomes. Plus, in case the planning squad could not deliver feasible and effectual plans, surely the change of personnel should be looked for.

The change of administration at the center is much likely to bring in healthier changes in the organizational structure as well as the working culture of the think tank of the nation, the planning commission. It is for sure that the veteran administrator, Narendra Modi, who has exceptionally been advocating a comprehensive overhaul of the commission, would favor quick amendments. Vital to note, even the UPA reign PM, Dr. Manmohan Singh acknowledged that the commission had been working unproductively, and to match steps with the dynamic economic circumstances changes are necessary. Dr. Singh emphasized that the new world is distinctive hence the traditional sets of rules and regulations of the commission are futile.

Let us analyze the role of the commission in nation building since its inception. With a view to providing requisite pace to the economy and uplifting the rate of development, the GOI in the year 1950 came up with a proposal of setting up a body of intellectuals that could device plans recognizing the available resources and allocating these in the best possible manner to extract maximum utility. Inflationary pressures, scarcity of resources, deficiency in the supply of foodgrains, move of people inside the borders of India in search of home and shelter, and balance of payments disparities were the concerns that led to the formation of Planning Commission. The body was bestowed upon with the task of framing feasible and effective plans, without worrying about the day-to-day administration tasks.

The directive principles of the state policy as enumerated under the constitution of India sets guidelines and mission for the government, and demands for adequate means of livelihood for men and women, proficient use of material resources of the country, and justifiable distribution of wealth and means of production. To uplift the standard of living of the Indians and to provide satisfactory earning prospects, the planning commission was to play a key and intelligible role. Ever since then, the commission has been equipped with workforce that has a proven track record so as to analyze the bottlenecks, recognize the opportunities, and formulate policies that could ensure prosperity and utmost utilization of country’s resources.

Let us briefly know what is expected out of the commission. The foremost task remains assessing the capital, material and human resources of the nation, and augmenting these with respect to country’s needs. The intellectuals are expected to devise plans and define step-by-step implementation process so as to help achieve best outcomes. The commission is also looked for ascertaining factors that restrict the economic development and for determining the nature of machinery that is necessary for successful execution of the devised plan. Thereafter, the commission must appraise the progress of the plan and suggest measures to ensure that the anticipated and achieved results are the more or less the same.

Now let us review the economic development of the nation which was expected to boom post the constitution of the planning commission. The limited resources of the nation were allocated under the licensed framework. Prices were administered, distribution was controlled, and production and imports were licensed, which resulted in economic as well as social unrest. The ones who were able to secure licenses and means of production flourished, leaving aside the rest to struggle. Nor was the objective of eliminating the curse of poverty and unemployment paid heed to. Rather than building durable assets, the government created artificial earning prospects that though were able to create prompt difference, however were a curse for long-run.

Until now, the ever-prevailing concerns of lack of drinking water and health facilities, mounting infant mortality rate, restricted literacy level, regional disparities, and rising unemployment are waiting to be dealt with. The urban infrastructure is not matching steps with the rise in the rate of urbanization. The mismanagement of natural resources viz. land, water, and minerals is known to all. Unequal distribution of national income remains a primary distress. Furthermore, the ever-high fiscal deficit, rise in prices, mounting public debt, and critical balance of payments circumstances have not just made the life of a common man miserable, they have also lessened the scope of procuring funds for the Indian concerns.

What can the solution be? Urban infrastructure has to match steps with the rate of urbanization. Development institutions in the backward regions of the country and their delivery system have to be strengthened. Economic diversification is the need of the hour. Special needs of capital, processing, and marketing for small land holdings have to be paid heed to. Wastelands have to be recovered and green cover to be extended with incentives to promote efficiency in the use of natural resources. The interests of the poor and underprivileged have to be protected. Above all, top to bottom restructuring of the economic management is necessary with a view to providing requisite pace to development rate. Deficit financing in terms of government’s borrowings from the RBI has to be checked.

The planning commission that works as the body to formulate plans needs to think more than just allocation of resources. Efficient utilization of the allocated resources too has be paid attention to. The commission will have to play an integrative role and will have to coordinate the working of the central and state governments to bring in cost efficiency and productivity. Social infrastructure and human development are the areas of urgent attention too. Schools, hospitals, and scientific research institutions have to be encouraged, along with establishing a sound system of education and knowledge enhancement. While on one hand, market mechanism can serve as the tool for economic dexterity, planning in terms of scarce resources and social goals can assure development of all.

Considerable to note, the work of planning commission has been criticized by multiple committees. In the month of August 2011, the report tabled in Lok Sabha by a panel headed by Yashwant Sinha portrayed the failure of the commission ranging from delay in preparing the approach paper for 12th five year plan to wide imbalance in development across and within states. The futuristic vision, which shall be the core of planning, was absolutely missing. The panel realized that there was broad disconnect between planning, budgeting, and adequate monitoring and control functions. Can the nation expect timely economic and social reforms owing to the fact that the 12th five year plan, which was due to be commenced from April 2012, was approved by the apex policy making body, NDC in December 2012?

The UPA reign PM, Dr. Manmohan Singh realized the urgency of restructuring the working and accountability of the commission, though he was quite late. The failures of the government in almost every sector made the PM comprehend the fact that the think tank was employing same old techniques of planning in the era of changed social and economic circumstances. Worried about the future, Mr. Singh had asked four questions to the commission so as to undertake the work of streamlining. Ranging from the approach of the commission and new functions added to additional roles in light of the new economic world, the questions though have been answered by the commission’s members, nothing could be attained. The puzzled and sterile members could not deliver anything more than mere plans.

The nation and the economy can expect much from the tested brain of the new administrator, Mr. Modi. His visionary capabilities and quick decision-making attribute are what that can bring in requisite modifications in the working ability of the commission. Planning Commission too will have to realize the strengths and opportunities presented by the internal as well as the global environment, along with paying requisite heed to threats and weaknesses of the economic system. Since decades, five year plans have been embracing the same goals, however nothing much has been achieved. Time has come to think out of the box and come up with groundbreaking concepts. Surely, the members of the new commission formed post the polls would realize their actual task of nation building and will deliver the anticipated outcomes.

Post-poll surveys have given a picture of the formation of a stable government at the center led by the National Democratic Alliance. It is almost sure that the nation would be administered by a leader with proven track record in the state of Gujarat. Covering lakhs of kilometers for campaigning and connecting with people is a past proposition. What await Mr. Narendra Modi are the aspirations of the unemployed, lack of prospects for entrepreneurs, high price-victim households, and paralyzed economy. Though tough circumstances have in the past as well tested the brain of this proficient leader; tacking the ambitions of millions of Indians would call in for elevated hard work and visionary capabilities. The new government must not forget that post five years of governance; it shall too be evaluated by the then voters.

Ranging from bringing in transparency with respect to auctioning of resources like coal and spectrum to advancing the legislative and technological domains, the nation expects enormous reforms from the new government. Vital to note, UPA inherited an exceptional GDP, which will not be the case with the NDA. The crying GDP of below 5 percent, ever-high fiscal deficit and balance of payments, and restricted earning prospects for the youth will be the key areas of consideration. Mr. Modi has demonstrated in Gujarat that out of box measures deliver expected outcomes if planned and executed in a well-defined manner. Thus, rearrangement of the complete fiscal and economic domain with a view to exploit the opportunities and curb the limitations will be the need of the hour.

Overseas Direct Investment and Foreign Direct Investment can be encouraged, leaving aside the areas wherein such investments can cause troubles. It is to be noted that FDI can bring in the much-awaited prospects of enhanced production means as well as employment. The new government can rethink the duties payable by importers with a view to infusing healthy competition in the domestic market and helping Indian consumers attaining superior-grade goods and services at comparatively low prices. Unorganized employment too is an area of concern. Though such employment trims down the count of unemployed residents; standard of living never boosts up. For instance, youth unable to fetch a salaried job, opts to earn via labor work, which can never uplift the status of living of the Indians.

Another area of concern is the elevating share of the service sector in our GDP. Though India has been the most preferred outsourcing partner of multinational companies since past many years, the more than tolerable share of this sector can mutilate the pillars of the economy. A lesson here has to be learnt from China which has been a hub of manufacturing and is now competing developed nations with hostile outlook. The solution is not to curb the service sector, rather workable and quick reforms have to be instigated for the furtherance of the manufacturing sector. Import of technical know-how, machines, and new techniques of producing must be encouraged with a view to extending competitive edge to domestic producers. Herein, rethinking of the FDI policy can play a vital role.

The pros and cons of the globalization aspect have to be reworked. The new government shall allow extensive bringing in of technology, however imports in sectors like garments can be limited to help domestic producers reap the advantage of available resources. Import of distinctive goods and services has to be reevaluated in light of the detriment caused to domestic producers and workforce. A preferred model can be an assessment in terms of loss of earning prospects for the domestic workforce, and advances in the cost and manner of production. Rather than baselessly following the regulations forced by the WTO, India will have to open new doors and shut those which are prejudicial to the economy. Surely, Mr. Modi and his men will prove talented enough, and will comprehend state of affairs prudently.