Scooty (e.g. Activa) and mobile phone have empowered women
more than any policy initiative or legislation.
People were least sure as to how reform in power sector,
insurance, banking, financial markets, FDI in retail trade, Direct Tax Code,
sugar decontrol, highways development, disinvestment etc. would impact their
lives.
Most traders in all states except Goa were quite wary of the GST.
During our road trip to six states including the poll bound
states of Karnataka and Delhi, we tried to assess the views of the common
people about economic reforms – relevance, need, direction, perceived benefits
etc.
We discussed with numerous people to find out (a) what has
happened in past decade or so that has made difference to their lives (for good
or worse); and (b) what would they want the government to do immediately to
improve their lives.
Without leading them to any specific direction, we kept the
discussions primarily centered around their day to day life and future of their
children.
The key highlights of the feedback we received from people were
quite reassuring, though not surprisingly.
Key highlights:
(a)
We found that the social sector schemes have
impacted the people lives more than the economic reforms, especially in rural
areas.
Despite frequent news of irregularities, people overwhelmingly
suggested that schemes like mid day meal, girl child education, NRHM and MNREGA
have positively impacted more lives in almost all the states.
Financial inclusion (SHG, MFI, Banking Correspondents) was the
only economic initiative they could cite as having impacted their lives
directly.
(b)
Most in Maharashtra, Karnataka, and Punjab
believed that the infrastructure situation has worsened over past decade.
People in Haryana, Delhi and Goa suggested that infrastructure has improved in
past decade.
Delhites however felt that it is still inadequate. Public health
and education was commonly suggested as the “Worst in the world”.
(c)
PMGSY (the flagship rural roads scheme) was
widely suggested as the game changer in Maharashtra and Karnataka. (From our
past experience we know that same is the case with a majority of the states.)
(d)
Mobile connectivity was expectedly cited as the
best technological evolution that impacted the rural lives.
(e)
In Delhi most of the people we spoke to cited
metro rail as the boon that has improved their life significantly.
(f)
In rural Maharashtra and Karnataka, obtaining
drinking water consumes 6-8 man hours. Electricity is still inadequate. We
estimate focusing on these two could enhance productivity and income potential
in rural and semi-urban areas substantially.
(g)
We felt that strictly implemented prohibition
legislation would bring more prosperity to Haryana and Punjab than any economic
reform.
(h)
Most urban residents felt that education and
health reforms are more critical than economic reforms.
In the next phase of our journey we shall be covering Gujarat, Rajasthan, UP, MP, Chhattisgarh, Bihar, Jharkhand and some parts of Maharashtra.
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