Thought for the day
“Experience does not err. Only your judgments err by
expecting from her what is not in her power.”
Leonardo da Vinci (Italian,
1452-1519)
Word for the day
Meliorism (n)
The doctrine that the world tends to become better or may
be made better by human effort.
(Source: Dictionary.com)
Teaser for the day
The more Congress leaders chafe, the more ground they stand
to lose.
Small is beautiful
The first budget presentation by the new government is just six
weeks away. Innumerable suggestions are pouring every day for consideration.
Trade and industry associations, investors, households, economists, analysts
etc. all have presented their wish list to the government seeking favors. I
have seen only a few that would directly benefit the lower middle classes and
poor – the people have who have actually elected this government.
“Reforms” is the key buzz word in financial markets. Everyone is
expecting the government to unleash a substantive economic and financial sector
reforms. The unfortunate part however is that everyone seems to be masquerading
their selfish motives as desired reforms.
During my discover India trip last summer I made an attempt to
assess the views of the common people about economic reforms – relevance, need,
direction, perceived benefits etc.
I 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:
1.
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.
2.
PMGSY (the flagship rural roads scheme) was
widely suggested as the game changer in numerous villages.
3.
Mobile connectivity was expectedly cited as the
best technological evolution that impacted the rural lives.
4.
In Delhi most of the people we spoke to cited
metro rail as the boon that has improved their life significantly.
5.
In rural areas of many states obtaining drinking
water consumes 6-8 man hours. Electricity is still inadequate. I estimate
focusing on these two could enhance productivity and income potential in rural
and semi-urban areas substantially.
6.
Talking to women folks, I felt that strictly
implemented prohibition legislation would bring more prosperity to average
household in states like Punjab, Haryana, Uttrakhand, Andhra Pradesh, Kerala
and North Eastern states,
7.
Most urban residents felt that education and
health reforms are more critical than economic reforms.
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