Please don't let 2020s tread the 1970s path
In June 2020, the finance ministry directed all ministries and departments to suspend implementation of all new schemes till March 2021. The directions read that “In the wake of COVID-19 pandemic, there is unprecedented demand on the public financial resources and a need to use resources prudently in accordance with emerging and changing priorities”. In pursuance of these directives, many ministries have issued instructions to their respective departments not to initiate any new project or scheme, and suspend the spending on existing projects where no significant progress has been made so far. For example, the Ministry of Railways, issued directions to all the general managers of Indian Railways that- (i) New works proposed in the budget for FY21 (Pink Book)shall be kept in abeyance; except for the works which impact the safe running of trains and are considered essential and inescapable may be considered for sanction. (ii) Works which have been approved till 2019-20 but have made...