Do it yourself

 In past couple of years some state governments have announced reservation for local residents in private sector jobs. Some other states are also considering to implement similar provisions. Given that the word “reservation” itself is not liked by a large section of Indian population due to legacy reasons, this trend has evoked strong reactions from the businesses and job seekers from other state who fear losing out to the local population in these states. Many issues like, Right to Equality, likely productivity loss due to lack of competent people, likely higher wage cost due to limited supply of qualified people within particular state, etc., have been raised by the concerned people. Concerns have been raised about flight of businesses to other states, further worsening the regional inequalities. In my view, it is a very good idea, of implemented pragmatically. If the state governments work with the private entrepreneurs to develop the education, skill and training ecosystem ...

Some corporate leaders have repeatedly highlighted that the rural economy is doing much better than the urban economy in India. In their view, the economic recovery from COVID-19 led slowdown will be led by the rural demand. The rise in sales of tractors, passenger vehicles and consumer staples in rural sector has been cited as clear signs of rural recovery. The data of bumper Rabi crop production and highest ever Kharif sowing is being widely used to support the faster rural recovery argument. To make an assessment, we visited some rural areas of UP and Rajasthan over last weekend. After visiting over 50 rural clusters and speaking with many people (traders, local administrators, farmers, laborers, etc.) our impression about the situation as follows: (a)    The staple Rabi crop of cereals and sugar cane has been good and prices have been supportive in these two states. However, the fruit and vegetable crops have not been good and caused losses to large number...

A popular saying is that "the true character of a person is often revealed in the times of crisis". The crisis tests intellect, common sense, resolve, grit, emotions, beliefs, etc. of people, besides highlighting their strengths, weaknesses and vulnerabilities. This applies mutatis mutandis to various organizations and systems also. The present crisis, for example, has highlighted the strong character of the common people of India who are usually financially insecure (poor), less educated (or illiterate), religious (and superstitious), and oppressed. Often derided by the elite as dirty and non-compliant, these people have shown amazing resilience and grit. They have bore the brunt of economic consequences of the disease; faced cruel apathy of the administration & state (and in some cases employers also); have been most vulnerable to fatalities due to COVID-19 infections; and still managed to stay peaceful and non-violent. Thousands of them received anim...