PM Modi's 'preventive' measures rather than 'active'
30 June, 2014
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. Narendra 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
unexpectedly well 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 every common man to
witness just the reduction in prices and upsurge in 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.
Editorial NOTE: This article is categorized under
Opinion Section. The views expressed in this article are solely
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About The Author
A Chartered Accountant by profession and Director on the board of Punjab National Bank (PNB), General Insurance Corporation of India (GIC) and Rural Electrification Corporation Limited (REC). Dr. Sunil Gupta is working flawlessly for the economic and social prosperity of India.
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