Dear Prime Minister,
I guess you would be as sad
as the entire country on the recent announcement of growth numbers of GDP which stands at 5.3% and the lowest in last 9 years. This partially
reflects the State of Nation
Mr. Prime Minister, this
Nation expects “Leadership” from you to remove the sense of despondency that
currently reigns in the Industry, in the Bureaucracy and among Politicians
also. There is a need to show bold leadership with a big ticket announcement
having commitment and political chutzpa for the roll out, unlike FDI multi
brand retail initiative. I guess turn around of the economy in the short run no
longer in the hands of Economist any more; therefore, I propose a simple
strategy of Water-Women-Energy.
WATER: Monsoon is round the corner and celebration for
World Environment Day on 5th June must have received final touches
with plans for plantation; however, rain water conservation has not received
that much attention which could actually enhance the results of plantation
drive. I propose our Prime Minister lead a movement on the ‘issue of water’
that deals with rain water harvesting, prevention of river water pollution &
other water bodies and cleaning & preservation of all water bodies. This is
a huge task and therefore, requires a movement akin to “Labana Satyagrha” of
Gandhiji to consolidate the efforts of Govt., Private organizations and people
at large that could create a proactive public opinion to keep the interest of
the people alive till the goal is achieved. This activity if done well would
kill the despondency and rather create enthusiasm. Water is such an issue that
would receive spontaneous co-operation from all political parties, industry and
civil society across the board. In economic terms this initiative alone could
contribute to GDP by improving agriculture production, enhancing green
cover and saving the losses/wastage in floods to an extent by minimizing the
run off by virtue of efficient rain water conservation. This is a basic
activity that has potential of national well being but, ignored by successive
Govt. that need correction.
WOMEN: Women in top 500 cities and towns are generally
educated and have time and interest to supplement their family income. GoI in
partnership with Industry bodies & Trade association could take initiative
for a Training & Production House in each cities & towns which can
train educated women in specific skill according to respective aptitude and
interest and provide them short duration employment for 2hrs/4 hrs/6hrs (between 11A.M to 4 P.M)
when they have less demand of family. In this, Industry could get skilled staff
at lower cost and could become more competitive in international markets. And,
further employed women could spend their additional income in education of
children or asset creation that would drive domestic demand.
ENERGY: GoI could take initiative to attract investment
required in technology up gradation to minimize the Technical &
Distribution losses of energy that stands at 30-40% which is a huge hole in our
national exchequer. Even Govt. / Banks can choose to deploy a part of national
savings into this activity which could deliver assured returns knowing the
amount of savings that would accrue to the utilities. PMO also could announce a
policy for cultivation of 1 hectare of Jatropa in each village with suitable
incentives that over a period of time reduce our dependence on imported crude
oil that runs a wedge in our balance of payments.
These are few initiatives
that could alter our economic outlook if done properly along with Prime
Minister’s $ 1 trillion forays in infrastructure.
No comments:
Post a Comment