Reforms Needed?

Policy of FDI in retail has opened up a Pandora box. I am personally game for any and all reforms which open up the avenues for competitiveness and open up markets. I have only a couple of issues on the subject of Reforms and liberalization.

•   Why not make a Road Map for all reforms which are good for the people and economy both.
•   Prioritize them. First Thing First. Let us not try and put the Cart before the Ox.
•  Create a broad consensus on it. Get / Seek opinions of all parties and states.
•  Put time lines for each of these reforms
• Stick to it come what may. Then Parties in Rule should not be held back by the number game in the parliament. They should not wait for the last year of their current regime and say “ we will rather go down fighting ” while bringing a reform for vote.
•  After all we are in a democracy a policy that has a clear mandate or majority only can become a Law. So an issue which does not win a majority does not become a Policy. Simple. Governments should not be changed if a particular policy loses. It should go only if it loses a No Confidence Motion or loses an Election.
• Policy on any reform which has a technology involved should be carefully chalked out. The latest, but not a junk technology should be brought, with a clause of developing these technologies / components indigenously.

Coming to the specifics, on FDI on Retail, the governments says “ it would bring in back-end infrastructure technology in logistics, cold storage etc ” . Point not well taken. Where is the power? Do we have enough of power to run all the cold storage? What should come first? The Malls or Back – End Infrastructure – Like Power Generating Stations, Cold Storage, Roads – Railways etc? So I personally feel that the government should put these things first on the priority list and liberalize on these fronts. Bring in FDI on developing this infrastructure on PP or FDI basis, but again after protecting the interests of the country first. The latest, but not a junk technology should be brought, with a clause of developing these technologies / components indigenously.

Most importantly I feel is the FDI in retail a panacea of sorts for all our problems? Have we given a thought to problems of low cost Housing, Health care, Education & Food? 

Why can we not think of opening up Health care with a clear cut guideline that a dispensary will have to be set up in each village having a population of say 1000 people, minimum so many beds hospital will have to be set up in each hub having a population of say 10000 people, so on and so forth?

Something similar should be thought for Primary & Secondary education facility, low cost housing etc.

So, now we can see what and where our priorities should be? Whichever issue gives maximum gains to the largest section of the society should be our top priority, in my opinion.

Can There be an Argument on this, Mr. Chetan Bhagat or Mr. Swaminathan? It is simple common sense. Economists and Celebrities should think about it and spread this opinion rather than fighting or defending on a useless issue.  

I have chosen these names because people read them and form their opinions. 

Who listens to me who has no voice?