I think most economic decisions taken in this country are politically driven and rarely driven by pure economics. The motivations are usually selfish and definitely the larger good is of little importance. If our politicians were so economics sensitive then I hardly think we would still be in the sorry state of economics half a century after independence. Many countries worldwide have spun their economies onto the roads of prosperity in just a decade and we are still struggling - and I guess we are doomed to an eternal struggle in this regard. And to make it worse we have hardly any checks and balances that work - everyone does pretty much what they want and get away with it. Especially the Industrial and political classes. It is a very sorry state of affairs to say the least. Something that becomes so painfully apparent when we travel abroad and see how much other countries have done for themselves even when they have come up from behind us a few decades ago. I remember having classmates from Thailand who came to India to study - now I wonder if they scoff at the thought!
This bandh is but a reflection of all this. Since the economy is slipping into major deficit financing, the hike in fuel prices is a necessity - something any economist will tell you. But the Bandh is a way for the opposition to gain political mileage. I think a more constructive way to build the economy would have been to debate where else there could be a cost saving so that this price hike could be offset by smart economic measures - cost cutting in Govt expenditure towards some headings could be one measure perhaps? Taxing agricultural income above a certain limit would definitely yield a windfall revenue - we have huge agriculturists who get way with no tax at all while raking in enormous income from agriculture.
I wonder how many of us really would like a general strike - or Bandh - at all?? To me its a loss of business. A loss of revenue. A waste of time. And I doubt it is going to change anything radically. I wonder when was the last Bandh that actually produced constructive results. Would an open debate be more sensible and yield more productive results besides being more inclusive for the average Indian?
In any case do remember - Reduce Reuse and Recycle - that is the mantra for the next decade - or we are doomed. Every time I go to a supermarket and see the trolleys stacked high with plastic bags each of which contains a quarter kilo of rations and knowing that we have almost nil recycling in this country I wonder where the plastic story of one and a quarter Billion people this country is heading. Not just the gutters for sure. Those are already overflowing. I believe its time to wake up and do something by ourselves since those we elect to government seem incapable of doing anything - except lining their pockets!
Awake my India! Arise!
Vikas Sivaraman 122 Kartik Complex, Andheri Malad Link Rd., Andheri W. Mumbai 400053 Mob:+91 9821012514 Off : +91 22 26730559 / 60 Res : +91 22 26366307 Fax : +91 22 26730560
From: mugunthan chari <mugunthanchari@ hotmail.com>
To: sharetrading@ yahoogroups. com
Sent: Mon, 5 July, 2010 6:24:29 PM
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