#DearNextPM: Open letters to next Prime Minister of India
On May 16, the election results will be out. No matter who forms the government, the next prime minister will face serious policy issues. dna features a series of open letters addressed to the next prime minister written by experts in various fields. These will act as important inputs in the policy decisions of the government.
Focus on jobs, GST, agriculture reforms
By Ajit Ranade
The economy has more than quadrupled in size (in real terms), and is now poised to be third largest in the world. But the per capita income of India is still ranked at 129. We cannot be satisfied with the performance of the aggregate economy, but must remain focused on increasing the wellbeing of every Indian. Blaming the heightened aspirations of the people is of no use since large sections of society are still deprived of minimum basic standards of a good life. Hence, I urge you to consider these five priorities when you frame your economic agenda and action plan.
By Arun Maira
The root cause of the deterioration of our institutions is a failure of leadership. So-called 'leaders' sit atop institutions with important titles bestowed on them. For them, institutions are only pedestals from which they can speak, and on which they can be seen. They do not care to improve the substance of the institutions they are responsible for. Nor are they being held to account for failing to discharge this vital responsibility to the people.
By Rana Kapoor
As the political and economic cycle turns, the new government must focus on a comprehensive review of the banking sector's needs and institutional infrastructure for meeting them
By G Parthasarathy
The last four years have also seen a serious erosion of our defence potential, despite the emergence of an assertive and militarily powerful China. All the three services are facing equipment shortages, in areas ranging from fighter aircraft and submarines to mountain artillery and helicopters. With serious shortcomings in the power and infrastructure sectors and worldwide belief that the environment in India is not business friendly, the new Government will have to focus primary attention on removing bottlenecks to business, investment and growth.
Unshackle agriculture from controls
By Ashok Gulati
Why does the government often ban exports? Plausible answer is: to protect the poor. But why do it by suppressing the prices for peasantry? Why does the general exchequer not foot the bill to protect the poor? By suppressing farmers' prices, you will make them also join the ranks of poor... and that is precisely what has happened over years.
Here are some of the reader responses:
By Bishal Paul
Even 67 years after independence, as we elect our 16th Lok Sabha after such a massive election, which is well deservedly have been termed the biggest elections across the world, the issues didn't seem to have moved beyond the general rhetoric of Roti, Kapda and Makaan. However irrespective of whoever forms the government at Centre, a plethora of issues would be staring expectedly at the new head of this gigantic country, crying for attention and which needs quick restructuring. Among issues which have been under severe neglect because of political inefficiency and failure of state machinery is Education.
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Send us your open letter to the next Prime Minister at dearnextpm@dnaindia.net. The selected ones will be featured on dnaindia.com. You can also tweet your suggestions with #DearNextPM