The International Scenario had a nmajor change with the collapes of the Soviet Change. The collapse of the USSR left a unipolar world with a lone super power, the US. However a far reaching change is in the process and which is and would see the emergence of a new power center in Asia. China is fast emerging as a contendor for the place of USSR, and is closely followed by India. The new International enviornment is far more integerated and is dominated by economic considerations than pure play ideaological or military considerations.
We as a nation have however not realized this imperatve. The privileged breed called indian political masters should realize this and put the Indian national interest at the forefront rather then their everincreasing apetite for power. The Indian Corporates and Business have realized this and are spreading their wings before Indian Shores. But even, they have not realized the gold mine that is Africa. China is moving very fast to be there in its thrust for growth and raw materials. India has strong ties with countries in Africa and we musty capitalize on the same. Africa has tremendous potential and a market to be tapped. We must invest and partner in the growth of Africa. Our telecom and IT companies have already realized. IT major TCS is opening a development center in Uganda and South Africa. Airtel and MTNL are bidding for new markets in Africa. However, the indian manufacturing sector is still conspicious by its absence in major way in Africa. The continent has a vast reserve of minerals and other atural resources like Oil and Gas. We must tap this for our requirements. Africa would also have a huge consumer base by the time markets in India peak. Indian Government must shed its neutral image and play a greater role in Africa politically, milatay and economically. We must invest their in infrastructure, education and Business. The need is for us to look from the long term view rather then short term gains,
Sunday, October 28, 2007
New Drivers for the World Economy
The emerging markets like BRIC and OPEC countries are presenting at least a trillion dollar economy for the markets the world over. The US as a driver of world economy is loosing its sheen. The weakening of the US Dollar against the currencies of the Emerging Markets is causing a ripple in the forex reserves of all countries. The Chinese Yuan, Indian Rupee, Russian rouble and almost all other emerging market currencies have been increasing over the ast few months. The US Dollar has weakened considerably over the same time. the condition of other major currecies like EURO, GBP and Yen is not any better and they are also weakening . The increasing price of the crude oil at Decembe futures of USD 92 to a barrel and diminishing reserves in US have brought the deadly levels of price of oil rising to USD 100 in immediate future.Worldwide, Governments and various treasuries like to keep their forex reserves in US Govt Papers but the diminishing value of USD against various currencies have force them to look at other alternatives and stock markets in countries like India, China and other emerging markets seem to be best bet in this turmoil. According to a very recent IMF survey, even if one tenth of this money flows into equity market, it represents a value of USD One trillion in emerging markets. It is this money which is flowing into these markets that have taken and would take markets to new highs.
Who would have expected the markets to rise to new highs of 19000+ in india. The fundamentals in these countries are very strong. In the developed world, housing and other sectors are taking their toll and would also effect China and India. The US Sub Prime crisis has already effected the european banks. The ageing population, shifiting of the production base to other markets and rising input costs in the US and Europe have all contibuted to the change in scenarios. Now the major production hub in the world is China and the next country to come up after that would be India. This explains why, the corporate results in India are getting better dispite rising input costs and slowdown in the developed world. India and China would very soon become the major drivers of world's consumption base. A huge population base, ever rising incomes, growing aspirations present a hge consumption opportunity in these countries for the next fifty years or so. This coupled with their traditional clout in Africa are a hige opportunity. Already China is fast approaching Africa for new markets and and as a source for fuel. India has had a traditionally strong relations with African Countries. Thus , it is easy to comprehend that the growth rates of world economy will be determined not by US and Europe but the ecopnomic conditions in the Emerging Markets.
They would be the new drivers of the World Economy
Who would have expected the markets to rise to new highs of 19000+ in india. The fundamentals in these countries are very strong. In the developed world, housing and other sectors are taking their toll and would also effect China and India. The US Sub Prime crisis has already effected the european banks. The ageing population, shifiting of the production base to other markets and rising input costs in the US and Europe have all contibuted to the change in scenarios. Now the major production hub in the world is China and the next country to come up after that would be India. This explains why, the corporate results in India are getting better dispite rising input costs and slowdown in the developed world. India and China would very soon become the major drivers of world's consumption base. A huge population base, ever rising incomes, growing aspirations present a hge consumption opportunity in these countries for the next fifty years or so. This coupled with their traditional clout in Africa are a hige opportunity. Already China is fast approaching Africa for new markets and and as a source for fuel. India has had a traditionally strong relations with African Countries. Thus , it is easy to comprehend that the growth rates of world economy will be determined not by US and Europe but the ecopnomic conditions in the Emerging Markets.
They would be the new drivers of the World Economy
Friday, October 19, 2007
Some Actionables !!
Innovation happens to be things that we as a nation need to ponder on.
The Government should consider ways and means to empower the masses. There should be mass scale automation of government offices and processes. This automation of govt should also focus on one point of contact for all works for a common man. There should be just one point of contact for the customer whether it is police or electricity or Municipal corporation or other civic bodies. Back end integeration can be done along with a process of escalation in case the query is not resolved. Systems and Processes should be built in which the number of escalations should be given prominent position for promotion of govt employees and if a request is not resolved it should be escalated to the highest level possible. This will greatly reduce corruption and also avoid leakage of revenue for the govts . all offices should be linked together to allow free flow of information.
The Government should consider ways and means to empower the masses. There should be mass scale automation of government offices and processes. This automation of govt should also focus on one point of contact for all works for a common man. There should be just one point of contact for the customer whether it is police or electricity or Municipal corporation or other civic bodies. Back end integeration can be done along with a process of escalation in case the query is not resolved. Systems and Processes should be built in which the number of escalations should be given prominent position for promotion of govt employees and if a request is not resolved it should be escalated to the highest level possible. This will greatly reduce corruption and also avoid leakage of revenue for the govts . all offices should be linked together to allow free flow of information.
Innovation is the Key for India
India is the fastest growing democracy in the World. Our so called consumer class will soon overtake US and EU added together. But we must also ponder on the mistakes made by them. India Incs must remember that many people in our country earn less then US$ 2 per day. Thus it is very important that focus must shift on narrowing the wide gaps.
I feel that SEZs must be established but not in agricultral land at any cost. Why not govt focus on wast barren lans available in states like Rajasthan, MP and parts of Gujarat. Give very special incentives in terms of tax breaks for 100 years or so for companies to establish establishments there. Focus on creating infrastructure. This will also help in briding some divides in the states. Fortunately, these are also states with highest wind velocities in this part of the world. Why not give incentives for wind farms so that electricity is taken care of.!! A movement of labour should be increased from big cities to these areas for human capital and also from poor states like West Bengal and Bihar so that economic boom is inclusive. Create water supply through the other states. Inclusive liberalization can only be the way forward.
Indian companies need to be very innovative so that they can tap the huge market. Tata for example are creating cars for less then US$ 2000 which is such kind of innovation. Suzlon has created a name for itself in wind power. There are many examples. This is the only way forward for us to avoid the pitfalls of US and EU and may be even China. Our biggest asset is our democracy which is functioning given all the chaos and diversities in this country. We need to capitalize on it. .
I feel that SEZs must be established but not in agricultral land at any cost. Why not govt focus on wast barren lans available in states like Rajasthan, MP and parts of Gujarat. Give very special incentives in terms of tax breaks for 100 years or so for companies to establish establishments there. Focus on creating infrastructure. This will also help in briding some divides in the states. Fortunately, these are also states with highest wind velocities in this part of the world. Why not give incentives for wind farms so that electricity is taken care of.!! A movement of labour should be increased from big cities to these areas for human capital and also from poor states like West Bengal and Bihar so that economic boom is inclusive. Create water supply through the other states. Inclusive liberalization can only be the way forward.
Indian companies need to be very innovative so that they can tap the huge market. Tata for example are creating cars for less then US$ 2000 which is such kind of innovation. Suzlon has created a name for itself in wind power. There are many examples. This is the only way forward for us to avoid the pitfalls of US and EU and may be even China. Our biggest asset is our democracy which is functioning given all the chaos and diversities in this country. We need to capitalize on it. .
Wednesday, October 17, 2007
Indian Society
We, as a nation have forgotten the basic tenants of humanity and I am afraid to state that the situation is reaching alarming nadirs. Indian Businesses in their high growth trajectory that they have been witnessing over the last few years have forgotten that Courteous and compassionate attitude towards fellow human beings is one of the founding stone of any customer service orientation and theories. The way Businesses behave towards customers is only a reflection of society at large and in fact, may not be the reflection of the Organization's attitude to this most important and basic lesson for growth.
I have a mobile connection with Airtel, a brand, which is the market leader in mobile communications in India. I had paid some amounts towards payment of my mobile bills through Internet Banking of my bank. The amount was debited immediately and as per the normal procedure should have been credited on my mobile account within seventy two hours. However, when it was not credited, I contacted the Airtel Customer Cell. Unfortunately, the IT system of Airtel was down that particular day and the people who man the desk were most abusive to the customers. I knew that the amount would not be adjusted anywhere, but the behavior and attitude of the employee at that particular location was not in conjunction with the most admired Brand for Telephones. However, when I went to another outlet of the same company, the employee very politely informed me that the systems were down and took a copy of my bank statement. I was also informed that they would revert back to me immediately once the systems were up and my issue was resolved after that.
The point that I would like to highlight is the attitude and respect for a fellow human beings. I am very sure that Airtel would have trained both the companies through a standard procedure of operations and attending to such scenarios which are all too common in our hectic lives. But it was the attitude and compassion of the person that floored me and forced me to change the perception of the brand.
There are too many such scenarios in our country which highlight the utter disrespect for other people. In Bombay, smoking under the No Smoking Boards and Notices is all too common in major public places like Railway stations. In Delhi, one can easily judge the harrowing experience of travelling in public buses. There is absolutely no regard for old people and ladies. The drivers are the most abusive people. There is no rule on the road and the way they drive. The unfortunate deaths that have occurred in the National Capital are living testimony of this fact. There are many instances carried in various news papers when people who met with accidents just lie on roads in India. One just needs to recollect the experience of walking on the congested roads in our metros and cities and the abuses and curses one has to handle.
As a nation with one of the World's first civilization, we have forgotten the basic tenets of our religious texts. We want to build a RAM RAJYA in India, but do we really deserve it? No one asks and questions oneself on responsibilities towards fellow human beings and considerations for the society. We are damaging our environment and surroundings in our blind race for gains.
In my earlier posts, I have highlighted how tourism can play an important role in the development of country and generate employment for people at large. But the utter disrespect by us for our public assets is something which is spoiling this. One look at our railway stations and airports, monuments, places of tourist interest is sure to put off any one visiting and using them.
For businesses, it is paramount that Employees are thought these basic abilities to deal with people around. the training should not be a standard Six Sigma Process but must be strictly driven by the Leaders in the company. There should be a no tolerance policy for misbehavior with customers. The point of customer complaints should not be only a resolution, but looking at the scenario in totality including the intangible implication on the image of the Business
Let us put strict measures in place to keep our enviornment and surroundings clean. Impose heavy fines for any destruction to public assets like road etc. A basic course in human behaviour should be made part of our education system rather than focussing on rolling out clerks into society.
I have a mobile connection with Airtel, a brand, which is the market leader in mobile communications in India. I had paid some amounts towards payment of my mobile bills through Internet Banking of my bank. The amount was debited immediately and as per the normal procedure should have been credited on my mobile account within seventy two hours. However, when it was not credited, I contacted the Airtel Customer Cell. Unfortunately, the IT system of Airtel was down that particular day and the people who man the desk were most abusive to the customers. I knew that the amount would not be adjusted anywhere, but the behavior and attitude of the employee at that particular location was not in conjunction with the most admired Brand for Telephones. However, when I went to another outlet of the same company, the employee very politely informed me that the systems were down and took a copy of my bank statement. I was also informed that they would revert back to me immediately once the systems were up and my issue was resolved after that.
The point that I would like to highlight is the attitude and respect for a fellow human beings. I am very sure that Airtel would have trained both the companies through a standard procedure of operations and attending to such scenarios which are all too common in our hectic lives. But it was the attitude and compassion of the person that floored me and forced me to change the perception of the brand.
There are too many such scenarios in our country which highlight the utter disrespect for other people. In Bombay, smoking under the No Smoking Boards and Notices is all too common in major public places like Railway stations. In Delhi, one can easily judge the harrowing experience of travelling in public buses. There is absolutely no regard for old people and ladies. The drivers are the most abusive people. There is no rule on the road and the way they drive. The unfortunate deaths that have occurred in the National Capital are living testimony of this fact. There are many instances carried in various news papers when people who met with accidents just lie on roads in India. One just needs to recollect the experience of walking on the congested roads in our metros and cities and the abuses and curses one has to handle.
As a nation with one of the World's first civilization, we have forgotten the basic tenets of our religious texts. We want to build a RAM RAJYA in India, but do we really deserve it? No one asks and questions oneself on responsibilities towards fellow human beings and considerations for the society. We are damaging our environment and surroundings in our blind race for gains.
In my earlier posts, I have highlighted how tourism can play an important role in the development of country and generate employment for people at large. But the utter disrespect by us for our public assets is something which is spoiling this. One look at our railway stations and airports, monuments, places of tourist interest is sure to put off any one visiting and using them.
For businesses, it is paramount that Employees are thought these basic abilities to deal with people around. the training should not be a standard Six Sigma Process but must be strictly driven by the Leaders in the company. There should be a no tolerance policy for misbehavior with customers. The point of customer complaints should not be only a resolution, but looking at the scenario in totality including the intangible implication on the image of the Business
Let us put strict measures in place to keep our enviornment and surroundings clean. Impose heavy fines for any destruction to public assets like road etc. A basic course in human behaviour should be made part of our education system rather than focussing on rolling out clerks into society.
Sunday, October 14, 2007
New Job Opportunities for the Youth
Our education structure is the most outdated and pathetic, which is targeted towards creating clerks and babus. We pride ourselves in creating so many engineers and MBAs but have we looked at the quality of the final product. How many people are really employable. and moving to the common graduates in states like Bihar, MP, Rajasthan, Punjab to name.. What about people having an arts background or a commerce background. The Call Centers coming in some states have provided opportunity some in few states but what holds true in Karnataka, AP, Mumbai or Pune or Guragaon is not true for many other states.
We are still facing problem of corruption, naxalite movements, umemployment and hnger in many parts of the country. Yes, in last few years, there have been people who have created wealth but that has not touched the masses. We need options which can provide huge opportunities to people at large and also bring revenue for the country.
We are very fortunate to be blessed with a rich culture and a diverse heritage. We have a huge potential to tap this to generate jobs for lakhs of people but the attitude of the people and the government is pity.
Anywhere in India, if we see any monuments, they are tell tale signs of scribbinn the monuments, spitting and people profousing their love life to the public at large. There would be people who would have done encroachments. The monuments are at riskdue to high pollution in our cities.The Beaches of the country are one of the most polluted in the world. we are destroying out wild life and rich flora and fauna.
The infrastructure in the country is a pity. The railways are slow, airports are crowded and roads are full of potholes.
All these things do not potray a good image to an overseas or domestic traveller. If people move around in the country, they are embedded with a sense of national integeration and respect for other communities and races. This isa primary tenent in the nation building. If tourism increases, people who are graduating out can join the hospitality, services, travel and ticketing, infrastructure and many other related sectors. We should take a serious note of the potential that tourism can bring for this country.Severe fine should be imposed who destroy the monuments and other heritage. The gvernment should promote India abroad. The incredible India is a step in a right direction but it needs to be done more aggresively. The corporates can also play a small role in this step of nation building. They should compulsory make travelling inland a part of their appraisal process for their employees. This will not only increase employee morale and health but would play a larger role in sensitising people about the rich hstory that we have and cultural diversity that this nation has. This can play an important role in the step of nation building
We are still facing problem of corruption, naxalite movements, umemployment and hnger in many parts of the country. Yes, in last few years, there have been people who have created wealth but that has not touched the masses. We need options which can provide huge opportunities to people at large and also bring revenue for the country.
We are very fortunate to be blessed with a rich culture and a diverse heritage. We have a huge potential to tap this to generate jobs for lakhs of people but the attitude of the people and the government is pity.
Anywhere in India, if we see any monuments, they are tell tale signs of scribbinn the monuments, spitting and people profousing their love life to the public at large. There would be people who would have done encroachments. The monuments are at riskdue to high pollution in our cities.The Beaches of the country are one of the most polluted in the world. we are destroying out wild life and rich flora and fauna.
The infrastructure in the country is a pity. The railways are slow, airports are crowded and roads are full of potholes.
All these things do not potray a good image to an overseas or domestic traveller. If people move around in the country, they are embedded with a sense of national integeration and respect for other communities and races. This isa primary tenent in the nation building. If tourism increases, people who are graduating out can join the hospitality, services, travel and ticketing, infrastructure and many other related sectors. We should take a serious note of the potential that tourism can bring for this country.Severe fine should be imposed who destroy the monuments and other heritage. The gvernment should promote India abroad. The incredible India is a step in a right direction but it needs to be done more aggresively. The corporates can also play a small role in this step of nation building. They should compulsory make travelling inland a part of their appraisal process for their employees. This will not only increase employee morale and health but would play a larger role in sensitising people about the rich hstory that we have and cultural diversity that this nation has. This can play an important role in the step of nation building
The new mantra for Growth in India
Since 1991, everyone is focussing on the huge opportunity that the strong 350 million Indian consumer represents. It is a dream for any marketer with growing disposable income, high growth rates in the job market, easy credit.. Just the ripe things for a doom the GREAT AMERICAN way.. i have nothing against the private enterprise. In fact I very strongly believe that the Governments have no business to be in business. But we cannot copy everything from the West. What holds true there is not good for us in all aspects.
In this glory and talks of being a future super power, we have forgotten the agony of a more strong 450 million community that depends on agriculture in this country. Agriculture needs to be removed from the clutches of corrupt government officials. Let the mandis and APMCs in various states be given to private corporations and then see the magic. We will be a super power if we can improve the conditions in our villages. let the farmers have electricity (Not free electricity) but power availability at all times so that they can irrigate their farms, their children can study, and increase the reach of the country to the villages, create roads. Private Corporations will give a better price to the farmers then the middlemen and they would sell the product at low prices because they will not have to pay to a middlemen. They will ensure high productivity by providing proper seeds and fertilizers to the farmers. Private companies in this sector will force the government to create better infrastructure and prices for the farmers benefits. Since these companies will be in different businesses, they would also provide farmers an access to the world.
Only when the conditions of the farmers in this country improves, would we actually think of bring a super power as envisioned by Shri APJ Abdul Kalam
In this glory and talks of being a future super power, we have forgotten the agony of a more strong 450 million community that depends on agriculture in this country. Agriculture needs to be removed from the clutches of corrupt government officials. Let the mandis and APMCs in various states be given to private corporations and then see the magic. We will be a super power if we can improve the conditions in our villages. let the farmers have electricity (Not free electricity) but power availability at all times so that they can irrigate their farms, their children can study, and increase the reach of the country to the villages, create roads. Private Corporations will give a better price to the farmers then the middlemen and they would sell the product at low prices because they will not have to pay to a middlemen. They will ensure high productivity by providing proper seeds and fertilizers to the farmers. Private companies in this sector will force the government to create better infrastructure and prices for the farmers benefits. Since these companies will be in different businesses, they would also provide farmers an access to the world.
Only when the conditions of the farmers in this country improves, would we actually think of bring a super power as envisioned by Shri APJ Abdul Kalam
Saturday, October 13, 2007
Energy Needs for India
In India, Power Cuts are too common and we talk of ourselves as a great nation. Yes, there is power cities, but what happens in the villages. There is no power and the fields are owned majority times by big farmers. They get free power in the form of political patornage for their farms and they do not pay any income tax which comes out of the pocket of the salaried common man
When people with vision like Manmohan Singh broker a nuclear deal with the US, our poticians of the Left and the BJP see this as American Imperialism. But when are we going to get pragmatic and give a thought for the interests of India over that of ideological differences.
We need power for our industries for our hospitals and colleges and homes. Without power, we would not have production in factories. Our products will be costly if we have high cost power. We need sources which produce low cost power and as of today and immediate near future, nuclear power is a cheaper option. Morever, we will also get the know how for the country's strategic needs. With rouge nations like Pakistan for company we need to have a strong message to be sent to it not to mess with the nation.
Our country is dependent on Hydel and Coal based power plants for the majority of power. That has to change. Hydel power causes a lot of displacement of people from their place and takes time to build. There is a lot of pollution and enviornmental damage caused by hydel power. Nuclear Power though not clean at least causes less damage to the Enviornment.
Coal based plants produce power at a higher cost than nuclear or hydel power. We are also running out of the short reserves of high quality of coal required to fire such plants. We import the majority of coal from other countries.
The need of the hour is to seriously look for non conventional sources of power like solar power and wind power. India is blessed with one of the highest average solar availability in the world. We should encourage the Corporates to look into this form of power for their captive needs. Multiplexes should be made compulsarily to use 50 percent of their power through solar power. Research should be directed to develop cheaper means for generating solar power. We should also encourage wind farms near big cities and industrial complexes . Such sources are clean sources of power and will generate power for our energy starvved nation.
The public should be encouraged to use energy efficient devices like CFL and in fact, it should be made compulsory in cities with immediate effect. Tax incentives and discounts should be allowed for the production and usage of such devices.
People should be encouraged to use public transport like railways and buses rather then private cars to commute to office. Corporates shod ask their employees to work from home. This will reduce property rates also in the cities and increase employee morale also as they will get to spend time with families.
We should actively involve ourselves in securing oil, gas and coal assets across the globe. We should involve in a big way in Africa and Asia to secure such assets. This is the only way for long term energy security.
When people with vision like Manmohan Singh broker a nuclear deal with the US, our poticians of the Left and the BJP see this as American Imperialism. But when are we going to get pragmatic and give a thought for the interests of India over that of ideological differences.
We need power for our industries for our hospitals and colleges and homes. Without power, we would not have production in factories. Our products will be costly if we have high cost power. We need sources which produce low cost power and as of today and immediate near future, nuclear power is a cheaper option. Morever, we will also get the know how for the country's strategic needs. With rouge nations like Pakistan for company we need to have a strong message to be sent to it not to mess with the nation.
Our country is dependent on Hydel and Coal based power plants for the majority of power. That has to change. Hydel power causes a lot of displacement of people from their place and takes time to build. There is a lot of pollution and enviornmental damage caused by hydel power. Nuclear Power though not clean at least causes less damage to the Enviornment.
Coal based plants produce power at a higher cost than nuclear or hydel power. We are also running out of the short reserves of high quality of coal required to fire such plants. We import the majority of coal from other countries.
The need of the hour is to seriously look for non conventional sources of power like solar power and wind power. India is blessed with one of the highest average solar availability in the world. We should encourage the Corporates to look into this form of power for their captive needs. Multiplexes should be made compulsarily to use 50 percent of their power through solar power. Research should be directed to develop cheaper means for generating solar power. We should also encourage wind farms near big cities and industrial complexes . Such sources are clean sources of power and will generate power for our energy starvved nation.
The public should be encouraged to use energy efficient devices like CFL and in fact, it should be made compulsory in cities with immediate effect. Tax incentives and discounts should be allowed for the production and usage of such devices.
People should be encouraged to use public transport like railways and buses rather then private cars to commute to office. Corporates shod ask their employees to work from home. This will reduce property rates also in the cities and increase employee morale also as they will get to spend time with families.
We should actively involve ourselves in securing oil, gas and coal assets across the globe. We should involve in a big way in Africa and Asia to secure such assets. This is the only way for long term energy security.
Destiny for India
Another major factor in favour of India is that as a nation we are a country of Young people with average age as of today being 23.7 Years. This is a huge opportunity and the destiny is on our side. The Business Community has a huge role to play and capitalize on the opportunity. The Corporates should help in creation of Schools and Colleges in far off Places and where they are making investments. We are not China or Pakistan. Our biggest asset is democrcy and for the Businesses this is a long term investment. They have to invest not only in plants but to educate and train people. What is happening in Nandigram and in other places, where corporate investment is being opposed is due to the lack of respect of local people and their inspirations. Until there is a real improvement in the life of the common man, he would not be interested in stock markets and big figures. There will be opposition to things like land acquisition. The Colleges and Schools created by Corporates should teach practical courses which meet the need of the industry and not the run of mill courses like BA and B Com. This is the only way to create intelligent people free from division based on caste creed and religion. When people have place to stay, food to eat and clothes to wear, they will not fight. This is in fact a basic concept of human survival
The concept of SEZ is flawed. The Govt should mould policies to direct investments in places where there is arid land available for use and not in places where agricultral land is available. It should give huge concessions in tax and other duties for plants locateat such places. There are huge strch of land available in states like rajasthan, MP and places like Marathawada and Vidharbh in Maharastra. The infrastructure should be put in place at such locations. The stress should be on mega projects and huge sizes.
The Government should get out of all sorts of Business Enterprises. It should allow pvate participation in all Business. There should be competition. What has happened in the telecom and the insurance sector is a clear testimony to this. Service levels in the banking sector have improved. The tide should flow freely. The service level of MTNL in Bombay has improved a lot after private sector has come in the city.
The destiny is blessing us. It is for us to work towards that. We have a glorious history, there is no denying that, but the present for the country is not gold. So as Shri Krishna told Arjun to do Karma, we must also make effort to turn the Country towards the destiny
The concept of SEZ is flawed. The Govt should mould policies to direct investments in places where there is arid land available for use and not in places where agricultral land is available. It should give huge concessions in tax and other duties for plants locateat such places. There are huge strch of land available in states like rajasthan, MP and places like Marathawada and Vidharbh in Maharastra. The infrastructure should be put in place at such locations. The stress should be on mega projects and huge sizes.
The Government should get out of all sorts of Business Enterprises. It should allow pvate participation in all Business. There should be competition. What has happened in the telecom and the insurance sector is a clear testimony to this. Service levels in the banking sector have improved. The tide should flow freely. The service level of MTNL in Bombay has improved a lot after private sector has come in the city.
The destiny is blessing us. It is for us to work towards that. We have a glorious history, there is no denying that, but the present for the country is not gold. So as Shri Krishna told Arjun to do Karma, we must also make effort to turn the Country towards the destiny
Second Tryst with Destiny
We as a nation are the cusp of becoming a great nation. But the destiny of the nation is in the nads of we, the people and not the politicians. There are huge opportunities with us and major obstacles and hurdles in the same.
As a nation, India is known for its rich heritage and varied landscape. Where as in the world can find such divsity in terms of culture religion history. Yet it is a great pride for us that we have a thriving democracy for the last sixty years.
If we look back for last five six years, there is a major change happening in the country. Huge opportunities exist in new industries like retail and bio technology. Retail has the potential to transform this country and improve the conditions of the masses at large. Organized retail requires high quality infrastructure, which is one of the major reasons, why the industrialisaon in this country is scatterred and prosperity is uneven. Retail will require good roads, improved railways and airports. This will create huge jobs in the manufacturing and the infrastructure.They will use people for constructing roads, bridges, airports, railways etc. What is needed urgently on the part of the govenment is to patornise the retail growth in India. The industry needs the goods to be transported at low cost quickly. Thus there will be demand for trucks and the automative sector will improve.
But the most important aspect of organized retail is the improvement in the lives of our vast majority of people in villages and who are dependent on agriculture. In sixty years of our independence, there is still a huge majority who do not earn a respectable living. though officially they are above thr proverty lne as defined by the GOVT OF INDIA, they are not able to send their children to schools. Retail will require vegetables, fruits and grains to stock in the stores across the country. The govt should allow the retailers to procure the stock directly from farmers rather than from the middleman. The farmers will get abetter price and the retails will ensure that they get better products from farmers. They will invest in long term supply chains and creation of storages and transfer of technology to farmers. This will improve the conditions of farmersprimarily. They will not be at the mercy of middlemen and the corrupt officials of the govt's procument officials. It will bring about a competition in this sector. The next benefit will accrue to the common consumer and the people like you and me. What we are already seeing in citieslike Mumbai and Delhi should be extended to other places also. The reduction in prices at BIG BAZARS and RELIANCE FRESH is a surprise for common man like you and me. The retail industry needs a common graduates with qualifications like BA and BCom and not MBAs and CAs and Engineers. This will create a huge job opportunity for people in the small cities and for whom pursuing an MBBS and MBA is a dream. This will ensure that people from economically backward strata of the society will benefit and they will earn better rather then a low paying govt job. Then the govt over a period of time can look at reducing the reservations for various sections which is a big pain for people with merit and the government in itself. Who canorget what happened in the Gujjar agitation in Rajasthan sometime back.
At many forums, many people have said what will happen to the small businessman and traders who will be wiped out from Business. I admit it would be true to some extent and there is no denying this fact.But there is always a room for some percentage in any major task. However, the govt can bring a policy which can in fact take care of such people. The govt can make provision through legislation that such people should be employed by the retailers and that there should be some form of franchisee models where in these small time Kirana stores across the country procure from retailers. They will get products at better price and the shelf life will also be less. Thus such people will have less stock costs and their margins will in fact improve. The people in mandis can be made to work in tandem with the retailers who actually are facing a dearth of talent. Thus retailers will also have access to a rich source of talent which they can use.
As a nation, India is known for its rich heritage and varied landscape. Where as in the world can find such divsity in terms of culture religion history. Yet it is a great pride for us that we have a thriving democracy for the last sixty years.
If we look back for last five six years, there is a major change happening in the country. Huge opportunities exist in new industries like retail and bio technology. Retail has the potential to transform this country and improve the conditions of the masses at large. Organized retail requires high quality infrastructure, which is one of the major reasons, why the industrialisaon in this country is scatterred and prosperity is uneven. Retail will require good roads, improved railways and airports. This will create huge jobs in the manufacturing and the infrastructure.They will use people for constructing roads, bridges, airports, railways etc. What is needed urgently on the part of the govenment is to patornise the retail growth in India. The industry needs the goods to be transported at low cost quickly. Thus there will be demand for trucks and the automative sector will improve.
But the most important aspect of organized retail is the improvement in the lives of our vast majority of people in villages and who are dependent on agriculture. In sixty years of our independence, there is still a huge majority who do not earn a respectable living. though officially they are above thr proverty lne as defined by the GOVT OF INDIA, they are not able to send their children to schools. Retail will require vegetables, fruits and grains to stock in the stores across the country. The govt should allow the retailers to procure the stock directly from farmers rather than from the middleman. The farmers will get abetter price and the retails will ensure that they get better products from farmers. They will invest in long term supply chains and creation of storages and transfer of technology to farmers. This will improve the conditions of farmersprimarily. They will not be at the mercy of middlemen and the corrupt officials of the govt's procument officials. It will bring about a competition in this sector. The next benefit will accrue to the common consumer and the people like you and me. What we are already seeing in citieslike Mumbai and Delhi should be extended to other places also. The reduction in prices at BIG BAZARS and RELIANCE FRESH is a surprise for common man like you and me. The retail industry needs a common graduates with qualifications like BA and BCom and not MBAs and CAs and Engineers. This will create a huge job opportunity for people in the small cities and for whom pursuing an MBBS and MBA is a dream. This will ensure that people from economically backward strata of the society will benefit and they will earn better rather then a low paying govt job. Then the govt over a period of time can look at reducing the reservations for various sections which is a big pain for people with merit and the government in itself. Who canorget what happened in the Gujjar agitation in Rajasthan sometime back.
At many forums, many people have said what will happen to the small businessman and traders who will be wiped out from Business. I admit it would be true to some extent and there is no denying this fact.But there is always a room for some percentage in any major task. However, the govt can bring a policy which can in fact take care of such people. The govt can make provision through legislation that such people should be employed by the retailers and that there should be some form of franchisee models where in these small time Kirana stores across the country procure from retailers. They will get products at better price and the shelf life will also be less. Thus such people will have less stock costs and their margins will in fact improve. The people in mandis can be made to work in tandem with the retailers who actually are facing a dearth of talent. Thus retailers will also have access to a rich source of talent which they can use.
VIEWS FOR BOMBAY
In Bombay, traffic and congestion is a major problem. The infrastructure in the city is on the verge of collapsing and the people across various part of the city are facing problems like never before. The city is the commercial capital of the country but the image that one sees is that of despair. There are many things that the Government and the citizens can do to improve the problems in the city. The fist step in this direction is the involvement of young blood in the police. Mumbai Traffic police needs a major overhaul. The force is severly short staffed and the personnel are severly stressed. It is impractical for us to think that they can serve the city in an improvised way. What the govt can do on its part is to induct graduates, especially from the lower strata of the society. This will generate employment for people. The recruitment has to be in a major way which should increase the force strength by at least six to seven times.This kind of recruitment will create a severe budgetry constraint on the state government but there is always a way out. What needs to be done is to increase the fine imposed for various traffic problems in the city. For eg, a traffic violation if now attracts a fine of Rs 100.00, the same should be increased to Rs 5000 - 10000.00. Some art of this fine should be directed towards the payment of salaries for the new recruits. The salary should have a viable component which is linked to performance in collecting fines. This will give incentives to police to bring more people to task and also reduce the burden on the government. The force should be seperated from the normal police force and ssues like cleanliness etc should also be brought into the purview of this force. Impose such high fines for petty offences like spitting , smoking in public places.. This will also generate revenue for the government. This find should strictly be used for improving the facilities in the city so that more and more people make use of public system. Fines and Taxes should be imposed so that private vehicles usage is discouraged by the government. There should be a top priority given to connect the western suburbs with the central suburbs through metro and sea links. This will reduce the burden on railways and rush at stations like Dadar, VT and Churchgate. All outstation trains should be halted only till Virar and Kalyan. They should not come into the city as they interfere with the suburban traffic on peak times. The trans in the city should immediately be equipped with aircooling system so that the people can commute in more hygenic conditions.
The state government could also talk to the various corporates to ask their employees to work from home. This will have major implications like commcial property rates will come down, people will travel less on trains and thereby bring reduction in pollution and infrastructure burden. if youth involved in the mass employment program then there will be less unrest and bandhs.. Overall there would be improvement in income levels and overall reduction in proverty.
The state government could also talk to the various corporates to ask their employees to work from home. This will have major implications like commcial property rates will come down, people will travel less on trains and thereby bring reduction in pollution and infrastructure burden. if youth involved in the mass employment program then there will be less unrest and bandhs.. Overall there would be improvement in income levels and overall reduction in proverty.
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