When India adopted free economic
policy, we entered into the global competition. It must be noted at first that
the new economic policy was formulated when Narsinh Rao was the Prime Minister
and current Prime Minister Manmohan Singh was the Finance Minister; as a result
of which, our nation is en route to becoming global economic super power.
Truly speaking, this was an ambitious
move of the then Government for facing the up coming challenges. Their harsh
decisions taken at that time made Indian society, especially the industrial
sphere enter into global competition. How long could we sustain that
competition was the fear felt by some. But today we can say proudly, that we
have not only sustained the competition, but also we have risen as one of the
Superpowers in the world.
Today we are regarded as the country
with highest number of young people. Gross Domestic Product (GDP) has increased
significantly. Our industries are growing despite of several international
challenges. Information technology has established our new identity before the
world. Indian vehicle industry also has grown outside India. A group such as
Tata takes over car brands such as “Jaguar”, “Land Rover” which are high
profile. Laxmi Mittal group has taken over powerful Arsenal Company. In all,
last decade was the turning point where predominance of Indians started.
Despite of several obstacles, average rate of economic development remained 8.7
during the period 2005-06 to 2008-09. Per Capita Income is seen to increase
from 7.2%. International recession had its impacts on the Indian economy which
was growing close to 9% for three consecutive years and in 2008, the rate of
development reduced to 6.7%. Now it is expected to rise to 7.2; but that will
not be easy. This indicates unevenness of Indian economy. Of course, despite of
resistive economic and financial conditions, we achieved rapid development in
2006 and 2007. Therefore it would not be wrong to expect that development will
not be affected by resistive economical conditions. Indian economy has remained
safe in the world recession due to its powerful banking system. This cannot be
neglected. In Western countries, banking sector suffered from problems due to
dangerous distribution of loans and then a cycle of recession started. This is
a main difference between their and our conditions. Therefore there is no need
to worry. But we must remain cautious.
Base of true development in any
country is built on its basic infrastructure. Development of basic
infrastructure i.e. infrastructure development will be the central force
determining direction of development in our country. We are competing with the
population of China. The planned development program for development of
infrastructure and a simultaneous focus given to education, health and
industrial sectors is a clear eye opener for us.
Rulers in our country brought plans
for development of infrastructure services by recognizing this need of the
hour. Formidable provisions were made for that in the five year plans. An
important project connecting all states in the country with each other or slum
alleviation program, efforts have been made in India. Stark scarcity of
electricity in our country was a major concern, but it had not been adequately
attended. Now it is utmost necessary to increase technological infrastructure
services in our country which is a messenger of the revolution led by
information technology. This way, this
sector is facing several challenges simultaneously as true development is
dependent on that only. If the problem of energy will not be solved, then how
we would fulfill our increased requirement, is an unanswered question. How
industry supportive environment will be created, if there are no pucca roads,
water availability, electric supply or telephone connectivity? Moreover, the
significant sectors of social education and health still remain neglected up to
an extent.
If balance of development will not be
maintained, there will be inevitable struggle between ‘haves’ and ‘have not’s.
Therefore this is high time for doing development centered tasks with full use
of capacity. Unfortunately, the development schemes for development of
infrastructure facilities have not been started to their capacity. It is
certain that everyone will face the impacts if proper expenditure is not ear
marked for infrastructure development. It is cleared mentioned in Mackenzie’s
report that impacts of urbanization will become serious till 2020. In this
case, if we fail to plan for long term, then the possibility is more that
cities will become more ugly than developed. Development plan has not
implemented in metropolitan cities such as Pune. Actually in such case,
planning of coming 50 or 100 years is expected; but old plan itself has not
been formulated. New development plan is limited only to debate. Population is
increasing by lakh per year and at the same time; citizens are struggling for
basic commodities such as water, road transport or vehicular transport. This
all makes it obligatory, that a down to earth city development plan should be
decided collectively by all stakeholders and its strict and timely
implementation up to its capacity should be conducted. This has highest
priority for me. To conclude, merely formulating policies will not suffice; the
need of the hour is its strict, appropriate and timely implementation….. In
fact it is the call of a new India.
