In this section, we will deal with the issue which is of critical importance to the growth of every economy – Governance and Ease of Doing Business

Take a look at overall approach of govt. towards Governance and Ease of Doing Business. Want to read the story of Ease of Doing Business, click here

Focus Area

Rationalisation of Personnel

Govt. has set up a task force to look into the rationalisation of human resources in various ministries. A comprehensive review and rationalisation of autonomous bodies is also under process.

Procurement

• A technology driven platform will be established to facilitate procurement of goods and services by various ministries and agencies of the Government
• This will bring more transparency and efficiency in govt procurement of goods and services

Amendment to Companies Act

• Govt. will introduce a bill to amend Companies Act, to remove the difficulties and impediments to ease of doing business
• It would also improve the enabling environment for start-ups

Inflation

Govt has approved creation of buffer stock of pulses through procurement at Minimum Support Price and at market price through Price Stabilisation Fund, in order to deal with the problem of abrupt increase in prices of pulses <Despite recent cooling down of food inflation, sudden spurt in prices of onions, pulses etc is a common feature of Indian agriculture. What are the reasons? Enumerate steps taken by the govt along with suggestions to remedy the problem. Answer in the comments.>

Want to understand intricacies of inflation, CPI, WPI, PPI etc, click here 

New Initiatives

Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat

• It seeks to link States and Districts in an annual programme that connects people through exchanges in areas of language, trade, culture, travel and tourism
• It will strengthen understanding of each other and create a closer engagement between different States and Districts in a structured manner

Targeted Subsidies

Govt. will take several measures to ensure targeted disbursement of govt. subsidies and financial assistance to the actual beneficiaries:

• Govt. has introduced a bill for Targeted Delivery of Financial and Other Subsidies, Benefits and Services by using the Aadhar framework. A social security platform will be developed using Aadhar to accurately target beneficiaries
• Govt. will introduce DBT for fertilizers on a pilot basis in a few districts across the country with a view to improving the quality of service delivery to farmers
• Govt. will take provide automation facilities in 3 lakh Fair Price Shops out of 5.35 lakh Fair Price Shops in the country by March 2017

Update- Lok Sabha has already passed the Aadhar bill which was introduced as money bill. <Enumerate the salient provisions of Aadhar bill? Does it come into conflict with privacy and thus violative of fundamental right to privacy? Was govt right in introducing it as money bill? What are the implications of bills being introduced as money bill? Answer in the comments>

Criticism– No big bang reform measures announced

PS: Please click on the green hyperlinked text to read more about the concepts. Revise and revise & feel free to ask pertinent questions.

Published with inputs from Pushpendra | Image: Finmin