Sibal blames pvt sector for policy paralysis

“Policy paralysis” is an awkward term. It does not convey clear cut meaning. It may be meant to convey the shortcomings in policy changes.  It is true that there are some shortcomings in the policy changes as demanded by the big industrialists and businessmen. The country cannot afford to bring about drastic policy changes to suit the requirements and conveniences of big business houses. India has initiated so many policy changes since 1991 (i.e. after the introduction of economic reforms), which has benefited the rich and powerful rather than the poor and down trodden sections of the country’s population.  Telecom Minister Kapil Sibal's statement that the private sector has to be blamed for policy shortcomings (paralysis) is by and large correct. It is true that the government has taken a slew of decisions in the recent past and that the private sector  has not acted appropriately and  implemented the policy decisions. The private sector in India has certainly shirked its social responsibility. It has always been acting with greed and trying to circumvent the rules and regulations including tax payment.  The IT sector has been enjoying so many concessions in land allotment, power supply and tariff, tax concessions, etc. It is quite disturbing to note that they are demanding more concessions. As the IT companies have been successful in earning huge profits and accumulate vast reserves, some of the concessions granted to the IT sector have to be withdrawn. It is time that the big IT companies shed their self interest and work in public interest. Moreover, due to greed the crony capitalists have looted natural resources of the country with the support of politicians and connivance of bureaucrats. The outcome of the policy of liberalisation, privatisation and globalisation during the past two decades is the growing incidence of scams, scandals, fraud and money laundering, besides generation of lakhs of crores of rupees worth black money, much of it is stashed in foreign banks. As a result, poverty hunger and malnutrition abound in both urban and rural areas. For a large proportion of the people survival is a problem.

Dr.C.Murukadas, The Times of India, Sep. 8, 2012