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The Modi Government is overly obsessed head over heels with economic reforms so much so that even before the results of the Maharashtra and Haryana Assembly elections were out, it announced the decontrol of diesel price and a higher price for natural gas. These are the boldest reform strokes the stakeholders had been crying for that hold out the desirably salutary and intended impact of reducing the government’s growing but unsustainable oil subsidy bill, besides enabling the upstream oil and gas producers to redeploy proceeds for beefing up their operations. In contrast to the charge that its maiden budget lacked any innovative ideas or a substantive roadmap for reform to get going to overcome the inertia of governance and reform-fatigue grievously suffered by the previous dispensation under the United Progressive Alliance (UPA), the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) has suddenly become hyper-active on policy fronts to kick-start the growth process.

Entering the sixth month post-bifurcation, Telengana and the truncated Andhra Pradesh are still in such unsettled conditions that governance and credibility are at a discount in the new State of Telengana while Seemandhra, battered recently by a super-cyclone, faces baffling problems of land acquisition for capital-building and fiscal management.

There were two intent of Prime Minister Modi’s labour reforms. One, it was to protect the lower category of workers who are deprived of their social security after changing the jobs. Second, it was to encourage the entrepreneurs to set up factories by letting them free from factory Inspector Raj.

With its impressive performance in the Maharashtra and Haryana Assembly elections, the Bharatiya Janata Party has clearly reconfirmed its status, established by the Lok Sabha elections, as the principal pole or central point of reference in Indian politics. Behind its latest success, and not least its marginalisation of established regional parties in the two states, lie medium- and long-term factors which are likely to influence Indian politics for some time to come.

The writing is on the wall. To save itself, the Congress has no option but to bid farewell to the Nehru-Gandhi family. Therefore, the 100-odd supporters of the party who recently clamoured for the elevation of Priyanka Gandhi-Vadra to senior party positions are mistaken. If the 129-year-old party is to have a future, it has to make a new beginning under a new leadership. The continuance of the dynasty at the helm will be like a millstone round the party’s neck.

Relations between India and Bangladesh are on the upswing if recent Dhaka-based media reports are any indication.

It is very heartening that the government has, for the first time, equipped itself with a clear and comprehensive policy to ensure the growth and competitiveness of India’s less-cared micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) sector. MSMEs are regarded as backbone of development even in highly industrialized countries, including Germany, Japan, France, the US and China. They are incubators of ideas and homes of many good innovations. They operate like spokes that hold and support the wheels of industry and development. The Narendra Modi government’s very special focus to the creation of a global centre of MSMEs in India is in sync with its ‘Make-in-India’ policy that aims to convert the country into a global manufacturing and could mean a defining moment for Indian enterprises. But, to be strong and effective, the MSME baby should be allowed to grow without crutches. Forced quota-purchase of MSME products by a particular sector of industry may weaken the quality and price focus of MSME products, which is extremely essential to enhance their competitive strength to survive locally as well as globally and grow.

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: An unfortunate war of words and articles has erupted between the CPI and the CPI(M), which can only cause immense damage to the communist movement in the country.

Will Congress fade away? Will the 128-year old party, whose leaders fought for independence, a party having deep roots, just wither away? Judging by its performance in the Lok Sabha elections in May this year and, its dismal performance in the state assembly elections, latest being Maharashtra and Haryana, the future of the Congress looks gloomy. But it is not as gloomy as prophets of gloom predict. The Party may have lost touch with the people but it will be a gross exaggeration to say that the Congress will fade away. Survival of the Congress is necessary for survival of democracy in India. It should remain a viable alternative to the fast growing BJP. Congress leaders became autocratic and corrupt as there was no viable opposition for years. As the opposition became stronger, the Congress party started becoming weak.

Thanks to an improved relationship among neighbouring countries in the Indian sub continent, goods transport and power connectivity is gradually getting better.