A pat on our backs

 

Bail us out: consume

Earlier this year, I called the Union budget myopic (see Down To Earth, March 31, 2008). Let me reiterate why. The Union budget did not take into account the fact the world was beginning to face new challenges, all of which were devastating, and related. One, the rising cost of our food--you will recall subsequently prices did go up and food riots took place in many parts of the world.

In credible India

Sometimes, a fortnight can mirror a year. With the year-end approaching, a flashback is usually in order. But recent events have made completely clear to me where we are and where we are headed.

'Privatisation has increased rural neglect'

Are ethnic conflicts more frequent in the northeast compared to other parts of India? In the northeast, communities are consolidated on ethnic lines. In other parts of India caste identities are strong. In the northeast, there are lesser opportunities for indigenous communities and competition for resources stokes conflicts. Why haven't matters improved yet? Interviewee:  Dilip Gogoi

No more kindergarten approach to climate

My worst fears are coming true; and that has more to do with the politics of climate change than its reality. While concern on global warming reaches a crescendo, the world, instead of finding resolutions, is hurtling towards discord and dispute. Let us be clear we do not have time to waste on bad politics and bad politicians.

Update

West Bengal industrialisation plans on hold as centre reviews SEZs The West Bengal government's industrialisation ambitions received a series of setbacks in the past month with the Union government deciding to put additional special economic zones (SEZs) on hold until a review; Left Front allies rejecting a proposal to relax land ceiling laws; and the Calcutta High Court quashing prohibitory orders under Section 144 at Singur calling it an "abuse of power".

Former militant Bijoy Hrankhal on Tripura's tribal needs

Forests are the mainstay of tribals in Tripura, and in many other parts of the country as well. But of late, tribals have been displaced from forestlands. The bill on tribal rights over forestlands will be re-tabled in parliament. What are your views on this issue? Interviewee:  Bijoy Kumar Hrankhal

Budget 2005-2006: the missing audit

The discussions on the Union budget 2005-2006 reflect the media's middle-class obsession. The finance minister's proposal for a fringe tax -- on perquisites and other benefits of the salariat -- was all that was found worth discussing. Nothing else mattered.

Locating the State

Bibek Debroy THE SUBSIDY CORNERSHOP Rich jump the queue

At which road head?

There is one strong view in the job-business: more growth will lead to more jobs. We have to invest in only economic growth and not in employment creation programmes and other sectors. This is what the NDA-created Ahluwalia Task Force had maintained then. It would not be surprising if Ahluwalia, now in his UPA avatar, would continue to take this view.