It also recommends the use of public lands for start-ups and industrial clusters
Most public sector firms occupy relatively large tracts of land in desirable locations, says the Survey (Photo: Kanchan Kumar Agrawal) The Economic Survey tabled on Friday has suggested that lands occupied by the public sector be converted for use by businesses under campaigns launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi such as “Make in India” and “Smart City”.
The second chapter of the survey (volume 1)—The Chakravyuha Challenge of the Indian Economy—makes a case for utilising publicly-owned land for other purposes.
It says, “Most public sector firms occupy relatively large tracts of land in desirable locations. Parts of this land can be converted into land banks and made into vehicles for promoting the 'Make in India' and Smart City campaigns.”
The chapter also mentions a smooth exit for such businesses in case of unprofitability. It further argues that if the land is in dense urban areas, it could be used to develop ecosystems to nurture start-ups and if located in smaller towns and cities, it could be used to develop sites for industrial clusters.
On privatisation
The Survey provides possible solutions to challenges of privatisation. It says, “In many cases where public sector firms need to be privatised, the problems of exit arise because of opposition from existing managers or employees’ interests. But in some instances, such action can be converted into opportunities. For example, resources earned from privatisation could be earmarked for employee compensation and retraining.”
On reservation
The Survey supports continuing with the existing policy of reservation in case of privatisation. It says, “One concern with privatisation is the fear that social policies—of reservation for example—will become casualties when the underlying assets move from public sector to private sector control. Credibly ensuring that such policies will be maintained will be necessary to secure wider social acceptability for exit.”
We are a voice to you; you have been a support to us. Together we build journalism that is independent, credible and fearless. You can further help us by making a donation. This will mean a lot for our ability to bring you news, perspectives and analysis from the ground so that we can make change together.
.png)
Comments are moderated and will be published only after the site moderator’s approval. Please use a genuine email ID and provide your name. Selected comments may also be used in the ‘Letters’ section of the Down To Earth print edition.