MANGUIRISH PAI RAIKER

The present central government is making its best efforts, even racing against the time to deliver. Many changes and reforms have been introduced to accelerate the pace of development. 

Industry appreciates a stable government and an able administrator with decision making ability at the helm of affairs. Industry always expects prompt and corrective action to give timely solutions to their problems enabling continuity in their working. A government with proactive approach ensures safe and healthy environment culminating into productive phase. It is always a norm to expect the moon from the government post elections and each and every industry comes up with their list of demands and expectations from the government. In my opinion, the government should take the stakeholders’ needs and aspirations while deciding on any new policy. The key driver for the economy should be growth, and industry will definitely support all the steps which are taken in that direction to achieve it.
The present central government is making its best efforts, even racing against the time to deliver. Many changes and reforms have been introduced to accelerate the pace of development. The state governments are also following the central governments’ footsteps and are incorporating easier norms for the establishment and functioning of the industry. Many states are miles ahead in attracting new investments. Each state is competing with another to attract the new investments, which helps to generate employment as well as revenue.
The 2017 elections tossed fragmented results with no clear mandate to anyone in particular. The regional parties and the Independents thought it was prudent to side with the Bharatiya Janata Party who were in power prior to the election but with a condition that it should be headed by none other than Manohar Parrikar. It was seen from the newspaper reports that the industrial organisations and the representatives were happy with this outcome. The leader has to have a political acumen and the administrative skills to handle such situations, so as to keep the flock together and also drive the development process forward. Manohar Parrikar perfectly fits this requirement. During his earlier term, he was known for his quick action and he had created an image of a disciplined and focused administrator. We are sure he will take the right decision which will see growth and will not be swayed by populist actions.
The rule of the government according to me is to act as a facilitator and not to do things themselves. Instead of running everything by themselves, the government should open up markets/sectors for private public partnership (PPP) model. There is a need to prepare a vision document which will incorporate the common minimum programme and be presented to the people of the state
There are numerous things that the industry expects from the new government, few of which could be listed are proactive measures to encourage infrastructure on every level, water, electricity, garbage management, effective transport management, widening of the roads to ease the congested traffic and so on. Proactive government machinery and a good law and order in the state will go a long way in building the confidence in the investors and budding entrepreneurs. Also, steps should be taken to decentralise many of the permissions necessary. Some of them are really archaic and need to be relooked. It is a good sign that there is a government indication that the Investment Promotion Board is being reviewed. This Board should have some authority along with responsibility so that it can be a real single window clearance agency and not another door opening into other windows
The initial period of this government has gone into consolidation of the various factions of the government. Any coalition government does take initial time to bridge the differences and work out on the common minimum programme. It is but natural that the pace of operations will definitely be slow as all the decisions are likely to be after proper deliberations. The expectations are there since all the elected representatives have come with a promise of good governance and development of their respective electorates. The hundred days’ time limit is too short to judge the performance of any government. The intentions are seen but will have to be converted into actions. It is a difficult task of walking on a tight rope but is achievable for a seasoned campaigner like Parrikar who has handled more problematic and challenging situations in his political career.
Goods and Service Tax being introduced in the country from 1st July 2017 will bring about an overall change in the business scenario. This is going to be a challenging phase for the government to bring about a smooth change from the existing tax structure. I am sure that the government is prepared to take plunge in introducing this new tax reform, which is revolutionary and meant to integrate the entire country into ‘One Nation One Tax’. There is a lot to look forward to, and the expectations will be unending as usual.