‘Make in India’ Campaign is also necessary 
Amar Ujala, November 14, 2014

Future of Jan Dhan Yojana
The Asian Age, December 05, 2014

By Pradeep S Mehta

Ever since bank nationalisation took place in 1969, many schemes aimed at financial inclusion have been launched. Most have flopped. There is a danger of the same thing happening with the Jan Dhan Yojana. The Jan Dhan Yojana should be looked as just one of the multiple approaches to achieve financial inclusion. Only a holistic framework inclusive of the Jan Dhan Yojana, financial education, specialised products, improved infrastructure can result in effective financial inclusion. But that requires political will, bureaucratic support and persistent persuasion by the regulator. More...

Should we make in India or in Bharat?
The Hindu Business Line, December 05, 2014

By Pradeep S Mehta

The Make in India campaign seems to be focused on big industries in big cities. But it is time to see how micro, small and medium enterprises in rural India can be a force multiplier. Whenever anyone mentions the word ‘rural’, what springs to mind is farming. But more than 65 percent of rural labour is engaged in non-farm livelihood activities, or the Rural Non-Farm Economy (RNFE). The majority of rural labour is involuntarily engaged in low-skill, low-paid, tertiary-level jobs. Their lot can be improved if a synergy is created between Make in India and Make in Bharat. More...

Growth is possible if bureaucracy delivers & works transparently
Daily News Analysis, December 02, 2014

By Pradeep S Mehta

…all good things will happen only when the bureaucracy delivers, transparently and is accountable. Many good ideas have suffered due to cynicism, corruption and chalta hai attitude and that will require the personal attention and commitment of the supremo, the chief minister. More...