Budget strives for a competitive and growth oriented Rajasthan
DNA, Mach 11, 2015

By Pradeep S Mehta

The budget has emphasised on construction of roads for connection between villages, and making land banks available for industries. To adequately focus on labour issues, the government has proposed establishment of a non-resident labour cell, and dedicated skill and employment department. In addition, commercial training of artisans has also been proposed. The government must be appreciated for the efforts it has made to capitalise factor conditions. More...

The FCRA-NGO conundrum
The Asian Age, March 06, 2015

By Pradeep S Mehta

A survey done by Institute of Rural Management, Anand in October 2012 showed that Foreign Contribution Regulation Act (FCRA) is an ineffective legislation as it controls only US$2bn, which is only about two per cent of the total foreign funds that come into the country. So why should the voluntary sector be singled out for money-laundering, the study asks. Better monitoring mechanisms are required rather than curbing. More...

What sort of federalism do we want?
The Hindu Business Line, March 05, 2015

By Pradeep S Mehta

Ever since the Modi government assumed office, the chant of ‘cooperative federalism’ has grown louder. First, the Cabinet resolution on the creation of the National Institution for Transforming India (NITI) Aayog spelt it out and 40 days later the e-book on the new body reiterated the same. The sudden entry of competitive federalism in the government document seems like a crucial afterthought. More...