The recent news headlines state "Better price to farmers, Lakhs of new jobs, relief to consumers".... Very Interesting!
Yes indeed, A revolutionary leap for Indian Economy. The Ministry of Commerce and Industry, Government of India came out with yet another innovative approach in its economic reforms. Of course, with the world as a global village and LPG (Liberlisation, Privatisation and Globalisation) in every area, there is very little we can do about FDI (Foreign Direct Investment). We already started thinking globally to act locally. So the idea of denying FDI seems to be impossible.
But all I would like to ponder loudly is, are we prepared to face the consequences which FDI can pose on Indian Rural Economy? Past 65 years of Independence, did India do its home work? Now the big question for all of us is "IS OUR INDIAN ECONOMY READY FOR FDI?"
Catch Points-S.no. |
Ideas floated by the Govt. with Confidence |
Doubts Raised by the People |
1. |
Better price to Farmers |
|
2. |
Lakhs of new jobs |
|
3. |
Relief to consumers |
|
4. |
Advanced Technology |
|
Let us analyze the situation both at Macro level and Micro level
Villages of our country are the back bone and hub for primary occupations. Indian economy is dependent 70% on the agro-based production. Over the years Indian economy has witnessed the crude realities faced by the farmers. Despite all this, very little is done to take care of the welfare and retaining farmers in their traditional occupations. What the Govt could not achieve in the past 65 years, they expect wonders to happen to the farmers with FDI involvement?
In the age and time, when the youth is getting attracted towards urban life styles, secondary and tertiary sectors, how are we protecting our traditional farming?
When the FDI enters rural India, how do we ensure that the youth will be focused and devoted towards the primitive, unprotected and uncertain agricultural employment?
Farmers produce will reach the store directly, thereby reducing the wastage. We already experience farmer's market or rytu bazaar. How many farmers are really able to reach the end market to sell their products?
Can we certainly say that we have done away with the middle men!
The issues to ponder is - Is the Government now shirking off their responsibilities to the farmers, after having given their tall 'Election promises' over the years? If so, are they therefore accepting their failure in this sector?
Are the jobs identified are in the primary sector! If these are created in the secondary and tertiary sector, are we dreaming to create cloth without cotton!
FDI has to necessarily depend on the small scale sector. They do not have any choice. The question here is, to stock their shelves, are they looking at Indian produce or the foreign produce. If the competition is between Indigenous versus Foreign, what will be the fate of our primary sector?
Here it is wiser to say that our small scale sector is not dependent on FDI but vice versa.
Before stressing on this area, how far has Indian Govt. protected the welfare and allowed the micro, small and medium enterprises to withstand while competing with the International brands? Let us understand this with a small example. Did the Indian market create any opportunity in the name of subsidy and concessions for our traditional handicrafts ( Kondapalli toys) to face competition from the International brands( Barbie Doll)?
This would result in flourishing of Indian Economy. If the Indian Economy moves on to the tracks of uniform development, no doubt, there is a growth and development happening.
Is it not necessary for us to look before we leap? Else the Consequences will be,
The expected Revolutionary leap for Indian Economy will be achieved only if, Our law and order, judiciary and Democratic Government are ready to face the challenges, without mudslinging; When the order of expression of the people is protests, bandhs and agitations, can we protect the Crores of investments and the invaluable human life on this sub-continent?