By Abdul Bari Masoud,MMN,
New Delhi: In the name of reforms aimed at benefitting vested interests (namely corporate houses that allegedly supported BJP in the run up to the May general elections) and corrupt practices in project implementation, the central government is trying to dismantle the Planning Commission that ensures socio-economic justice and robust federalism. Even though the government did not present any alternative to the Planning Commission before the nation but it is making efforts in a devious manner to disband it.
A few days back Prime Minister Narendra Modi held a meeting with Chief Ministers of BJP and its allies’-ruled state that without having had any debates or deliberations at any forum whatsoever. Opposition parties have warned the Modi government against diluting the Commission’s functions that ensure socio-economic justice in a country where social and economic inequalities and disparities are still rampant. It is widely held perception that the present government is pro-rich and pro-corporate as it is also planning to cut subsidies on a massive scale in the next budget. Former member of the Planning Commission Dr Sayeda Hameed also revealed that when Narendra Modi was the Chief Minister of Gujarat, he used to raise objection over the social sector schemes. Talking to Muslim Mirror, Dr Hameed recalled that: “He (Modi) used to say that we have our own priorities, if you (Commission) want to run any schemes, it should be entirely centrally sponsored scheme”. It seems that the government is keen to scuttle many pro-poor schemes that were worked out by the Commission. Pointing towards the slashing of budget for the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MNREGA), she said the 12th Five Year Plan had laid much emphasis on the social sector. For the first time, it has also made minority welfare as a part of the Plan that may be an eyesore for communalists who do not want minorities to get their due share in the national pie. It is to be mentioned that the Planning Commission had earmarked Rs 7,000 crores in the 11th Plan that was enhanced upto Rs 17,000 crore in the present Plan. Although, it was not a sufficient amount for the betterment of minorities particularly Muslim minority given their abject condition but it was provided in a structured way.
If the Modi government succeeds in disbanding the Commission, all these will go into smoke. Dr Hameed has warned that any move to downsize these welfare schemes will result in mass revulsion. The opposition Congress Party also opposed and condemned the efforts being made by the BJP Government- in a devious manner characterized by typical subterfuge and doublespeak- to dismantle the Planning Commission. Party General Secretary Ajay Maken said Modi’s announcement to dismantle Planning Commission is arbitrary as he did not convene the meeting of NDC and consult the States and it has undermined the federal structure of the country.
The importance of the Planning Commission, which was established by a resolution of the Cabinet on March15, 1950, is to mediate between the Centre and the States for planning and funding of the Plans, thereby strengthening India’s Federal Structure. The Planning Commission has evolved over a period of time as it made a notable contribution in planned development through the 12 Five Year Plans until now. Its main object is to provide for planned development and a means to raise the living standards of the people in Independent India.
Now the Modi government intends to distribute the functions of planning commission amongst the Ministry of Finance and Subject Matter Ministries, which will result in loss of perspective and of long term view. Even though, India has embraced market economy, it is still a country where the fruits of development have not reached millions of people. Therefore, planning is essential. India cannot let the market forces decide the destiny of marginalized people. So, any move to rename or restructure is unwarranted in the national interest and must be opposed.
I CAN UNDERSTAND SHE MIGHT LOOSE HER JOB
We don’t want to know what is your understanding. Go and get some proper education.
Even if she does not lose her “nominal”, exempt or non-exempt, aka, salaried or hourly job/assignment, she will be “listed” forever, as the former Chief Secretary of UP, a topper in Sanskrit, and that too from AMU, who also topped @ IAS during his batch, and was demoted, soon after Modi’s win, disgracefully so. His name is Javed Usmani, who is known to me through his family/parents whom I have met several times. To conclude, those (31%) Indians who sent PMNM so lovingly and excitedly should be prepared now for the couplet, I paraphrase here, “ibdae ishq hai rota hai keya, aage aage dekheea hota hai keya”. As a result of all these abetting of wrong decisions/actions/slogans that will surprise the same Indians in 2020 @ the Xmas time. Guess, will it be Win-Win or lose-win? For whom? I may not be around to see. But my BOLD prediction is who are being victimized now will come out better than now, God willing. Amen
SHARMA JI , SHE WILL NOT BE ALONE BUT HUNDREDS OF THEM WILL LOOSE THEIR JOBS , THOUSANDS OF THEM WILL NOT GET BENEFITS, AND CRORES OF POOR INDIANS WILL NOT BE EVER ABLE TO RAIS ETHEIR LIVING STANDARDS
We have people elected government but this Government looks like run by Corporates ? where people interest are least and major interest of corporates, corporates are enjoying all the benefits and taken away people shares and interest, we are heading towards a democracy where only people role is to vote and corporates roles is to govern the country. After the formation of Modi Government what people gets “clean india” and what corporates get “make in india” ? This government never talk about use of resources in benefitting the poor people ! hope Master of develoment must use his brain other people elected representatives ideas for Development instead of using Adani and Ambanis ideas.
Sharmaji, she is no more member of the planning commission as it is the prerogative of new government to form the commission of its choice. She is not talking herself but about the millions of people who are still not getting the fruits of development. Think about them.