The Railways plans to float an independent fund.
Columnist A K Bhattacharya wonders why is it that the value of investment proposals in 2015 declined by 23 per cent, but the number of jobs to be created through such investments actually went up by 12 per cent.
The information and broadcasting ministry's business-like and result-oriented handling of several issues has set a template for other ministries to follow, says A K Bhattacharya.
There is no clarity yet on how an estimated 10.9 million new jobs would be created every year.
Grand plan: 10% GDP growth; 175 million jobs; $10-trillion economy
Doubts over implementation of a Cabinet-approved strategic sale policy are puzzling.
Mayank Ashar, managing director and chief executive officer, Cair India, says the reform momentum should continue and the industry should do its part too.
It would perhaps make more sense if the finance ministry gave greater emphasis on the need for a similar exercise to phase out exemptions and concessions in indirect taxes like customs and excise.
There are a couple of proposals, however, whose goals are not easily achievable.
The Bill neither plans to make the Aadhar mandatory or limit its issuance to citizens.
The guidelines for strategic disinvestment were issued on Monday itself when Finance Minister Arun Jaitley presented the Union Budget for 2016-17.
The Budget chose to stick to an ambitious disinvestment programme for 2016-17.
At present, less than one per cent of manufacturing GDP comes from automation in India.
Exports are slowing and economic growth in major markets for Indian goods has taken a hit.
The ministries and departments, where bureaucrats are parked after being moved out of key positions, reflect the priorities of the government.
The year is not yet over and a few more duty hikes are not ruled out.
There are many collateral advantages of taking the tough decision.
'Science and technology keep moving ahead and so you can keep making investment.'
Credibility of fiscal promises is a virtue that no finance minister can afford to lose.
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