Monday, January 10, 2011

Reassuring a meeting of non resident Indians on Saturday our most revered Prime Minister said, " We are examining seriously how to make systemic changes that ensure more transparent procedures and safeguards in our governing processes." That is so wonderful to hear but the government is threatening to bring changes to the Right to Information Act to make it more restrictive. Applications will have to be less than 250 words and each complaint will require a separate application. Even now thieving civil servants create as many delays as possible, sometimes forcing people to get a court order to force them to release information. People who have used this law to nail criminals have been killed and not one person has gone to prison for the numerous scams that plague our country. At the same meeting the PM also said that economic growth is expected to be around 9-10% from next year. While this is so heartwarming to hear we would like to know how that is supposed to happen without falling into hyperinflation. Already food inflation 18.32% at a time when prices were supposed to fall due to abundant monsoons. General inflation is also going up due to increase in oil and commodity prices. To prevent inflation from becoming uncontrollable diesel and kerosene are sold at the old prices leading to massive shortfalls for the oil companies. Since the government is the major shareholder of these companies it will lose billions in dividends that these companies used to pay out. There is no guarantee that the weather will be kind next year and oil prices are predicted to go above $ 100. So, sir, how will you square the circle?

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