Planning Commission is set to finalise the 12th 5-Year Plan. I have submitted comments and suggestions for their consideration.
Comments and criticism are invited from readers.

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Vice Chairman,

Planning Commission

New Delhi

Respected Sir,

Council’s Submission for 12^th Five Year Plan

GDP growth for the 11th Plan is likely to be less than the target of 9%, but is a remarkable achievement given the worst vagaries of climate and the unprecedented economic reverberation due to global recession. Progress in various components of inclusiveness has been less than what was targeted. This should spur the government to take such remedial measures so that target of Double Digit Growth can be achieved during 12^th Plan Period.

Various fiscal and money market measures taken by the government and RBI have yet to control inflation which has once again started to raise its ugly head in rise in daily necessities. Though economic activity leads to some inflationary pressure in prices, it has to be much less. Simultaneous substantial rise in actual industrial production and services, should also be matched with agricultural output. Budgetary outlays should be made in proportion to the rising demand for food products with increased purchasing power in the hands of consumers. Steady economic conditions in India have maintained the purchasing power in the hands of citizens. Increased purchasing power and stagnation of industrial and agro products have built up Pent Up Demand, and this must be met with rise in required production sectors in shortest time possible to contain inflationary pressures.

Rising incidence of commodities trading have also contributed its shares to escalate the prices of almost all food items for several quarters. Under no circumstances essential commodities should be allowed to be part of speculation. Forward Market Commission should be given clear directives for taking stern action and even totally suspend speculative trading in all Edible/Food items including Edible Oils. This step is taken even before 12^th plan begins in 2012.

In this connection, we sincerely appreciate the pro-active stance of the Planning Commission to invite suggestions, comments seeking co-operation of organisations and individuals in design and implementation of various programmes. We hope that the final compilation of considered opinion of the beneficiaries-citizens will enable the planning commission to prepare the viable and practical planning/implementation for easy execution by the government machinery at centre, state and local levels.

1. Agriculture:

Rising population calls for provision of adequate food availability/supply to the masses. While chemical fertilizers have contributed to increased food/agro production during past many years, it is now time to reassess the adverse impact on the quality of soil which may ultimately affect agricultural output. Agricultural output is increasing at slower pace in spite of increased fertilizer inputs. The matter should receive timely attention to the evaluation of maintaining optimum balance between chemical fertilizers and organic fertilizers.

Increasing income from the urban based trades, industry and services have lured the youth to cities. As a result, there are congestion and infrastructure problems in the metro and other growing cities. To minimise the migration of wage earners it is necessary to create more job opportunities in rural areas. Connecting the rural areas with good roads and electricity, providing more jobs will help maintaining economic and social equilibrium, closer family ties and improvement in general health of the residents in the short, medium and longer term.

The government is conscious of this important employment generating sector, as still agriculture provides maximum employment-even though it is not providing 100% round the year employment. Increasing family incomes from other sectors are not without short coming, as other sectors are creating sideline problems which were not present in the past. Increasing urbanizing is posing many threats to habitation, environment protection and health problems are well known. Therefore, the Council proposes to devise and maintain balance.

FAO has clearly indicated that the subsidies for agriculture to developing countries are going to be phased out and their allocation is reduced. Therefore, it is now obligatory for Indian agro-technology to immediately increase allocation for Intensive Research in hybrid seeds, improved Farming Techniques and better utilisation of all available fertile land. Dependence and development of appropriate technological improvements in agriculture is not the way out. India needs to take Quantum Jump in agricultural sector. Ultimate goal should be to produce sufficient food grains to feed the Indian population and then export the surplus.

There are some genetically modified seeds either imported or of indigenous origin which are potential threat to India’s traditionally used natural seeds. There cannot be any issue for mechanized farming, but blindly adopting or thrusting such hybrid modified products or succumbing to pressure from vested interests should be rigorously controlled.

Certified Seeds of genuine indigenous and imported origin should be released to the farmers at special promotional price, by first enlightening them through intensive farming demonstration and training to maximize output. Adequate changes in educational curriculum of high schools and agricultural colleges, training institutions should be made. With advanced farming techniques, it is equally necessary to impart full fledged training in marketing techniques and strategies so that the farmer/producer is not exploited by the middleman or speculative commodities market. However, they should be trained how to utilise hedging system to protect reasonable profit irrespective of vagaries of weather.

At the same time, more emphasis should be placed on basic research in every possible horticultural crop, including medicinal and herbal plants. Increased organically produced Indian traditional herbs will pave way for higher export earnings as most of the countries have now realized its importance on health grounds.

We suggest that fertile land should be fully reserved for agro and forest sectors and release/permit only non-fertile land for industrial and commercial uses. Just as awareness about maintaining green cover is getting good response from the citizens, Social Forestation will also improve the quality of life for rural and urban neighbourhood.

There is always temptation to encash the high value of open agricultural land in the midst of cities. State governments and local governments have succumbed to this in the past. But those open stretch of lands must be permanently reserved for the gardens, parks etc. and kept open for providing open air beneficial to the citizens.

At present most of the trade on commodity exchanges is speculative in nature, with minimum percentage of deliveries. Especially, the operators/traders doing shorting in edible commodities must be forced to deposit much higher percentage margin and to deliver the goods at settlement time. This may help curb the impact of speculation.

We also urge the planning commission and government to control speculation by resorting to SELECTIVE METHODS OF CREDIT CONTROL. This will help in reducing the hoarding mentality and edible products will find way into the market place.

There is enormous waste of food grains due to lack of sufficient storage facilities and even where storage is available with Food Corporation of India, there is lack of proper food grains preservation system. This has led to wastage of huge quantity of food grains, which would otherwise feed the large population living below the poverty line.

Food distribution system, through Fair Price Shops allotted by the government, has scope of considerable improvement so that adequate food reaches really needy families.

While every effort is being made to improve food production in the country, unexpected famine, short fall in rains, floods etc. natural calamities weaken the farmer. There the scope of Agricultural Credit and Agricultural Insurance should be reexamined, and final schemes should be put in action during the 12^th plan. Substantial allocation of funds should be made in central budgets. We strongly recommend for commitment and budgetary provision of total amount for the entire five year period to implement the schemes with increasing coverage. This will ensure the planned outlay and corresponding achievement of Physical targets. Planning Commission should emphasise on this matter as any short fall in national agricultural output leads to huge imports from abroad. We have seen that even the announcement by the agriculture minister has led to sudden spurt in prices in foreign markets. It is much cheaper to make provision in Indian Rupees to increase foodgrain output by availing gainful employment to farmers here than importing, by spending valuable foreign exchange every year.

India has achieved success in milk production. The tempo should be maintained now with improvement in indigenous breed of cows and buffaloes. Our animal breed is acclimatised to Indian environment. Dependence on frequent import of hybrid cattle/cows will be minimised in the long run.

At this juncture, we strongly urge to impose strict prohibition on use of hormones for extracting/obtaining increased milk from the animals. Medical reports have pointed out harmful side effects on human beings.

In areas where small rivers do not store water for longer period, encouragement and incentives should be given to build small Check Dams as is done in Saurastra region of Gujarat state.

2. Backward Classes:

Even after 60 years of independence, it is regrettable that we still have to continue with reservation for backward classes, tribes etc. communities. Though some have excelled in various fields, there is still scope to improve their living conditions. Since the pace of their integration with economic main stream of the society leaves much to be done, there is urgent need for fresh look on the means used so far. Instead of merely providing for reservation to them, it is necessary to introduce them to the system gradually instead of merely plunging them suddenly into modern life style. Structured Education System and gradual upgrading their living standards should receive due consideration from Planning Commission.

3. Communication and Information:

Much work is done in India in last 15 years and now we are moving at good speed. However, the basic research in most of this domain needs intensive and aggressive approach. We generally depend on imported technology and are behind the foreign vendors’ technology levels. More research laboratories should be encouraged and instead of government ownership, except sensitive defence related area, private sector or Public/Private Partnerships should be encouraged. All research should be totally tax free for at least next 10 years. There should not be any hanging sword for the investment in this area. We however belive that in the interest of developing strong industrial base, research and development efforts must be always encouraged by permanent tax holiday. Necessary checks on utilisation of this exemption may be introduced.

Cell phone industry has progressed substantially for communication services. But there is still need for encouragement for manufacturing indigenous cell phones, instruments. We recommend Vertical Integration and growth in this important sector.

As India has successfully established its place among the satellite launching countries, technology should be inclusively used for various other fields to benefit the trade, industry. It can provide sizeable employment to communication industry in years to come. Education curriculum should be simultaneously modified depending on the needs of time. Meteorological use of satellite network should be gainfully employed for agriculture, coast guarding and preventing infiltration by smugglers, terrorists and ensure safety of our fishermen at all times.

Industry and Research endeavours should be closely co-ordinated and linked to take maximum advantage of our fast growing young population. Educational institutions including colleges and diploma polytechnics should be encouraged and additional funds should be allocated for their large scale growth.

There is much lip service to empowering the poor, but we have to provide the Hand Holding Service to entire Economically Weaker Section of the society. It is necessary to train the personnel by first frame the policy of Economic Upliftment, then train them how to help the first generation entrepreneurs. It is difficult to create mass jobs at a single stroke, but we can surely provide an environment to bring out the ability of every individual by doing some small jobs initially. On testing the fruits of success, they will be motivated to venture out more boldly and achieve higher success.

Micro Finance is one way to help the economically weaker section, but lack of proper understanding to approach the borrowers has led to some serious difficulties. In fact, failure to pay back the loan leads to frustration among the borrowers who are not fully aware of the nitty-gritty of financial obligations and repercussions of failure. Reluctance on part of some PSU banks to advance loans to Micro sector should be set right by training the bank staff and teaching them the importance of SME sector’s contribution. Proactive financial assistance will result into more gainful employment, self employment to the rural mass and lower middle class/workers, providing work at home, development of traditional and modern handicrafts etc. Reasonable rate of interest instead of presently charged very high rates should enable this sector to progress much faster. Banks in general and PSU banks in particular have to discharge their socio-economic obligations by support and hand holding the small men and teach them correct business system.

Unique Identification Authority of India’s Unique Identity Card project is laudable. However, the benefits must not go to the illegally infiltrated non-Indians across the borders. With this single proof of identity all other systems should be scrapped, as they will be creating unnecessary hassles by different authorities. E.g. When making investment, opening bank a/c., filing for ration card, applying for driving license, purchasing cell phone service etc. different proofs of residence, electricity bill, ration card etc. are demanded. We suggest that even the requirement of photo could be eliminated after some time, as every data of the individual is stored in the UID Card. Encouragement should be given for this project and efforts should be intensified to complete it in fastest manner.

4. Education:

Though most of our education system still depends on British traditions, there is encouraging departure for adepting it to more useful practical purposes. The British wanted only clerks and routine workers for maintaining their bureaucracy. But the needs of fast growing country like India could be different in wake of liberalisation and global competition. We urge total revamp of our existing education system, retaining only beneficial part of older education system. There is urgent need for trade, industry, service, profession specific education and the students must be imparted all necessary specific knowledge. General knowledge education should continue to keep the students abreast of latest developments in all other fields. Though there was more emphasis on social sciences in the past, they must not be totally undermined for technical education. But the priority and emphasis must be laid on specific education. We therefore, propose that the Planning Commission should establish a high power group of experts, industrialists, businessmen and professionals inviting foreign experts in related fields at an early date and introduce new curriculum effective from 2012 academic year. This and all other committees/groups formed by Planning Commission and the government must have the agenda to collect, collate and submit their conclusive reports in time.

We welcome the announcement of interest free loans to desireous students.

Industry’s participation in research should be given priority and such research projects should receive continued government support/assistance and tax holiday at least initially for next 10 years. Thus simultaneous Educational and Industrial Development will effectively contribute towards resultant Inclusive Economic Growth. This in turn pave the way for much higher GDP Growth in double digits as envisaged by the Planning Commission and the Government.

Every student coming out of the Secondary High School graduation need not become a degree holder. Establishment of several fully equipped Polytechnic / ITI Institutes across the country will provide more employment and self employment to the masses at much less cost to the student and the institutes.

Industry Government joint programme in this direction can expedite implementation of the projects compared to only government owned/managed institutes.

In the age of internet, wherever there is electricity availability, every school and educational establishment should be equipped with internet connection and link to national and international knowledge sources, libraries. Joint programmes with many reputed educational institutions, universities abroad will hasten the success of our programme. We further recommend that special Education Related Satellites should be launched to cover entire country. Several satellites having their footprints on the whole country can lighten the burden of big physical brick and mortar buildings. Education Without Walls may be the ultimate outcome of this unique endeavour. Only hygienic studying environment will be needed along with project laboratories in each establishment.

Variety of Ready made curriculum can be broadcast from single source server and the students of any school, college or research institution could avail of the latest knowledge resources. India has the largest young population in the world. We should take maximum advantage of this unique strength, plus point and establish ourselves as the force to reckon with by superior talent. Such programmes are in experimental stage and we urge the Planning Commission to expedite full fledged development at the earliest.

Video Conferencing is a part of our business environment. It can and should be used for class room teaching. Remote management of teaching material will give more time to the teachers/professors/research guides to attend to the specific queries of the students and extend better guidance.

There are some non-class room universities approved by the government. We believe more persons will take advantage of External Education for either taking graduation degree or to improve their skills even after completing formal college/university education in the past. Thus, our workers, professionals and industrialists will keep themselves updated with latest knowledge in their respective fields. There is no other cheaper way to educate a vast sea of ever growing Indian population.

The students should be offered all kinds of educational study modules so that they can select those that interest him/her and are useful in their post graduation working life. Continued educational programmes will have to be devised and developed on urgent basis and the efforts should start bearing fruits in the 12^th Plan period. This way we shall be able to fill the gap with developed countries/economies.

Indian cricket and hockey are well known in the world. We recommend that more emphasis be given to Physical Education in general and individual sports of students’ choice. It will keep them physically fit and teach team spirit in the long run. In the rush to games of foreign origin we should always promote and strengthen the Indian traditional sports and maintain balance.

Yoga (Yog) has become an in-thing across the globe. We recommend that Yog and Meditation should be part of every educational curriculum from Nursery to highest level of education. Professional Yog Teachers should be trained right from the inauguration of 12^th plan.

Introductory educational programmes should be developed for all students coming from Aadivaasi regions to inculcate the proper perspective before they are admitted to regular college education. It is seen that even so called uneducated students have uncanny skills and understanding of many subjects due to their intuition and living environment.

We endorse the decision to provide free primary education to all and free school and concessional college education to girl child. More avenues may be explored to enhance additional benefits.

6. Environment & Forests:

This Council is actively encouraging and taking initiative for Green Environment. Maintaining Green Cover, keeping the river Tapi free from Plaster of Paris idol submersion, minimizing the concretization of Surat Urban area etc. are some instances in point. We will continue our participation in this area. However, it is necessary to involve the NGOs and local government in the country to pay special attention and maintain the Green Cover on the land.

We earnestly urge the Planning Commission and the Government to maintain strict vigil on environment protection. Necessary laws should be strengthened/enacted to prevent arbitrary tree cutting, creating concrete jungles in urban areas must be strictly prevented. The system of collecting penal taxes on illegal constructions must be stopped with immediate effect. While the authorities undermining such unauthorized constructions escape, we recommend that they should also be made accountable for failure in discharging their assigned duties. There can be no excuse for such gross negligence or connivance with the other party.

Instead of encouraging concentration of urban centres, every incentive should be given to encourage the local authorities to scatter the developmental plans. This will reduce the burden on existing infrastructure and developed/developing areas will pay back the expenditure by way of higher price recovery from the developers, new occupants. The Council believes that instead of increasing expenditure in existing urban areas by creating more concrete structures, it will be more economical and fruit bearing to encourage development of new areas and outskirts of big cities.

Planning Commission should establish one group to study the use of non-recyclable, hard to destruct materials in daily life. One such example of polythene bags used in packing material. Research should also be encouraged for Bio degradable packing material which is cheap like poly bags and does not pollute the land/environment.

Public Transport vehicles are now increasingly converted to CNG and LPG use. We urge for intensive research for replacement of Diesel with alternative cheap fuel.

Use of electricity is increasing. With recent events of accidents in atomic reactors during natural calamities including earth quake, India should exercise more restraint and observe much more strict construction norms to survive even earth quake and accidents. No laxity should be permitted in design and construction of such atomic station, as it is directly affecting human existence itself.

Upcoming alternative energy source is Solar Power. We are still dependent on foreign technology for Solar Cells etc. There is need to allocate more resources for Research and Development in Indian labs. The country has more than 260 clear days when sun is shining brightly. Low cost power generation will save our oil and gas resources. With large scale production of relevant machinery/units the cost per unit will be reduced and may become affordable. Building design research can help in devising roof tops and side walls covered by solar panels. Solar water heating with heat exchanger technology can also increase solar related electricity. We suggest that each engineering college should be encouraged to establish solar research facility. Their concerted efforts will result in faster achievement.

Wind Mills now appear in different parts of country. However, newer design research is necessary to develop and install wind mills generating electricity with lower wind velocity.

7. FINANCE:

This is vast area and it is not feasible to pen every suggestion for implementation during 12^th plan alone. However, we submit following points among many for your kind consideration.

1. All our plans have emphasised on resource allocation, with lesser emphasis on Achievement of Physical Targets. Spending money as per budget is easy and justification of experts is controversial. We therefore, submit that physical achievement targets should be linked with present cost and to simultaneously submit projected inflation. This will enable the Planning Commission and the Government to carefully monitor Cost Over Runs before hand.
2. There are limited resources at the disposal of the government and demand for allocation, change in priority status of projects is perennial. Therefore, the Planning Commission’s studies which focus on priorities on the scale of 1 to 10 should receive appropriate weightage, rather than tug of war.
3. National Energy Policy should give preference to allocation of natural resources like coal, water and gas on the basis of requirements of each state. There is little economic justice for carrying coal mined in eastern states to be carried by goods trains across thousand kilo meters or railway tracks. It is waste of energy in transportation and time to deliver it at the destination. Likewise transporting gas through pipe lines is running thousands of kilo meters to a distant location, starving the industries in that region. Hydel electricity can be better utilised where it is generated, though there is much benefit in having National Grid in place to cater to the demand of other states. Financial allocation for efficient Power Generation at cheaper cost will enable all our industries to compete more effectively in global market place.
4. There are times when the government have to shell out substantial funds for non-plan expenditure. But the ultimate goal must be to minimise its role in over all planning set up.
5. Though we have large working population, comparably man power utilisation is lower than other countries. There is a culture of more pay less work among Indian work force in general. There are exceptions galore, but they are incentive linked. Therefore, the Council urges for More Pay for value policy should be developed and implemented so that inefficient persons realize that their lesser input is harming their pay cheque. Quality goods, Timely Production and Delivery, Just in Time Inventory, Productivity Linked Wage Scale and Incentives should receive priority above other easy pay standards. Sooner we understand and learn new work ethics, better it is for the country.
6. Attracting foreign exchange from NRIs and other Foreign Financial Institutions is paying rich dividends. But it must be borne in mind that it is the loan amount which has to be repaid with interest. It is not profit! Therefore, Planning Commission should publish their findings of gainful employment of forex and whether it is generating revenue for the ex-chequer, wages to the work force and whether our ability to repatriate foreign funds effortlessly. If such data is inconclusive, then we urge that this study should be made and published. Otherwise, India will have to go on borrowing more funds for payment of interest to foreign lenders, ultimately reaching a point of no return. That means economic disaster.
7. Taxes are part of any government administration. We recommend that in-depth study of the efficiency in tax collection of Direct and Indirect Taxes. Large force of government staff is pressed into service for these two taxes. Time has come to evaluate their efficiency also. With the advent of computers and countrywide networking of the government departments, it must reduce the work load and number of persons who were doing time consuming physical work. Reduction in tax rate has resulted in better compliance and revenue generation for the government.
8. The Council earnestly requests for complete verification of EFFICIENCY LEVEL OF EVERY INDIVIDUAL AND DEPARTMENT OF THE GOVERNMENT, ON THE BASIS OF VALUE ENGINEERING PRINCIPLES. All surplus personnel may be pressed into service of other areas of work like rural development, education etc. and NO NEW RECRUITMENT SHOULD BE MADE IN PLACE OF RETIRING PERSONNEL. All government employees have to undergo computer usage training, without exception. It is needless to say, India should be free from the fall out of PETER PRINCIPLE. INCREASED EFFICIENCY RESULTS IN LESSER MAN POWER INPUT.
9. There are times when the ambiguity of the law leads to different interpretations. This condition leads to several litigations and cases remain unresolved for years, sometimes decade. Courts are burdened with huge back log of cases. Therefore, we recommend simplification of law, WITHOUT IFS AND BUTS ETC., so that the subordinates do not have the necessity or opportunity for interpreting the law.
10. In the Unitary Federal Structure of our country, certain obligations are to be discharged by the states and some by the centre. However, there are some issues in concurrent list which should be amicably settled by both for the sake of expediency and efficiency.
11. The Council feels that weightage/credit for borrowing by the states need re-evaluation. Eligibility should be on the ground of manufacturing/processing of the goods meant for exports and not on the grounds of point of exports or registered office of the manufacturer, if it is different from the manufacturing base.
12. SMEs have been playing crucial and important role intermediate/semi finished/ancillary supplier to medium and large scale industries and exporters. Their difficulties in raw material procurement, finance and marketing should be solved by long term policy of the finance ministry. Imports by such SMEs pose problems in international markets. With adoption of WTO there is growing influx of products falling in the domain of small and cottage industries, they are squeezed in marketing their products against sophisticated materials from low cost manufacturing countries. Contribution of SMEs should receive full focus of the government and policy makers like Planning Commission. Proper technical training and advanced manufacturing processes should be made available to them in every locality. Small Industries Service Institute, NSIC etc. government corporations should adopt more proactive stance and come forward to help them.
13. All Small Scale Industrial units and some Medium Scale Industrial units are in unorganized sector, so that they do not have adequate market intelligence and lack bargaining power in procurement of their raw materials. They need special attention and support of the government Hand Holding in leading them to success and growth.
14. Banks are generally interested in catering to medium and large scale units/customers. Scarcity of funds and working capital in Micro and Small enterprises is main cause of their slow growth and higher failure ratio. There should be hand holding of these units till they are strong enough to look after themselves. In this domain, Co-operative banks in some states like Gujarat, Maharastra, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh etc. have rendered yeoman service by filling this niche area. More encouragement to this sector must be given so that they can build up their capital base and come out more vigorously to render additional financial service to the needy. Income tax on income of co-operative banks like other entities should be withdrawn/rolled back and they must be set free from the shackles of income tax liability. Tax collected from them is meager but it is depriving them of capital/asset building when 30%of their income is simply taken away as Income tax.

8. Health Care & Family Welfare:

There is lack of health care facility in rural area. Even the hospitalization expenses in urban area is becoming costlier. At the same time, the insurance companies have appointed Third Party Assessors to investigate the veracity of the claims and settle them. While the cost of medical treatment is becoming costlier, the insurance companies are trying to repudiate the genuine claims also. Now they have started to restrict the amount of claim for different medical treatments, thus the medical policy holders are forced to shell out more money to cover the cost of medical treatment. The anomaly should be set right so that health care treatment is available at reasonable cost. Steps should be taken to prevent False or exess claims.

Planning Commission may determine the policy to reduce the cost of insurance so that the premium amount can also be reduced in longer term.

Allopathic treatment is considered to be costlier than other alternative treatments. Encouragement should be given to research in Ayurvedic, Unani and Homeopathic treatment disciplines. Naturopathy should also receive due importance.

There are Public Gardens for citizens’ welfare. Likewise, we recommend that Public Healthcare oriented Gyms and Yoga Centres should be opened in different parts of a city or community so that people can take advantage at their convenient time. Trained teachers should be stationed at such places. As free service may provide loitering ground for some, there should be very nominal charge/fee for using these services.

Family Planning used to occupy high place in population control drives in the past. We recommend more intensive Family Planning Drives simultaneously with conditionality of maximum two children for any government job, benefits and persons having more than two children be charged extra tax. There should not be any exemption to this rule. It will also pave the ground for better health service to the rest of population and minimise the liability of the government. It is good for the children as they will receive better health care treatment.

Families living in huts in rural area should be given building materials at concessional rates if they are willing to put in their labour to build their home. This will lighten the burden of Planning Commission and government in incurring labour expenses and cost of supervision etc. which is growing every day.

Incidence of urban slums can be controlled if the schemes of development out of the urban area are sincerely implemented. Just as we cannot prevent the size of family by law, likewise we cannot prevent free movement of citizens in the country. Only when alternatives are attractive, people accept them without objection.

For better health of citizens, better hygienically environment is also necessary. Pollution Control in cities, mass public transport promotion, good road, pure drinking water and efficient sewage/affluent treatment system should be improved.

The Council submits that there should be one central organisation to manage all Government owned hospitals-Civil Hospitals in the country with clear mandate to render exactly same health care services through out-there should not be any differential treatment in urban and rural (remote) areas.

9. Housing & Urban Development:

For the Urban areas, JNNRUM is doing useful work to improve the infrastructure. However, the Planning Commission should address the problems of and arising out of urbanisation. Such concentration in one place leads to many related problems like security, growth of anti-social activity, maintaining law and order, pressure on infrastructure and deterioration of general hygienic conditions etc. Instead, we recommend development of Satellite Towns around metropolitan areas to minimise the burden on infrastructure.

Irrespective of government law and rules, lure of extra money may lead to willful violation of the norms. Rather than facing them with enforcement of law, it would be more advisable to provide better alternatives so that people would go to new area with satisfactory living condition willingly.

In order to prevent congestion in the urban areas, some arrangement to new building activity should be offered simultaneously with restriction on building activity in existing area. Feasibility may be explored.

Study should be made of developed countries and others who have successfully tackled the urban development and housing issues. Such evaluation can show us better way to handle Indian situation.

Consultancy should be sought for introduction of uniform rural and low cost housing complexes. Present middle class housing complexes are not upto minimum standard. On top of it most of them are made of very poor construction quality which would demand repairing and maintenance in five years or less.

10. Industry and Minerals:

Pollution free environment is necessary for human habitation. Use of gas and less polluting fuels should be encouraged.

National Uniform Energy Policy should be growth oriented and save time and money. Industrial production and related services should be enhanced to one up on international standards-going beyond Six Sigma. All states should be convinced of the ultimate benefit arising out of utilizing the fuel where it is available, rather than transporting it to distant destinations.

Uniform Quality Standard should be the watch word for all industries. There are some who have followed the path of giving quality at reasonable price have survived the economic melt down. It should be the watch word for every industrialist, businessman, service provider and professional. This will automatically reduce the consumer complaints. Business Ethics Standards should be encouraged and publicly recognized for others to emulate. Quality producers Benchmarks should be widely publicized.

Mineral products are processed and utilised in India to make finished products. Efforts should be made to encourage establishment of more industrial units to increase domestic production of finished products and thereby increase value addition. In exports market this will earn more foreign exchange.

Rising prices of Allopathic drugs/pharmaceuticals have led to recent increase in appearance of spurious drugs in the market, which does not help the patients. At least government should establish testing laboratories to check the flow of duplicate drugs in the market.

Consumer Protection Act is the hope of consumer grievances, when the vendors or service providers do not settle the complaint of the customers. Teeth of Consumer Courts should be sharpened as powerful vendors do not respond/obey the order of Consumer Forums, thus depriving the customer of his/her rightful claims and committing contempt of the court. Consumer awareness programmes jointly with Consumer Oriented NGOs should be organised frequently.

Country has vast sea line, esp. states like Gujarat has very long sea line as its natural boundary. Coastal protection activity can be encouraged by promoting small ship building activity, transport of goods between different cities of the country by sea saving fuel and minimizing pollution and promoting fishing industry in coastal area can be useful economic activities providing residents gainful employment.

South Gujarat Region in general and Surat and surrounding area in particular have earned fame for their Synthetic Fabric Manufacturing/Processing and Diamond Cutting and Polishing as largest Clusters in the world. Recently Garment manufacturing, Diamond Jewellery making have been added to these two industries. Besides Pharmaceutical and Chemical industries in Ankleshwar and Vapi region are contributing to the GDP growth. In fact, entire Golden Corridor on NH-8 is humming with industrial activity. These industries started as small scale industry and have grown on their own entrepreneurial skills during five decades (after independence). In light of changing international trading scenario, they have to change with the time. For this, we urge the Planning Commission to find, devise and implement requisite support in the transitional period. Outside competition is from mega corporations and our manufacturing facilities, financial muscle to hold the inventories, finished goods, sell on credit are limited in nature. Here, the timely support from government can go the long way in stabilizing the industries and enable them to face global challenges squarely successfully.

Machinery for textile weaving industry is partly manufactured in this region, but most of the fabric processing industry are brought from other parts of the country. Recently, the trend / demand for more sophisticated fabric quality has attracted the attention of weaving industry. The Water Jet, Rapier etc. machines are imported. They are presently eligible for Technological Upgration Fund subsidies. However, the amount is too small and it is for the entire textile industry in the country.

WE THEREFORE, APPEAL THE PLANNING COMMISSION TO STRONGLY RECOMMEND TO THE TEXTILE MINISTRY, FINANCE MINISTRY AND SUCH OTHER DEPARTMENTS OF GOVERNMENT OF INDIA TO INCREASE THE AMOUNT OF TuF SCHEME AND EXTEND THE PERIOD FOR THE ENTIRE 12^th PLAN PERIOD: 2012-2016. Only then will Indian Synthetic Textile Weaving/Processing Industry be able to compete in world market.

Diamond Cutting and Polishing Industry with Jewellery manufacturing have started installing latest high tech machinery. We urge the Planning Commission to include their machinery either imported or indigenous origin for separate Technology Upgradation Fund for Gems and Jewellery industry for 2012-16 12^th Plan period and beyond. We submit that this period should be for ten years.

As new diversified industries are setting foot in India, planning should be made to train the workers for quality production standard.

Surat is paying high amount of tax to Central Ex-chequer year after year. Hence, we urge the Planning Commission to provide Full Fledged Air Service linking Surat with all important cities of the country for passenger traffic, domestic and export Cargo Complex, Special Super Fast trains linking Surat Directly with her important Trading Centres.

Fabrics, Garments, Polished Diamonds, Jewellery etc. products need to be directly exported from Surat airport. Though the airport is operational, regrettably only one flight of air India is plying between Delhi and Surat, keeping the airport idle for rest of the time. For the sake of increasing business and passenger traffic, it is essential to run more flight by various air lines. Surat is deprived of facilities which are given to other lesser cities having much less business and potential. The city clicking the consistent growth above 11% for several years somehow is stifled due to lack of this important, critical infrastructural facility.

There are mega corporations like ONGC, L&T, Essar, Reliance, Shell etc. located on the outskirts of Surat, which ensures regular air traffic to and from Surat. We look up to the Planning Commission to do the needful in the national interest.

In present impure system, we submit that Awards for Fair Trade Practice should be instituted by the government.

11. Infrastructure and Port Development:

Even though the cost of land transportation of goods is becoming costlier in wake of higher fuel prices of diesel, there is dire need for development of 8 lane Express Highways. Existing National Highways may be updated to this level for speedy goods movement. All roads should be made All Weather Roads.

Medium and Minor Ports should receive more attention than heretofore. National Maritime Board should co-ordinate with state Maritime Boards to work out uniform policy of updating and upgrading the ports with ultimate goal to use them for domestic transport to lighten the burden on railway and roads. Additional capacity will reduce over all budget of Rs. 41 lakh crores envisaged in the 12^th plan period. Comparative study should be urgently ordered and necessary action should be taken sooner.

As for Surat region, Magdalla Port needs special attention, in view of significant traffic of in-coming and out-going raw materials and finished products respectively. Planning Commission is further requested to undertake Dredging in the mouth of rive Tapi upto Magdalla Port so that bigger sea going ships can dock in the port round the year. It will help in promotion of export/import trade with Gulf and Middle East countries. Burden on Mumbai port will be reduced to some extent.

In order to protect the sea shore of India, it is absolutely obligatory to develop stringent satellite monitoring system and prevent any unauthorized intrusion in Indian Territorial Water limits. At present there is laxity and lack of necessary infrastructure of Speed Boats, Vigilant Man Power and Defence Arms to guard the coast. Facility to Coastal Guards should be most uptodate to deal with intruders, pirates and anti-national elements.

Thus development of maritime activities/trade will pave the way to solve many problems in one single decision of the Planning Commission.

12. Labour, Employment & Manpower:

Sudden change in global scenario has necessitated higher quality standards for all goods. Therefore, our workers, management personnel and entrepreneurs will have to learn new skills to produce goods of international standard. More technical institutes imparting training for Diploma and Certificate courses are required. They have to be established in all important district centres and then at taluka centres to train the youth. Small short duration Refresher Courses for each industry should be developed and training should be given at ITI and Polytechnic levels.

Labour laws some times make the workers lethargic due to job security. However, to maintain their present jobs they will have to account for efficient, quality products so that both the company and workers survive. Clumsy labour laws have to be replaced by relevant laws to protect both sides.

Little is thought about the future by workers. Therefore, Social Security should prove to be boon for every worker in his retirement period. Educative programmes to motivate them for saving habit will be useful.

Under no circumstances, young minor children have to go for earning money for family. They must be sent to school till they achieve legally permissible age to work.

Healthy work environment and safety at the work place should be normal routine at work.

New avenues of jobs should be explored and deployed by encouraging new trades, services and industries.

13. Power & Energy: Energy Policy and Rural Energy:

Apart from traditional energy source for Electric Power Generation, there is lignite, Petroleum, Gas, Atomic, Hydel and Alternative sources like: Solar, Wind power. An integrated energy policy will be useful in national interest. We need to keep regional preferences aside and adopt an efficient energy National Policy. National benefit should receive preference to regional pulls.

In depth study of solar and wind resources should be conducted and then to utilise them to maximum utilisation.

Present system of data compilation and collating has to furnish upto the minute information with readily available network of high tech computerization. Entire network should be updated with appropriate software. Monitoring should immediately transmit planned and actual performance of various parameters.

(Issues of solar power and wind power has be dealt with earlier)

14. Rural Development:

The issues have been dealt with in previous sections. However, Full Time Employment to rural population is the main thrust area to contain exodus of rural population to the urban destinations. Availability of gainful employment at their door step is cheaper and better solution. This will also solve the problem of rural poverty. Affordable price for agricultural produce should be constantly monitored and modified as per fluctuation in the input costs of material and labour.

To sustain the rural population, it is necessary to provide additional suitable crops to keep them occupied round the year.

Dual purpose could be served by planning and cultivation of Fruits, Vegetables and Flowers in rural area plus establishing government sponsored Canning Factoring for fruits and vegetables, promotion of Cold Storages in their vicinity to protect the ready crops from spoiling. Cold storages will also help in preserving the Cut Flowers and other Nursary products and air conditioned Container Service to shipment points will help these crops. Looking to Organic Produce demand in domestic and export markets, Green Manuring including Cow Dung can play pivotal role in rural development and sustenance.

We urge the Planning Commission to include these projects as South Gujarat region have fertile land and already produces Mangoes, Cheeku (Sapota), variety of Vegetables, and have initiated Green House farming for Cut Flowers. Also, vast hinterland of Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan is connected to major national ports of Gujarat viz. Kandla, Mundra, and other smaller ports which will facilitate inland and export trade.

Low cost housing is the workable solution to offer safe abode to the rural population. Tradition building material, readily available should also be utilised.

Various locales have different requirements and that diversity should be identified with congruent infrastructure.

Rural Development is closely linked with Agriculture module above.

15. Science and Technology:

In IT and Aero Space domain our progress is almost at par with other developed countries. All round development is necessary with greater thrust with experts at the helm. Therefore, more planning and implementation in research in every other field should receive top most priority. All developed countries are ahead of others due to their uninterrupted dedication to Fundamental Research. Like heavy industries, this effort takes longer time to bear fruits. But once the movement starts, it results in exponential growth in allied fields.

Co-operation of other countries should be treated as starting point, but ultimate goal of the Planning Commission is to be independent in our research endeavour.

Technological progress encompasses every field of our daily life, and the goal is to be Second to None. Ideological differences in the means to achieve the goals should not deter the policy makers.

National Highways and Railways are the life blood of our economic progress. Hence modernization and adoption of best means of transportation should receive priority.

On one hand the urbanisation and technological progress makes efficient production and distribution possible, an average village resident should also be involved to participate and taste the fruits of development. The traditional village industries should also be technologically updated/upgraded for better quality and increased productivity and reach the market to earn value for money. Along with the Gram Sevaks, technicians should also train the villagers.

Like electricity,if water is not used it flows down to the sea. Hence optimum utilisation of water resources for irrigation, drinking purpose and navigation should be planned and implementation. In past millennium India prospered with the use of water for transportation.

16. In global village environment, India cannot remain aloof to the economic activities elsewhere. However, in the present context, the country should be prepared to protect its SMEs and other employment generating industries and economic activity. Firmness shown in WTO negotiations should be manifested in our daily life by keeping constant watch over the influx of foreign goods, which may be dumping ground for them. But it also harms very existence of our SMEs, traditional Home and Cottage industries. No such activity should be allowed to make damage our economic life.

These suggestions and recommendations are submitted to the Planning Commission in hope that short comings of previous plan may be averted in finalizing the 12^th Plan.

The Council has always endeavoured to espouse the cause of SMEs in this region in particular and for national interest in general right from 1940, when it took up the cause of trade and industry. We are dedicated and committed to extend fullest support for all efforts resulting in wide ranging economic and social progress of our people and the country.

Improvement in quality of life in urban and rural areas is our demand. We hope that the Planning Commission will pro-actively take cognizance of this dire need and motivate both the central and state governments. Only then the noble goal to achieve happiness to all will be achieved.

For, Surat Citizens’ Council Trust,

Sharad Kapadia

President

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