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Narendra <keyword id="6360789" type="ORGANIZATION" weightage="100" keywordseo="Modi-Government">Modi government</keyword> is considering the launch of a high-end digital platform to give a platform to "India's point of view and perspective on global events on the Internet". 
 
Also read: <a href="http://www.businessinsider.in/Indias-DoordarshanGoes-Global-To-Telecast-Programmes-In-Europe-Middle-East/articleshow/44484779.cms">India’s Doordarshan Goes Global; To Telecast Programmes In Europe, Middle East</a> 
 
The operating cost of this channel is pegged around Rs 75 crore. 
 A committee comprising of Sunil Alagh and Shashi Shekar Vempati (members of <keyword id="73857" type="ORGANIZATION" weightage="100" keywordseo="Prasar-Bharati">Prasar Bharati</keyword> Board), R. Jagannathan (Editorial Director, Swarajya magazine), Vamsee Juluri (Professor, University of San Francisco), Rajeev Singh (interim CEO of Prasar Bharati) and Ritesh Bawri (management expert), which was headed by <a href="http://www.businessinsider.in/latest/Prasar-Bharatis-Chairman-gets-salary-hike-at-par-with-CEO/articleshow/47796623.cms">Prasar Bharati chairman</a>, A Surya Prakash, and the Prasar board recently discussed the idea and approved it. The concept was conceived by Shashi Shekar Vempati. 
 
Also read: <a href="http://www.businessinsider.in/Modi-Picks-AIR-DD-As-Media-Brands-Of-Choice/articleshow/44884484.cms">Modi Picks AIR, DD As Media Brands Of Choice</a> 
 
The concept note of the channel says that it "will challenge the anti-India narrative in foreign media through hard and compelling commentary, challenge stereotypes attributed to Indian systems and put forward the India perspective". 
 
This channel will be the go-to point for "the Indian voice" for global opinion makers, influencers, domestic media, India-focused researchers, global academia and think tanks, Surya Prakash told <a href="http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/industry/media/entertainment/media/modi-government-mulls-launching-digital-channel-that-will-be-indias-voice/articleshow/58037833.cms">ET</a>. 
 Initially, the idea of such <keyword id="4386230" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="global-news-channel">global news channel</keyword> was thought of in the time of the <a href="http://www.businessinsider.in/VVIP-helicopter-scam-hidden-facts/articleshow/51976339.cms">UPA government</a>, but was never initiated. 
 
"It couldn't happen earlier for whatever reason. But this is the right time to have a global media presence," Surya Prakash said. 
 
The goals that have been set for this channel for three years from its launch are: 10 to 100 million page views a month, 1 million mobile app downloads, and 1 million <a href="http://www.businessinsider.in/youtube-go-a-new-mobile-app-for-spotty-internet-signals-in-india/articleshow/58026994.cms">YouTube </a>subscribers. 
 
(Image source Two Circles)

Modi government contemplating a digital platform for India's voice

NEW DELHI: The results of the first poll on the performance of the <keyword id="6387077" type="ORGANIZATION" weightage="20" keywordseo="Narendra-Modi-government">Narendra Modi government</keyword> are out. The <keyword id="6360789" type="ORGANIZATION" weightage="20" keywordseo="Modi-Government">Modi government</keyword> has met the expectations of half the people surveyed, while 30 per cent think that the performance has been below expectations. 
 The remaining 20 per cent seem to believe that the government has exceeded expectations, keeping the 'slide' in the past 10 years of <keyword id="26374" type="ORGANIZATION" weightage="20" keywordseo="UPA-government">UPA government</keyword>. The poll was conducted among the 1,30,000 members of online community of 'Transform India with Modi' to gauge the public mood after 60 days of Modi government. 
 Thirty thousand members of the citizen-government engagement initiative responded to the poll. Launched by public policy expert Rajendra Pratap Gupta, a <keyword id="14666" type="ORGANIZATION" weightage="20" keywordseo="BJP">BJP</keyword> member, the Local Circles community has members from various backgrounds like industry, employed professionals, investors, farmers, social activists, students, home makers, academicians, bureaucrats and senior citizens. 
 The communication cell of BJP is also associated with the community. Gupta was also incharge of penning down BJP's election manifesto on behalf of the manifesto committee led by <keyword id="58476" type="PERSON" weightage="20" keywordseo="Murli-Manohar-Joshi">Murli Manohar Joshi</keyword>. 
 
"Outstanding is the perfect word to describe the performance of the BJP led NDA government. If the elections are held today for four states (going to polls later this year), BJP on its own will win over 80 per cent of the seats" Gupta told ET. 
 
In a bid to keep the government on its toes, the poll is likely to become a regular feature, borrowing from USA's system of President's approval rating.

Most Feel Satisfied With New Modi Government's Performance: Survey

Despite tough competition, the Indian Government is looking to revive BSNL and MTNL, which are running into huge losses. 
 
State-run enterprise, BSNL, that operates across India and even in remote areas, had posted a profit of Rs 10, 000 crore when the Atal Bihari Vajpayee government left office in 2004, but "when we returned to government in 2014, it was suffering from a loss of Rs 7020 crore," Telecom Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad told Times of India. 
 
The minister told the news daily that the case of MTNL, which operates in Delhi and Mumbai only, was more curious as it was in profit till 2008-2009, but in 2014, it had a debt of Rs 16,000 crore. 
 
"Someone, somewhere will have to take responsibility and accountability as to which were the forces and patronised by whom, responsible for creating a mess," Prasad told TOI adding that "revival of BSNL and MTNL are priority concerns". 
 
Prasad alleged that the BSNL was practically not allowed any expansion due to which six to seven years were lost, indirectly pointing fingers at the previous Congress-led government. 
 
Sources in the ministry told TOI that every time a tender was called, there were efforts to stall it on one pretext or the other including court cases, security issues, or other 'lame excuses', to allow that time to private players. 
 
Prasad said he plans to recover lost ground in the seventh phase of expansion for BSNL. 
 
He told the newspaper that to ensure good connectivity, 25,645 new base transmission centres (BTCs) would be in place in two to three years, of which nearly 15,000 had already been installed in the last one year. 
 
Also, wireless exchanges of BSNL will be replaced by Internet Protocol (IP) in 432 telephone exchanges and for 70 lakh telephone lines. 
Likewise, MTNL is upgrading 1080 3G and 825 2G sites in the national capital and 1080 3G and 616 2G sites in Mumbai. 
 
Also, Prasad is looking to put the entire complaint redress system online to make it more effective and transparent. 
 
As per reports, BSNL did a great job in restoring telephone connections, be it hudhud, floods in Kashmir or earthquake in Nepal. Pradesh told the telecom department that it should be able to live up to expectations in normal times

Modi Government is mulling to revive BSNL, MTNL

NEW DELHI: The <keyword id="6354977" type="ORGANIZATION" weightage="20" keywordseo="Supreme-Court">Supreme Court</keyword> has criticized <keyword id="6387077" type="ORGANIZATION" weightage="20" keywordseo="Narendra-Modi-government">Narendra Modi government</keyword> for keeping the Lokpal act in limbo for a long time. 
 The apex court has said that an important law like this can not be kept in cold storage. SC has also asked the government for its view on the selection panel comprising the Prime Minister, Speaker of <keyword id="6355187" type="ORGANIZATION" weightage="20" keywordseo="Lok-Sabha">Lok Sabha</keyword> and leader of opposition in Lok Sabha. 
 
SC hinted that a situation has arisen where there is no leader of opposition but it also questioned the government whether any selection can be fair without the leader of opposition. 
 
The Centre, on its part has said that it is undertaking substantial review of Lokpal act and rules to address many concerns but has not clarified whether it would allow the leader of the largest party in opposition to be part of the Lokpal selection panel. 
 
 
 
The Supreme Court has given 4 weeks to the government to come back with its response on amending Lokpal Act to permit the participation of the leader of the largest party in opposition in the selection panel.

Modi Government Cannot Keep Lokpal Act In Cold Storage, Supreme Court Says

Modi Government is about to complete one year in office and one year is a significant time for understanding the intent and to some extent the performance of any government. <keyword id="2403978" type="ORGANIZATION" weightage="80" keywordseo="The-Modi-government">The Modi government</keyword> had won the election on the plank of development and its promise to bring ‘acche din’. The article tries to trace some of the promises that were made and the performance of the government during the previous year under various broad themes. 
 
Economy- The government has been helped by what a prominent editor termed ‘acche sitare’, ‘good luck’. It is no doubt true that fall in commodity prices in general and crude oil, in particular, helped the government reign in the <keyword id="6365485" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="80" keywordseo="fiscal-deficit">fiscal deficit</keyword> and give it headway to make fiscal policies for the country. The fiscal deficit target for 2015-16 has been the pegged by the budget to 3.9%. While this is little above than recommendations of the Fourteenth <keyword id="74136" type="ORGANIZATION" weightage="80" keywordseo="finance-commission">Finance Commission</keyword> ( which recommended it to be 3.6 percent of the <keyword id="35050" type="CITY" weightage="80" keywordseo="gdp">GDP</keyword>), the government has understandably batted for growth. The government still is slowly but surely moving towards the limit set by FRBM (Fiscal Responsibility and Budgetary Management) Act, 2003 that pegged the target at a maximum level of 3% of the GDP. The government has also tried to help the <keyword id="34412" type="ORGANIZATION" weightage="80" keywordseo="economy">economy</keyword> gain momentum by enabling legislation for reforms. These included trying to go in for a major reform in the indirect taxation regime as well as accepting the recommendations of Fourteenth <keyword id="25455" type="ORGANIZATION" weightage="80" keywordseo="finance">Finance</keyword> Commission in respect to revenue sharing with states. It was ostensibly done to ensure a spirit of ‘cooperative federalism’ between states and center, as well as greater financial devolution to states. The figure now stands at 42% of the total revenue collection up from the earlier 32%. Also, the year saw growth forecasts been revised for India by a number of International Bodies and agencies. The IMF revised its forecasts to 7.5 % In 2015 in its WEO April 2015 forecast. It was up from the 6.4 projected for 2015 in the WEO April 2014 forecast. Similarly, the Asian Development Bank in its Asian Development Outlook 2015, indicated a bettering economy with less than 5 percent core <keyword id="22195" type="COMPANY" weightage="80" keywordseo="Inflation">inflation</keyword>. They also alluded to the new monetary policy framework according to which RBI, India's central bank is to play the role of price stabilization primarily while being mindful of growth. With the policy framework in place, the central bank will be maintaining the inflation target of 4±2 % from FY 2016 onwards. Thus with an overall bettering situation a total score of 7.5 out of 10. 
 
Foreign Engagement and Defence- Foreign engagement was by far the area where the most vigorous activity and keen intent were observed. The sphere saw initiatives undertaken by the PM himself to make India more noticeable as well as more integrated with the International sphere. It included among many things, trips to foreign countries both in the neighbourhood as well as to countries like Germany, France, Australia, US, Canada and most recently beginning May 14, 2015 his trip to China. The engagement also saw a large number of foreign dignitaries coming to India from across the world. The engagement also saw bilateral agreements as well as plans to invest in India's development by countries and companies abroad, most notably by Japan, US and China. Also, steps to resolve contentious issues have been undertaken pertaining to the border areas with neighbours. It includes the recently passed Bangladesh Land Accord Bill that envisages transferring enclaves and demarcation of the boundary along the present porous borders. Also, in the broad sphere of defence the decision to acquire 36 Rafale fighter jets is a welcome step. More such acquisitions will have to be made since these 36 planes would add just two squadrons to thirty-five squadrons that IAF has. It is below an authorized strength of forty-two which will be down to twenty- five by 2022. It means we must speed up the process of defense acquisitions since there is urgent need to upgrade and modernize the armed forces and security apparatus in India. Overall a score of 8.5 out of 10 foreign engagement and 7.5 out of 10 on defence. 
 
 
Agriculture- Here the government has not been able to do that well, and it is understandable because there has been erratic weather accentuated by some mismanagement by the government. The sector is critical as most people are dependent on it for employment. Added to the weather were the issues of land acquisition and urea availability to farmers. Land Acquisition Bill though being blocked by the opposition on the farmer rights plank is linked directly to the development of clusters and employment of youth for especially rural areas. The focus of the government seems to be the development of irrigation facilities under its Pradhanmantri Krishi Sinchai Yojana. A fund was proposed to be set up for marginalized farmers with a corpus of Rs. 25000 crores in NABARD. An overall score of 6.5 on 10. 
 
Industrial policy and power- Industrial policy saw a continuity from the previous regime. The National Manufacturing Policy (NMP) was hailed by the 'Make in India' as the 'most comprehensive and significant policy initiative of the government'. The 'Make in India' is an initiative that is critically dependent on other factors. These include availability of land, ease of doing business as well as removal of inverse duty structures that make imports of finished products cheaper than finished products. Apart from this labour policies that favour flexibility in hiring and firing are also seen to be the main bottlenecks. While the government has taken some steps to rectify, these bottlenecks outcomes are yet to be seen. Similarly, the <keyword id="44528" type="ORGANIZATION" weightage="80" keywordseo="FDI">FDI</keyword> policy has seen incremental reforms with the opening up of <keyword id="35450" type="COMPANY" weightage="80" keywordseo="insurance">insurance</keyword> and defence sectors further to 49% from the earlier limit of 26%. Both these are positive steps for the economy. Greater structural changes could have been undertaken in these spheres especially with the mandate, but nonetheless significant work is been done. In the power sector, much has been achieved. It included the successful auction of the coal mines, which is slated to rope in a massive 15 lakh crore over the 30-year timeframe if all the mines are auctioned and are working at optimum output. Apart from this coal production was at an all-time high as well as the government seems on track to meet the power requirements of the country. Overall a score of 6.5 for industries and a score of 8 for power out of 10. 
 
Education- The countries' education system can broadly be classified under two broad areas- higher education and school education. There are several schemes that are operational under these. The government in the past one-year has come up with several new initiatives including the Beti-Bachao Beti Padhao Abhiyan, Swachh Vidyalaya and GIS Mapping of schools and has opened several new institutions. However, the fact remains that despite all government’s initiatives most people if given a choice, prefer private schooling since it gives their children a competitive edge later on in their careers. The governments of the past have failed in this and correcting this anomaly will take time. Also, in respect to higher education the government seems keen to have holistic development with several new AIIMS, IIM and IIT like institutions being opened in states that have a paucity of these. What remains to seen is how quality and not just quantity is pursued within these institutions while ensuring regional development. An overall score of 6.5 on 10. 
 
Infrastructure- The primary focus of the government in this sphere is up-gradation of existing and quick development of new infrastructure. The first can be observed in the push for railway up-gradation and improvement in customer service. The second can be observed more in the highways sector with the minister setting himself a target of 30 km a day by 2017. In March this year 11 km of roads were being laid. The broad ambit of infrastructure covers the development of roads, highways, ports, airport, waterways, canals, and railways. It is too early to judge the government's progress on the same however the fact that there is clearance for projects worth close to Rs. 6 lakh Crore across 10 key sectors. It shows intent on the part of government for infrastructure development. Overall a score of 7.5 on 10. 
 
Social Schemes- The social schemes of the government have been particularly impressive. These include the <keyword id="2494045" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="80" keywordseo="jan-dhan">Jan Dhan</keyword> Yojana, Pradhan Mantri Jivan Jyoti Bima Yojana (PMJJBY) Pradhan Mantri Suraksha Bima Yojana (PMSBY) and Atal Pension Yojana and many other social missions like the <keyword id="6562839" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="80" keywordseo="Swacch-Bharat-Mission">Swacch Bharat Mission</keyword> and the Clean Ganga Mission. For the Jan Dhan Yojana already around 12.5 crore accounts have been opened along with a capital infusion of Rs 10,500 crore into the system. The three recently launched social security schemes (namely the (PMJJBY), Pradhan Mantri Suraksha Bima Yojana ) and Atal Pension Yojana) have got nearly 6.5 crore subscriptions. It is because (PMJJBY) scheme offers Rs. 2 lakh cover for a mere 330 Rs. Per year (provided bank account holders are from age 18-50). Under the (PMSBY), renewable one-year accident cum disability cover of Rs. 2 lakh is provided for Rs.12 premium every year. The Atal Pension Yojana is aimed at those people who work in the unorganised sector and do not fall under the ambit of regular pension. The scheme offers pension under various brackets depending on the contribution made over a period. The scheme is for people in the age bracket 18-40 years. The social focus of the government is also evident from the fact the government has continued with previous schemes and linked them with technology for targeted interventions. The JAM (Jan Dhan Account, Aadhaar Cards and Mobiles) number Trinity as mentioned in the budget speech is an example of the same. The government seems to have a social focus for benefit to poor. An overall score of 8 on 10. 
 
Urbanization and Urban development- The urbanization and urban development received an increased thrust under the 100 Smart City project. The thrust of the present government is not only on up gradation of brownfield cities but also development of new greenfield cities. Traditionally, India has been slow to urbanize, and at present 32 percent of people reside in urban areas. However, the quality of urban life has seen a precipitous decline in the past few decades. The government's smart city initiative is a step aimed at understanding and absorbing the migration of people from rural to urban areas. However, the implementation of the project holds the key. Success in greenfield development is critically linked to land acquisition. Also, will the 'smart cities' improve liveability for the ever-burgeoning population remains to be seen? The project is ambitious in scope and the past year has seen some activity with the launch of the GIFT city in Gujarat and work on cities of DMIDC. An overall score of 6.5 on 10. 
 
Health and Environment- Health along with education have been two areas where successive governments have faltered. The system in India needs a drastic overhaul and increased spending by the government. Also there is a severe shortage of trained personnel in the sector. Add to this the decrepit facilities in rural areas that forces one to look at ways and means to better delivery. The activity in the health ministry was seen to be rather subdued. However, the taxation on cigarettes ensures that a majority of population reconsiders decision to buy cigarettes. The quality of air and the general pollution levels in Indian cities pose serious health issues for all residents. Disease patterns are also changing and this calls for a comprehensive approach to healthcare access and delivery. Not much has been done in this regard. An overall score of 6 on 10. 
 
<keyword id="107737" type="ORGANIZATION" weightage="80" keywordseo="Entrepreneurship">Entrepreneurship</keyword> and Employment- For the first time a separate ministry for entrepreneurship has seen the light of the day. This fact along with the fact that skilling are the main thrust areas of the ministry make it clear that the government is in sync with the present ground reality. A million people will enter the workforce every month over the next decade. So it becomes imperative that India produces jobs for its burgeoning workforce. That will not just come from formal and informal sector but will require a thrust for entrepreneurship. Similarly, thrust for skilling is imperative. Further, a draft policy on skill development and entrepreneurship has already been made and put out for public consultation. Though much remains to be seen in terms of its impact the direction and intent, in this case, seems to be spot on. An overall score of 7.5 on 10. 
 
Overall, in assessing the performance, the government seems to have taken cognizance of the major challenges facing India in multiple spheres and taken requisite steps. It seems to be headed in the right direction. It augurs well for India in the medium to long term. Much will depend on the speed of legislation, decision-making and implementation over the next four years. 
 
(Dr. Amit Kapoor is President and CEO of India Council on Competitiveness and Honorary Chairman of Institute for Competitiveness, India. He tweets @kautiliya and can be contacted at <a href="mailto:amit.kapoor@competitiveness.in">amit.kapoor@competitiveness.in</a>. The article is co-authored with Sankalp Sharma who is Senior Researcher at Institute for Competitiveness)

Assessing one year of Modi
Government: 6/10 leaving scope for major improvement

NEW DELHI: Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led government, whose agenda was highlighted by <keyword id="2540" type="POSITION" weightage="60" keywordseo="President">President</keyword> Pranab Mukherjee in the Parliament on Monday, has outlined a series of measures and reforms, which it hopes will help the <keyword id="6356076" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="40" keywordseo="indian-economy">Indian economy</keyword> achieve its potential of high growth. 
 India's economy has been stuck in a rut of low sub-5 percent growth levels and a sticky <keyword id="22195" type="COMPANY" weightage="40" keywordseo="Inflation">inflation</keyword>. The President has said that putting the Indian economy back on track is paramount for the Modi government. 
 
"On the economic front, we are passing through an extremely difficult phase. For two consecutive years, our GDP growth has been less than 5 per cent. Tax collection has declined. Inflation continues to be at an unacceptable level. Thus, putting the Indian economy back on track is paramount for my government," he said in his address to a Joint Parliament session. "We will work together to usher our economy into a high growth path, rein in inflation, reignite the investment cycle, accelerate job creation and restore the confidence of the domestic as well as international community in our economy," Mukherjee said. 
 
"My government is committed to nurturing the right environment for actualizing this mandate of the people. For this, it pledges itself to the principle of 'Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas'; which can be fulfilled only through your active participation," the President said. "We will work together to re-establish the credibility of the institutions of democracy. My government will function on the mantra of 'Minimum Government, Maximum Governance'. In all our actions, we will be guided by the core values of our great civilization," he added. 
 
Mukherjee's address spelt out the government's priorities on various issues ranging from reducing inflation and poverty to rebooting the economy to ensure inclusive growth. We take a look at 10 economic agendas that stood out: 
 
1) Poverty elimination: According to Mukherjee, the government is dedicated towards poverty elimination. "The greatest challenge before us is to end the curse of poverty in India. My government will not be satisfied with mere "poverty alleviation"; and commits itself to the goal of "poverty elimination". With a firm belief that the first claim on development belongs to the poor; the government will focus its attention on those who need the basic necessities of life most urgently. It will take necessary steps to provide security in its entirety to all citizens; through empathy, support and empowerment." 
 
2) Containing food inflation: Keeping a check on food inflation has been of utmost importance for both the RBI and government. For the same the government has suggested supply-side measures. "Containing food inflation will be the topmost priority for my government. There would be an emphasis on improving the supply side of various agro and agro-based products. My government will take effective steps to prevent hoarding and black marketing," Mukherjee said. 
 
"It will reform the Public Distribution System, incorporating best practices from the States. My government is alert about the possibility of a subnormal monsoon this year and contingency plans are being prepared," he explained. 
 
3) Agriculture: Agriculture is the source of livelihood for majority of people. "The government will increase investment in agriculture, both public and private, especially in Agri-infrastructure. Steps will be taken to convert farming into a profitable venture through scientific practices and Agro-technology," he said. 
 
"My government will address issues pertaining to pricing and procurement of agricultural produce, crop insurance and post-harvest management. Productivity of Animal Husbandry will be increased. My government will incentivize the setting up of food processing industries," Mukherjee said. "Existing cooperative sector laws will be reviewed to remove anomalies and lacunae. My government will adopt a National Land Use Policy which will facilitate scientific identification of non-cultivable land and its strategic development," he added. 
 
4) Federal structure: Greater co-operation between the state and the central governments has always featured in <keyword id="6354477" type="PERSON" weightage="40" keywordseo="Narendra-Modi">Narendra Modi</keyword>'s list of measures. His government has stressed on the same in its agenda. "The States and the Centre should function as an organic Team India. In order to actively engage with the States on national issues, my government will reinvigorate fora like the National Development Council and the Inter-State Council. The Centre will be an enabler in the rapid progress of States through Cooperative Federalism," Mukherjee said. 
 
5) Transparent systems and timebound delivery of government services: According to Mukherjee, the government is committed to providing a clean and efficient administration focussed on delivery. "My government will take steps to build the confidence and morale of our bureaucracy; enabling it with the freedom to work, and welcoming innovative ideas. The government will stress on putting in place transparent systems and timebound delivery of government services." 
 
"Government systems and processes will be revisited to make them citizen friendly, corruption free and accountable. Efforts will be made to eliminate obsolete laws, regulations, administrative structures and practices. Rationalization and convergence among Ministries, Departments and other arms of the government will be ensured to have focussed delivery. Digitization of government records will be done for improving accessibility." 
 
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6) E-governance: E-governance brings empowerment, equity and efficiency, feels the new government. "The backbone of my government's new ways of working will be a Digital India. The National e-governance plan will be expanded to cover every government office from the centre to the Panchayat; to provide a wide variety of services to citizens. Emerging technologies like Social Media will be used as a tool for; participative governance, directly engaging the people in policy making and administration." 
 
7) Ease of doing business: The government aims to create a policy environment which is predictable, transparent and fair. It will embark on rationalisation and simplification of the tax regime to make it non-adversarial and conducive to investment, enterprise and growth. 
 
"My government will make every effort to introduce the GST while addressing the concerns of States. Reforms will be undertaken to enhance the ease of doing business. My government will follow a policy of encouraging investments, including through FDI; which will be allowed in sectors that help create jobs and assets," the President said. 
 
8) Job creation: In a country favoured by a young population, creating employment opportunities is very important. For the same, the government wants to strategically promote labour-intensive manufacturing. 
 "Employment opportunities will also be expanded by promoting tourism and agro-based industries. My government will transform Employment Exchanges into Career Centres - connecting our youth with job opportunities in a transparent and effective manner through the use of technology as well as through counselling and training," he said. "The government will strengthen the <keyword id="6354432" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="40" keywordseo="pension">pension</keyword> and health insurance safety nets for labour force of all categories and would provide them access to modern financial services," he added. 
 
9) Infrastructure: For any nation, development of infrastructure is essential to ensure growth. India has lagged on this front for some time now and the Modi government plans to give a major push to infrastructure. 
 
"The government will chalk out an ambitious infrastructure development programme to be implemented in the next 10 years. A fast-track, investment friendly and predictable PPP mechanism will be put in place. Modernization and revamping of Railways is on top of the infrastructure agenda. My government will launch a Diamond Quadrilateral project of high speed trains," Mukherjee said. 
 
"The country will have a network of freight corridors with specialised Agri-Rail networks for perishable agricultural products. Investment in railways will be increased using innovative financing methods. Expansion of railways in Hilly States and Northeast region and modernization of rail safety systems will be prime focus areas. We will encourage R&amp;D and high level local manufacturing for railway systems." 
 
10) Tourism &amp; Culture: India has a vast untapped potential for tourism which can play a special role in our socio-economic progress. "The government will initiate a mission mode project to create 50 tourist circuits that are built around specific themes. With a view to encouraging pilgrimage tourism, a National Mission for beautifying and improving the amenities and infrastructure at pilgrimage centres of all faiths will be launched."

Narendra Modi Government's 10 Economic Agendas That Stood Out In President's Speech

With India moving towards becoming a cashless economy, there are a lot of expectations from the digital payments industry. As the agenda of the digital economy takes center stage, the <keyword id="6354477" type="PERSON" weightage="20" keywordseo="Narendra-Modi">Narendra Modi</keyword> government has already taken a number of steps to encourage electronic payments. 
 
<a href="http://www.businessinsider.in/the-jaipur-lit-fest-tried-to-be-cashless-and-failed/articleshow/56738111.cms">ALSO READ: The Jaipur Lit Fest tried to be completely cashless and failed. Here's what happened.</a> 
 Even as Finance Minister <keyword id="42575" type="PERSON" weightage="20" keywordseo="Arun-Jaitley">Arun Jaitley</keyword> announced a slew of measures as incentives for digital payments, which are guaranteed to benefit the e-commerce industry as a whole, startups like Mobikwik, CashKaro and <keyword id="2777173" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="20" keywordseo="Razorpay">Razorpay</keyword> have pinned a lot of hopes on the upcoming Budget. Here’s what they are expecting from the government:

Budget 2017: Expectations of Fintech
Startups from Modi Government

<keyword id="6359833" type="ORGANIZATION" weightage="100" keywordseo="Goods-and-Services-Tax">Goods and Services Tax</keyword> (GST) is the biggest tax reform introduced in India since independence, and is certainly a game changer. However, the process undertaken by the government to implement GST was no less than a game changer itself. 
 
Several aspects had to be taken care of, and the most important part of the whole process was to stay focused on the bigger picture, not bowing down to the political and administrative negotiations that came with it. 
 
It was <a href="http://www.businessinsider.in/topic/Narendra-Modi">PM Narendra Modi </a>who was the leader of the process, along with finance minister <keyword id="42575" type="PERSON" weightage="100" keywordseo="Arun-Jaitley">Arun Jaitley</keyword>, who served as the bridge between him and the stakeholders. 
 
How often does it happen that the key members of the leading party of world’s biggest democracy meet up with the opposition leaders and that too a month after losing elections in a key state. However, it was the commitment that BJP had for GST that made him, along with Jaitley and parliamentary affairs minister Venkaiah Naidu had a meeting with former PM Manmohan Singh and Congress President Sonia Gandhi, a month after BJP lost Bihar elections. 
 
The PM, sources say, said that India needed GST and then the FM took over, explaining to the opposition why their positions, like capping tax rate at 18% in the GST statute, had to be reconsidered. He added that while a poor GST was not an option, their other demands will be duly considered. 
 
Also read: <a href="http://www.businessinsider.in/removal-of-cesses-for-gst-would-cost-government-rs-65000-crore/articleshow/57793686.cms">Removal of cesses for GST would cost government Rs 65,000 crore</a> 
 Ever since then, the <keyword id="117924" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="GST-Rollout">GST rollout</keyword> became a big puzzle with several tangled knots, which could be and was solved keeping in mind one thing, that GST was too big a reform to fail. The idea was to unite the country in a fundamental way, and before a deadline but only after clearing every doubt that anyone had. 
 
As per officials that <a href="http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/economy/policy/how-modi-government-managed-to-solve-the-gst-puzzle/articleshow/57980627.cms">ET </a>contacted, Modi referred to GST as more than a tax reform at Cabinet meetings, exemplifying India's "unity in diversity," asking his team to prioritise GST. The FM, very smartly negotiated the terms so that political rivalries didn’t hinder the implementation process. 
 
In total, <a href="http://www.businessinsider.in/gst-council-clears-almost-allrules-except-for-remaining-four/articleshow/57959857.cms">GST council </a>had 12 meetings; however, from the second meeting itself, there were signs of political bitterness raising its head, which is why the government decided to seek consensus and encourage everyone to offer solutions. 
 
While taking care of the taxation, the government had to get into intense detailing with the tax administration, which is when it demonstrated that it had no intention of cornering states. 
 
Also read: <a href="http://www.businessinsider.in/markets/economy/gst-to-keep-an-eye-on-your-perks-outside-ctc/articleshow/57889157.cms">GST to keep an eye on your perks outside CTC</a> 
 
In the whole process, the leading party is said to have never shied away from reaching out to rivals, just so the GST could be passed without fail. It involved reaching out to CPM's Sitaram Yechury, SP's Ram Gopal Yadav, TMC's Derek O'Brien, BJD's Dilip Turkey, NCP's Praful Patel, and several other point-persons from <a href="http://www.businessinsider.in/politics/delay-in-implementing-gst-during-nda-government-led-to-rs-12-lakh-crore-loss-says-congress-party/articleshow/57892537.cms">Congress party</a>. 
 
The PM had a message for his team working on GST, which was to work at top speed without compromising with the quality. The team included hundreds of officials spread in small groups, solving difficult questions of both producing and consuming states and working for a period of more than eight months, including holidays and weekends. 
 
"It took us several months and many informal discussions to reach a consensus on how the final draft should look like," said a top official. 
 
Also read: <a href="http://www.businessinsider.in/no-gst-for-education-and-healthcare-this-year/articleshow/57972964.cms">No GST for education and health care this year</a> 
 
The work of these teams should be credited for the fact that the GST framework is ready three months before the <a href="http://www.businessinsider.in/markets/economy/eyeing-july-1-rollout-arun-jaitley-introduces-four-bills-on-gst-in-parliament/articleshow/57851897.cms">July 1 deadline</a>. 
 
(Image source GST Taxation)

Here’s how difficult the GST process was for the Modi government

In a bid to wipe out under-recoveries for both the fuels, the <keyword id="81848" type="ORGANIZATION" weightage="80" keywordseo="Ministry-of-petroleum-and-natural-gas">Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas</keyword> is mulling a staggered monthly price hike for LPG and kerosene. The government is looking to increase LPG pricing by Rs 5 per month per cylinder and kerosene by Re 1 per litre per month, according to a media report. A Re 1 per litre hike in kerosene will cut under-recoveries by Rs 850 crore per annum. 
 
According to Kirit Parikh, oil and gas expert, "A gradual increase in price is certainly better than no increase at all. Re 1 per month for kerosene is a good price increase." 
 Parikh was of the opinion that the proposed hike on LPG is much less than what is required. "LPG can bear a much higher burden than just Rs 5 per cylinder per month. Currently the subsidy on <keyword id="75088" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="80" keywordseo="LPG-cylinders">LPG cylinders</keyword> is almost Rs 500. So you need to go a long way. I welcome this as a step towards the right direction," he added. 
 Earlier, <keyword id="2373057" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="80" keywordseo="Petroleum-Minister-Dharmendra-Pradhan">Petroleum Minister Dharmendra Pradhan</keyword> had said that the price of domestic LPG cylinders will not be increased. He had also added that the number of subsidised refills given to consumers would continue. 
 
"LPG will be provided to the consumers at the same rate at which it is being made available now. No additional burden will be imposed on them. The subsidy and the number of subsidised cylinders that people are getting will be continued by our government," said Pradhan.

Narendra Modi Government Likely To Hike LPG, Kerosene Prices

Admirers of Prime Minister <keyword id="6354477" type="PERSON" weightage="100" keywordseo="Narendra-Modi">Narendra Modi</keyword>, who completes one month in office today (June 24), would say he has made a grand start. He has not shied away from biting the bullet on tough decisions needed to revive the country’s economy. 
 
For his critics, however, much of this is old wine in a new bottle with only cosmetic changes. 
 
Given the hope and euphoria surrounding Modi’s ascent to power, the new government’s first 30 days have been under scrutiny. His promise of achhe din (better days) instilled the hope of a better life among the masses. 
 Modi started with a bang by inviting the leaders of <keyword id="8470" type="ORGANIZATION" weightage="100" keywordseo="SAARC">SAARC</keyword> nations in his swearing-in ceremony and thus showing his desire to focus on foreign policy and build bridges with the neighbours. 
 
From speaking of inclusive, accountable governance to allowing a free hand to bureaucrats, many of his moves have resonated well with the people who were tired of scandals and indecisiveness of the previous UPA government. 
 
However, the real challenge for the Modi government will be reviving investment, creating jobs and curbing inflation. The prospects look bleak, given the forecast of weak monsoon and the Iraq crisis, which is driving up fuel prices. 
 
By raising railway fares, the government has signalled that the journey to achhe din will involve going through some bure din or tough days.

High Hopes And Apprehensions Mark 30 days Of Modi Government

The Modi-led government is banking among other things on its ambitious <a href="http://businesstoday.intoday.in/story/disinvestment-process-arvind-mayaram-ongc-nhpc/1/209842.html" target="_blank" title="Disinvestment process to start in 2-3 months: Mayaram">disinvestment programme </a>to pare fiscal deficit—the amount of money it borrows to fund its expenses—from 4.5 % of gross domestic product in 2013-14 to 4.1% in 2014-15. However, like the previous <keyword id="26374" type="ORGANIZATION" weightage="20" keywordseo="UPA-government">UPA government</keyword>, the new NDA regime too is unlikely to meet its divestment target. 
 It recently approved share-sale plan in three state-owned companies—Coal India (CIL), National Hydroelectric Power Corporation (<keyword id="45180" type="CITY" weightage="20" keywordseo="NHPC">NHPC</keyword>) and Oil and Natural Gas Corporation (ONGC). This will help it scoop up Rs 44,000 crore, which looks close to the government’s target of raising Rs 43,425 crore from stake sale in public sector companies in the current financial year. However, even the most optimistic empathisers say the government is likely to miss the target. 
 The government plans to sell 10% stake in <keyword id="45383" type="COMPANY" weightage="20" keywordseo="Coal-India">Coal India</keyword>, 5% in ONGC and 11.36% NHPC which will fetch Rs 23,000 crore, Rs 18,000 crore and Rs 2,800 crore, respectively, at current market prices (it currently holds stakes of 89.65 per cent in Coal India, 85.96 per cent in NHPC and 68.94 per cent in ONGC). 
 The track record of the government in meeting divestment target is far from impressive—it missed target for the last financial years (last year, it raise only Rs 16,027 crore against a target of Rs 40,000 crore). So far this year, it has managed to raise only Rs 1,700 crore, by divesting a 5% Steel Authority of India (<keyword id="6357529" type="CITY" weightage="20" keywordseo="SAIL">SAIL</keyword>). 
 
A clutch of factors may hinder the government from meeting its target this year as well. Its plan to scoop up Rs 23,000 crore via sale of 10% in Coal India is too big to be achieved. This will be the first time the government is going to make such a huge offering (the largest share sale so far is Coal India’s Rs 15,000-crore IPO in October 2010) and if the market has the appetite to absorb such a humongous offer is yet to be seen. The government may also find it hard to overcome the stiff resistance from trade unions that are vehemently opposed to stake sale in Coal India. 
 Another concern is about ONGC. Crude oil prices have been trading at historic lows of late amid worries of a supply glut (prices have already dipped below $60 per barrel, which is a multi-year low) after <keyword id="47969" type="ORGANIZATION" weightage="20" keywordseo="Opec">OPEC</keyword> decided not to cut production in the last week of November. Non-OPEC member Russia, another top oil producer, too indicated it will not pare production. So whether investors would be ready to invest in ONGC at a time when oil prices have seen an unprecedented decline is another question. 
 
Also, the government would need active participation from public-sector financial institutions such as Life Insurance Corporation (LIC) to make the stake sale in Coal India and ONGC, etc. a success. For instance, in 2011-12, LIC invested around Rs 12,000 crore to pick part of ONGC shares that were on offer. However, this time around analysts expect the life insurance major to stay away from such an indulgence as its premium collection has failed to gain speed so far this year—a sign of increasing competition from a litany of private sector players that are trying to defeat life insurance behemoth on its own turf. 
 Another factor which will decide the success of this year’s stake sale is participation from global investors. However, considering the dip in inflows from FIIs to the <keyword id="47445" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="20" keywordseo="Indian-market">Indian market</keyword> in recent times, participation from global players including sovereign wealth funds may be a dampener. Whether this year’s <keyword id="981290" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="20" keywordseo="Divestment-plan">divestment plan</keyword> is going to be a bang or a whimper will also be dependent on how well finance ministry and divestment department are going to market the salability of the public-sector biggies that are on the block.

Will Modi Government’s Divestment Plan Turn A Whimper?

<ul><li>The stand-in finance minister <keyword id="6355222" type="PERSON" weightage="20" keywordseo="piyush-goyal">Piyush Goyal</keyword> took time in the middle of his speech to praise a recent blockbuster, <keyword id="71431" type="CITY" weightage="20" keywordseo="Uri">Uri</keyword>. </li><li> “Single window clearance for ease of shooting films, available only to foreigners, is now going to be made available to Indian filmmakers as well,” Goyal said. </li><li>Modi government’s affair with Bollywood is a recent phenomenon. </li></ul>Budget 2019 had, possibly, the maximum reference to Indian showbiz of all the finance bills presented in the country’s history. To start with, the stand-in finance minister Piyush Goyal took time in the middle of his speech to praise a recent blockbuster, Uri, which glorified the Narendra Modi government’s decision to conduct ‘surgical strikes’ into Pakistan-occupied-Kashmir. He then went on to solicit Bollywood’s love with a change in rule, which should not have been there in the first place. “Single window clearance for ease of shooting films, available only to foreigners, is now going to be made available to Indian filmmakers as well,” Goyal said. And that was not all. He also said that “regulatory provisions will rely more 14 on self-declaration. We will also introduce anti-camcording provisions in the Cinematograph Act to control the menace of piracy.” Goyal also highlighted how the government pushed for a lower tax on cinema tickets through the GST (goods and services tax) Council. Let’s look at how the relationship has evolved in the last four and a half years. It’s showtime Modi government’s affair with Bollywood is a recent phenomenon. In fact, in the first three years of the regime, the government’s relationship with the film industry was rather tenuous. One of the government’s appointees, the former chairman of the film certification board, the CBFC, Pahlaj Nihalani was a big thorn in the flesh for the country’s film industry. He infamously took the moral high ground and censored multiple films, most famously Anurag Kashyap’s Udta Punjab. Even after the Bombay High Court <a href="https://www.indiatoday.in/movies/bollywood/story/udta-punjab-latest-dveelopment-cbfc-bombay-high-court-verdict-censor-board-13840-2016-06-13">struck down</a> the CBFC demand for cuts in the film, Nihalani <a href="https://www.huffingtonpost.in/2016/06/14/pahlaj-nihalani_n_10451088.html">said</a> , “the door for films with obscene and vulgar content.” Despite the fans’ anger and the industry’s anguish, he remained the chief of the ‘censor board’, as CBFC is colloquially known in India, for 2 years, while <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bP-l_JY2Vng">he intermittently flattered the </a>government and the prime minister. Not just the working professionals in Bollywood, the government faced a severe backlash from the students of cinema too. In 2017, Gajendra Chauhan’s appointment as the chairman of Film and Television Institute of India (FTII), triggered <a href="https://indianexpress.com/article/opinion/columns/the-problem-with-gajendra-chauhan/">a huge uproar</a>. Students <a href="https://indianexpress.com/article/india/india-news-india/ftii-students-call-off-hunger-strike-to-attend-classes-wont-engage-with-govt/">went on a protest</a>, that even turned violent for a bit, saying Chauhan was qualified to lead a reputed institution like the FTII. The students, who alleged that Chauhan’s appointment was a political move and not based on merit, found vindication when Chauhan <a href="https://indianexpress.com/article/india/im-a-bjp-soldier-will-do-whatever-is-assigned-gajendra-chauhan-4553227/">said</a>, “I am a BJP soldier and I will do whatever is assigned any duty assigned to me.” However, things turned for the better in 2018. Firstly, the new CBFC chief, the accomplished writer and lyricist Prasoon Joshi, has cannily handled the two divergent groups-- the government and the film industry. Secondly, some members of the film industry also served the government well. Two films released towards the end of 2018 were just what prime minister wanted, months before seeking re-election. The first film, <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/accidental-prime-minister-is-at-the-epicenter-of-a-massive-political-controversy-in-india-just-with-its-trailer-launch/articleshow/67286606.cms">The Accidental Prime Minister</a>, was based on a revelatory book about all the corruption scandals of the previous government led by the Congress. It was the country’s first biopic made on a living prime minister, and showed the Manmohan Singh administration in poor light, and deservedly so, as many would argue. However, that government was voted out in 2014. The other movie of 2018, which helped the cause of the Narendra Modi government, was the slick story of border conflict, Uri. <a href="https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/magazines/panache/budget-2019-piyush-goyal-all-praise-for-uri-in-parliament-says-the-josh-was-unmatched/articleshow/67789368.cms">The movie was a hit</a>,and it allowed the government to revive nationalistic sentiments that are directly proportional to the amount of hate for Pakistan. A little gratitude for pliable filmmakers was probably in order. Who knows, others may fall in line too. See also : <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/budget/news/budget-2019-live-updates/liveblog/67784324.cms">Budget 2019 Highlights and News Live: Proposal: no tax on income up to ₹5 lakhs</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/explainer-the-modi-governments-pension-scheme-for-informal-workers/articleshow/67790926.cms">Explained: The Modi government’s pension scheme for informal workers</a>

You Searched For "Modi Government" and got 12 results

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