Budget 2025 makes it clear the government’s privatisation mission has been buried. It wants to pump money into CPSEs, and receive ever-increasing dividends.
In MP’s Sidhi, the Mohan Yadav-led govt’s proposal to privatise district hospital has drawn flak from patients, doctors, patient rights groups & even some within the ruling BJP.
Giving a fresh look to the ambit of ‘material resources of the community’, the SC said it “may include” privately owned resources, but not every resource owned by an individual.
The experience of privatisation of railways across the world has been mixed. There have been some failures where the incentives did not play out and outcomes didn't match expectations.
While CPSE closures have tripled, new companies are coming up too. With profits & dividends being balanced by low disinvestment proceeds, question is whether govt’s strategic shift is working.
Using a GCC model, where the state contracts private operators, lowers costs and subsidies. It’s possible to run a high-quality service, as anyone who has used London’s buses will attest.
India needs to increase its spending in education and public health, so diverting the taxpayers’ money to these sectors instead of PSUs, would be an advisable step for the government.
Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami has given ticket to a Hindu candidate for the first time and the Bangladesh Nationalist Party has fielded two Hindus. Activists say they are simply paying lip service.
As Visakhapatnam readies a mega airport, the Andhra Pradesh government has revived its shelved Dagadarthi project, aiming to boost cargo and connectivity on the south coast.
The proposed project costing about Rs 3.25 lakh crore will entail procurement of 18 aircraft in fly away condition & the rest made in India with up to 60% indigenous content.
UK, EFTA already in the bag and EU on the way, many members of RCEP except China signed up, and even restrictions on China being lifted, India has changed its mind on trade.
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