Your editorial on ‘ a poverty of statistics’ ( June 30,2011) is very timely and most appropriate. Policy decisions based on false data are perhaps one of the reasons for all ills of the economy viz; high inflation, black money, inequality of income, unemployment, poor GDP growth, poverty levels etc. The strength of the country’s Information Technology has not been fully exploited to improve the data base of the economy and there is a growing feeling that people below poverty line do not reflect the correct position. Even the number of people paying taxes and filing return do not compare well with the welfare of people and luxury exhibited by many particularly after the liberalization of the economy in early 1990s.
The data on the economic activities and income levels of people particularly under self employed categories do not seem to be correctly reflecting in employment and poverty levels. The economic liberalization has improved the earnings of many particularly in urban semi-urban and metropolitan centres and both skilled and unskilled labourers are not available in many parts of the economy. Distribution of income in terms of economic activities though has improved, but where it reflects in terms of employment and poverty level is a matter of serious concern. It is time some serious attention is paid to capture the data on earnings, employment and poverty level of people so that policy decisions on subsidies, taxation, inflation and welfare of people can be better targeted and achieved.
T.V.Gopalakrishnan
The edited version of this came in 1st July 2011
Tuesday, July 5, 2011
Prime Minister and the Press
The editorial is well balanced and conveys the message that the Prime Minister's office, and not necessarily the Prime Minister himself, should interact with the media regularly.
These are the days of allegations and charges on anything and everything, and the sensationalisation of even small things has become the order of the day.
The Prime Minister's office has to come out with its official stand and views at frequent intervals to clarify the issues of importance raised by reporters.
Even a news bulletin from the PMO on some of the major issues highlighted by the media and the Opposition parties would clear the doubts of the people, who will have the satisfaction of having heard of the Government's stand through Prime Minister's office.
T.V. Gopalakrishnan
This appeared in the Hindu Business Line 2nd July 2011
These are the days of allegations and charges on anything and everything, and the sensationalisation of even small things has become the order of the day.
The Prime Minister's office has to come out with its official stand and views at frequent intervals to clarify the issues of importance raised by reporters.
Even a news bulletin from the PMO on some of the major issues highlighted by the media and the Opposition parties would clear the doubts of the people, who will have the satisfaction of having heard of the Government's stand through Prime Minister's office.
T.V. Gopalakrishnan
This appeared in the Hindu Business Line 2nd July 2011
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