Transformative Vision: Empowering India’s Future – Charge for Water, Equip Kids with Laptops, and Boost Tourism Through Innovative Measures

Here are five key proposals for the 2025-26 budget aimed at addressing critical issues in India:

1. Fiscal Deficit: A steady path of fiscal consolidation set during the COVID-19 pandemic must continue. It is crucial to target a fiscal deficit of 4.9% for this year and aim for 4.5% next year, providing economic stability in uncertain times.

2. Water Crisis: India faces an urgent water shortage, with per capita consumption significantly below global averages. Establishing a GST-like council for water pricing consensus is vital. All sectors, particularly agriculture, should contribute financially to water conservation. Additionally, the government should fund low-cost loans for sewage treatment plants near water bodies and municipalities to replace obsolete water supply infrastructure.

3. Ease of Doing Business (EODB): To enhance business efficiency, the ease of doing business should be measured by construction timelines per state, from project initiation to occupancy. This metric, particularly in construction, could provide a more accurate representation of EODB by state and reduce bureaucratic delays that currently extend project timelines.

4. Computers for Children: Given India’s demographic advantage, improving educational outcomes is essential. Providing free computers with preloaded educational programs to children aged 8-18, along with 24/7 power and Wi-Fi in every tehsil, can bridge the digital divide and foster better learning through competitive incentives.

5. Tourism Enhancement: Despite its potential as a major employment sector, tourism in India lags. Implementing strategies to encourage longer stays, such as promoting night programs for attractions, easing access to key sites, and simplifying entry with 15-day visa-free access for specific countries, can boost tourist appeal. A tax holiday for hotel developers and moderated GST rates can incentivize investment in hospitality infrastructure. State missions should actively attract tourists, drawing on successful campaigns like Kerala’s "God’s Own Country."

These measures, if implemented, could significantly strengthen India’s economic prospects and global standing.

Original Source: https://indianexpress.com/article/business/economy/janmejaya-sinha-make-all-pay-for-water-give-a-laptop-to-kids-from-8-18-measure-indian-missions-by-tourists-from-those-countries-9763701/
Category : Business,Economy
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Publish Date: 2025-01-07 04:20:00