Let me be candid ; I wish to propose an economic revolution. A carefully carved out revolution that will fundamentally alter the face of India. A simple two steps technical solution, in line with the spirit of the constitutional directives, promises a complete answer to poverty, corruption, inequality and its consequences. We call it Arthakranti.
While rubbing our hands gleefully at the solidity of the Indian state vis-a-vis the state of the economy of the crisis- struck developed countries, our attitude reinforces the adage “If it ain’t broke, why fix it?” Yet, we cannot forget some unpleasant facts : The Indian per capita GDP at PPP of about $ 3275 places it at the 112th rank out of 162 countries (equivalent numbers for USA and China is $46,400 and $6,800). About 77% of India’s population lives on consumption of less than Rs. 20 per head per day and the inequality is growing – with inflation hitting the have-nots hard, while the rich are getting the advantage of the high growth story of India.
The parallel economy is now almost equivalent to the regular economy. The flight of capital to tax havens and foreign banks is also a result of the same. Thus the total revenue collected in the coffers of the Union, State as well as Local governments is just about Rs. 11.5 Lakh Crores, which is far short of the current needs.
There has never been a more opportune time for a paradigm shift in economic thinking, to lead India out of the morass and to show the beacon of light to the rest of the world. India with its unique democracy, economy and challenges is an extremely complex country. A deeply researched unique solutions which does not resolve just the manifestations, but the core causes has to be crafted which is practical, optimistic, holistic and institutionalised.
The Arthakranti Mission, in a decade of its implementation can lead to
· Per Capita Income rising nine to ten times over the present
· The end of poverty, hunger and poverty driven suicides with reduction in prices, social security and increased employment
· Reduction of income disparity
· End of black money and parallel economy, stop flight of money to tax havens and foreign banks
· Drastic reduction in Corruption
· Cleansing of the political system with incentive for the best and brightest and creating conditions for politics becoming a tool for service instead of exploitation and self growth
· No manipulation in accounting, release of creative energy for new businesses
· Global funds coming in big way to India due to increasing growth
· No funding to terrorists, reduction in threat of fake currency
· India becoming globally competitive with surging trade
· Improvement of credit worthiness of Indian society as a whole
· India becoming a role model for developed as well as developing economies
The Arthakranti Mission with its hundreds of serious volunteers has been working on the study, research, documentation and presentation of its practical suggestions for the past ten years. It has been well received by some of the most eminent economists, academics, political leaders and bureaucrats in India.
While vested interests and inertia would resist this new paradigm shift, I hope that the people of this great nation will come together to influence the government to consider the Arthakranti proposal as a tool to seek a better quality of life.
Mayank Gandhi – mayankgandhi04@gmail.com
Comments: 0
good initiative sir…its great..and thats for sure that we the Indians will come together to support the Arthakranti proposal….!!
Sir, Your article is very precise and apt but in fact we can't rely on any Govt. economical statics (even from a reliable source like world bank too) because more than half of our economy is based on black money (which cannot be considered …or calculated when we calculate GDP etc.). The problem for any revolution in India (even economic revolution proposed by you) is not in knowledge, planning or resources (I have no doubt, we have plenty of it).. The problem lies in implementation, which has to be done by a Govt. agency, and all Govt. agencies are so porous, leaky and corrupt that its final outcome becomes obvious even prior to commencement of plan.
Politicians and Bureaucrats enjoy a special privileged status in our country as they are outside the ambit of the Law. All the wrong doings of Netas is through Babus and in return Babus gets rewarded by prize postings, promotions, power and of course money (in the form of bribes), and Netas ensures that nothing happens to Babu because no case can be registered unless permission is given by Neta. I am quoting our PMs:
1: Rajiv Gandhi said only 10% reaches poor (90% lost in corruption).
2: Atal bihari said, “Corruption is biggest Menace”.
3: Manmohan Singh said- “Corruption dents India Image”.
Can you believe these are statement of PM of a Nation? My question is- they talk to whom? Whom do they expect to cleanse the system, when their own ministers and party is the root cause of it? The whole country looks towards them as they are our PM and by making such statement they just show how helpless they are and how deep rooted this menace of corruption is, in our society!!
Don't you think the whole system needs to be changed? Our country’s biggest (so called) asset has been democracy. Here we see bribery to save Democracy? Democracy is the basic tenet of our society; it is the main pillar on which our country and society rests… How can anyone protect the sovereignty and fraternity of the nation when you have already tempered with the foundation of this country?
Our first goal should be to “Make this country corruption free” and that is only possible when we change our system and make Netas, babus and Govt. more responsible and accountable and somehow brings back the national feeling in the common man (where each and every individual keeps nation above his own priorities). Without this I don’t think any revolution (even economical) is possible.
Found ArthaKranti Proposal very tangible & implementable.
Regards
R.K.Atri
Mayank, it all seems like music to my ears, almost like a far off dream turning into actualisation. Could you briefly outline the process
@kaveetaa – The next few articles will outline how it can be a reality. thx
Most of the communities in India (such as Bengali), are succumbed in 'Culture of Poverty'(a theory introduced by an American anthropologist Oscar Lewis), irrespective of class or economic strata, lives in pavement or apartment. Nobody is at all ashamed of the deep-rooted corruption, decaying general quality of life, worst Politico-administrative system, weak mother language, continuous absorption of common space (mental as well as physical, both). We are becoming fathers & mothers only by self-procreation, mindlessly & blindfold. Simply depriving their(the children) fundamental rights of a decent, caring society, fearless & dignified living. Do not ever look for any other positive alternative behaviour (values) to perform human way of parenthood, i.e. deliberately co-parenting of those children those are born out of ignorance, real poverty. All of us are being driven only by the very animal instinct. If the Bengali people ever be able to bring that genuine freedom (from vicious cycle of 'poverty') in their own life/attitude, involve themselves in 'Production of Space'(Henri Lefebvre), at least initiate a movement by heart, decent & dedicated Politics will definitely come up. – Siddhartha Bandyopadhyay, 16/4, Girish Banerjee Lane, Howrah-711101, India.
What is a nation?
A feeling of bonding that keeps people of any territory together.
Keep a hand on your chest where your heart lyes, ask yourself a question. Is there any such bonding present today?
Look around your locality, see if you can find it.
We have lost our nation way back 260 years ago! when several Dynasties ware fighting for saving their own throne when Britishers ware started ruining Bengal and Bombay.
Who said India is a nation. India is a colony to British Govt. till date, look in the Independence Act 1947.
and now our govt. is thinking about rehabilitate the symbol of colonization in Delhi! Nation is not GDP, Nor the per capita