2030 vision

Petroleum Minister M Veerappa Moily's "grandfather" comment above was novel enough to merit attention. Otherwise, these days, journalists often start taking notes even before he starts speaking. That's because they know what he's going to say; it's a stock speech he delivers on every occasion, whether it is on overseas trips or award functions. Entitled "India-2030 for energy scenario", his speech runs thus: "As much as 80 per cent of the fuel is being imported. But India will attain 50 per cent self sufficiency by the year 2020 and 75 per cent during 2025 in terms of fuel and 100 per cent by 2030." Given the controversies he's facing over gas pricing, this is a safe topic to choose. After all, as John Maynard Keynes reminded us, in the long run, we are all dead.