This refers to the report "Congress manifesto offers growth but tilts towards equity" (March 27). Governance has taken centre stage. In its manifesto, the Congress does not speak of resources for all that they envisage on the expenditure front. Talking merely of promises, as in the past, like expanding rights, higher agricultural support prices, investment in infrastructure, access to electricity, job creation, and reducing deficit without mentioning the sources for raising funds for them is a lopsided exercise. The manifesto should have covered as to how the Congress will ensure effective and efficient governance in the areas of implementation of projects nearing completion, fiscal and taxation matters, supply chain for control of inflation and other socio-economic aspects. It mentions nothing of the role of collaborative and co-operative endeavours through community participation and NGOs, especially in reducing corruption and leakages of social benefits. Nor does it mention how pending bills in Parliament and matters such as the goods and services tax and direct taxes codes will be revived and implemented. Having been running the government for a decade the Congress' manifesto could have been a unique document of referral value for the future.
K U Mada Mumbai
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