Model code, productive use

The government is now closed for business, or at least serious business, until the first week of June. After the announcement of the general election dates and the enforcement of the model code of conduct, no policy decision will be made until a new government assumes office. The terribly elongated polling process, perhaps necessary to ensure free and fair elections in every part of India, means that almost a full quarter will be lost for policymaking. At a time when the economy is still facing challenges on the growth front — industrial growth was just 1.7 per cent in January