Review of Union Budget - "Achhe Din, Aney Wala Hain" .... Achhe Din Aagye Hain????

The new government is done with the Union Budget. The whole country was waiting for this document. People's expectation was at high pitch. All - from common man to Dalal street wanted some significant announcements which would bring about dazzling change. After the budget lot of columnist wrote intersting columns in the esteemed newspapers to ventilate their critical thoughts. I read some of them and was happy that India as democracy is quite vibrant.

Last 10 years we have seen some significant improvements in governance at the state level. This I say from my own experience through field visit in many states of our country. In Chhattisgarh, this is visible in rampant restructuring of PDS system. In Bihar the government strong intent to enhance the learning outcomes through government programmes called Mission Gunwatta. In Rajasthan and UP the different schemes to enhance the girl's education. Most of the states have also disciplined their fiscal balances except few states. So thora thora achhe din to hain... 

But the progress in social sector is much slower in India. India's 2013 rank in HDI is low at 136 out of 187 countries. In this context, Indian budget and especially the new government should have done something significantly more. Then only Achhe Din Ayenge. 

When I see budget, I feel that nothing much is provided for social sector.

• For SSA, in education, an amount of Rs. 28,563 crores has been allocated. The budget makes the provision for safe drinking water and toilets but nothing is specified for enhancing learning outcomes. Since a decade ASER reports says very categorically that inspite of spending such a large amount of tax payers' money for SSA but the learning outcome is very low. What is the vision of new government for this is not at all clear in new budget. 
• In health, there is no mention of universal health care, including health insurance for all. NRHM is totally neglected. 
• The budget does not talk about Panchayati Raj at all. 
• The budget does not talk about the administrative reform in the process of implementing MGNREGA. One of the major issue of this scheme was very late payment of wages. It is not addressed. 
• Regarding Malnutrition the budget says within six month a comprehensive strategy will be in place... hope it may come..

According the National Economic Survey the challenge is the efficiency in delivery system. The delivery system is very very poor in our country. No steps are to revamp the schemes or converge the schemes is mentioned in the budget. 

The new government, I think have missed the chance to give a hope for Achhe Din. 

Let see what gets unfold in near future which would change the country for better. At present the government main agenda is more on improving the relationship with the neighbouring countries. Above that making of big statue of Sardar Patel. Using huge amount of tax payer money in making a statue of Unity when our children are dying in bengal due to severe malnutrition and our women are unsafe as they need to go out for toilets. I don't understand why we are good at lip service during election and not close to it when we need to be doer.