Mamata’s roadmap for reforms, observers see compulsions
KOLKATA: Often West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee isn’t known for her love for economic reforms but she has no option.With jobless growth triggered by central government economic policy when West Bengal is getting worst as it doesn’t have enough strength to compete in term of knowledge economy,’’ said a top state finance ministry official.
And what is the evidence of Mamata leaning for reforms? The recent budget which is seen to have slashed up budgetary allocations for area like education, health, panchayat development and so many other departments, barring information and culture ministry rather allocation have gone up.
“Though we haven’t got any directives as yet for infrastructural developments to attract investments but it can happen any time,’’ noted another official,“ slashed up allocations may reroute itself for other puposes.Incidentally, Mamata has already tagged her party’s support for lonely Modi’s GST Bill. “What does it indicate if not her support for more proactive economic policies by Modi’s Government?’’ asked a top Left leader Ashok Ghosh.
According to political observers what made her desperate has been that notwithstanding her foreign tours and efforts to call top Indian industrialists and “she de didn’t enough response.’’But growth cannot take place in isolation, a professor said, adding, “so slashing up funds for departments is an indication.’’
