Those White Papers

When you want change, don't write one

Those White Papers

During the proceedings of the recent Budget 2012-13, Pranab Mukherjee promised to produce a white paper on black money. But history suggests that a production of white paper in the public domain seldom creates action and, subsequently, change.

-The Times of India, March 23, 2012

The Railways need funds

"The Kakodkar high-level railway safety review committee, which submitted its recommendations to Railway Minister, may not have said anything new or different from the past but it has chosen to tell the Railways how to mobilise the funds for a long overdue, massive safety upgrade programme over the next five years, with an estimate for Rs.1 lakh crore."

The Hindu : Opinion / Editorial : The Railways need funds: After Nitish Kumar brought the Railways back from the brink, and Lalu Prasad took all the credit for prudent financial management, Mamata Banerjee had virtually brought the Indian Railways to a situation of a financial collapse.

It is time the Planning Commission and Finance Ministry took a serious look at the state of the Railways. For if India's biggest employer is unwilling to take even small steps towards better managing its finances, there is no sense in it having a separate annual budget.

Slow Train Coming

Only a drastic change in government policy can make a difference to Indian Railways

Slow Train Coming

The Indian Railways has consistently eluded reform, says the editor. Right from the speeds at which trains run to passenger fairs, the Indian Railways lags much behind International standards. It is in UPA's interests to "rescue Indian Railways from becoming an antique relic."

-The Times of India, February 13, 2012