I
Sir,
By subsuming the Rail Budget in the general budget, the railways would be in a better position to raise funds, from elsewhere including foreign on the strength of the sovereign to invest in projects having long gestation period. It would also help in bringing about structural reforms in the Railways. Only thing the Government will have to ensure is that the operational autonomy of Railways is not compromised as feared in some quarters. Also this move should not become a precursor to privatization of Railways, which may have a disastrous consequences in a country like India where the Railways are the life line, particularly for the poor. Along with this merger or rail budget, the Government decision to advance the general budget presentation and doing away with the distinction of plan and non-plan expenditure should lead to better planning and spending outcomes in the entire financial year by various ministries and departments.
Yours etc…..
K R Sudhaman
New Delhi
II
Sir,
We in this country are having traditions in politics and the Government that are long due for either scrapping or amending to make things of administration easy and smooth. Structural changes on a massive scale were denied to the countrymen by the previous UPA Governments. The new Government under PM Modi has taken this task on itself and after streamling the defunct Planning Commission changing into Neeti Aayog, it has decided to club the two budgets of Railways and General into one single budget .The hallowed traditions need to be reversed and this is a big step towards that end.The decision to the timings of the budget too is important as it is decided to bring the dates forward.This is an innovative and reformist measure which will give new boost to the development of Railways and provide opportunities for global investment in it.
A very welcome and daring step , indeed for the development of the country.
Yours etc….
Neelam Sharma
Gandhi Nagar
Jammu
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