MY VIEWS IN ECONOMIC TIMES ON CASH TRANSFER & ON AFFORDABLE HOMES

Economic Times Story on 17.12.12 : We don't agree with the cash tranfer scheme: Mamta 

Comments of MILAN K SINHA (PATNA)
17 Dec, 2012 07:44 PM

The West Bengal Chief Minister is right when she questions the cash transfer scheme without having a full proof mechanism of doing so. It is like putting the horse before the cart. There is no doubt that every one would like the poor masses to receive the benefit of subsidy in a real sense which unfortunately could not happen despite knowing the large scale mal-practice being perpetrated at the ground level with full knowledge of all administrative functionaries and in majority of cases with full involvement of local implementing machinery. Still, the identification of genuine beneficiaries as per the Govt. guidelines is a major area to be taken care of meticulously through out the country. Providing Aadhaar Cards and opening Bank Accounts are other two areas which also need serious attention and constant monitoring. We can't and shouldn't afford to end the existing malady in subsidy delivery mechanism by introducing another scheme by whatever name in a half baked and ineffective manner. After all, every such scheme which involves lacs of crores of public money shouldn't be accepted and appreciated only because it is likely to prove the game changer for X or Y party in the coming elections.

=================================================

Economic Times Story on 15.12.12 : Homes no longer affordable: Will builders offer pre-launch benefits?

Comments of MILAN K SINHA (PATNA)

15 Dec, 2012 07:32 PM

It would be better for all concerned including the Govt. to look into the factors which can push the demand for affordable house in this sluggish market. The whole issue of housing loans to middle class segment is also to be revisited keeping in view the interest & EMI factors and also mechanism for handing over flats/houses to the loanees within promised time for obvious reasons. Undoubtedly, housing is the priority of everybody, more so for the middle & lower income people but the realty firms in the country couldn't make proper assessment of segment wise demand supply scenario keeping in mind the affordability factor. They failed to appreciate that takers of high cost properties are limited in our country, particularly when the housing loan interest rate has been higher and so has been the inflation. In fact, the demand for low cost simple dwelling units with basic facilities is still high in many big cities, what to talk of tier -II cities in the country. Under the circumstances, rationalisation in prices of existing properties together with constructing & offering new ones keeping in view the affordability status of larger population would keep the show of real estate business going without much hiccups in coming years.

                                           Will meet again with Open Mind. All the Best.