‘If single-minded focus on development agenda continues, success will follow’

Rating: 4/ 5

It has been an impressive start by the Prime Minister. What is important to note is that he is very much focused on the country and its development. His intentions of building strong relations with Japan and some other nations is also a step in the positive direction. There is a lot to benefit if India aligns with Japan. The impact of his economic policy will be known in a few quarters from now. But definitely the overall sentiment for business has improved in the country.

The Prime Minister needs to be lauded for his focus on Governance and efforts to streamline the bureaucracy. It is also evident that the Government is working aggressively on making India an attractive investment destination to provide jobs to millions and grow the economy. In the first 100 days, the government had taken many small steps to prepare the stage for economic repair and a high-growth trajectory.

The Government’s focus on ‘Health for All’ was visible in its maiden Union Budget with announcement of measures like providing free drug and diagnostic services to needy patients and creating AIIMS in every state of the country. It important to address the critical challenge of providing access to high quality medicines and medical treatment to our 1.2 billion-plus population and at least the intent can be seen in the 100 odds days of the Modi government.

The Government should take steps to introduce the Goods and Services Tax (GST) soon; which will help in simplifying and streamlining the indirect tax regime and will benefit all industries. Similarly, a lot of other policy decisions needs to be taken and most importantly these policies need to be implemented and its progress monitored over a substantial time frame. For now, all we can say is that the PM is on the right course and if this single-minded focus on the development agenda continues, success will follow.

– Rajesh Desai, Executive Director – Finance, Glenmark