There is definitely no doubt that India has developed by leaps and bounds when compared to its social and economic situation on the eve of Independence (“Plotting social progress”, November 7). In fact economic growth has been so subtle that even during the economic slowdown India has still managed to post healthy GDP growth figures. Although growth has been quite good, it has been quite uneven. Although many steps and structural changes need to be taken, there are a few things which need to be done at the earliest. First, there is a need to establish Planning Commission-like institutions at the State level for a more comprehensive study of the issues and needs of the State concerned. Second, there should be unanimity on having education and health in the Central list as these are subjects that there should be no compromise on if the nation really wants to grow. Last but not the least, we need to adopt labour-oriented policies for a hugely populous country such as ours.
Karan Choudhary,
Pathankot, Punjab
