Policy Watch: Special Issue – July 2019

This issue is a special issue, covering an article each from all themes. The first article from Theme 1, titled, “Increasing Evidence of Attack and Erosion” highlights how there has been an increase in cases of intolerance leading to violence, how state and institutional machinery are under a threat and how the constitutional values of Justice, Equality and Fraternity are being diluted in the present times.

The second article from Theme 2 discusses our ongoing study on “Reimagining Regional Planning and Development: The Samarth Zillas Framework”. It focuses on how regional planning and development needs to be reconceptualised based on the contemporary realities like large scale migration from rural to urban areas, breakdown of livelihood linkages, changing climate patterns amongst few.

The third article from Theme 3 is about “Taxation for Equitable Growth”. It proposes to have progressive taxation policy which will facilitate equitable growth for all and improvement in public services.

The fourth article from Theme 4, about Forest Conservation and the Forest Rights Act, highlights the issues of forest governance and lack of effective policy implementation given the recent SC order of eviction of nearly 2 million forest dwellers. It also discusses the different approaches of forest preservation and how there is a need to develop an understanding between forest conservationists and its traditional dwellers.

The last article is from Theme 5 and focuses on India-China Trade and Investments. It discusses the need to reduce the trade deficit with China and prospects and challenges of Chinese investments in India.