Uttar Pradesh, Bihar and Free Trade
Before getting to how freedom of trade is instrumental to economic growth in these two states, I’d come to the point that they’re too large as states to be functional. Can UP be divided into four parts? It’s naturally got four regions called Purvanchal, Bundelkhand, Awadh Pradesh and Paschim Pradesh. Dividing the state in this way would be great because I think governing 200-250 million people in one state is not feasible.
The state get four chief ministers and be better governed with 50-70 million people under them. This will be great news for the life, safety and prosperity of the people of UP. Once divided, I want to point out that the current planned economy with production-linked schemes and all only seem to benefit a region with easier land acquisition laws and ready labour — such as the Southern states and Maharashtra.
These states has many mobile as well as other electronics factories. I think the reason is they have more efficient and reliable land acquisition and labour laws, as well as reliable supply of power and water. UP has a high population density, which makes land acquisition and landowner disbursement very trying under its present laws. Plainly, it’s nightmarish. And, so, no one really sets up shop here.
That doesn’t mean that a state such as Bihar hasn’t done well. It has consistently grown at 8-10% for a decade now. Bihar faces a similar problem of high population density, difficult land acquiring and terrible labour laws. These two states also have the highest female fertility rates.
If the country needs a growth engine, it has to be these two states. No longer can the South and West states be the drivers. These states must continue to contribute to the economy, but a more dynamic economy can only be attained if Uttar Pradesh and Bihar grow, grow, grow. I think freedom of trade in the states will help with their growth because these they can then find their respective niche in the service sector, even if they lag in their manufacturing capacity.
Time Zones
A no-brainer. Our nation will have improved economic activity and economic productivity if there are three time zones instead of the ridiculous standard time zone for everyfuckingbody.
The Economic Regeneration Of Jammu And Kashmir
Jammu should be split from Kashmir. The laws governing Kashmir are very heavy and arbitrary, and are holding back Jammu’s economic prosperity. Jammu doesn’t need these laws (neither does Kashmir, but never mind).
I hope there will be progress if the two regions are split up, so that Jammu is free to grow. Ultimately, a self-determination referendum should be held for Kashmir so that we can do away with the madness as well as millions of rupees that are wasted on oppressing them by stationing half a million troops.