Open Economy - A Progressive Economic System

 Open-Economy - A Progressive Economic System

Free Trade and Capitalism:

Around the world, most of the economies are following capitalism i.e. no restrictions on the promotion of trade and use of ‘ease of doing business'. As the demand for goods and services is growing, capitalism is the best way to fulfill the demand and provide opportunities to traders, contractors, service providers in the economic growth of the economy. The world of today is best known for its ‘Free Trade’, also known as ‘Globalization’. India with its new industrial policy open trade for the whole world in 1991 and it nurtured technological innovations and today Indians are known around the world for their technological skills. No doubt, capitalism is the best way to ensure a high rate of economic growth. In ‘Free Trade’, the economies or markets balance the demand and supply of goods and services and as per the demand, the entrepreneurs are motivated to use the resources.

The era of Globalization promoted Privatization and fixed the inefficiencies of the public sector by incorporating the Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs). However, the major drawback, capitalism, and globalization brought, is the domination of economically powerful nations upon weaker countries of the world.

Why ‘Free Trade’ is best for Economic Growth?

It is fact that money is a great tool for motivating people for doing more work, due to greed the workers, laborers, entrepreneurs, executives work more and earn rewards or bonuses from the increase in revenues. The competition is increased and the people performing well are awarded high-paying jobs and assignments. The same had happened during the last three decades in India. However, the biggest concerns which are coming today, are environmental concerns. Due to the over-exploitation of economic resources, the developing economies are facing environmental concerns with the rising levels of various types of pollution.

Development of India:

India meets its capital and technology transfer requirements from developed nations including America, Russia, Japan, etc. Every year most Indian citizens get employment opportunities from these developed nations. Due to the support of these nations, India stays protected from terrorism and uplifts its standards of defense on the national boundaries. The Prime Minister of India visits the developed nations to strengthen the relationships and further seek the support of these nations for the upliftment of Indian citizens. The industrial policy was implemented in 1991 to increase liberalization and opened the Indian market to Multinational companies. The policy was implemented due to the pressure of sustaining good relationships with the developed nations. Due to plenty of resources, India is still growing instead of being exploited by foreign companies.

Development of China:

China is the second-largest economy in the world and is known for its competitiveness in offering products and services around the world. The political stability in China and promotion to socialism than capitalism made the nation stand separate from the other nations of the world. The major economic problem of China is poverty and with the help of reforms, it is continuously targeting the economic problem. The poverty alleviation programs of China are helping people to uplift themselves and get rid of the vicious circle of poverty.

By improving the exports of the nation, China is providing opportunities to the rural poor people to generate opportunities for self-employment. The high-quality and cost-efficient products are prepared and exported by China. The second critical problem is the large population of China. Around one-fifth of the world’s population resides in China. Instead of such critical problems of population and poverty, China is doing remarkable work in ensuring the rate of economic growth by taking necessary initiatives.

Trade War by the United States of America:

The book ‘The Wealth of Nations' which was written by a great economist, ‘Adam Smith’ explains that encouraging export and discouraging imports can reduce the current account deficit and the industries are automatically motivated to perform well in the country. Honorable President of United States, Sh. Donald Trump just after taking the charge started to do the same. The United States started a trade war by imposing higher import duties for the importers of the United States and also warned the countries not to restrict exporters to export commodities in the United States. The signal of making the United States restrict and improve the financial cash flows in the United States through raising taxes on imports. However, there is a threat that may create problems for the United States that the BRICS countries may decide to restrict trade with the United States. China being a powerful economy started to oppose the policies of the United States by restricting its trade. The foreign minister of China in March 2018 asked India to shake hands in trade. He asked if India and China known as Elephant and Dragon respectively be clubbed for trade then the countries can fight with the United States in the trade war and the power of united India-China will be Eleven instead of Two. 

Threat to open economies:

An open economy doesn't restrict its producers and traders to import and export products and services. The Chinese President Xi Jinping supports an open economy and China has emerged as a nation with maximum liberalization in trade. But there are a few initiatives that have been taken recently but are against the concept of the open economy like shutting down access to Google and Facebook in Beijing, restrictions, and removal of foreign TV shows on online portals in China, new rules for online news websites, etc. The control over online media in China and India; is really a new concern. The developing nations sometimes find disruptions from online media like in India, during the 'Jat stir' in North India, Whatsapp had been deactivated by restricting Internet connectivity for a few days. 

Role of open economies in economic progress:

Controlling online media and restricting foreign investments with targeting nations cannot be considered fair for the countries that opted to remain open economy. India and China both are leading to success due to liberalization and openness to the whole world i.e. globalization. Both economies are actively maintaining stock markets and attracting foreign investment by creating a comfort zone for the investors. The Punjab National Bank Scam through misusing SWIFT by Nirav Modi and Scam by Rotomac's Vikram Kothari again raised the concerns of corruption in the Indian economy. 

China's progress in other countries:

The claim of China's Ministry of Industry and Information Technology to clean up domestic internet, the introduction of new cyber security law, shutting down online services of video services, are the steps that are moving Facebook and Google to invest more money in India, and indirectly the benefits are coming to Indian citizens. 

India's initiatives for economic growth:

The Note-Ban, implementation of GST, and controlling inflation through increasing foreign investment, made India stand firm for getting more growth rate in coming years. The countries are competing to survive and grow faster in coming years and the concept of the open economy can be added advantage in it. It's required to utilize the technologies with safety and security because misuse of technologies can also add to corruption.

Capitalism and Trade War by the United States is a threat for the whole world:

Being an economist and expert in Financial Matters, I can predict the consequences of the present policy of the United States, on the whole world. The developing nations and underdeveloped nations would be facing great economic problems due to the trade war of the United States. The professionals, talented people, experts, of developing and underdeveloped nations are being offered lucrative packages to work in the United States and other developed nations of the world. The scientists who are great researchers and innovators are flying to developed nations to serve them and poverty is taking place with more speed in the developing and underdeveloped nations. Today, more than 40% of the doctors of developed nations like the United States, United Kingdom; are from overseas and the percentage will rise further in the coming years because it will become hard to afford the cost of medical services, professional services, and the services relating to professionals. The Asian Countries, Eastern Europe, and African countries are facing the problem of talent crunch and it will grow further. The result will be adverse for the poor countries.

What can poor countries do to defend the trade war of the United States and other Developed Nations?

It is fact that the United States and other Developed Nations are ruling poor countries through their policies and the poor countries which had adopted capitalism like India, are facing critical problems. The current account deficit and devaluation of currency are the results of it. The major point is, how such nations like India can defend the trade war of the United States and grow on their own?

The answer is to develop their own industries, their own talent to work in their countries, giving lucrative packages at par with the developed nations to the professionals by linking with their performances. The poor countries should enrich the entrepreneurship skills and give incentives to the individuals coming ahead for optimum use of resources and the taxes should be imposed on Multi-National Companies (MNCs) related to developed nations for working in the poor countries. However, it is very difficult but the only resort to defend the trade war from the United States and other developed nations are to adopt such policies. In case, the employment opportunities are increased in poor countries and it is ensured that the talented people should not escape to the rich countries; definitely, the economies will proceed on the path of prosperity and can easily ensure a higher rate of economic growth.

*Copyright © 2021 Dr. Lalit Kumar. All rights reserved.

This content is written by Dr. Lalit Kumar Setia; a renowned author and trainer. He completed his Doctorate in Commerce from Kurukshetra University Kurukshetra and MBA in Information Technology from GJU, Hisar. He also wrote two books, 15 research papers, and organized more than 200 Training Courses during his working period since 2006 in Haryana Institute of Public Administration, Gurugram. The article was published in 2019 and last updated on 18th November 2021. The writer can be contacted on lalitkumarsetia@gmail.com 

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https://drlalitsetia.blogspot.com/p/new-articles-study-material-notes.html 

Questions on Geography Part-3

Questions on Geography Part-3

Compiled by Dr. Lalit Kumar Setia | @drlalitsetia  | drlalitsetia@gmail.com

In competitive examinations, the questions are usually asked about the current affairs, geography, science, political science, current events etc. The questions most of the time, came from latest happenings and issues relating to current environment. Our team complies the information and frame questions on the basis of latest updates in various areas of knowledge while keeping a close watch over the questions being asked in various examinations. It is must to provide simplified process of learning to the viewers who may be students, officers, persons requiring updates in various areas of knowledge. 

In this part, we will cover questions on Geography. For latest information on various happenings a separate web-page 'Leaves of Progress' is also being maintained. Questions on Hindi, English, Child Development and Pedagogy, Social Studies etc. are also compiled and updated from time to time. 

Apart from these, the questions on Rajasthan, Haryana, India, World are also added on various linked web-pages. 

1. The largest irrigated area of the world:

A. Ganga Basin

B. Indus Valley

C. Brahamputra Valley

D. Mahanadi Basin

Answer: B

Note: The Indus Valley is located in Pakistan, is the largest single irrigated area of the world.

2.  The Makran is located in the following ocean:

A. Bay of Bengal

B. Arabian Sea

C. Indian Ocean

D. Mediterranean Sea

Answer: B

3. Which of the following state of India has maximum mines?

A. Rajasthan

B. Gujarat

C. Andhra Pradesh

D. Jharkhand

Answer: C

4. The piece of sub-continental land surrounded by water is known as:

A. Island

B. Peninsula

C. Strait

D. Gulf

Answer: A

5. The land surrounded by water on three sides is known as:

A. Gulf

B. Peninsula

C. Strait

D. Island

Answer: B

6. A waterway connecting two larger bodies of water?

A. Peninsula

B. Strait

C. Gulf

D. Island

Answer: B

7. A chain or set of Islands located in a single area are known as:

A. Gulf

B. Strait

C. Peninsula

D. Archipelago

Answer: D

8. The largest contiguous cotton-growing region is located in which of the following countries?

A. India

B. China

C. Pakistan

D. America

Answer: D

9. The Coffea Charrieriana is type of coffee which is free of caffeine. In which country it is grown?

A. Vietnam

B. Liberia

C. Cameroon

D. Yemen

Answer: B

10. The largest Archipelago is known as:

A. Malaysia

B. Indonesia

C. Maldives

D. Andaman & Nicobar Islands

Answer: B

You might be interested in the following:

1. Questions on Biology Part-1

2. Questions on Biology Part-2

3. Questions on Biology Part-3

4. Questions on Biology Part-4

5. Questions on Biology Part-5

6. Questions on Science Part-1

7. Questions on General Science Part-2

8. Questions on Science Part-3

9. Questions on Science Part-4

10. Questions on Science Part-5

11. Questions on Current Events Part-1

12. Questions on Current Events Part-2

13. Questions on Current Events Part-3

14. Questions on Current Events Part-4

15. Questions on Geography Part-1

16. Questions on Geography Part-2

How Money Grows in NPS

How Money Grows in NPS

By Dr. Lalit Kumar Setia

The National Pension System (NPS) account can be opened either through Point of Preference (PoP) corners or through eNPS web portal. The subscriber of NPS contributes an amount every year in NPS account and the contributed amount is invested by the pension fund managers through various schemes. In order to ensure money deposited in NPS grow at substantial rate, the subscribers are provided to make choices.

Choice of Investments and Exposure to Equity in NPS:

At the time of registration, the subscriber is asked to give choice to adopt active or auto mode of selecting the categories of investment i.e. Debt, Equity or Government Securities. If the subscriber adopts Auto Choice, then on the basis of age of the subscriber, the system ensures exposure to the equity. More the age, less the exposure will be ensured to the equity. In Auto option, again subscriber is provided three levels i.e. Aggressive means up to 75% exposure to equity, Moderate means up to 50% exposure to equity, and Conservative means up to 25% exposure to equity.

The exposure to equity means the amount to that extent will be invested in the stock market and subject to market risk for its growth. More the rise in stock market indexes, more the growth will be and in case stock market indexes fall, there will be risk of reduction in returns to that extent.

In case, a subscriber wants no exposure or full exposure in the equities, he can adopt Active Choice. In Active Choice, the subscriber can define exposure to investments to Equity, Corporate Debt, Government Securities and Alternate Investment Funds (AIF). The Government Securities are considered the safest zone of the investments while the Equities are considered, the most risk prone zone of the investments.

Checking the growth in Money in NPS:

At the time of registration, a subscriber is asked to select the Pension Fund Manager (PFM). The performance of each pension fund manager can vary on the basis of his exposure to different types of equities in the stock market. The subscriber can check the performance of PFM and if required can change his PFM once in a financial year. The PFM includes SBI Pension Fund Manager, LIC Pension Fund Manager, ICICI Pension Fund Manager etc. Each Fund Manager performs in the market and according to performance, his Net Assets Value (NAV) is computed. The equities held, the NAVs of PFMs and returns in various schemes can be monitored online at http://www.npstrust.org.in/return-of-nps-scheme.

Net Assets Value (NAV) in National Pension System:

The stock market opens and closes on every working day and a lot of investments are made and withdrawn everyday. On the basis of demand of the stock scrips, the holdings of Pension Fund Managers, the NAV is computed at the end of each working day. The growth depends upon the securities in which amount is invested and cash in the hands of PFMs.

Old Pension Scheme vs. National Pension System:

However, both are different in nature, structure and benefit, but both are applicable to employees; therefore, compared. 

The OPS is a defined pension scheme of Govt. of India, whereas NPS is a contributory pension scheme without any defined benefits. 

In old pension, the benefits are fixed even the employees entitle to get enhanced benefits with increase in Dearness Allowance (DA). While under NPS, the pension is fixed keeping in view, amount of contribution, entry age, period of subscription, type of investment pattern opted by the subscriber, investment income accrued, percentage of total corpus utilized for Pension, Annuity option chosen and other relevant factors. 

*Copyright © 2018 Dr. Lalit Kumar. All rights reserved. 
You might also be interested in learning from the following:

1. How Money Grows in NPS   

2. Tax Deduction at Source for Deductors  

3. Tier I and II Accounts of NPS 

Work Environment after MeToo Movement

Work Environment after MeToo Movement

By Dr. Lalit Kumar Setia |  @drlalitsetia  |  drlalitsetia@gmail.com  |  Created December 16, 2018

Updated December 24, 2018

In October 2018, the Internal Complaints Committee (ICC) of Delhi University found a professor guilty of sending obscene, vulgar and sexually coloured language to a student and the Bharati College issued show cause notice to the professor. The technology can be used in both good and bad ways. The investigation and audit of following norms associated with use, can also be checked and verified through intelligent resources. The section 354 of Indian Panel Code (IPC) describes the penalties for the offence of Sexual Harassment at workplace.

Sexual Harassment:

The sexually determined behaviour including physical contact, demand or request for sexual favours, showing pornography etc; covered under the term sexual harassment. It is required that each head of office in an organization frame the rules on prohibition on sexual harassment and notify it. The rules should also comprise financial penalties on violation of the rules.

Internal Committees for probing the sexual harassment allegations:

In organizations with work-strength of more than 10 employees, it is required to formulate committee inside the office to investigate the matters relating to sexual harassment allegations (if any). Such committees should have 50% women including one external member from any non-government organization working for safeguarding the rights of women.

Imprisonment and Penalties for Sexual Harassment under Criminal Law Act, 2013:

In case, it is proved that a person inappropriately touched a woman, then under the criminal law act, 2013; he can be punished with at least one-year imprisonment along with fine.

In case, it is proved that a person observes, captures, and distributes images of a woman without her knowledge; he can be punished with at least one-year imprisonment along with fine under information technology act, 2013.

In case, it is proved that a person used words, gestures to outrage a woman’s modesty; then he can be punished with at least three-years imprisonment and fine under the criminal law act, 2013.

In case, it is proved that a person had consensual sex with a subordinate, he can be punished with at least five-years imprisonment and fine under the criminal law act, 2013.

In such circumstances, each person should bound himself to be caution with the following tips in mind to avoid any case of sexual harassment:

Behavioural Issues – Mind Actions and Reactions

In 2013, Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal Act was enacted which detailed the sexual harassment of women at work. The act restricted various actions of harassment at work and make the gender bias-ness nullified in the office culture. The act remained successful in bringing the women at equal respect and perform as per their official standards. The jokes which can harm the emotions of the women are covered in misconduct and the women cells are working to protect the women.

Mind the language being used:

The comment upon the work of the female employee, the instructions and the way the instructions are provided, everything comes under the scanner of sexual harassment after the movement of MeToo. What the female employees are thinking is more important than the intention of the officers, colleagues, and subordinates particularly male persons. It is must to think twice before speaking and interacting with the female persons in office.

Staring is not allowed, training of social skills to male persons:

The MeToo movement clarified that if somebody is staring the female employee, it may come under the scanner as ‘lack of social skills’. The staring can be considered as wrong intention in the mind of male person and it will be considered as sexual harassment. In case, a person is using wording with dual meanings and laughing without any cause, that may also come under the sexual harassment.

Don’t ask any question relating to personal life:

The friendship between male and female employees can provide freedom of talking whatever can be ethically right but asking something about the personal life of female person and commenting upon her life; can become a part of MeToo experience to the female employee. For example, asking any female employee about her domestic life and how her relationships are going with her husband or something else over the limits, can be part of the MeToo experience.

Never Touch and Keep Yourself Away:

It is must to keep in mind that staying away is better for the male persons and never try to be near to the female employees. Touching can be a part of sexual harassment and an action of misconduct can be there. If the job work cannot be done without touching and being near to the female, then also it is required to keep the limits in mind.

Give compliments with being more careful:

A person may have the best intent but what matters is, the thinking of the female employee. What she thinks whenever given any compliments. Giving personal compliments or talking about the personal life of any woman employee or commenting upon the work; can become a part of harassment.

Finally, it is must to maintain the official culture and decorum in such a way that no issue can take place relating to sexual harassment. It is must to safeguard the female employees and make them feel free regarding fulfilling their duties. Always give respect and honour their work so that they never feel any harassment at work.

*Copyright © 2018 Dr. Lalit Kumar. All rights reserved. 

Can GST bring stability

Can GST bring economic stability 

Goods and Services Tax:

The Goods and Services Tax (GST) was implemented from 1st July 2017 and the aim of the tax was to streamline the tax collection of government by reducing the tax evasion. The traders, businessmen and people faced a lot of difficulties at the time of its implementation, but now it is bringing good results in the form of great collection of taxes. In starting, the GST had been opposed by the traders and even criticized by the experts but soon it started showing its benefits.  In October 2018, the GST collections become more than Rs. 1 Lac Crore including CGST, SGST, and IGST. The increase in collections is being seen due to festival season during the quarter. However, the number of GST return filers also increased from 60 lacs to 70 lacs during March to October 2018. The GST council tried to simplify the processes of collecting GST by arranging meetings and taking several measures during the whole year of 2018; however, cutting down the number of different rate slabs of GST can further improve the tax collections.

GST as an indicator of economic stability

Such collection of GST is a positive mark for the economic development of India. India is still dependent on foreign investments to meet its capital requirements. The collection of taxes in large amount can make it self-dependent to finance its development expenditures but that can be possible in long term because at present the economy is suffering with huge interest on debt payments everyyear. The average monthly revenue generated from GST collections during the year 2017-18 was Rs. 89885 crores. In case, the GST collections improved further, it is possible that GST bring economic stability and the nation may require to raise less loans; which will definitely improve the overall image of India. The rupee will appreciate and the investors will prefer to invest in rupee. The future of India seems bright only due to high collections of Goods and Services Tax (GST).

Challenge to deal Fake Bills

In GST, there is provision to provide input tax credit and the officials of Central GST Commissionerate and State Taxation Departments detected a lot of cases relating to "issue of fake invoices without supply of goods". There are firm's who are associated with only bill trading and are being detected by the officers. How it is possible, let us understand the concept. 

Firm A showed that it sold goods to Firm B without supplying the goods only in invoice. The firm A issued the billed to firm B with imposing GST and firm B made the payment. The tax amount in bill is availed as input tax credit. After payment, the firm B which purchased the goods (without getting any supply) returned the goods back to the firm A. These transactions are not fully in bank accounts and the cash transactions are mixed to evade the tax.

*Copyright © 2018 Dr. Lalit Kumar. All rights reserved. 

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How India Tackled the ILFS Crisis

How India Tackled the ILFS Crisis 

By Dr. Lalit Kumar Setia |  @drlalitsetia  |  drlalitsetia@gmail.com  |  Created October 26, 2018; 

Updated December 16, 2018

Whenever any company becomes sick, there are two alternatives either get it recovered by taking necessary steps or sell it to someone who is capable to manage it better than present owners. In liquidity crunch i.e. shortage of cash in the economy; every company suffers with lack of capital. In last quarter of the year 2018; the companies located in India, reported various problems due to liquidity crunch in India. The Corporate Affairs Ministry and National Companies Law Tribunal supervises the status of companies on basis of their Asset-Liability Management (ALM) position. The housing and infrastructure companies borrow through rising commercial papers and through external commercial borrowings (ECBs) to manage their working capital level which is must to meet the short-term obligations. The management of each company look for balancing their loans, maintaining sufficient liquidity, and strengthening the balance sheet. The housing and infrastructure companies are funded by banks, big corporate people, and in case any such company fails to meet its financial obligations; the sign becomes negative for all such stakeholders. In 2018, the IL&FS defaulted in making payments of its short-term loans and a crisis happened. 

IL&FS Crisis

The IL&FS crisis happened due to liquidity crisis because the company had invested money in long-term projects and required to pay the liabilities for which it had less assets to be converted into cash. The liquidity ratios i.e. Current Assets Ratio and Liquid Assets Ratio had not maintained in IL&FS which are required to be maintained in each business so that such crisis cannot be happened. Seeking loans and financing for the growth of business, is very good and must for an entity but at the same time, it is also must to maintain the short-term interest payments for servicing of the debt.

Monitoring and Control over Liquidity

In India, the monetary policies of RBI controlled the quantum of liquidity in the economy. The liquidity is monitored on daily basis and banks are directed according to the situation for maintaining the bank reserves, foreign investment flows, and growth rate of Indian economy. The income tax department asked the citizens and corporate entities to pay the advance taxes and to invest in tax-saving insturments, particularly to reduce the liquidity in Indian market. On the other hand, the financial assistance to IL&FS and banks to deal NPAs, waiving off farmers’ debt, safeguarding export-oriented companies like textile firms etc; are particularly to increase the liquidity in Indian market. With each step of increasing liquidity, it is required to keep in mind the threat of rise in inflation and with each step to decrease liquidity, it is required to keep in mind the impact on citizens and corporate entities. Further, the Cash Reserve Ratio (CRR), Statutory Reserve Ratio (SLR), Repo Rate, Reverse Repo Rate, and other tools are used by the Reserve Bank of India to contain the inflation by reducing the liquidity in Indian market.

Tackling Liquidity Crisis of IL&FS

In the crisis of IL&FS, for safeguarding the whole economy by continuing the works of infrastructural development, the RBI intervened on directions of the central government to tackle the liquidity crisis. Due to this crisis, government paid more interests to small saving investors and increased the burden of interest payments. The threat of financial instability also be seen by various economists to alert the Indian government only due to such intervention. It is must to improve the cash supply to reduce the defaults of corporate entities and it is also necessary to control the liquidity to contain the inflation.

*Copyright © 2018 Dr. Lalit Kumar. All rights reserved.

Bigger the Scam, Harder the Efforts Are Required to Expose

Bigger the Scam, Harder the Efforts

-         Are Required to Expose

By Dr. Lalit Kumar Setia |  @drlalitsetia  |  drlalitsetia@gmail.com  |  Created October 13, 2018; Updated October 9, 2019

The investors all around the world seek for the countries safe from corruption so that they can invest their hard-earned money into safe hands. Earning more returns on the invested money, is definitely the main goal but at the same time, the investors also ensure the safety of investment. In order to grab the money of investors, there are a lot of chit companies offering huge returns on investments. It is worth to note that the investors are being made fool by offering double or triple returns in a short span of time on their invested money. Such investments are usually made in cash mode not only to evade the tax, but also to remove all proofs of such malafide transactions.

In the age of cut throat competition it has become difficult to earn profit in business. The companies are doing retrenchment to reduce the cost of operations and in such scenario, investors are searching for the avenues of growth. In India, the economic offenders are leaving India due to loss in businesses. For example, Vijay Mallaya after loss in King Fisher Airlines, Mehul Choksi after loss in business of diamonds, Nirav Modi after losses in business of diamonds and a lot of businessmen who not came in light till date; left India to survive without paying back the loans taken from banks of India. They also hide facts of their real earnings in overseas operations. It is must to authenticity of firms and companies before making an investment. 

How to check authenticity of a Chit Fund Company?

In most of the states, there are registrar of chit fund companies where the investors can check the registration details of a chit fund company. The committees formed to do business in chit funds are listed in the details available with the registrar office. In each chit fund, the investors deposit the money and the same is maintained in passbooks, with details of each deposit in financial documents of the chit fund companies. The documents can be checked online by accessing the records of companies with registrar office. In case of any suspicious work of chit fund companies, the investors can report to the police and it is duty of the police to check and verify the transactions of the chit fund companies.

Scams in Public Sector Organizations:

The Government Accounts are specifically designed to be maintained as per the guidelines of Comproller and Auditor General of India. The money realized through taxing people of India, firstly deposited in Consolidated Fund of India (CFI) and thereafter allotted for expenditure passed in Parliament (a group of representatives of people of India). Whenever an amount is paid out of treasury it is required to be booked or shown in particular head for which the amount is being spent.

Scam in making Expenditure:

I would like to recall a case during 2014 relating to mis-appropriation of expenditure by police department of Jammu and Kashmir. An amount of Rs. 115.68 crore was provided for expenditure under the head, “Carriage of Constabulary and Hiring of Vehicles” to be spent for smooth conduct of Assembly Elections. A complaint received regarding use of fictitious bills and fabricated taxi bills amounting Rs. 88 Lacs for an actual amount of Rs. 8000; the bills were related to hiring of vehicles and payment of taxi bills while no vehicle was hired. The complaint also stated that the vehicle numbers detailed of the rented taxies and buses were not accurate.

In most of the Government offices, the work related to producing bills, processing payments performed by the Class III Officials including clerks, assistants, through the support of contractual staff. The number of scams and scandals have been increasing because the staff involved in performing the functions are not getting enough money as reward for their valuable work.

In Government Departments, a Drawing and Disbursing Officer (DDO) is responsible to ensure the compliance of financial rules. Due to lack of capacity, most of the times they become dependent upon either the subordinate staff working on contractual basis or dependent upon the outsider technical professionals.

Irregularities in supplying seeds in Agriculture Department:

The Agriculture department is responsible to supply the seeds to the farmers and it is required to supply the seeds as per the season when they are required to be sowed. During 2010 to 2015, it was disclosed by the Comptroller Auditor General (CAG) of India; the Agriculture Department of Himachal Pradesh supplied seeds of wheat, maize of amounting Rs. 9.39 crores after the sowing seasons.

Rafale Deal: Secure or Scam

Even after too much allegations, demonstrations around the nation, and hard talks in the assemblies and parliament; the Rafale deal scam is not being exposed entirely. The demand of Joint Parliamentary Committee Investigation by Congress Party in India, the question of Supreme Court regarding process of Rafaledeal, the speech on Rafale deal at the occasion of no-confidence debate on 20^th July 2018, and the allegations by the opposition parties of BJP; the Indian Government is not providing the entire details to the citizens on the basis that it is a matter of great secrecy and relating to defense mechanism of nation. The information provided to Court is also not fully correct as disclosed in newspapers. 

 The Congress has alleged that Rafale deal has caused a loss of over Rs. 41000 crores to the exchequer. It is pointed out by Sh. Randeep Singh Surjewala, “A company belonging to a friend of the Prime Minister has been given a contract worth ₹30,000 crores, after snatching it from Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd. (HAL), a public company. It was decided that the corruption scams of the Prime Minister Narendra Modi government, particularly the Rafale scam, will be taken to the people of India”.

How it is a scam when procurement procedure is well followed?

The Rafale deal is related to defence sector and it is subject to follow the defence procurement procedure. In the procedure it is provided that the transactions with value more than Rs. 1,000 Crores will require clearance from the Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS). In Rafale deal, both the clearance of CCS as well as approval of Defence Acquisition Council (DAC) had been taken. During finalization of procurement of Rafale jets, the Indian Negotiating Team (NIT) held 74 meetings for finalize the price, delivery of jet planes, and terms and conditions. Instead of following due procedure in procuring the Rafale jets, the purchase became controversial because of its price. Earlier it had been decided to purchase 126 aircrafts, even tender was also issued in 2007 for procuring the same. Six bidders had provided their quotes and out of six, in technical specifications, two bidders qualified. The process of evaluating the bids took too much time that in 2012 negotiations have been sought with Dasssault Reliance Aerospace Limited (DRAL, a joint venture of Reliance Aerospace Limited and Dassault Group). Then during 2015, the negotiations cancelled and decision of 36 aircrafts with covering weapon systems, performance guarantees and spares; had been taken by Defence Acquisition Council and the agreement signed in September 2016. Why the quantity of aircrafts to be procured reduced and the earlier tender of 126 aircrafts cancelled? Why the joint venture formed with newly started company (Reliance Defence Limited started in March 2015) allowed in this procurement?

Role of Investigating Officers:

Even the investigating officers of CBI becomes under pressure during the inspection of cases. In 2018, the Indian Express reported that an investigating officer complaint and alleged some senior officers of CBI for taking bribes from the companies to fix cases and pressuring officers to weaken the cases. When the officers of CBI can be under pressure then how scams be easily disclosed?

*Copyright © 2018 Dr. Lalit Kumar. All rights reserved.

Economic Problems of the United States

Economic Problems of the United States

By Dr. Lalit Kumar Setia |  @drlalitsetia  |  drlalitsetia@gmail.com  |  Created October 03, 2018 
Updated Sept 14, 2019

Around the world, countries are facing new economic problems. The China is lack of children due to its earlier decision of family planning. Now it is looking for the solutions to keep the economy growing without affecting the economic growth rate. The Singapore is also facing problem of 'getting labour forces older' and productivity is started to fall and it decided to foster technical skills training for older workers to boost the city's productivity. The economies of whole world, are becoming worried due to less rate of economic growth.

The Context of Debt-trap:

The economy of Unites States is one of the largest economy of the world. In terms of per capita GDP (PPP), it is sixth highest economy of the world. It has highly developed and technologically sound sector of services holding 80% share of its output, which made it so strong in the world. Apart from services sector, it has 15% manufacturing sector. The biggest advantage to the economy of United States is its citizens, who are well-educated and productive in terms of businesses. The politically stable government along with strong legal system provides stable business environment for the entrepreneurship, innovation, research and development. In 2008, the economy faced a major recession and till date it is not recovered completely from the economic recession. The economy is suffering from various factors like high consumer indebtness, low interest rates, and widespread mortgage lending which led to collapse of the housing sector in United States and collapse of various banks. In order to recover, the government intervened and purchased the mortgage-related assets. The growth of economy is still low and there is widespread unemployment.

The Current Account Deficit of United States:

The current account deficit (CAD) is also a great concern for the United States economy. The United States' President Donald Trump is taking initiatives for reducing the CAD. The CAD means the goods and services are being purchased more from the abroad than the value of goods and services being sold to the abroad countries. The imposition of import duties on the goods being imported from China, is an initiative to discourage the imports so that the goods and services which are made in USA can be safeguarded from the competition of China products.

Dependence over imported Oil:

The United States produces the oil but due to higher energy needs, it depends upon the imported oil. However, the economy increased the oil production to a great extent and now reduced its dependence on imported oil to a great extent. Due to increasing debt of United States which became $21 trillion on 31^st March, 2018, the country is facing problems and being seen as unable to meet its debt obligations in near future. In case, the further crisis came in the economy, the economy can become bankrupt as Iceland.

Problem of maintaining liquidity:

Due to developed nation, the economy requires to make efforts to keep the liquidity in the economy so that the recession may be avoided to make a suffering again. Government finds out the areas to spend more particularly in the areas of social security and medical services to the citizens. The economy is surviving due to raising funds from issuing United States debt at higher rate of interest. The investors purchased the United States bonds at higher rate of interest and it also increases the liquidity in the economy. The issue of United States bonds also increases the demand of Dollar, and the value of Dollar is going up now-a-days in terms of other currencies. But issue of United States bonds is not a permanent solution to the economic situation of United States.

What can be done to make a permanent recovery?

The permanent solution can be to increase the exports and decrease the imports which is possible only after cutting the spending of American citizens. It is very difficult to control the expenditures which are being spent by the citizens. Further, the generation of jobs for the Americans can also boost their earning capacities and increase in the tax collections. Thirdly, it is required to improve the entrepreneurship skills by cutting costs and enhance the profits of the enterprises settled in United States.

Do you think something more the United States can do? Please tell your views?

*Copyright © 2018 Dr. Lalit Kumar. All rights reserved.