This refers to the editorial "From wish list to strategy" (July 10). The need to ensure some relationship between election promises and economic planning once mandated to govern and the benefit of introducing transparency in assumptions and projections in the Economic Survey so that the Budget, when presented, would be appreciated has been well-explained. The suggestions for reforming the Economic Survey are apt.
Generally, the huge pile of papers presented in the form of Economic Survey and Budget documents, which are produced in "secrecy", do not mean much to the common man beyond some price and cost rises, and increase in expenditure on account of taxes and other levies. Think of a day when the Economic Survey gives a realistic account of the "wish list" of the people who voted the government to power and a brief account of sources and possible uses of funds available explains the extent to which efforts have been made to meet the aspirations, and why some demands have to wait and others get priority. To make this possible, planning has to be taken to the grass-roots level.
M G Warrier, Mumbai
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