It is easy to get carried away by the thought that the Left’s exit will liberate the UPA government to unleash economic and social reforms. A reality check reveals that the government itself needs to shift gears and put a deeper focus on implementation of key programmes initiated over the last four years. Yes, the UPA is freer now to push certain reforms opposed by the Left parties, but it also has to shake off its own legislative and executive stupor to deliver.

Education: Back to school, and beyond

3% Share in the GDP of funds earmarked for education sector in 2007-2008

6% The targeted share

•In 2008, the UPA government earmarked Rs 34,000 crore to the education sector — an increase of 20% from 2007. But this is less than the 34% increase in 2006-07

• The Right To Education Bill, which grants every child between the ages of 6 and 14 years the right to free and compulsory education, must be a priority in the coming months

• These are in the pipeline: 30 new universities, eight new IITs, seven new IIMs, 20 new IIITs, five new IISERs, two schools of planning and architecture, 10 NITs, 373 new degree colleges and 1,000 new polytechnics

• Access to higher education will remain a dream for many unless interest rates on education loans are reduced.

Insurance: FDI cap that would fit

• The Insurance Bill has met with stiff opposition from the Left parties as it would allow for hike in FDI in private insurance companies to 49 per cent from 26 per cent

... contd.