The Economic Survey 2013-14, presented today in the Lok Sabha by the Finance Minister Arun Jaitley, has called for revamping some of the social sector schemes such as MNREGA, NRHM, SSA, etc. "It is felt that the outlays for the different schemes have not often translated fully into outcomes owing to the poor delivery mechanism."
Leveraging modern technology for efficient delivery of programmes, removing the multiple layers of governance, simplifying procedures, and greater participatory role by the beneficiaries can help in creating a better delivery mechanism, it said.
The Survey also called for reforming the food market. Restrictions on farmers to buy, sell and store their produce to customers across the country and the world imposed by Indian laws enacted in the 1950s and 60s have not been removed, even though restrictions on industry were removed long ago.
"Restoring economic freedom of farmers and allowing them to be part of a competitive national market is essential for controlling food inflation," it opined.