Economic planning is a little like a chameleon; it can have different colours. While the Soviet government plans the activities of the socialist economy of the USSR, the Nazi party also used to plan the economic operations of a fascist Germany. Before advocating planning for the Indian economy, we should pause to inquire what is it that we are trying to recommend.

The growth of agriculture is not commensurate with other sectors of the Indian economy.

The conclusions of the recent report of the Planning Commission's expert group on groundwater management and ownership, from an earth-science perspective, are poorly informed and simplistic. The report is conspicuous in its failure to seek counsel from the nation's scientific, professional and public institutions that have expertise and interest in a wise utilisation of groundwater resources. Feb 16-22, 2008