Forgotten issue ?

Gandhian leader and former Union minister Mohan Dharia on Saturday urged Union government to take stringent measures to dig out black money in the Indian economy in time-bound manner. “It is estimated that over Rs 20 lakh crore worth black money is running almost a parallel economy in India, which is harmful to the growth of our nation. The government should set a stipulated date for immediate disclosure of unaccounted money and should invoke stern action against the offenders,” said Dharia. Dharia, the former deputy chairman of the Planning Commission, was speaking with mediapersons on the contents of his recently-published booklet ‘Inclusive growth - Agenda for the new Government,’ . The book, addressed to the Union government, all concerned authorities and Members of Parliament, puts forward an agenda for planned and sustainable growth of India. “The crackdown on black money accumulators would bring out whopping sum that can add to the Government’s exchequer for carrying out various public welfare programmes,” Dharia said, adding, “All the movable and immovable assets of offenders should be confiscated and they should be sent behind the bars for at least five years.” The 20-page booklet, which was penned by Dharia after having discussions with experts from different sections of the society, suggests the target of 10 per cent overall growth rate of economy including more than four per cent agricultural growth target. The book also advocates more infrastructural investment, permanent green cover on 1/3rd area of the country, reverse migration towards village areas from metros along with several other socio-economic welfare measures.