Parliamentarians Debate Hot Topics in Winter Session

MP, Oscar Fernandes discussing Vendor Policy “It’s a good policy-but the problem is in the implementation.” But is it really so? Is it the problem of a lack of resources or inefficiency or simply a lack of sound policy making? How do we ensure that our elected representatives make laws that will actually solve our problems in the long run?

Sixteen parliamentarians from nine parties across nine states participated in three Policy Roundtables organised with our partner-Centre for Civil Society. Bridging the gap between policy making and policy research, the Roundtables aim to create a culture of constructive exchange of ideas on key policy issues. Views from domain experts provide both macro and micro level information and thus encourage relevant, realistic and liberal policy making.

The series opened with a discussion on the National Urban Street Vendors Policy 2009, a policy that allows economic freedom and poverty alleviation for millions. Arbind Singh, National Association of Street Vendors of India (NASVI) and Shalini Trivedi, Self-Employed Women’s Association (SEWA), provided an overview of this well-drafted Policy and stressed on effective implementation. Resistance from the administrative bodies, lack of political will and stronger mechanisms to ensure compliance from the states were highlighted as main roadblocks standing in the way. Oscar Fernandes, the former chair of drafting committee of the said Policy, who was present at the roundtable, expressed his willingness to consider any further recommendations and suggestions on the Policy.

Bamboo has the potential to create livelihood opportunities for atleast 25 million Indians, however, archaic laws and the wrong classification as a “Tree” have stifled both supply and demand in this sector. Speaking at the second Roundtable on bamboo cultivation and trade, Kamesh Salam, President of World Bamboo Organization and Director, Cane and Bamboo Technology Centre, Guwahati highlighted the potential of bamboo–an extremely important renewable resource –in providing a steady and sustainable source of livelihood, promoting ecological security and building peace and prosperity in Northeast India. Six MPs signed CCS’ petition “Bamboo is NOT a tree” to pledge their support.

The biggest question pertaining to higher education is how to create a system that allows students to acquire skills that can enable them to gain knowledge for the rest of their life. Out of the 11 million students enrolled in higher education courses, those who will be able to get employed in a job of their choice will be marginal. Reforms are set to revamp and restructure the higher education sector with six bills being readied for discussion in Parliament. Amlan Goswami, Research Associate, National Knowledge Commission, and Dr. Apoorvanand, Advisor to Yash Pal Committee and Reader-Delhi University shared their recommendations on how to create an enabling environment for this sector—moving from bureaucracy and regulation to facilitation, allowing foreign universities, multiple accreditation agencies, greater autonomy, increased private sector involvement. Scholarships and expanding supply could improve access beyond the current 12% of the population. Citing the experience of Europe where attempts for greater standardization led to mass unrest, Dr. René Klaff indicated the need for greater freedom in developing subject curricula and setting of individual standards for universities.

The MPs showed keen interest in taking these issues to a larger number of Parliamentarians and will continue to engage with CCS in the coming months.

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