160 likes | 233 Views
Project Overview and Major Findings from Eight States. Anutosh Biswas CUTS International. Background. Grassroots Reachout and Networking in India on Trade and Economics (GRANITE) phase II
E N D
Project Overview and Major Findings from Eight States Anutosh Biswas CUTS International
Background Grassroots Reachout and Networking in India on Trade and Economics (GRANITE) phase II Overall Objective: Enhance economic literacy at the grassroots, foster accountability in economic governance and raise a coherent civil society voice. Duration: 3 Years (2007-2010) Project Partners: Andhra Pradesh, Maharastra, Uttar Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Orissa, Rajasthan and West Bengal
Objective of GRANITE II First year(2007-08): To examine the involvement of state government in the formation and implementation of NFTP Second year(2008-09): To find out how the NTFP is impacting the livelihoods of related stakeholders in specific product categories Third Year(2009-10): Given the above results, advocate a pro poor, pro development trade policy in 2009
Relevance of Case Study Objectives of the Case Study: To understand whether NFTP has impacted (or not impacted) exports of specific products To explore various channels through which benefits of international trade trickle down to the grassroots.
Why NFTP? • Mainstreaming International Trade into National Development Strategy • Inclusive growth (Livelihood concerns) • It is a consultative policy (NFTP Supplement) The objectives are: • To double India’s share in Global Trade • To generate Employment
Major Schemes under Agriculture sector • Assistance to states for infrastructure development of exports (ASIDE) • Market Access Initiative (MAI) and Marketing Development Assistance (MDA) • Promotion of Towns of Export Excellence (TEE) • Vishesh Krishi and Gram Udyog Yojana(VKGUY) • Focus Market Scheme (FMS) • Focus Product Scheme (FPS)
Methodology Preparation of questionnaires especially targeted towards different stakeholder groups such as State Government Officials, Farmers, Manufacturers, Trading Houses, Exporters, Workers etc. Interviews to discuss relevant Issues in a comprehensive manners.
Positive Impact of NFTP • Increase in the area and production • Improvement in the quality of orchards • Increased employment in supporting sectors • Exporters are being able to access various government schemes better than before • Women are more involved • Better information dissemination
Limitations of NFTP • Centralised in nature • Lack of grassroots inputs • Lack of consideration for local specifics and variations • No percolation of decision making process to the bottom • MPs/MLAs/political parties seldom discuss economic problems and trade related issues • Lack of reflection of grassroots demands in formulated trade policy
Limitations of NFTP (contd…) Absence of representation of CSO’s small and medium enterprises No targeting of the small and medium entrepreneurs Lack of information regarding NFTP at the grassroots
Major Roadblocks Lack of necessary export infrastructure Low degree of awareness about trade and economic issues, especially government policies Lack of systematic dissemination Lack of Research and Development (R & D)
Recommendations Special schemes should be targeted towards small players are the need of the hour. Information dissemination mechanisms need to be more extensive. Schemes should be made less complex and more transparent. Inclusive , consultative policy making process Empowerment of Panchayats Development of a Market Intelligence cum Marketing Network Technological Support, especially to the ailing food processing units Representation of all Stakeholders in the Board of Trade
Recommendation (contd…) Excise duty on branded jewellery could be removed Useful marketing strategies to meet demands An urgent need to disseminate information about various trade policies Better working conditions