Articles by Rajiv

SHORTLY after its inception in 1952! it was realised that active public participation was necessary for the success of the community project movement, later recast into national extension and development blocks. Even after local representatives were associated in an advisory capacity, it was found that local initiative was still not aroused and institutions that would ensure continuous improvement of social and economic conditions in rural areas were still lacking. The Balwantray Mehta Committee examined the working of the movement and recommended a three-tier Panchayati Raj and reorganisation of district administration. Since the adoption of the Panchayati Raj resolution by AICC at its Bhavnagar session in 1961 most States have introduced Panchayati Raj.

March 9, 1968 RECESSION has cut into sales of commercial vehicles and most of the manufacturers have had to drastically reduce production. Bajaj-Tempo, which commenced production of its 4-wheerer delivery vans in October 1966, has been working much below its installed capacity of 4,000 vehicles (3-wheeiers and 4-wheelers), although it introduced in the market several new models such as station wagons, mini-buses, amburances and pick-up vans. The company has had to take on other work to keep its machine shop busy. Sales of commercial vehicles have lately started to pick up following appointment of additional dealers and inclusion of the Tempo Viking 4-wheelers in the DGS and D rate contract. The company is seeking a foreign exchange loan of Rs 28 lakhs from IFCl for import of balancing equipment to reach the installed capacity and to increase the indigenous content of vehicles. Efforts are also being made to further diversify the manufacturing programme. Results for the year to September 1967 turned out to be poor. Sales and machining charges together fetched 14 per cent more at Rs 2.54 crores but, with margins dropping by 4 points to around 61/2 per cent, gross profits fell by 13 per cent to Rs 16 lakhs. After providing for lull depreciation of Rs 23 lakhs-(Rs 9 lakhs), there is a deficit of Rs 6 lakhs. No dividend is recommended, therefore, for the fourth consecutive year.

February 24, 1968 at much less than full capacity either for lack of inputs or of demand. Fixed costs per unit of output are high and, protected as these industries are from foreign competition, there is hardly any inducement to bring them down. Extra- economic considerations often lead to faulty location and high raw material costs (for instance, of cotton, jute and sugarcane). Industries are often saddled with redundant labour as a result of political pressures