PANCHAYATI RAJ-Slow Progress

and then grudgingly accepted them. We opposed the rules on telecommunications and will slowly have to adopt them.
In fact, the pressures to move forward in these areas are so strong that to deny them is to be blind. In telecom, for example, the US is proposing a unilateral reduction in international settlement charges. Even the opponents of unilateral action are quietly applauding such action because the earlier set-up had become antiquated. The ramifications are enormous for domestic telecommunications sector reform and pricing. Rather than rail against these reforms, the task that lies ahead is to learn to adapt in international settings and perhaps to remain one step ahead. It docs little for the cause of economic liberalisation if we maintain systems and rules that technological and regulatory forces around the world are reshaping. Looking ahead, India must rethink its positions in the area of liberalisation of services and competition policy rules as these move more centre-stage in international discussions.