Manmohan Singh's government has a lot to hope for...besides keeping its fingers crossed,... what else can it do?

NOW that the political thriller of confidence vote is over, there is a renewed focus on the daunting economic challenges facing the country and reform strategy that the government could adopt during the limited time at its disposal before the elections.

The industry has submitted its wish list to the government, urging it to speed up reforms in agriculture, labour, insurance, pension funds, civil aviation and retail trade, among others. From housewives tormented by sky-high prices and small and medium businessmen squeezed by rising input costs and demand slowdown to high net worth investors and FIIs-everyone wants quick result-oriented action.

It could be adventurous and bold: at the risk of failing, the government must pilot all those pieces of legislation that will enable the next round of industrial and financial growth, relying on judicious lobbying and self-confidence in its purpose. Even if these are not passed, they may just get it the goodwill of the people.
Khaleej Times Online - Economy after the trust vote

Lok Sabha elections 2009 UPA government economic challenges reform strategy agriculture labour insurance pension funds civil aviation retail trade sky-high prices slowdown BSE Sensex Prime Minister Manmohan Singh inflation oil prices Virendra Parekh (India Monitor) Initial Public Offerings (IPO) NHPC Limited Damodar Valley Corporation (DVC) Finance Minister P. Chidambaram Employees Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO) UPA government Assembly elections in six States RBI