Manifestos in general elections read like essays on 'the growth path for the nation'. We know rather well that any party which comes into power is duty bound to increase productivity, create jobs as the most important ingredient of good governance. But the big question is 'How'. What will be the blue print for instance for growth? How the miserable lot of the poor and the struggling will improve? How will small entrepreneurs have access to an easy credit flow? These vital questions never get answered in the manifestos much less in any 'action plan' whatsoever the parties may design.

Amusingly, the Congress manifesto says, “Our 'National Manufacturing Policy' will ensure manufacturing sector's share of GDP increases to 25% by 2022. Completion of industrial corridors will catalyse economic growth”,  adding that, “SME's will have access to world-class technology at affordable costs.” As if an SMEs were 'somebody' which will be sent overseas to study technology and return well versed and educated to take off  ?

The BJP manifesto presents a document focusing on improving the country's economy and infrastructure, ending policy paralysis and curbing corruption. How will it be done is best left to a vague imagination not a categorical explanation. All said and done, the uppermost challenges before the party-in-power will remain what they have been for decades. That the UPA-II's much hyped PM's 'Taskforce for MSMEs' was nothing more than mere kite flying stands exposed by its blatant inaction till date.

Economists would, by and large, have a consensus that the entire MSMEs sector comprising an estimated 50 million entrepreneurs, of which over above 80% fall in the micro bracket, is in the state of stupor and is largely invisible. Thus, the biggest challenge before the new government will be to bring this economic engine on the tracks if the grandiose vision of inclusive growth has to be realized. Free credit flow, exports besides state of the art technology remains some of the challenges to be addressed.

Antiquated promotional policies will have to be revamped to make them inviting and entrepreneur-friendly. There is an urgent need for redesigning banking norms for the small entrepreneurs who remain at the mercy of private lenders while the banks behave like bureaucratic lords.

Turning to procurement policy framed to benefit the small entrepreneurs. It is a document full of flaws and lacks practical wisdom. The very setting up of a separate ministry for MSMEs has failed to deliver. It needs more teeth and transfusion of fresh blood.  Forward looking, progressive and meaningful organizations like NSCI, NIMSME to name a few need a bigger playing field to prove their potential and make an indelible mark.

Suffice it would be to sum up that the whole gamut of national development programme suffers from a sickening policy paralysis. The fear of the inspector and raids has to be erased. The depths of India's knowledge reservoir need to be dipped in and explored by the small entrepreneur.

Governments love the way they lie. And love to get away with it.