1991 की नई आर्थिक नीति (New Economic Policy) भारतीय अर्थव्यवस्था में महत्वपूर्ण परिवर्तन लाने वाली एक महत्वपूर्ण सरकारी नीति थी। यह नीति भारतीय अर्थव्यवस्था को उद्यमिता, विदेशी निवेश, और विश्व बाजार में अधिक प्रतिस्पर्धात्मक बनाने के उद्देश्य से लागू की गई थी।
इस नीति की मुख्य विशेषताएँ निम्नलिखित हैं:
- विदेशी निवेश: नई आर्थिक नीति के अनुसार, विदेशी निवेशों को प्रोत्साहित किया गया और विदेशी निवेशकों को भारतीय बाजार में प्रवेश देने में आसानी की गई।
- प्राइवेट सेक्टर: सरकार ने नीति के अंतर्गत निजी सेक्टर को बढ़ावा दिया और सार्वजनिक सेक्टर को सीमित किया।
- सार्वजनिक विपणन की नीति: सार्वजनिक विपणन की प्रक्रिया में सुधार किया गया और सरकारी निगमों को अपने उत्पादों की मार्केटिंग की आवश्यकता होने पर बल दिया गया।
- आर्थिक उदारीकरण: नई आर्थिक नीति ने आर्थिक उदारीकरण को प्राथमिकता दी और नियमित वित्तीय लागतों को कम करने की दिशा में कदम उठाया।
- तर्राकी और विकास की दिशा में सुधार: नीति के अंतर्गत आर्थिक सुधार और विकास की दिशा में महत्वपूर्ण कदम उठाए गए, जिससे भारतीय अर्थव्यवस्था को ग्रोथ की दिशा में नई ऊँचाइयों तक पहुँचाया गया।
नई आर्थिक नीति 1991 ने भारतीय अर्थव्यवस्था के परिवर्तन की दिशा में महत्वपूर्ण कदम उठाया और व्यापारिकीकरण, निजीकरण, और विदेशी निवेश की प्रोत्साहना की। यह नीति भारतीय अर्थव्यवस्था को एक नई दिशा में ले जाने में महत्वपूर्ण भूमिका निभाई।
The New Economic Policy of 1991 refers to a series of economic reforms introduced by the Government of India in response to a severe economic crisis that the country was facing at that time. These reforms marked a significant departure from the previous policies and aimed at liberalizing and opening up the Indian economy to global markets, reducing government intervention, and promoting private sector participation.
Key features of the New Economic Policy of 1991:
- Liberalization: The policy focused on liberalizing various sectors of the economy by reducing government control and allowing more private sector participation. Industrial licensing requirements were significantly reduced, and industries were allowed greater freedom to produce without the need for government approvals.
- Privatization: The policy aimed to reduce the presence of the public sector in industries where private sector participation could lead to greater efficiency. The government initiated the process of privatizing state-owned enterprises and disinvesting its stake in some public sector companies.
- Globalization: The policy promoted international trade and foreign investment. Restrictions on imports and exports were eased, and foreign direct investment (FDI) was encouraged in various sectors. This helped in integrating the Indian economy with the global economy.
- Exchange Rate Reforms: The Indian rupee was devalued in order to make exports more competitive and attract foreign investment. The exchange rate was also allowed to be determined by market forces to a greater extent.
- Financial Sector Reforms: Significant reforms were introduced in the financial sector to strengthen and modernize it. This included liberalizing interest rates, allowing foreign banks to operate in India, and initiating steps towards the establishment of capital markets.
- Fiscal Consolidation: Measures were taken to control fiscal deficits and reduce the burden of public debt. This involved reducing subsidies, rationalizing government expenditure, and increasing revenue through measures like tax reforms.
- Role of Planning: The policy shifted the role of planning from a centralized and regulatory approach to a more indicative and facilitative approach, allowing greater flexibility and decision-making at the state level.
- Promotion of Export-Oriented Industries: The policy aimed to promote industries that were export-oriented, encouraging them to produce goods that could be competitive in international markets.
The New Economic Policy of 1991 marked a turning point in India’s economic trajectory. It led to increased economic growth, improved trade relations with other countries, and opened up new opportunities for businesses. While these reforms were associated with positive outcomes, they also faced criticism and challenges, particularly in terms of their impact on certain sectors and sections of society. The policy’s legacy continues to influence India’s economic policies and reforms to this day.