Prof Ramanuja Devanathan
PM Narendra Modi’s action plan unveiled so quickly than expected. He got into action and gave a mandate to his cabinet colleagues that they should work hard and to prepare a 100-days action plan giving priority to important issues duly critically reviewing the projects and programmes of the earlier Governments. In the Cabinet Meeting held on Thursday he categorically stated his priorities. When he interacted with the PM office cadres, his focus was on quick execution of action plans that suit the Nation and give stability to the Government and growth of the Nation. He focused on sustained development of the Nation. His clear indication was rather instruction to his Cabinet colleagues that they should deliver results or perish.
The 10-point agenda which he unveiled for good governance in the second Cabinet meeting that was convened even before the formal oath taking of Members of Parliament shows his ability and commitment towards his business. Building confidence in bureaucracy, Welcome innovative ideas, Education, health, water to be on priorities, Transparency in Government, Setting up a mechanism for inter-Ministerial issues, People oriented system in place, Issues related to Economy, Reforms in infrastructure, Policies to be implemented in time-bound manner and Stability and sustained ability in Government policies are the 10-points agenda he announced. Prime Minister Narendra Modi also asked his Cabinet colleagues to set a 100-day agenda with focus on efficient governance, delivery and implementation of programmes. Believing that the progress of States is crucial for the country’s development, he also instructed his Council of Ministers to give priority to the issues brought forth by the State Governments as also the MPs. Modi emphasized that the most important aspects that need to be focused on are efficient governance, delivery and implementation of various schemes. He also assured that while focusing on these aspects, the Government will take forward on priority basis the issues pending from the earlier Government.
Another important thing is that he advised the Cabinet Ministers to take Ministers of State into confidence and engage them with proper work so that they feel involved. This aspect lacked in earlier governance.
The directives were given by Modi at a Cabinet meeting in New Delhi in the context of his 10-point vision which focuses on increasing investment, completing infrastructure projects in time-bound manner and exploiting the natural resources to the country’s benefit.
All this shows his ability also reminds us that leadership is by choice but not by rank and cadres.
If Modi succeeds in his attempt of reviving economy of the country, the major issue will be solved. Next he has to concentrate on security of the Nation and saving the Nation from terrorists’ organizations. Almost, each State of the country is disturbed by one or few terrorist or under-ground organization. If he succeeds in this direction, he will be remembered in the history of the Nation. Further, he has to invite innovative ideas from the experts and by involving common people in governance. Unless he does this, there would not be any impact on his governance nor the confidence of the people that he will continue to enjoy. He must ensure that policies of his Government are implemented in a time-bound manner which only will build confidence in the public. For this aspect, he requires the support of his colleagues and their serious involvement and commitment towards their responsibility. Of course, this cannot be expected if compromise is made on choosing his Ministers in future expansions. He must stick by his decisions even at the loss of his party intensions and interference. Already he made a mistake by choosing a wrong ministerial candidate for HRD. One can defend the decision of appointing such persons, on various grounds. But, it is viewed by the public otherwise only. However, this has not reflected in the mass opinion till to this day, but this trend would not continue forever. Even the supporters and positive feelers would also oppose such decisions. He should show his flexibility and send a positive feeling to the Nation that he would not stick to a wrong decision or choice. Or he can think of an advisory committee or group of advisors to assist in such cases.
Another pertinent issue he has to address is bringing transparency in governance. For this he requires support of so-called bureaucracy. Unless the bureaucracy cooperates in full swing or compelled to adhere to norms of transparency the system would not work. The issue that directly related to the public is proper development of infrastructure. This may give rise to scores of issues such as funding, maintenance and make the public adhere to discipline etc. Further, he has to concentrate on his election promises made during his campaign-. For all these to happen he must be accessible to all at the same time must create a feeling of work-terror among his colleagues as well to his subordinates as the great Poet Kalidasa observed in Raghuvamsha. Anyway let us hope for the best to happen as an excellent beginning has been made.
(The author is Principal, Rashtriya Sanskrit Sansthan, Kot Bhalwal)
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