Over the years, Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) has evolved structurally as well as functionally as the real hub of state power. In his first formal interaction with the officials manning PMO, Prime Minister Modi shared with them some of his ideas of how he would like to run the administration of the country. Strengthening the federal structure of the Union was his first concern and in doing so it was obvious that he will give priority to the issues pertaining to the State, issues brought to his notice formally or through the representatives of the people. Indeed, this is a right beginning and the astute Prime Minister has struck the right chord. Some states are more sensitive and need careful treatment. Their sensitivity is not uniform and hence the PMO has to be flexibly responsive to a variety of requirements. This is indirectly a message to the States that whatever Governments they have, is not more important for the PM than their development and progress and sharing of national interests.
The second point on which the Prime Minister laid stress was leveraging modern technology and developing systems and processes for effective monitoring and resolution of issues which are particularly brought to his office. It means that the importance of science and technology in the development of the country had to be given due recognition. It is an indirect hint that his Government will invest in the areas of science and technology to take India to new heights of modern development. People, who have knowledge of Gujarat model introduced by Modi as Chief Minister for three successive terms, are convinced that it was through proper induction of science and technology that progress in the state could be achieved.
The PM would very much like to introduce that model on national level so that satisfactory results are achieved. India has a large scientific and technological manpower. But we need to put this force to productive enterprises in a variety of fields. Our scientific and technological expertise and efficiency have to be taken to new heights where innovation and research become priority. It is quite natural that we should reduce our dependence on foreign technologies and develop capacity within the country to meet our needs. This, however, does not mean that we live in isolation and do not keep our eyes and mind open to new technologies developed elsewhere in the world. We need to remain in contact with them but then adapt these technologies to our needs, interests and capacities. Fortunately, Prime Minister Narendra Modi is seized of these matters and has a clear vision of how to proceed.
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