Narendra Modi, the Modern Chanakya
A wise man said "if you watch well the beginnings, the ends will manage themselves" and this exactly is what Mr. Narendra Modi seems to be doing in his endeavour to find a position of respect on the world stage for India . We need to understand stand that the doings or rather the un- doings of the past 67 years can't be turned around overnight.
Political compulsions may have driven his allocation of ministerial berths, but in no way does Modi seem to be headed the way of his predecessor. Firstly, being aware of having scripted an electoral victory, he has cemented the confidence of not only his own party but that of others as well, including a booster shot for himself. Secondly, without a backseat driver, he is not required to look over his shoulder for decisions. With this scenario, on his shoulders thus rests the onus of delivery of good governance promised.
The learned Chanakya said "A wise king (PM) always accompanies wise councils who always stand by his side irrespective of the situation and place." Mr. Modi certainly seems to be displaying traits of Chanakya in the manner of his governance.
With scams having been the UPA's single minded KRA, it is but natural for the P.M. to keep tabs on areas which may potentially be/ are scam prone. Without having resorted to creating chaotic conditions by juggling the bureaucracy, Mr. Modi has shrewdly introduced to these scam prone ministries, chosen, reliable and loyal confidantes.
Appointment of Mr. Ajit Doval, ex Director of the Intelligence Bureau as the National Security Adviser to give a fillip and build a robust infrastructure conducive to meeting India's need for developing long term Defence Strategy,was the first step in this direction.
Highly accomplished in the field and a trusted man, Ajit Doval was hand picked by the P.M to not only keep him (Modi) informed with the 'goings on ' in the cash rich ministries, but also facilitate monitoring the ministers, especially those with multiple charges .
Having initially given multiple charges to some colleagues in the Cabinet, Mr. Modi has recently carried out additional inductions. In the meanwhile, handpicked bureaucrats have been placed in those ministries which may present an opportunity for a minister to fall prey to corruption. Further, after clipping the wings of the finance ministry in dealings involving non-performing assets of public sector banks, the PMO has instead been allocated this responsibility.
Strict vigil is kept on the visitors to Oil and Petroleum Minister's office which has the potential for outflow of hundreds of millions of rupees from the government coffers at the stroke of a pen. Coal and Power Ministry is another one, whose minister is under observation to curtail any chance of misappropriation.
Arun Jaitly, the Finance Minister, a close confidante of the P.M. and holding additional charge of Defence too has not escaped Modi's gaze. Recently a handpicked senior bureaucrat has been inducted in the Department of Financial Services under the Finance Ministry. Lately, Manohar Parrikar an upright Chief Minister of Goa, an alumni of the prestigious Indian Institute of Technology- Mumbai has been inducted as the Defence Minister relieving Arun Jaitly.
On the face of it, these actions or induction of confidantes by Narendra Modi may seem dictatorial in nature. But, given the levels to which the malaise of corruption had reached during the UPA rule, such tightening of screws and strict vigil is imperative if Mr. Modi has to live up to his promises of removing corruption from the corridors of the Government. As mentioned in our last week's issue also, Mr. Modi has additionally, provided his telephone/ mobile number for direct access by these bureaucrats in the eventuality of their being pressurised for any illegal activity which is not possible without complicity of the bureaucracy.
Now that the country for the first time in 67 years is seemingly headed in the right direction, we need to adopt a country first attitude and persevere with patience. We need to watch India being Modi-fied.
A wise man said "if you watch well the beginnings, the ends will manage themselves" and this exactly is what Mr. Narendra Modi seems to be doing in his endeavour to find a position of respect on the world stage for India . We need to understand stand that the doings or rather the un- doings of the...
A wise man said "if you watch well the beginnings, the ends will manage themselves" and this exactly is what Mr. Narendra Modi seems to be doing in his endeavour to find a position of respect on the world stage for India . We need to understand stand that the doings or rather the un- doings of the past 67 years can't be turned around overnight.
Political compulsions may have driven his allocation of ministerial berths, but in no way does Modi seem to be headed the way of his predecessor. Firstly, being aware of having scripted an electoral victory, he has cemented the confidence of not only his own party but that of others as well, including a booster shot for himself. Secondly, without a backseat driver, he is not required to look over his shoulder for decisions. With this scenario, on his shoulders thus rests the onus of delivery of good governance promised.
The learned Chanakya said "A wise king (PM) always accompanies wise councils who always stand by his side irrespective of the situation and place." Mr. Modi certainly seems to be displaying traits of Chanakya in the manner of his governance.
With scams having been the UPA's single minded KRA, it is but natural for the P.M. to keep tabs on areas which may potentially be/ are scam prone. Without having resorted to creating chaotic conditions by juggling the bureaucracy, Mr. Modi has shrewdly introduced to these scam prone ministries, chosen, reliable and loyal confidantes.
Appointment of Mr. Ajit Doval, ex Director of the Intelligence Bureau as the National Security Adviser to give a fillip and build a robust infrastructure conducive to meeting India's need for developing long term Defence Strategy,was the first step in this direction.
Highly accomplished in the field and a trusted man, Ajit Doval was hand picked by the P.M to not only keep him (Modi) informed with the 'goings on ' in the cash rich ministries, but also facilitate monitoring the ministers, especially those with multiple charges .
Having initially given multiple charges to some colleagues in the Cabinet, Mr. Modi has recently carried out additional inductions. In the meanwhile, handpicked bureaucrats have been placed in those ministries which may present an opportunity for a minister to fall prey to corruption. Further, after clipping the wings of the finance ministry in dealings involving non-performing assets of public sector banks, the PMO has instead been allocated this responsibility.
Strict vigil is kept on the visitors to Oil and Petroleum Minister's office which has the potential for outflow of hundreds of millions of rupees from the government coffers at the stroke of a pen. Coal and Power Ministry is another one, whose minister is under observation to curtail any chance of misappropriation.
Arun Jaitly, the Finance Minister, a close confidante of the P.M. and holding additional charge of Defence too has not escaped Modi's gaze. Recently a handpicked senior bureaucrat has been inducted in the Department of Financial Services under the Finance Ministry. Lately, Manohar Parrikar an upright Chief Minister of Goa, an alumni of the prestigious Indian Institute of Technology- Mumbai has been inducted as the Defence Minister relieving Arun Jaitly.
On the face of it, these actions or induction of confidantes by Narendra Modi may seem dictatorial in nature. But, given the levels to which the malaise of corruption had reached during the UPA rule, such tightening of screws and strict vigil is imperative if Mr. Modi has to live up to his promises of removing corruption from the corridors of the Government. As mentioned in our last week's issue also, Mr. Modi has additionally, provided his telephone/ mobile number for direct access by these bureaucrats in the eventuality of their being pressurised for any illegal activity which is not possible without complicity of the bureaucracy.
Now that the country for the first time in 67 years is seemingly headed in the right direction, we need to adopt a country first attitude and persevere with patience. We need to watch India being Modi-fied.
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