A positive change in the ‘work culture’

I happened to read a number of news reports regarding change in the ‘work culture’ in the Central government’s offices ever since the government led by Sh. Narendra Modi has started functioning. These news reports about the new work culture inspire lot of confidence among the common people of this country. It is a very positive development as the government offices over the last few decades have attained lot of notoriety for their low productivity. This seems to be changing rapidly now.

It is good to read that the officials in ministries are reporting well in time and working till the late evening hours to meet the deadlines set up by the political executive. Most importantly, there are no complaints from the bureaucracy about the extra effort they have to put in. This is due to the fact that the Prime Minister himself has made very clear that he and his colleagues would like the bureaucrats to work fearlessly without any pressure from the political class. The mandate given to them is very clear: they have to deliver. Nut they have also been assured that their good work will be appreciated . The way our political executive and the bureaucracy are working together in the single minded pursuit of making our country achieve its full potential is a very significant development.

Till now the political executive and the bureaucracy have been at loggerheads most of the time. This has more than often affected the pace of development as important development projects have been sacrificed at the altar of the ego of either the bureaucrats or the political executive. But this government has made it clear that the single point agenda is ‘development’ of the country and everyone has to adhere to that agenda.

Clearly, this government has turned a new chapter in the arena of public administration. The political executive and the bureaucracy seem to be competing hard to outperform each other in terms of implementing the government policies and programmes in word and spirit. This also instils confidence amongst lot of people who were losing faith in democratic norms due to sluggish pace of growth. Thus, in a way, the functioning of the current incumbent at the Centre will go a long way not only to achieve the goal of development but also to strengthen our democracy.

Changing the public discourse to Development and Inclusiveness

If you would have observed carefully, ever since the NDA government led by Sh. Narendra Modi has taken over, the public discourse has completely taken a turnaround. During the UPA’s rule, one would be discussing endlessly growing corruption, unabated inflation, indecisiveness and the existence of multiple power centres. 

In stark contrast to the public discourse during UPA’s regime, today the discussions are all about the development and inclusiveness. Even the BJP’s staunch critics have been compelled to discuss the development related issues. After the President’s address to the joint sitting of the both houses of the parliament on Monday unravelled the agenda of the government led by Sh. Modi, most of the BJP’s critics also, even though reluctantly, agreed that this is an agenda for development and they would wait and watch to see how it is implemented.

That hasn’t happened in India for a very time and I would see this as a positive indication of the way things are going to unfold in days, weeks , months and years to come. For me the key take away from the President’s speech is the fact that it covered such a broad spectrum of issues ranging from agri-infrastructure to High Speed trains. The commitments to reverse the trend of farmer’s suicides and zero tolerance for crime against women reflected the sensibilities as well as the sensitivity of the government. Not many have talked about the “Van Bandhu Kalyan Yojana” which is going to benefit hugely our tribal brothers and sisters who have been lowest at the ladder of the development so far.

The alertness of the government in forecasting the possibility of a weak monsoon and an assurance that we would get over it has instilled confidence amongst common people. Technology is the key to the innovative solutions which this government is planning to evolve to resolve the complex problems faced by our country. I am sure use of social media to ensure participative governance is going to become case study for the global community and especially the developing and the underdeveloped world.

The message sent by this government is loud and clear: It is time to replace “Development of Politics” by “Politics of Development”.

Gopinath Munde ji: A tribute

The untimely, sudden and sad demise of Gopinath Munde ji has left all of us in the party as well as millions outside the party shocked . Munde ji was known for his grit, determination, unflinching dedication to the BJP.  Like a true solider of the party he carried out various responsibilities given to him successfully.  

He played a major role in making BJP a force to reckon with in Mahrashtra.  In Lok Sabha polls 2014, he won from Beed constituency in Maharashtra and was appointed by the Prime Minister Sh. Narendra Modi  to look after the rural development ministry, one of the most important ministries.

That showed how much faith the Prime Minister and the party had in his capabilities to deliver results.   He was an organiser par excellence and was very well connected with the grassroots level party cadres.  Munde ji  will be missed by all of us, the void left by him cannot be filled.

May  God give peace to his soul and enough strength to his family  to bear this tragic loss.