Political symbolism of accommodating caste and regional aspirations aside, the expansion of the Union Cabinet on Sunday was an exercise in furthering Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s stated aim to increase efficiency and improve delivery systems in the government.

Striking a balance The thrust clearly was on adding talent and gravitas by picking seasoned administrators like Manohar Parrikar and Suresh Prabhu as well as technocrats and professionals like Mahesh Sharma, a well-known physician who has a chain of clinics and diagnostic centres in Delhi’s neighbouring Noida, and former Finance Minister Yashwant Sinha’s Harvard-educated son Jayant.

Sunday’s additions simultaneously triggered a minor reshuffle in which those who did not meet the PM’s exacting standards were moved out while simultaneously easing the burden on some who had too much on their plate.

Efficiency was clearly valued over party loyalties, especially in sectors close to Modi’s heart.

For instance, the PM handpicked Suresh Prabhu to ease out DV Sadanand Gowda from the Railways, a key infrastructure portfolio where Modi wants to usher in new reforms.

Besides Prabhu’s vastly superior administrative skills and techo-economic expertise, Gowda’s position in the key ministry had been weakened by controversies surrounding his son, Karthik.

So, even though Gowda had taken some crucial decisions to better the finances of the Railways, he was gently edged to the Law and Justice Ministry to make way for the savvier Prabhu.

Gowda took over the Law Ministry from Ravi Shankar Prasad, who can now focus on the crucial Telecom Ministry.

By relieving Arun Jaitley of Defence, which he himself described as a “temporary charge” when he took over, the Prime Minister requisitioned the services of Manohar Parrikar, counted among the most credible leaders in the BJP.

Knights in command While Parrikar and Prabhu bring a certain expertise to the upper echelons of the Council of Ministers, Jaitley retains his clout by being the new interface between the government and the media as the new Information and Broadcasting Minister.

Besides being possibly the most media-savvy Minister in the Cabinet, there are other important factors in this shift. The sector has been opened up for private participation leading to many critical issues including corporate cross holdings.

Kinship matters Another important strand in the Prime Minister stepping up the efficiency quotient is the inclusion of another IITian, besides Parrikar that is, Jayant Sinha as Minister of State for Finance.

Although Sinha’s inclusion is largely being attributed to his Harvard Business School and Wall Street credentials, the fact that he is the son of former Finance Minister Yashwant Sinha too apparently played a role in his appointment.

True to expectations, Sinha’s first interaction with the media as MoS, Finance, reflected his ease with his new assignment. Sinha was well versed with issues ranging from the state of the economy to concerns over inflation.

Lighter portfolio A noticeable change was that of Harsh Vardhan from Health, talks for which had started in August when the AIIMS CVO transfer issue came to the forefront. The issue of irregularities in the CVO’s appointment had been raised by JP Nadda, who has taken over from Harsh Vardhan.

Given a relatively lighter portfolio of Science and Technology, Harsh Vardhan will only warm the seat till he is recalled to head the election campaign in Delhi.

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