When a former bureaucrat becomes a minister then what happens? Do the bureaucrats gives up their babu approach — cautious — when dealing with issues or follow the principles of when in Rome do as the Romans do.

Narendra Modi’s latest reshuffle had four former civil servants — Raj Kumar Singh, Hardeep Singh Puri, Satya Pal Singh, and Alphons Kannanthanam — taking oath as ministers. Experts said this was a clear indication that Modi was giving priority to governance and domain expertise.

However, the portfolio distributed showed a different narrative. For example, Raj Kumar Singh, who was known for home affairs, will be holding charge as Minister of State (Independent Charge) in the Ministry of Power as well as New and Renewable Energy.

Hardeep Singh Puri will take over as the Minister of State (Independent Charge) in the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs. Raj Kumar Singh will hold the charge of Minister of State (Independent Charge) in the Ministry of Power; and Minister of State (Independent Charge) of the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy.

Known as demolition man, Alphons Kannanthanam, instead of being in Urban Development, will hold charge as the Minister of State (Independent Charge) in the Ministry of Tourism; and Minister of State in the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology.

Will they be as successful as Yashwant Sinha, a former IAS officer, who went on to become one of the most successful Finance Ministers, only time will tell.

A former civil servant said, “a lot depends on the portfolio awarded. Besides, how much freedom they have. Mostly it has been seen that Senior Ministers very rarely give significant work to Junior Ministers.”

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