In 1967, Indira Gandhi listed a populist 10-point programme that promised major policy changes — including nationalisation of banks and ceilings on urban property — that together signalled a further shift to the left. In contrast, Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s “top 10 priorities” are less substantive in nature. Much of them are in the nature of prescriptions to reform the way government works as opposed to statements about what it is going to do. All the same, they convey a sense of the broad governance approach he wishes to adopt — one that will facilitate speedier and more transparent decision-making.
Most striking among the listed priorities are the promises to build more confidence in the bureaucracy to take decisions, to be innovative with ideas, and to work freely. This is especially important in an environment that encourages the bureaucracy to play safe — whether by passing the buck or deferring decisions. The fear of being implicated — whether for some wrongdoing by a political master, some error of judgment, or by becoming a victim of political vendetta — is very real. It is imperative to breathe more confidence into the bureaucracy, but this may not be possible by a change in attitude alone. The Centre should take a close look at amending draconian Section 13 (1) d (iii) of the Prevention of Corruption Act that holds a public servant responsible for criminal misconduct if he or she “obtains for any person any valuable thing or pecuniary advantage without any public interest”. This is a much too broad and subjective provision, which has been misused repeatedly against many an honest bureaucrat.
Only an empowered bureaucracy can achieve another priority the Prime Minister has laid down — to implement policies in a “time-bound manner”. Modi clearly expects officials and his ministers alike not to resort to indecision, whether strategic or otherwise. Each ministry has been told to prepare a detailed action plan for the first 100 days of this government. Besides, Modi has talked of putting in place systems for inter-ministerial coordination and stability in government policies. These address a major lacuna during the UPA rule, where ministers seemed as if they were working at cross-purposes with each other.
In Gujarat, Modi has been credited with allowing officials to think and act out of the box while stressing on delivery. It will be keenly watched whether he can use his parliamentary majority to achieve the same at the Centre now that the electorate has returned a verdict that frees him of coalition pressures and has given a unique opportunity to fashion a bold new approach to governance and reforms. For a stuttering economy that has been starved of investment and high growth for nearly three years now, it would be a considerable achievement if he is able to do this.