Modis top 10 priorities likely to be revealed

today: Misra
PMO must reflect image, personality, commitments of PM

Prime Minister Narendra Modis top 10 priorities for the country are likely to be revealed on
Thursday, said Nripendra Misra, in an interview to The Hindu Businessline after taking over as
Principal Secretary in the Prime Ministers Office (PMO).
These, in Mr. Modis characteristic style, will necessarily have to be implemented in a time-
bound manner, he added.
Mr. Misra, who was hand picked for the new role in a surprise move, having neither worked for
nor having met Mr. Modi earlier, asserted that the PMO will have to reflect the image,
personality and commitment of the Prime Minister. The entire machinery will be geared up to
fulfil the mandate of the new leader, he said.
The 1967 batch IAS officer and the former Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI)
chairman said he saw the PMO, which is set to become an important power centre in the new
dispensation, as playing three main roles. Priority will be placed on implementation, catalysing
and facilitating inter-ministerial issues, and addressing concerns relating to the economy. Asked
to outline the PMOs strategy in connection with infrastructure and policy reforms, Mr. Misra
said it was for the PM to spell this out. However, personally, I think we need to ask why despite
large investments, completed power projects are not operational, why the NHAI is unable to
deliver on road building targets, and why despite Indias rich natural resources, earnings from
exports of minerals have come to a halt while coal is being imported.
On what can be done to restore confidence among serving bureaucrats, who resort to strategic
inaction to avoid the risk of being dragged into court cases because of controversial decisions
taken by their political masters, Mr. Misra drew attention to Mr. Modis leadership style in
Gujarat. Mr. Modi does three things: he guarantees stability in tenure for as many as four to five
years for competent officers, offers tremendous freedom to innovate and deliver, and takes
personal ownership of all decisions, he said. The officials and secretaries are all padded up for
their new innings, he added.
On the plan to revamp social infrastructure such as health and education, Mr. Misra emphasised
that although the ambition is to ensure health facilities for every citizen of the country in terms of
availability and affordability, this would not be done by doles or government-financed
infrastructure alone. We will seek to provide more instruments in the hands of the people just as
in the insurance sector. We want to secure optimal private participation in the health sector, he
said.
How does Mr. Modi, portrayed as a man of detail who works long hours, also present himself as
someone who delegates a lot of authority to ministers and bureaucrats? Mr. Misra said there was
no contradiction. Both are true. Mr. Modi makes this possible through reliance on technology.
He will work with a state-of-art information system where everything is uploaded and updated
on a real-time basis and he can access all delivery across multiple issues at the touch of a
button.
Asked how he landed the job, Mr. Misra said he was himself caught by surprise when asked to
meet with Mr. Modi at Gujarat Bhavan in Delhi. He said his name was possibly among others
shortlisted for the job and that it was only at the third meeting with the Prime Minister, on May
25, that he was asked to become Principal Secretary.
He declined to comment on the legal issues raised over his appointment after having held the
position of TRAI chairman.

Priority on implementation, catalysing, facilitating inter-ministerial issues
PMO set to become an important power centre
Art. 370: RSS joins row
Omar, Mehbooba assert provision cannot be abrogated

The controversy over Article 370, granting special status to Jammu and Kashmir, continued
unabated on Wednesday with J&K Chief Minister Omar Abdullah asserting that it cannot be
abrogated unless the States Constituent Assembly is recalled.
The Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh, Bharatiya Janata Partys ideological mentor, joined issue
and asked Mr. Abdullah if he thought that the State was his parental estate. Sources close to
Union Home Minister said that Rajnath Singh had declined to speak on the controversy, as he is
scheduled to take charge on Thursday.
However, sources pointed out that Mr. Singh had made observations during election campaign
on the subject, favouring a debate on the issue. Reacting to Omars remarks, RSS leader Ram
Madhav said the state will always be an integral part of India with or without the provision.
What a silly argument about Constituent Assembly! Indian Constitution too was made by
Constituent Assembly but amended by Parliament 100 times. Article 370 and Instrument of
Accession are two separate things six years apart, Mr. Madhav [Link] to reporters
after the National Conference core group meeting in Srinagar, Omar Abdullah asserted that
nobody other than the States Constituent Assembly could revoke Article 370.
How can BJP strengthen ties with people of J&K when they are hell-bent to damage the relation
by virtue of Article 370? Mr Abdullah asked. He also asked the Centre to make clear on who
were the stakeholders it was talking to for repealing special status to the State. He said the
move to re-open the issue would amount to re-opening the issue of the states accession with
India.
Meanwhile, PDP President and Lok Sabha member Mehbooba Mufti said that the Minister of
State in Prime Ministers Office Jitendra Singh had put his foot in the mouth on day one of
assuming office.
She urged the Prime Minister to discipline his ministerial colleague.
NATIONAL:
In Bastar, the valley of death
A 40-km stretch has become the new hunting ground of
Maoists
With Maoists inching closer to the key town of Jagdalpur, the new government at the Centre is
confronted with a mounting challenge in Bastar.
A simple law and order approach to the Naxalite problem will not work. I only hope the new
government is briefed properly on these issues, E.N. Rammohan, former Border Security Force
Director-General, said on what former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh termed the biggest
internal security threat.
A 40-km stretch from the villages of Kamanar to Tahakwada on National Highway-221 has
become the new hunting ground for the Maoists. In one year alone, over 60 people including
senior political leaders, security personnel and civilians have been killed.
The most recent Maoist attack, in which nine persons were killed, came two days after polling in
the Bastar Lok Sabha constituency on April 12, just 35 km from Jagdalpur.
The attack was unexpected and shocking. We were manning all the sensitive points of the area
and this blast took place on the main road, said a Central Reserve Police Force official in the
area.
A month before the elections, the Maoists targeted a joint team of the CRPF and Police from the
Tongpal station near Tahakwada, killing 15 personnel and one civilian.
This area includes the dense valley of Jiram, where 28 people were killed last year, including
former Union Minister Vidya Charan Shukla and Congress leader Mahendra Karma.
New front
The area hardly witnessed any activities until two years ago. So police presence was less here.
This is a thinly populated area with hard terrain and the inter-State boundary only makes the
situation complicated, Bastar range Inspector-General Arun Dev Goutam told The Hindu .
According to Kichhai Nanda, a former group leader of the Special Police Officers, the Maoists
often target new areas where their presence is hardly expected by the police.
For over a year, Jiram Ghati has become their new target, so the security forces will also focus
on this area. But it gives time to the Maoists to regroup in their strongholds deep inside forests,
Mr. Nanda told T he Hindu .
After the attack on the Congress convoy last year, a CRPF camp was set up near the site. But,
according to an officer posted in another camp in this area, the anti-Naxal operations face several
hurdles.
Until now, the State government would put the blame on the Centre for Maoist menace. Now
that both the State and the Centre are being ruled by the BJP, it will be interesting to see how
they tackle this problem, especially in Jiram area, Kawasi Lakhma, a Congress MLA, part of
the convoy which was attacked last year, said.
The tribals must get their rights. Tribal advisory councils have to be set up, Mr. Rammohan,
who inquired into a 2010 Naxal attack in which 76 police personnel were killed in Chhatisgarh,
stated.

I n one year 60 people have been killed in the 40-km stretch
Maoists often target new areas where their presence is hardly expected
New mission to replace JNNURM
Government plans to initiate 100 smart cities

Venkaiah Naidu at his office after assuming charge as the Minister for Urban Development and
Housing and Urban Poverty Alleviation in New Delhi on Wednesday. Photo: Rajeev Bhatt
Its curtains for the UPA governments flagship programme, the Jawaharlal Nehru National
Urban Renewal Mission (JNNURM). The new Union Urban Development and Housing and
Urban Poverty Alleviation Minister (HUPA), M. Venkaiah Naidu, who assumed office on
Wednesday, said a new mission would be launched soon in place of JNNURM.
The new mission would focus on the modern concept for cities based on GIS-based planning and
would have solid and liquid waste management to develop clean cities, the Minister said.
As promised in the BJP manifesto, the Ministry will focus on initiating 100 new cities that will
be enabled with the latest in technology and infrastructure. Mr. Naidu said the governments
priority would be urban uplift and quality public transport.
The government would strive to reduce the interest rate on home loans to ensure housing for all
and give a fillip to low-cost housing. Housing is a priority area and it is my passion. My priority
will be to ensure housing for all by 2020 and to reduce interest rate on home loans. He said
corporates and municipal bodies should contribute to the mission.
Our Prime Minister has a vision and we will give top priority to 100 smart new cities. There
will be smart, safe and better environment, better facilities, better connectivity and better living
conditions for people. That is the concept we are finalising, he said.
Twin cities
Pointing out that urban population was more than the rural growth and people were migrating to
cities, the Minister said the government would explore the concept of twin cities.
Within cities, it is important to provide drainage, better sanitation, waste management, water
recycling and Wi-Fi facilities for public and commercial areas. Infrastructure would be given a
boost in satellite towns.
The new government would also focus on cleaning up cities to boost pilgrim tourism.
Cleanliness and sanitation programmes can be taken up in cities such as Ajmer, Amritsar,
churches in Goa and Kerala, and thousands of temples in the country. Cleanliness is the need of
the hour, he said.

Cities to have modern infrastructure, better waste management
Tram services for cities expanding fast
Telangana walks away with honours in education


After June 2, Andhra Pradesh will be short of quality
institutions
The formation of Telangana is likely to leave the successor State of Andhra Pradesh seriously
short-changed in education. Not only does the new State have the location advantage for
attracting the best institutes, Hyderabad, which will remain part of Telangana, already boasts
some of the biggest names in the sector the ISB (Indian School of Business), NIFT (National
Institute of Fashion Technology), NALSAR (National Academy of Legal Studies and Research),
BITS (Birla Institute of Techonology and Science) and ICFAI (Institute of Chartered Financial
Analysts of India).
However, the bifurcation as such may not pose much problem in admissions with the jurisdiction
of the state universities in both regions clearly demarcated and the processes put in place,
ensuring that the division of academic institutions, work-force and seats will not be as
acrimonious as of other departments.
The present norms will continue for the next 10 years, which is a long time for the rapidly
changing education sector.
Among the 42 universities in the State, 34 are state-run with Coastal Andhra and Rayalaseema
regions having 10 each and the other 14 in Telangana. The remaining three Central Universities
are located in Hyderabad but the admissions are governed by Central Government norms that
give no scope for discrimination against students from the Seemandhra region. The situation will
be similar in the five varsities that enjoy deemed varsity status.
Among the 750-odd private engineering colleges with a capacity of 3.6 lakh seats, 344 are in the
Telangana region and 366 in the Coastal Andhra and Rayalaseema regions. The present policy of
85:15 (local-non local) ratio will continue. The Seemandhra region too boasts several quality
institutions, says P. Rajeshwar Reddy, Founder General Secretary, Consortium of Private
Engineering Colleges Managements Association of A.P. (CECMA).
Also, the Seemandhra region has the advantage in medical education. Among the 42 medical
colleges with 6,200 seats, 21 are in the successor Andhra Pradesh and among them eight are in
the government sector. Telangana has only four government colleges and more private medical
colleges. The huge difference in the fee structure between government and private colleges puts
Telangana at a disadvantage.
The reorganisation Bill has promised the successor State several national-level educational
institutions but academics are sceptical of these assurances as they need huge investments. Even
prominent cities like Visakhapatnam, Vijayawada or Tirupati will have a long wait for these
institutions to be put in place.
Even if money is pumped in, it will take more than a decade for them to acquire the status of
similar institutions in Telangana, says former JNTUK Vice-Chancellor, Allam Appa Rao.
Academics point out that promises of an IIM and a world-class university promised for
Visakhapatnam in 2008 by Mr. Manmohan Singh have remained just dreams.

Present norms to stay for next 10 years ample time in rapidly changing education sector
No scope for discrimination in Hyderabads varsities, where admissions governed by
Central norms
President talks cooperation with neighbours
India has always desired to build peaceful, friendly and cooperative ties with Pakistan, and this
policy will be continued by the new government, President Pranab Mukherjee assured Pakistan
Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif, who called on him on Tuesday at the Rashtrapati Bhavan.
An official of the Presidents Office said Mr. Mukherjee appreciated Mr. Sharifs gracious
response to the invite from Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Reciprocating the Presidents call
for maintaining peace, Mr. Sharif said he considered it a personal privilege to be in India. He
said the government in both countries had a strong mandate and this was a historic moment for
both countries to move forward and remove mistrust.
Mr. Mukherjee also said efforts should be made to open up trade and economic cooperation as
this was an opportunity which should not be missed.
During his meeting with Afghanistan President Hamid Karzai, Mr. Mukherjee praised his efforts
and said the fact that democracy had taken root in Afghanistan was Mr. Karzais political legacy
for the country.
He said Indias political leadership, cutting across party lines, greatly valued Afghanistans
friendship and recognised the personal efforts Mr. Karzai had made to develop the strategic
partnership. He assured the Afghan leader that India would remain committed to the
reconstruction of Afghanistan.
President Karzai described India-Afghanistan relations as strong and deep.
Welcoming Maldivian President Abdulla Yameen Abdul Gayoom, the President said relations
between the two countries were exemplified by the close cooperation in a wide range of areas.
India looks forward to close integration of India and Maldives economies for mutual benefit.
Devolution of powers
During his meeting with Mahinda Rajapaksa, President of Sri Lanka, Mr. Mukherjee said the end
of the conflict in Sri Lanka should be utilised to create a lasting political settlement within the
framework of a united Sri Lanka. The resumption of dialogue and meaningful devolution of
powers would contribute to this.
The Sri Lankan President reciprocated the sentiments expressed by the President and said
inviting leaders from countries of the region was an important message of friendship to the entire
region.
Prime Minister of Mauritius Navinchandra Ramgoolam and Mr. Mukherjee spoke of taking the
relations to new heights.
Nepal Prime Minister Sushil Koirala briefed Mr. Mukherjee on the Constitution-making process
in his country. Mr. Mukherjee said that as a close friend and neighbour, India stands ready to
support the government and people of Nepal in their historic endeavours.
During his meeting with Speaker of Bangladesh Parliament Shirin Sharmin Chaudhury, the
President said India attached the highest importance to its relations with Bangladesh and wanted
a deeper and stronger partnership. The Speaker responded that Bangladesh had always attached a
different value and priority to relations with India.
Bhutan Prime Minister Lyonchhen Tshering Tobgay also called on the President. Relations
between India and Bhutan were based on shared strategic perceptions, the utmost trust,
transparency and sensitivity to each others concerns and vital interests, Mr. Mukherjee told the
dignitary.

Pranab appreciates Sharifs gracious response to
Modis invite
Its a personal privilege to be in I ndia, says Sharif
GM crops will be put on the back burner
Irrigation project a la Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana
soon

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Radha Mohan Singh at a press meet in New Delhi on Wednesday. Photo: Sandeep Saxena
In a reversal of the UPA regime policy, genetically modified crops will not be a priority for the
new government, Agriculture Minister Radha Mohan Singh said here on Wednesday.
Only if absolutely necessary can genetically modified crops be looked at, said the 64-year-old
Cabinet Minister after taking charge of his Ministry. The UPA government had promoted GM
crops as a panacea for food scarcity.
Expressing concern at the possibility of a deficient monsoon, he said the Centre had advised
States to set aside 10 per cent of their share of Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana funds as a cover.
The Ministry had written to them, asking them to be prepared with contingency plans and be
ready with seeds of short-duration and late-sown crops.
The Centre would soon launch a Prime Ministers Rural Irrigation Project on the lines of the
Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana started during Atal Bihari Vajpayees tenure. The project
would seek to complete unfinished water projects so that small and marginal farmers were
benefited.
The four-time MP from Bihar expressed confidence that the new government would keep a tight
check on the prices of essential commodities and also ensure that farmers got a good price for
their produce. The Agriculture Marketing Produce Act would be reviewed.
New MSP likely
He said a Farmers Income Insurance Scheme would be launched to ensure returns on investment
during a calamity.
At the same time, from the next kharif onwards, the government might give farmers a minimum
support price about 50 per cent higher than the input cost for their crop.

States asked to prepare contingency plans for poor rainfall
Govt. to launch Farmers I ncome I nsurance Scheme