׉?ׁB!בCטu׉׉ 7cassandra://QmDOvvnXVjpogs3kHjOQuVQw8jvnght_jq5wWQsEI0Ag` ׉ 7cassandra://rtabVuaENemBfgB72IWOF6Bj7lC19cyDboGCc76JBGM͛y`S׉ 7cassandra://Spn59UYF7rCgGrs7waf0Iqei4rorNujf7dN0GtLBsHw*`̵׉ 7cassandra://_tTNyktyOjJOtcA68f1_2MNeQYK_fdsgat-UOKqwSloc ͠V97̚6W׈EV97̚6W׉E sM E R I T O C R A C Y INDIA INTERNATIONAL Vol. 7 No. 4 3 October 2015 Noida Seventh Year of Publication and Free Distribution ELECTO-MERITOCRAT Prime Minister Narendra Modi Prime Minister Narendra Modi is an ELECTO-MERITOCRAT. He is a Meritocrat who has been given to the nation through a most spectacular election campaign, costing India a few thousand crore rupees, spread over many months. FIRST OF ALL, WHO IS A MERITOCRAT? A Meritocrat of Democracy, as propagated by this magazine for the past seven years, is a person of extraordinary leadership qualities. He or she is selected by the MERIT COMMISSION, which we hope a wise India will have one day in the not too distant a future. Some two million Indians in the age group of 25 to 65 are visualised to apply for the 543 Lok Sabha Constituencies of India. The Merit Commission will discover dynamic, visionary, honest-to-the-core leaders from among 125 crore Indians by means of scientifically designed tests. Firstly, Candidate aspiring to be a member of the Lok Sabha of Meritocracy will have to pass tests in knowledge of Indian Constitution, conducting public services, constituency management, general knowledge about the laws of India, and problems facing the nation and his or her ideas of solutions. If successful, he or she will have to pass social leadership tests in integrity, public speaking, devotion to the people, and uncompromising financial honesty. Even if he passes the knowledge and the social leadership tests, he will have to pass a Medical Test of fitness so as to look after two million people of his Lok Sabha Constituency, its 1000 habitations and a vast area of a few thousand square kilometers in plains, jungles, hills, desert, which he will be required to tour tirelessly for its betterment. If he passes these three tests – knowledge, leadership, medical - he is placed on the All India Order of Merit. Even now it is not certain that he will get selected. Only the first 543 in this All India Merit List will be selected for the Lok Sabha of Meritocracy. These 543 now become part of the INDIAN POLITICAL SERVICE. Lok Sabha Constituencies will be allotted to them, as per scientifically designed parameters. Even now, he or she is still not considered fit to enter the Lok Sabha of Meritocracy. He will be rigorously trained for four months at the National Academy for Excellence in Public Service and Governance, a vital pillar of Meritocracy. One of the major subjects of training and motivation at this National Academy will be the concept of TOTAL RESPONSIBILITY. He or she will be trained to be totally responsible for the whole of India, for the whole of his Constituency, for ׉ 7cassandra://Spn59UYF7rCgGrs7waf0Iqei4rorNujf7dN0GtLBsHw*`̵V97̚6WV97̚6WבCטu׉׉ 7cassandra://UuuKLrnpWpcSHITir05eZ68WsHWnGzMauUcsOamFqac8` ׉ 7cassandra://fm3QAsVp1rCcJ7qPpgPOb-A00KFokuxDHZfEBB9wengͧ>`S׉ 7cassandra://5p1Lk9RagXS88U2yTcqN1b9uGBL9cf5WzFQFtnnzpMg)g`̵׉ 7cassandra://Le9LFX5xOgRQz-G9APFCVCT0lgTtTGNPw_bT_7a_Uh4O.͠V:7̚6Wטu׉׉ 7cassandra://X2wZ2ujss3QfIlx1hizcYfZYIwwvuc7QXgKiGBXi6rE` ׉ 7cassandra://p9PCDSpvll4f0LhrywzvsIVPr27nFCKvFf4GPI4Mz70͕`S׉ 7cassandra://L1hTnusoOz1kgmVJvGy6BNleLg3jvssTJ2U1IlrnJlU$K`̵׉ 7cassandra://thVLhUhfVjOz4aIS-9Bbadp8OZYc0yOUv20nH4v_JEAN?͠V:7̚6WנV97̚6W̠9׉Hhttp://www.attendance.gov.inGׁ ׁ rנV;7̚6WQ9ׁHhttp://mygov.comׁ ׁ Ј׉E:Meritocracy India International 3 October 2015 2 the whole of Lok Sabha. Every individual will be responsible for all this. The training at the National Academy will be deep and wide in this hallowed and sacred sphere of TOTAL RESPONSIBILITY OF THE INDIVIDUAL TOWARDS THE COUNTRY. A sense of total responsibility will bring excellence in conduct and debates in the Lok Sabha. Only after four months of scientifically designed training, are the 543 Members of the Lok Sabha of Meritocracy fit to enter the Peoples House of the Nation. For these Honourable Members, rigorously selected out of two million candidates, there will be an impressive welcoming ceremony at New Delhi with Indian culture and music on display. The people of India will join in enthusiastically. ONLY AFTER THE WELCOME CEREMONY will the 543 take up their seats in the HOUSE OF MERITOCRACY. First in the Order of Merit among these 543 Meritocrats will be the Prime Minister of the Nation, for five years. To reach up to here, to become a member of the Lok Sabha of Meritocracy, all that an aspiring Indian will have to spend from his or her own resources will be less than Rs. One Lac ! Unbelievable but will be found to be a reality. The Nation will get its 543 MERITOCRATS with great dignity, honour, respect, and very marginal cost. The Lok Sabha will become SACRED, RESPECTED, HONOURED HOUSE OF THE PEOPLE. The Lok Sabha of 543 Meritocrats will function as TEAM INDIA, TEAM PARLIAMENT. This is MERITOCRAT. This is MERITOCRACY, as visualized and propagated by this magazine for the last seven years. Is Prime Minister Narendra Modi a MERITOCRAT? By the above standards, no. And yet, he has displayed meritocratic qualities. Like the Meritocrat we have propagated for the past seven years, he thinks, feels and acts for 100 per cent Indians and 100 per cent India. This has become amply evident in his nation-building contributions over the past 16 months, narrated below. He is a Meritocrat, no doubt, but functioning under the disruptions of the election system. We have, therefore, called him an Electo Meritocrat. Inevitably, some of his actions get tied up in knots because of the compulsions (or SLAVERY) imposed on him by the bitterly competitive, mutually antagonistic party system, and its inseparable companion, the NEGATIVITY called the organized opposition. In this issue, we leave the knots, the compulsions, to unravel themselves in due course. We focus upon tens of meritorious deeds which Electo Meritocrat Prime Minister Narendra Modi has set in motion in the last about 16 months. Every one of these deeds envisioned and pushed forward has the Modi dynamism stamped on it. This special issue records the rare phenomenon of Meritocracy in Electocracy. Please read on. Neighborhood First : Extraordinary Oath Taking Ceremony The world's attention was riveted on the extraordinary oath taking ceremony, carried out in the open court of the Rashtrapati Bhawan in May 2014. Neighborhood first ! Heads of governments of SAARC nations were invited. The invitation conveyed the commitment to make SAARC strong in all spheres. Improving the work culture in the Central Government Offices. Biometric machines were introduced to mark the attendance. Fingerprint reading machines and iris scanners were introduced to ensure 100 per cent record of attendance. Punctuality and work output increased by leaps and bounds. A website and its file-notings often said : Please get back within 24 hours. PM Modi instructed : “Work hard but not under pressure. Also, spend quality time with your families.” PM www.attendance.gov.in became functional. PMO became strong ׉ 7cassandra://5p1Lk9RagXS88U2yTcqN1b9uGBL9cf5WzFQFtnnzpMg)g`̵V:7̚6W׉E Meritocracy India International 3 October 2015 3 directly called officials on phone to seek clarifications, and encouraged them to discuss any issues with him openly. Working hard for the nation became a habit. Ministers of State For the first time in India's history, a Prime Minister interacted with Ministers of State (Independent) in a conference in March 2015, to take stock of their works, achievements, difficulties, and the need to keep the people informed about achievements on a regular basis. MODI'S 'ZERO HOUR' Electo-Meritocrat Prime Minister Modi created his own 'Zero Hour' at the Cabinet meetings, where ministers can have free-wheeling discussions on any topic they feel relevant for the cabinet's informal consideration. Ram Vilas Paswan revealed in August 2014 : “The kind of interaction Modi has with his ministers is unprecedented. The PM holds discussions with every ministry. This is benefitting us and helping the PM as well”. (as reported by The Sunday Express of 31 August 2014). Prime Minister Modi's contact with every Indian Electo-Meritocrat Modi, soon after becoming Prime Minister, launched the internet plat- form mygov.com, inviting citizens to give their suggestions for good governance. Lakhs of people are participating on this platform. (as reported by Mail Today of 5 August 2015) PMO website encourages direct correspondence with the Prime Minister via email, and gives option Login/Register/Lost Password/Resend Activation Mail. MANN KI BAAT The Prime Minister started speaking to the people of India on the All India Radio once a month, on carefully chosen, non-political subjects, such as the girl child, drug addiction, coping with stress during examinations, and so on. Giving India Strong Foundations Through Cooperative Federalism Narendra Modi is a strong believer in cooperative federalism, and has increased States share of finances from the Central divisible pool by as much as 10 per cent, from the earlier 32 per cent to 42 per cent. This has allowed States to plan their own development in a much bigger way. For example, Chhattisgarh will now receive Rs. 81,000 crore over the next five years, which is nearly double of the previous five years. This positive step towards inclusive development (SAB KA SAATH, SAB KA VIKAAS) will help States to plan their roads, schools, hospitals and much else, on an ever bigger scale. TEAM INDIA Team India is a concept, sentiment, founded upon love, compassion, intelligence, cooperation, welfare of all. It is an idea Electo-Meritocrat Prime Minister Modi is actively and dynamically pursuing, being a believer in Vasudhaiva Kutumbhkam, The World is One Family. The challenge is the Organised Opposition, the inseparable companion of electoral democracy. Prime Minister Modi is the first to propagate the sentiment of TEAM INDIA in Centre-State relations, and TEAM INDIA of 125 crore Indians marching forward together. NITI AAYOG Modi as Chief Minister of Gujarat experienced injustice from the Planning Commission. On becoming Prime Minister, he abolished it and set up NITI AAYOG, a policy driven institution, with States having a strong voice in it. This was a major step towards cooperative federalism, towards st ׉ 7cassandra://L1hTnusoOz1kgmVJvGy6BNleLg3jvssTJ2U1IlrnJlU$K`̵V:7̚6WV:7̚6WבCטu׉׉ 7cassandra://W-e5zJzbIj1ruRJUEgvP0zXSQ2jUMqTBaibvTKh8yCQ'` ׉ 7cassandra://EkXy_-7xsJS4pq3vwd2JuphjVcXEhNqJGDmOp3qX758͠Y`S׉ 7cassandra://NePe-geMThxoiQopbNelEtSVT3UqrK3boWtBWL1JvSY'O`̵׉ 7cassandra://UGoNoneIvicGY-QI8Pnn04SPgTOOmHauhWnq36hBbV4S͠V;7̚6Wטu׉׉ 7cassandra://XdlnOa34fdPoAIfa9T0pWtdNKuFg0b0RvFb4LNWs8LA` ׉ 7cassandra://iNbmYXghfa0dhn4ygHNGVbGxxwB3igalW7gcIXbLQ90͢S`S׉ 7cassandra://VYVslLVtZ8xNorGcync9cB_bkGczQLlEohi4r3KznFM(A`̵׉ 7cassandra://9FTPpqrL3zfvAS8M9eQz_3g3bU5BfChR3QvmMNbpfVYW͠V<7̚6WנV:7̚6WV,k9׉Hhttp://www.myLPG.inGׁ ׁ rנV:7̚6W,n9׉Hhttp://www.giveitup.inGׁ ׁ rנV>7̚6WŁ/k9ׁHhttp://www.giveitup.inׁ ׁ ЈנV=7̚6WāV/i9ׁHhttp://www.myLPG.inׁ ׁ Ј׉E|Meritocracy India International 3 October 2015 4 fostering TEAM INDIA sentiments, and achieving double digit GDP. Smart Cities Plans have been made to give to the nation 100 smart cities. Central fund of Rs 500 crore spread over five years will be provided to each smart city. In the first phase 20 cities have been selected (Delhi, Lucknow, Mumbai, Jaipur, Gandhinagar, Raipur, Vijaywada, Bhubaneswar, Guwahati, Moradabad, Saharanpur, Dharamsala and others). Names of 98 cities were announced in August 2015. Sab ka saath, sab ka vikas, acche din have many dimensions. Skill India Electo-Meritocrat Modi, on becoming Prime Minister, immediately set up Skill Development Ministry. Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojna became a flagship skill training programme for 24 lakh youth with the help of 2,500 multi-skill development centres all over India, while 34 lakh skill loans were planned to be disbursed in 5 years. Skilled India headed towards becoming a reality. Digital India : 100 million jobs planned by 2020 Electo-Meritocrat Prime Minister Modi launched Digital India campaign on 1 July 2015. It is a powerful, visionary programme of providing transparent and efficient Government services online to every citizen of India, even in the remotest corner. It will confront head on the virus of corruption, and bridge the gap between the rich and the poor. Huge technical infrastructure is required to make Digital India a success, and the corporate sector, prominently in attendance at the Prime Minister's launch programme, committed an impressive amount of Rs. 4.5 lakh crore. By 2020 Digital India is planned to generate 100 million jobs. The nation's 2,50,000 panchayats and all the police stations of India will be interconnected. Under the scheme SEHAT (Health), 60,000 Common Service Centres will be interconnected to provide health care access to millions of citizens (telemedicine and so an). AND MUCH ELSE FOR SAB KA SAATH, SAB KA VIKAS, MAXIMUM GOVERNANCE, ACCHE DIN. Enormous Boost to Digital Diplomacy “Modi within the first nine months has given an epic boost to the country's previously non-existent digital diplomacy.” (Mail Today, 15 February 2015). MAKE IN INDIA (Zero defect, zero effect to environment) From the ramparts of the Red Fort on Independence Day, 15 August 2014, Prime Minsiter Modi launched 'Make in India' campaign. He talked of making India the best country in the world to do business, providing red carpet, not red tape, to entrepreneurs. Many red carpets were laid out by July 2015. Registration under Shops and Establishment Act can be done in a single day and online. Number of documents have been reduced, forms simplified and procedures have been made transparent and business-friendly. Many online portals have been set up (such as single window portal for clearance of building plan set up by Madhya Pradesh government). Uttar Pradesh has launched a speedy disposal mechanism for less-polluting industries. In West Bengal, online application for electricity connection will be cleared in 15 days. Central Government Facilitation Committee cells have been set up, such as the one for quick customs clearances. And much else, for creating world class Indian manufactures, world class assets, and an impressive intellectual capital. Many countries (USA, Germany. France, Taiwan, others) have volunteered to manufacture in India. Commercial Courts : For the success of 'Make in India' campaign, Modi Government has planned to set up special commercial courts to resolve disputes rapidly and to impose exemplary fines on defaulters. Commercial Courts Bill 2015 was introduced in the Budget session of February 2015. Checking corruptions in heavy cargo movement : ׉ 7cassandra://NePe-geMThxoiQopbNelEtSVT3UqrK3boWtBWL1JvSY'O`̵V<7̚6W׉EMeritocracy India International 3 October 2015 5 Modi Government launched web portal for online approval of Over Dimensional and Over Weight Cargo in January 2015 in order to curb corruption and introduce transparency in the movement of heavy weight cargo. This will remove one of the biggest hurdles in the 'Make in India' campaign. DEEP ABIDING CONCERN FOR THOSE TRAPPED IN POVERTY Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojna scheme was launched to enable the poorest of the poor to open accounts in banks even with zero balance, so that government subsidies could be transferred directly to the bank accounts. Earlier, there were leakages enroute, and famously and sadly, only 15 paise of the Rupee from Delhi reached the poor via a host of middlemen (or, shylocks). This huge deprivation of the poor came to an end, once and for all – for the FIRST time since 1947 ! The highly corrupt PDS of doling out foodgrains to the poor began to be replaced by direct cash transfers to bank accounts. By January 2015, 99.7% households had bank accounts under this scheme. (The Times of India, 21 January 2015). This paved the way for the transfer of Rs. 65,000 crore subsidies and other cash transfers directly to the accounts of the poor. Seventeen crore new accounts of the poor were functioning well. Pradhan Mantri Jeevan Jyoti Bima Yojna provides life insurance benefit up to Rs. Two Lakhs for a premium of only Rs. 330 per annum. Pradhan Mantri Jeevan Raksha Yojna provides to all savings bank account holders up to Rs. 2 lakh in case of accidents leading to disability, for a premium of only Rs. 12 per annum. Atal Pension Yojna : This gives pension benefit to the unorgainsed workers. On attaining the age of 60, they can have pension of Rs. 1000 to Rs. 5000, depending upon the contribution options they exercise between the ages of 18 and 40. Medical Insurance for the Unorganized Construction Workers st st Millions of labourers working on construction sites began to avail medical benefits from 1 August 2015, under a specially extended insurance scheme by the Modi Government. All these schemes are FIRST of their kind for the welfare of the poor. The response was in lakhs, jumping to crores. These were acclaimed as easily the best inclusive packages unveiled by any government since Independence. Still more was to come. NITI Aayog was tasked to identify the poorest families in every single village of India for direct cash transfers to their bank accounts via the Aadhar Card route. And listen please. The Opposition said : Modi government is suit-boot ki sarkar. LPG Cylinders for the Poor Prime Minister Modi, concerned for the poor who had to collect wood and suffer smoke-filled cooking areas, appealed for the surrender of LPG subsidy to those who could afford it. More than three million persons surrendered their subsidies in just a few months, enabling millions of poor families to enjoy the comfort and cleanliness of cooking on gas. The direct transfer of subsidies to bank accounts have saved Rs. 15,000 crore for the National Treasury, for bijli, sadak, pani ghar. To give up your LPG subsidy, log on to www.myLPG.in www.giveitup.in 30,000 to , 40,000 households are giving up LPG subsidy daily, reported The Times of India on 25 August 2015. ELECTO-MERITOCRAT'S CONCERN FOR THE HARASSED INDIAN th Here are more examples of maximum governance, minimum government, sab ka saath, acche din. A simple idea like 'self-attestation' has brought relief to millions every day. They don't have to run from pillar to post to get attested. Digital Life Certificate has eased the hardships ׉ 7cassandra://VYVslLVtZ8xNorGcync9cB_bkGczQLlEohi4r3KznFM(A`̵V<7̚6WV<7̚6WבCטu׉׉ 7cassandra://J-ymKoiDJIblgZyBG6-Ol1-6f4o_5gCAJuL9C4ij4Fk` ׉ 7cassandra://gwxkA7VUVBzONwNvbrr0YaUV-04z6C3mf_oTly6aqpwͨF`S׉ 7cassandra://JxCZPrwsa7HYXa-3umXkYxCAfpJ652OhBhKgY3w8J_E(F`̵׉ 7cassandra://qLZHOQc21nl5-WZ27vwsVN0vRciKbflyHGRa36T-CtAVc͠V=7̚6Wטu׉׉ 7cassandra://ebSyNwYrUjgpH7SDgHszaJCJSLa4TEaVHnHeN_A2cUk` ׉ 7cassandra://hfz_TE3Cli-0f6Qwvz0L18_soVzqfL9-FRGahM6bcz0͏a`S׉ 7cassandra://0uFeEOCnS8Jcio6W-EygcZQddivlKsdJSCLMXQWst3I!`̵׉ 7cassandra://AGbemMKjOp8p7SYyEhYBAN55eu3faMewN3SnKaHuA4UN͠V>7̚6W׉EMeritocracy India International 3 October 2015 6 of lakhs of Central and State pensioners who had to travel long distances to render life certificates in person, or forego pension for months. A new Employment Provident Fund had to be opened with every change of job, resulting in harassment and financial losses for the citizens. ElectoMeritocrat Modi initiated the allotment of a permanent EPF number to each employee, which will remain unchanged with change of job. Next, the harassment of standing in long queues at railway stations for unreserved tickets was ended by starting Universal Ticketing Services. Interviews for junior government jobs have been abolished. Sab ka sath, achche din have many dimensions. Toll plazas : Toll bottlenecks, with long queues of trucks, have caused serious damage to economy. A study carried out by Transport Corporation of India and IIM Kolkata revealed a whopping all-India loss of Rs. 60,000 crore every year on account of delays at check posts. Modi Government abolished more than 200 toll plazas in the first six months, while GST legislation is aimed at doing away with toll plazas all over India, making India one big hassel-free market for all. Taming of Prices : “Taming prices a success story for the Modi government” reported The Times of India on 21 May, 2015. End to the 'Inspector raj' : Factories and business premises have st been permitted self certifications and to file returns online. This has put an end to the notorious 'inspector raj' which was misused to extort illegal money. Modi Government did this reform within two months of taking charge, in July 2014. Missing Children : Soon after becoming Prime Minister, Modi expressed his anguish publicly for the parents of missing children. He set in motion a nation-wide hunt. Police teams fanned out to various states and 227 missing children were restored to their parents by October 2014. The mission continues. his Mann Ki Baat on the All India Radio in January 2015, Prime Minister Modi spoke of the sufferings of drug and alcoholic addicts, and spelt out the policy : Drug Demand Reduction and Prevention. He also started the Helpline : 1800-11-0031 to assist the addicts, their suffering families and the communities. Modi and Road Safety of Indians : Moved by the bleeding to death of a youth in a road accident, Electo Meritocrat Prime Minister Modi set in motion Road Safety Policy and Action Plan which will include cashless treatment of road accident victims. Indian Refugees in India : Over 5000 Hindus who had fled Bangladesh because of religious persecution and denied citizenship rights for decades were given citizenship and were rehabilitated by Madhya Pradesh government, led by Modi's ruling party. The case for rehabilitation of Kashmiri Pandits has been taken up. (Thinker : Does doing yoga and pranayam every day, combined with sattavic diet, result in an energetic mind which is concerned with the welfare of all in India, in SAARC, and in the world ?). Girl Child Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has displayed great concern for the girl child. He launched a campaign Beti Bachao Beti Padhao at a big rally in Panipat, Haryana. As to the skewed sex-ratio, he asked at this rally : “Our mental illness is responsible for this. We give a lot of importance to boys. But for how long will we look at girls as 'paraya dhan' ?” In his Mann Ki Baat broadcast on All India Radio, he advocated selfie-with-daughter, and recommended the gift of a social security scheme to girls on the occasion of Raksha Bandhan festival. The BJP (with 110 million members) was galvanized to persuade brothers to gift a social security scheme to their sisters, during Raksha Bandan 2015. Modi's Personal Saving of Rs. 21 lakh donated for the girl-child On relinquishing the post of Gujarat's Chief Minister, Prime Minister Modi donated his personnel saving of Rs. 21 lakh for the creation of a Trust to help the education and self-employment of the girl-child of class IV employees of the State government. Drug and Alcohol Addicts : In ׉ 7cassandra://JxCZPrwsa7HYXa-3umXkYxCAfpJ652OhBhKgY3w8J_E(F`̵V>7̚6W׉E Meritocracy India International 3 October 2015 7 Eight-year old Nepali Boy An eight-year old boy, found alone at Kalurpur railway station, was rehabilitated by Narendra Modi as Chief Minister. He got him admitted to a school and looked after him thereafter. In his Nepal visit as Prime Minister, he took the grown up boy along and handed him over to his parents. The Nepali youth is now pursuing higher studies in Ahmedabad. Women in Paramilitary Forces A massive drive was launched to double the number of women in paramilitary forces in just one year. All India Helpline for Women Helpline 181 for women's security and welfare was launched by Prime Minister Modi in early 2015. Housing for All Modi Government has visualised 'Housing for All' by 2022. He has asked his government to build over 2 crore houses for lower income groups. Electricity for All by 2018 More than 23,000 megawatts of electric power has been added in just one year of “maximum governance, minimum government.” At this rate of progress, electricity for all is possible by 2018. SWACHH BHARAT ABHIYAN, CLEAN INDIA CAMPAIGN From the ramparts of the Red Fort on 15 August 2014, Prime Minister Modi appealed to Indians to keep the country clean, Swachch Bharat. High priority sanitation works have been planned for 4,041 statutory towns and villages. The Prime Minister himself took up the broom to clean some areas in the capital and later, in his Constituency of Varanasi. Environment Laws were amended to include spot fines on people polluting public places, and imprisonment and fine on industries causing substantial damage to environment. On long distance trains, 'Clean My Coach' mobile app was introduced as part of Swachh Bharat mission. Toilets for the Nation Electo-Meritocrat Narendra Modi feelingly spoke of the pain of those Indians who do not have a toilet in their homes or in their schools. This was the first time that a Prime Minister had brought the nation's focus on this subject. By July 2015. India Incorporated and Public Sector Undertakings had volunteered to donate more than Rs. 45,000 crore for constructing toilets all over India. A target of 4,17,796 toilets for schools in the Swachh Vidyalaya programme was achieved. Within one year, 98% of the target was achieved by Ministries, Corporate sector and NGOs working as a team, resulted in millions of boys and girls re-joining schools. Cleaning of Ganga Cleaning the Ganga is a major undertaking of the Modi Government. Millions in UP, Bihar and West Bengal depend upon this river. Swift legal action against polluters and environment friendly cremations along the river bank are amongst the many measures being undertaken. Sansad Adarsh Gramin Yojna (SAGY) For Model Villages Electo-Meritocrat Modi, visualizing excellence in India's villages, originated Sansad Adarsh Gramin Yojna and appealed to all the Members of Parliament to adopt a village in their Parliamentary Constituencies and make it into a 'model village' of development, sanitation, water ׉ 7cassandra://0uFeEOCnS8Jcio6W-EygcZQddivlKsdJSCLMXQWst3I!`̵V>7̚6WȁV>7̚6WǁבCטu׉׉ 7cassandra://13w80Eb_QfpXT1a34_aUxjyGz4fXILCwkmZD1xfVryYpp` ׉ 7cassandra://GqnTczfC-7FGoqBEP3T4r7uMckf5ZGN7eX2vjHc3N1I͛[`S׉ 7cassandra://8qlsPQM4xHxTb6sJPpIK-Kiu2Z_GrgaOVV4k9xVYxMk%3`̵׉ 7cassandra://w5zWuIjeBc9PXKefiBKQ-YaVmLOTDaj33x2rMiK-gMsQ͠V?7̚6Wטu׉׉ 7cassandra://Xgs6epiwVQ9O3VG8JJjxqlvqnGnilWsCzKzp6Jv6-lgّ` ׉ 7cassandra://tAc5B6EHXUY2xnEOnQgCfCyhoxS3_xtGlJehbz3w3Jo͍`S׉ 7cassandra://myjReVo46mpAK-mGlnt11C4fUafirBLnl0DkDPAbMH8"p`̵׉ 7cassandra://FGxmhyitnW7bZR6mEZiCcGI4ys0sKCvkCaEki67ogXEKo͠V@7̚6W׉E Meritocracy India International 3 October 2015 8 facilities, and harmonious living. Members of the Rajya Sabha may select a village in the rural area in the State they represent. Nominated MPs can choose a village in rural area anywhere in India. Each MP has to develop three model villages by 2019, the first one by 2016. There was generally enthusiastic support to this idea, and India is expected to have (543 + 245) x 3 = 2,364 model villages by 2019. And the model villages will go on expanding via SAGY or self-help, or competitiveness. NEW FARMER-ORIENTED SCHEMES In July 2015, Modi Government cleared several new farmer-oriented schemes. Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchai Yojna is aimed at fulfilling the dream “har khet ko pani” (water for every field). Central Government alone will provide Rs. 50,000 crore for this mega scheme, while States, too, will contribute. Earlier, only 33 per cent of the crop damage in rains was compensated. Modi Government increased it to 50 per cent. It was a big decision. An improved crop insurance programme for better and quick compensation for crop damages in calamities is on the anvil. National Agricultural E-market was created. Presently, the mandis (markets) in India are manipulated by strongmen with political backing, denying farmers fair prices. National online mandi will give direct access to the farmer and help him procure better prices. On 2 May, 2015, Prime Minister Modi launched 24x7 Doordarshan Kisan programme. Every farmer will have Soil Health Cards by 2018. Soil health cards have been devised to help farmers increase productivity. Lab-to-land slogan of PM Modi is aimed at ensuring that research breakthroughs in agricultural laboratories reach the farmers. Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojna Thousands of villages have remained deprived of road connectivity for decades, affecting health, education and all aspects of village life, even marriages. The government has now planned 110 kilometers of rural roads every day under the Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojna. New Roads for India at a Faster Pace Prime Minister Modi personally steered the plan for 10,000 kilometers of new roads in the year 2015-16. Modi's “maximum governance” planned to raise 3 lakh crore rupees to double highway construction to never-seen-before 30 kilometers a day. Four Dham Yatra is to be linked to national highways at a cost of Rs. 11,000 crore. (The Pioneer, 21 May 2015). ECONOMIC GROWTH An investment of six lakh crore rupees has been planned in multiple sectors. IMF and World Bank have complimented India on its economic recovery and growth. President of the World Bank, Jim Yong Kim, congratulated the Prime Minister on his visionary steps and said the world needed more leaders like Modi. GDP Growth : GDP has grown at an impressive 7.3 per cent in FDI : As a result of vigorous campaigning by Electo-Meritocrat Prime the financial year 2014-2015, made possible by expansions in the service sector (by 11.5 per cent) and manufacturing sector. Minister Modi in India and Abroad, Rs. 1,70,000 crore of FDI came to India in the first year itself. This was heard on NDTV 24x7. Pradhan Mantri Mudra Bank Yojna : Under this scheme, launched in April 2015, 57.7 million small businesses will be provided loans up to Rs. 50,000 by MUDRA (Micro Units Development and Refinance Agency). ׉ 7cassandra://8qlsPQM4xHxTb6sJPpIK-Kiu2Z_GrgaOVV4k9xVYxMk%3`̵V@7̚6W׉E PMeritocracy India International 3 October 2015 9 Mining Illegal mining has held sway in India for decades. Modi Government has taken strong measures. MMDR Amendment Act 2015 has introduced Auction as the only way of granting mining concessions. This has brought transparency and fair play in the mining industry, and huge revenue for bijli, sadak, pani (power, roads, water). Illegal mining has been made punishable with 2 to 5 years imprisonment plus Rs. 5 lakh penalty per hectare. States have been empowered to set up fast-track courts for quick justice for the law-breakers. 400 Railway Stations to be Redeveloped 400 railway stations in metros, big cities, pilgrim centres and tourist spots will be revamped with modern designs and business ideas, transforming them into world class facilities. This will be one more First. Big push for Solar Energy Electo-Meritocrat Modi has given a great push to tapping India's solar energy potential. There is a bold five times jump in the target for solar energy from 20,000 MW to 100,000 MW. Some 630 big buildings have been selected in all the States for roof-top solar panels. Homes are encouraged to set up their own solar plants, with 30 per cent subsidy from the government, and be free of electricity bills. Fifty Solar cities have been planned. Sagar Mela : Reviving India's maritime glory Prime Minister Modi, coming from Gujarat which has a long coastline, set about reviving the ancient sea-routes of India. He talked of the glorious sea traditions and achievements of ancient India and organized SAGAR MELA (Festival of Ocean) to propel further India's maritime prowess. High Priority to North East India (Sab ka saath, sab ka vikas) Prime Minister Modi has given high priority to road and rail connectivity and other major projects for North East India (the Seven Sisters). He released Rs. 80,000 core to the North East in July 2015. Heritage Cities Prime Minister Modi's promotion to tourism is well-known. Electo-Meritocrat Modi inaugurated Heritage City Development and Augmentation Yojna (HRIDAY) on 13 January 2015. He released Rs. 80 crore for Varanasi, Rs. 50 crore for Amritsar, and so on. Twelve cities have been selected for Heritage Development. Spiritual Tourism Prime Minster Modi has advocated 'spiritual tourism' around Ram Circuit, Krishna Circuit, Devi Circuit, Buddhist Circuit and Jain, Christian, Muslim, Sufi Circuits. For religious connectivity across the country, around 8000 kilometers of roads as well as special pilgrim trains have been planned. India's Neighbours : Neighborhood First Prime Minister Modi (while visiting Seychelles, Mauritius and Sri Lanka in March 2015) said in Colombo : “My vision of an ideal neighbourhood is one in which trade, investment and technology flow easily across the border, where partnerships are formed with ease of routine.” India, he pointed out, is one of the fastest growing major economies, and neighbours should have the first claim on India. A flurry of India Assisted projects were announced in many South Asian countries in mid 2015, including railways, hydropower, transmission lines and the like. The Electo-Meritocrat ׉ 7cassandra://myjReVo46mpAK-mGlnt11C4fUafirBLnl0DkDPAbMH8"p`̵V@7̚6ẂV@7̚6ẂבCטu׉׉ 7cassandra://mCxQni4AJCEQ8mKOsvJMRuwr0MIbgn2amIdTtX-d3Dg` ׉ 7cassandra://ctU9VX9OyNcmwh-I66uVi9GBHOsPanBzRv92MsAA2_Mͅ`S׉ 7cassandra://dStW4fn-DJVKTccnFh9V2pP-T2qgmTrn61xcvLnvbaQ"`̵׉ 7cassandra://kEpRCh4OxG5YXKdjHjAeuOqrmSIiAyJFFqoP9EU966UDW͠VA7̚6Wטu׉׉ 7cassandra://JxIDlXjjSQbv25JcFeq505_4Hn7AWEQ9q2o23gyQ8oYZ` ׉ 7cassandra://m_jAzT15WMk9QiDT2mTYOSrDdspm5qP66XlhRKciTaUͥf`S׉ 7cassandra://uodsy7WxH__efWJVSQoqpQsdhCLu5F-ZzWS82sxiTdk(`̵׉ 7cassandra://d-ZLyTWYJKdi69JobO5K6kXzYPnHHe2eqm8z-4GOkXQX0͠VB7̚6WӑנVE7̚6W݁ 9ׁHhttp://www.meritocracyindia.comׁ ׁ Ј׉E Meritocracy India International 3 October 2015 10 also felt positive about India, Nepal, China corridor. In Nepal, Modi said that India-Nepal relations were as old as the Himalayas and Ganga, and drew a link between Somnath in Gujarat and Pasupatinath in Kathmandu. He announced Rs 25 crore for the restoration of the Kathmandu temple. In August 2015, India and Nepal agreed to lay the first SAARC oil pipeline, 41 kilometres long. More International Connectivity in four SAARC nations SAARC first, despite Pakistan's obstructions. By mid 2015, Prime Minister Modi was able to achieve greater road and rail connectivity between India and Bangladesh and easier, free-er road travel between India, Bhutan, Nepal and Bangladesh. Seamless movement of people and goods is now possible across these borders. It is a landmark achievement. “It is such a simple idea that it is a wonder why it was never done till now,” appreciated The Times of India on 17 June 2015. Satellite for SAARC Electo-Meritocrat Prime Minister Modi asked ISRO to develop a satellite that will benefit all the SAARC nations. This satellite was duly launched in mid 2015. India-China Border Faster infrastructure development and bigger defence presence have been the primary focus here. There has been peace on this border in Prime Minister Modi's tenure. RSS (Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh – National Service Organisation) has swung into voluntary action to support the Prime Minister's endeavours for peace on the India-China border. RSS took up the tasks of vigilance, opening up schools and hostels, building RSS - run hospitals, and installing mobile dispensaries along the border. By April 2015, 30 hostels were in operation on the India-China border. Railway lines in Ladakh and Arunachal Pradesh Modi Government has set the ball rolling for four vital railway lines on India–China border, two of them being Bilaspur – Mandi – Leh (498 kms) and Misamari-Tenga-Tawang (378 km) railway lines. Hospitality on the India-China Border As a result of Prime Minister Modi and President Xi Jinping interactions in India and in China, the Chinese and Indian Armies shared a few hours of hospitality at the LAC (Line of Actual Control) in July 2015, on the occasion of the PLA Day. Finalization of Border with Bangladesh The issue of finalization of the border with Bangladesh, pending since 1947, was resolved by Prime Minister Modi in July 2015. Modi and Pakistan Prime Minister Narendra Modi's team of Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar and National Security Advisor Ajit Doval have articulated a policy of combining hard and soft power to deal with the continuing misbehaviour of Pakistan towards India. The Nation awaits results. Indian Citizens on Indo-Pak border subjected to firing Modi Government has planned Rs. 5 lakh compensation for the families of those killed, financial support to rebuild damaged property and for cattle killed in gun battle, insurance scheme for ׉ 7cassandra://dStW4fn-DJVKTccnFh9V2pP-T2qgmTrn61xcvLnvbaQ"`̵VB7̚6W׉E Meritocracy India International 3 October 2015 11 border population, and construction of shellproof shelters. Is Electo-Meritocrat Modi inspiring some Pakistanis to abandon the path of lies and deceptions and move towards the truth ? We may be right, or we may be off the mark, but a speculation based on logic seems to lead to the conclusion that Pakistan's ex Director-General of Federal Investigation Agency, Tariq Khosa's article in the Dawn, TRUTHFULLY describing Pakistan's role in the November 2008 terror attack in Mumbai, may have been inspired by the following warm-hearted, sincere actions of ElectoMeritocrat Modi : (a) Invitation to Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif to build bridges by gracing the occasion of the Oath taking ceremony in May 2014. (b) Offer of help to flood-affected POK in September 2014. (c) Eid greetings to the Pakistani people in 2015. (d) PM Modi's initiative to launch a SAARC satellite. (e) PM Modi's sincere efforts towards NEIGHBOURHOOD FIRST POLICY. (f) The efforts for peace and friendship launched by the Prime Ministers of India and Pakistan in a meeting in Russia. Another notable Pakistani was heard on an Indian television channel IBN7 in August 2015, advising his country to abandon the path of deception and conflict and move towards healthy, honest relations with India. Is the 'Modi magic' beginning to have a slow, subtle effect among some Pakistanis ? NO PEACE BETWEEN INDIA AND PAKISTAN UNLESS UNIVERSAL RELIGION, BASED ON SCIENCE AND LOGIC, IS DEFINED AND PROPAGATED VIGOROUSLY. Who will quarrel with science and logic ? See special issue of Meritocracy India International of 3 January 2015, addressed to UNO on our website : www.meritocracyindia.com rd VICTORY CELEBRATIONS FOR WINNING INDIA-PAKISTAN WAR 1965 India had resoundingly won the India-Pakistan War of September 1965 but, displaying no strategic vision, NEVER celebrated the victory. Pakistan attacked India in Chhamb – Jaurian area of J and K state on 1 September 1965 with US-supplied Patton tanks and US-supplied heavy artillery. Prime Minister Lal Bahadur Shastri ordered the Army to retaliate on the ground of its choosing. On 6 September, Indian Army launched a fierce attack towards Lahore, reached the outskirts of the city, but voluntarily halted at the Ichhogil Canal. On 7 September, India's Armoured Division invaded Pakistan in the Sialkot Sector, fought the biggest tank battle since World War 2, defeating USA-made Patton tanks. In another battle of tanks at Asal Uttar, the Pakistani armoured division was defeated so decisively that the area was dubbed the Graveyard of Patton Tanks. Fiercely fought Battles of Burki, Dograi, Phillora (where 400 tanks fought furiously, Pakistan lost 67 tanks) and Asal Uttar (where Pakistan lost 97 tanks) were all decisively won by the Indian Army. Vast territory in Pakistani Punjab and some territory in Sind was captured. In J&K, the commanding heights of Haji Pir in Pakistan-occupied-Kashmir were seized. The Indian Air Force also won many battles, after the initial surprise attack by PAF. st This was the first Indian-led victory of the Indian Army since the great war won by Chandra Gupta Maurya against the super-power of the day, the Greeks, more than 2000 years ago. And yet, India never celebrated it. A decisive national victory, after 2000 years – and no celebrations ! It was left to Electo-Meritocrat Prime Minister Narendra Modi to organize for the first time Victory celebrations in September 2015 for the heroic achievements in 1965. (Does being an ex – RSS ׉ 7cassandra://uodsy7WxH__efWJVSQoqpQsdhCLu5F-ZzWS82sxiTdk(`̵VB7̚6WՁVB7̚6WԁבCטu׉׉ 7cassandra://mmVIPr86x22oo8PNqIiVF46TVA4qzSbKxjReqZ6ePZsg` ׉ 7cassandra://JgHxm-5tlOiOoTn0v3CmKq8iRk4PErYfxZY9YoSuwaI͐`S׉ 7cassandra://k46wGGswvUeR7qQ14ZJ_4s0gKJXpVWHKkhUl9hegnUI$`̵׉ 7cassandra://JhpX1Tv5VqK520TM6KzhytXfBtWLagguek_N8I7yv0sR͠VE7̚6Wטu׉׉ 7cassandra://smQbDArWWziNmclWYj8jiORc3WYodga3PbOPLL7QAJo` ׉ 7cassandra://gKP8VbTzMAL-0irQI_37aLKXQfkat4zXYf4WUTKsx3w͑`S׉ 7cassandra://ZySyQkx90PV-rKd1ufoWZ_rAfP2bm6izCFh_nHt61q0#`̵׉ 7cassandra://HJjz0ZLgP42BOOgzAT7WAZF0zVlyDG-rmvTEfF1vK10N#͠VE7̚6W׉E Meritocracy India International 3 October 2015 12 pracharak generate such ideas and visions ?) One Rank One Pension While the previous government had earmarked Rs. 500 crore, the Modi Government announced a package of Rs. 10,000 crore for Defence pensioners on 5 September 2015, on the eve of 50 anniversary of Indian Army's attack towards Lahore. A national issue pending since 1973 was taken forward. th th Military History Prodded by Prime Minister Modi, the Defence Ministry has launched an e-book which, for the first time, gives insights into various aspects of the Armed Forces. Graphics and pictures present key developments. Modi Government and Muslims National Madrasa Modernisation Scheme has been formulated. Higher budgets have been allotted for skill development of minorities in ancestral arts and crafts. Sab ka saath. Sab ka vikaas. Achche din for all. Prime Minister Modi took personal interest in the release of Indian Muslims from besieged Yemen in January 2015, ably assisted by his Minister, General (retd) V. K. Singh. Prominent representatives of the Muslim community urged Prime Minister Modi to end Wahabi influence and Wahabi terror in the country. (The Times of India, 8 April 2015). While speaking to envoys of Muslim nations, the Prime Minister said : “The Quran mentions the word 'ilm' 800 times. This is the importance of knowledge.” Prime Minister Modi and ex-President APJ Abdul Kalam Prime Minister Modi wrote the article “Bharat Has Lost Its Ratna,” published by The Times of India on its editorial page on 29 July 2015. Narendra Modi wrote of ex-President APJ Abdul Kalam : “Every child of deprivation is a realist… As a boy, he had to support his studies by earning money as a newspaper vendor…He is my marg darshak…. He combined the honesty of a child with the energy of a teenager and the maturity of an adult ….. he epitomized the three great virtues of our civilization : dama, self-restraint, dana, sacrifice, and daya, compassion…. Wisely he suggested that politicians spend only 30% of their time on politics, and 70% on development….. His contributions to our nuclear and space achievements have given India the muscle to be confident of her place in the region and the world.” INTERNATIONAL YOGA DAY, 21 JUNE Prime Minister Modi, in his address to the UNO General Assembly in September 2014, suggested that the world should observe an International Yoga Day for the better health and mental wellbeing of humanity. 177 countries responded within days. On the first International Yoga Day, 21 June 2015, 193 countries took part in doing yoga asanas, including 47 Muslim countries. One hundred cities in USA and every city in Russia carried out yoga practices. Secretary General of the UNO, Ban Ki-Moon said: “Yoga promotes respect for one's fellow human beings and welfare for the planet.” In New Delhi, Prime Minister Narendra Modi led a gathering of 35,985 on the Raj Path, citizens of 84 nations took part. It was a delight and an inspiration for the young to see the Prime Minister in his sixties leading from the front, doing yoga asanas and pranayam exercises. An NGo run by a Muslim couple led Muslim youth in the yoga event. The Prime Minister hailed the day as the beginning of “new era of peace.” “Yoga is more than only physical fitness……. We are training the ׉ 7cassandra://k46wGGswvUeR7qQ14ZJ_4s0gKJXpVWHKkhUl9hegnUI$`̵VE7̚6W׉E Meritocracy India International 3 October 2015 13 mind to begin a new era of peace. This programme is about human welfare, about freeing the universe from stress and about spreading the message of love, peace, unity and goodwill.” In Gujarat, 15 million persons did yoga on this day. Ambassadors and High Commissioners Prime Minister Modi has asked his Ambassadors and High Commissioners to strive for leadership roles for India and to treat NRIs (Non-Resident Indians) as the strength of India. PRIME MINSTER MODI ABROAD Indians and the world have been pleasantly surprised by the very warm, enthusiastic and fruitful receptions given by Indians abroad (NRIs) to Prime Minister Modi and his gripping oratory on these occasions. His speech at the UNO resulted in worldwide spread of yoga. The highly impressive welcome by the Indians in USA at the Madison Square auditorium in New York was a superb function, with “Modi, Modi” resounding all the way. In Australia, the Indian community booked an entire train to reach the venue of his speech. In China, the President personally conducted the Prime Minister in his home town first and then in Beijing. It was the grandest ever reception given by China to any Indian Prime Minister. In USA, President Obama and Prime Minister Modi jointly penned an article for the American press. US Secretary of State, John Kerry, identified this as” a potentially transformative moment in our partnership.” And said “Sabka saath, sabka vikas” is a great vision. Successful have been the visits to many countries (Bhutan, Nepal, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Japan, China, USA, Australia, France, Germany, Canada, Fiji, Mauritius, Central Asian countries, Mangolia, Russia, United Arab Emirates). Huge investments for 'Make in India' are expected. United Arab Emirates have announced an investment of 70 billion dollars in India. Visas-online to foreign travellers have been made available. Subsequently, the gathering of NRIs in India on 17 January 2015 was the largest ever. PM Modi, Britain Needs You This four-column headline appeared on the editorial page of The Times of India, 28 May 2015. “The 1.5 million strong India diaspora is Britain's most successful ethnic minority community by far, reaching the very top in every field. I have said for years there will be an Indian as prime minister of Britain in my lifetime. … what is more, Modi is one of the great orators of our time,” writes Karan Bilimoria. Yes, PM Modi, Britain Needs You. Prime Minister Modi's determined bid for UN Security Council seat for India Prime Minister Modi has written to 193 UN member nations (hoping to recreate the magic of the International Yoga Day). In addition, the biggest ever India-Africa Summit is planned for October 2015, as also a unique Summit of Pacific Island States in New Delhi. All this promises to give th numbers to India in a free and fair contest. India's bid for the Security Council got a big push on 14 September 2015 when the UN General Assembly unanimously adopted a negotiating text for Security Council reforms. Hot Pursuit into Myanmar When Naga terrorists from across the Indo-Myanmar border killed 18 soldiers of 6 Dogra Regiment on 4 June 2015, Electo-Meritocrat Prime Minister Narendra Modi gave full freedom to the Indian Army to carry out hot pursuit of the murderers of innocent jawans. The lightning operation, carried out in Myanmar, was a success and inflicted heavy casualties on the gang of ׉ 7cassandra://ZySyQkx90PV-rKd1ufoWZ_rAfP2bm6izCFh_nHt61q0#`̵VE7̚6WVE7̚6W߁בCטu׉׉ 7cassandra://mzWO9lK7uDIWYWuca4EQGFX3x1QckVy8zgWmEgCB4BM6` ׉ 7cassandra://6lg9uWqK0nUAeYdlxHqO8vx9-oJVtJAVcGYSACP--3Y͎`S׉ 7cassandra://mBSS5m4kTeeHto7yxIErfbcQXhtMb0LP4glEEqv9C2g$`̵׉ 7cassandra://4O-EhDzsXnZplWhETieeT0WyWt5o2dx6MoaxQI1HuEUH%͠VF7̚6Wטu׉׉ 7cassandra://cor5P1ze6cFyXFy3p-ZCqL8GcQMIiSMIBZgybCR5FYc` ׉ 7cassandra://Fu8RS-XDwDkalb1SlUBlvRQ-7aN_-U3PmJXd2Qof9_0͉`S׉ 7cassandra://sHeX7f98j2IRR6eGUekTZObwUbPSVwxFfaBjvCRZsLk# `̵׉ 7cassandra://kxh1aUUghNIil94ypFS0wUwgI3WKTqWYBUXVbjYbtxwO͠VH7̚6W׉E