It was a year of hope after a decade of despair: Venkaiah Naidu

Interview with Parliamentary Affairs Minister

Dismissing the criticism that the current government is a ”one-man band”, Urban Development and Parliamentary Affairs Minister Venkaiah Naidu told Nivedita Mookerji that here’s a prime minister with “a mind of his own and who works as a team, too”. Edited excerpts:

Is the mood upbeat as your government completes one year?

Definitely, the mood is upbeat everywhere—internationally, nationally, regionally and locally—among every section.

There has also been some criticism of this government. There is a feeling that only one person (Prime Minister Narendra Modi) is driving this government. The Economist has referred to this government as a “one-man band’’. Is that a fair criticism?
I don’t agree with that criticism. Here’s a prime minister who not only has a mind of his own, but has the ability to work as a team with all of us. This is a government being led by the PM. …There was despair earlier. People wanted a government that would act and a leader who would take the lead.

But do you agree that the PM is yet to have a solid team?

I don’t think so. In this government, the PM presides and the Cabinet decides. Earlier, during the UPA (United Progressive Alliance) rule, it was PM presides, madam decides…. The biggest achievements of this government are bringing back trust in leadership and laying the policy foundation to unleash the potential of Indian economy. The changes are visible—ratings by international agencies have gone up, both World Bank and IMF have said India could surpass China in economic growth and there’s been a 56 per cent jump in foreign direct investment (FDI) in one year.

Since you mentioned FDI, what do you have to say on the confusion related to the multi-brand retail? While the BJP is against FDI in multi-brand retail, the current government continues with the policy of the UPA govt, at least on paper. What’s the way ahead?

Let’s see the implications and the international ramifications…In principle, we are opposed to FDI in retail.

Is it possible that your government could review the UPA policy that permitted 51% in multi-brand retail?

Let us see…

On 100 smart cities, how do you plan to move from here?

Smart cities are the flavour of the season, everybody’s talking about them. But I know it’s not that easy—along with time, it requires investments. I’m focused on improving urban governance and rejuvenation of urban local bodies. An expert committee set up by previous government estimated need for Rs 30 lakh crore to provide basic infrastructure in urban areas. Additionally, Rs 20 lakh crore is required for its maintenance. We also have an ambitious programme of housing for all. These are all major challenges. On smart cities, we have had extensive consultations with stakeholders — state governments, many countries, international agencies, industry, municipal bodies. It will be a PPP (public-private-partnership) model, and states will shortlist the names of cities, after which a city challenge system will select the winners. At least one city will have to come from every state. Contours of the project are decided.

When is the smart city project expected to roll out and what’s the timeline for completing it?

We are likely to announce the guidelines in June. In the next five years, we will see smart cities taking shape in different states. There’s no timeline for completing the project. A city is constructed in anything from 10 to 15 years. It will be a combination of satellite towns, retrofitting and redevelopment of existing cities and greenfield projects.

Even outside these 100 cities, some state governments and ministries are coming out with their own smart cities. How will that work?

They are free to do it. I will give them a helping hand, if not financial support. We have to showcase these 100 cities to motivate others. Within the urban development, I’ll focus on 100 cities, but others can come up too. There’s no conflict.

Now that one year of euphoria is over, how will governance change?

It was a year of hope after a decade of despair. … We have brought in the systems and laid foundations for development. We have to continue with that. Nothing can be completed in six months or one year. Expectations are very high and we are working towards that. People should give us five years.

Do you think the government will be more transparent now on?

We are already transparent. There’s been no scam, no scandal. We have auctioned public resources like coal blocks and spectrum in a transparent manner.

There has been controversy related to your ministry on eviction of some former ministers from their government accommodation. Your view on that?

Everything must be done as per entitlement. These former ministers are being provided alternative accommodation. I don't have any political agenda to make anybody vacate. Four of my ministers are still waiting in Asoka Hotel. I have been mandated to provide accommodation to them. I must say many members have cooperated and vacated.

Another ambitious scheme Swachch Bharat was launched with fanfare. Why is it quiet now?

I will put that question to you. Why is the media not writing about it? States are working on it. I have even approached spiritual gurus, among others, for their involvement. It has to be a continuous affair. .... Industry could have responded in a more dynamic manner. I need companies to support in creating infrastructure.

There are reports that many bureaucrats working at the Centre are not happy and are asking for cadre posting. Is that right?

I have not heard any such thing. I know a lot of people who want to come to the Central government.

What do you have to say on PM's comment during his recent China-Korea trip that earlier Indians were ashamed of being born in India?

The PM was quoted out of context. He was talking to an Indian audience. And there is no difference now between here and there. Geographical barriers have come down because of internet and other technology. And, he was only referring to the despair among Indians in the recent years.