 "Mann ki Baat")
Prime Minister Narendra Modi's ''surprise'' Pakistan visit on December 25 may find mention in Mann ki Baat tomorrow, going by the content for crowdsourcing for the programme.
For the last episode of 2015 and the 15th so far, the PM's monthly radio interaction has drawn more than 3,000 submissions on mygov.in, an open discussion forum floated by the government. In addition, hundreds have recorded their views and questions through a toll-free phone number.
That Modi's visit to Lahore, while returning from a trip to Russia and Afghanistan, has captured the imagination of Indians, showed on social media ever since the news broke yesterday. Now, a large number of queries and submissions for Mann ki Baat is revolving around the same subject.
Modi is the fourth PM of India, after Jawaharlal Nehru, Rajiv Gandhi, and Atal Behari Vajpayee to visit Pakistan.
''You have made India proud by visiting Pakistan on December 25. We are eager to know what you have discussed for improving the relationship between the two nations,'' a listener has asked.
''Do you think your visit will be a turning point in the relationship between the two countries,'' was another query.
Then there is advice. ''In future, state-level talks with Pakistan must firmly emphasise on return of Pakistan-occupied Kashmir.''
Also, there are suggestions telling the PM not to be adventurous in visiting certain nations ''without security planning''. Another enthusiast has asked for a joint Mann ki Baat between Modi and Pakistan PM Nawaz Sharif, and that it should be aired in both countries during the Saarc Summit in Islamabad in 2016.
In January this year, US President Barack Obama and Modi's joint Mann ki Baat was aired a day after Republic Day.
Apart from Pakistan, Modi's foreign visits have also come up in this forum as an idea for the programme. ''Kindly comment on the reasons for your frequent visits abroad…Your critics say you are an NRI Prime Minister…..You need to clear the air with valid reasons.''
Modi has been on 19 foreign trips in the past 18 months, spending more than 90 days away from the country, government data shows.
Even as his domestic tours have been much shorter, the people of this country perhaps want to see him travel more frequently within India. One of the suggestions is that every year, the PM must visit all the states of India to improve Centre-state relations.
Frequent tea parties and luncheons have also been recommended so that the PM can engage more with the Opposition parties to improve governance. Also, he has been told to ''select good leaders'' and help choose ''more NAMOs''.
Not only are people asking for a report card linked to outcomes of foreign trips and other projects such as Swachh Bharat, they are also seeking a roadmap for the year ahead. ''List the top 15 challenges for India and the roadmap for the next 12 months,'' according to a submission.
Another has asked for important steps chalked out for 2016 to remove corruption.
While there has been much talk of doing away with black money, Indians are asking for more concrete steps now, as these inputs show.
The ''pro-industry'' and ''pro-rich'' side of this government is yet another idea for discussion. ''There is a sentiment among the common masses that you are doing nothing for the poor and backward….so please take some concrete steps for the poor citizens.''
Other areas the people want the PM to speak about on Sunday include last-mile connectivity, measures to control pollution, women empowerment, reducing crime, cutting interest rates on education loans, MPs' salaries, job creation, and the GST.
There is plenty on the tech front too-the government should launch e-commerce sites and safety apps, while offering sops to start-ups.
HEART TO HEART
The final episode this year of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's radio interaction Mann Ki Baat will be broadcast today
FIRST EPISODE
- Oct 3, 2014
- Jan 27, 2015: Joint programme with US President Barack Obama
- Mar 22: Interaction with farmers
- Apr 26: On Nepal earthquake
- More than 3,000 web suggestions have been sent for the 15th episode
- Besides Modi's Pakistan visit, listeners want to know about job creation, pollution control, prevention of corruption, and MPs' salaries
