Independent member of the Rajya Sabha and founder of Jupiter Capital Rajeev Chandrasekhar will draft the Bharatiya Janata Party’s “Vision 2025” — a document outlining future policies of the party.
Defending his decision to outsource a crucial political document to an independent MP, instead of the party national executive, BJP president Nitin Gadkari said the party was keen to use Chandrasekhar’s expertise in preparing the blueprint for the next 15 years.
“Chandrasekhar has been one of the leading captains of the Indian industry and will be a great help in preparing the “Vision 2025” document,” he said, adding, “We will give shape to the suggestions given by Chandrasekhar in tune with the BJP’s ideology.”
When contacted Chandrasekhar said, “I have no idea that I have been roped in for this. No one has spoken or said anything on this to me. But regardless, I have over the last few years repeatedly discussed the need for a clear and compelling plan/agenda for India — an integrated blueprint with clear expectations and direction of governance, political, economic and other reforms.”
Adding: “My proposal is that our path as a nation is unsustainable and needs change — and a deep systemic and sustainable change. This is an area that I would be excited to contribute to with real ideas and solutions.”
Gadkari said the proposed document would cover nearly 50 topics including the economy, irrigation, power, welfare policies and agriculture, among others. “The BJP is quite clear in its thought that national interest should dominate our thought and help in framing our economic and welfare policies. India should be rid of hunger, fear, unemployment and corruption. We should bring in clean administration. The vision document will clearly indicate the party’s views on a resurgent India.”
A BJP leader, who did not want to be named, said the proposed document would discuss at length the issue of autonomy, especially at the level of the village panchayat. The document would discuss how panchayats could be empowered and encouraged to become autonomous, especially in the areas of water and energy. Financial autonomy would also be discussed for these units.
On the utilisation of natural resources, the BJP’s approach would be that they should be harnessed and not exploited. “We should ensure that the sanctity of rivers is preserved. Their waters should be kept clean, their flow should be protected and ensured,” the BJP leader informed.
On employment, the party feels that job opportunities should be increased not just in the government sector but also in the private sector.
Moreover, the BJP believes that programmes that benefit the masses, such as welfare or relief should be simple. They should not be burdened with too many rules and controls. “We should do away with filling too many forms. A simple single-window system should be promoted,” the party leader noted.
The vision document would also focus on the importance of good governance. The party is going to emphasise e-governance. This will enable service without manipulation. “If there is no scope for corruption then the success of any programme is assured,” he signed off.
