If I were PM

When under attack, show some aggression - Nirmal Modi

We have all criticized the system, the government, the neighbouring country and our house maid for not being able to come on that day. However, the competition in HT has made me think a bit deeper. It has made me look for a response, which may be effective in solving our problems. What would I do if I had the power, if I was the PM?

I would first try and re-establish my authority.
Government, because of its ineffectual activity has lost all confidence of the people. It is being endured because of the power it has. Ministers, whether state or central, have forgotten that, the authority government has, is because they represent the "common will".  I will govern according to the principals of governance and not go by my personal likings. Since I govern by delegation and giving others authority, I will have to remove incapable people. 

The requirements of this hour are:-
See that the ministers do their job. If necessary increase defense spending and ask states to increase their budgets spent on police.

Today the government spends a lot on welfare schemes. Ministers never shy away from announcing to the press some or the other grandiose welfare scheme. The KING has forgotten that he is chosen because he can provide security not because he can get more food on the table. It was always the strongest and not the smartest or richest person who was appointed KING in any earlier society. We want the KING first to protect us - no ifs and buts. After that he may make us happy or rich. Yes the first job of the government is to protect its citizen from internal and external aggression.

According to the constitution external aggression should be handled by the centre. (Defense is on the central list).  Internal Aggression has to be taken care of by the state. (Law and Order is a state subject.) Terrorist attacks may be identified as on both lists.

I would see that the appointments in defense are the best. Again I would see that they have enough funds to carry out their obligations. Similarly I would ask the state to follow the same policy. The state has to realize that it has to first protect its citizen. If necessary one can reduce the subsidy bills (fertilizer, food or cotton) or planned capital expenditure but more has to be made available to the police and the armed forces to carry on their duty effectively.

 
Today the country has full faith on its Armed forces. They are professionals who carry out the job assigned to them well.  However they rightfully take orders from their political bosses. Today the political will to do all that is necessary to protect ourselves is lacking. No USA or UN can tell us what to do. No ifs and buts. The home minister is implying that some neighbors are responsible for this attack. How come our defense minister has not asked for an attack on our neighbors or its territory? It is only a coward who does not respond after an attack, blaming his inaction on being practical. If a neighbor has allowed its territory for anti-Indian activities we do not require permission from others to stop this. I must ensure that the safety of my citizen is foremost. I must lead by example. All talk and no action has led to the loss of authority of this government.

Micro management of policy should be left on capable shoulders.

A capable person is not necessarily the most intelligent person. Governing requires an internal attitude of service. This attitude is identified mostly by 5 star hoteliers. If required, I will take their help in choosing people. Ministers or officials will be given authority only if this attitude is present. Intelligence and common sense is a must but this propensity of an individual should also be taken into account.

Conclusion
As a PM I cannot go to the front and fight. Neither can I micro manage security policy. However I can have the right attitude towards security.

-         When under attack all animals strike back or run. When they cannot run they fight back.

-         Similarly the human body immediately brings the immunity systems into forefront when under attack. It does not worry about sleep or other physiological functions. It concentrates on the attack.

Our country is now changing.  The population is becoming more confident because of the right financial policies adopted by the government. We are a nation who now thinks it can take on the world. We have to have a government who thinks similarly.

This government must see if it has the capacity to act as a government of a "country under attack" either internal or external. If not, give way to another.