Secys to list UPA failures, key priorities for new PM

The bureaucracy is gearing up to stand on its toes before PM- designate Narendra Modi takes charge on May 26. The Cabinet Secretariat has circulated an advisory to all departmental secretaries at the Centre to prepare a list of failures and achievements of the outgoing government as well as suggestions on steps that can be taken to boost the economy and India’s image.

Planning Commission advisers have been tasked with preparing a presentation for the new PM highlighting the gaps in the comparative details of the BJP manifesto with the 12th Plan document ( 201217). One of them said: “We have also been asked to suggest ways to improve the 12th plan document by incorporating missing manifesto promises.”

Sources said as Mr Modi wants to review all decisions by the previous government, Cabinet Secretary Ajit Seth sent a circular to all departments “to keep a presentation ready” on the achievements and failures of the previous government and the steps they would like to take to boost the image and economy of the country”.

Top bureaucrats, including the Cabinet Secretary, went into a huddle on Wednesday to review the price situation and discussed proposals to kickstart the investment cycle in order to accelerate growth. The officials are learnt to have listed the problems hampering investments and causing a delay in implementing projects. Many issues were related to land acquisition and the timely approval of mega- projects.

In key ministries like finance, telecom, coal, environment and forests, power, etc, the secretaries have started taking meetings of top officials to shortlist measures that cab be taken immediately.