Friends of BJP Preliminary Policy Inputs for the Party Agenda and
Manifesto
Majboot Neta, Spast Niti, Nirnayak Sarkar : Strong leader, Clear Policy, Decisive Government
Presentation to Shri Murli Manohar Joshi , Chairman Manifesto Committee BJP
Could this be a possible Vision Statement ?
Empowerment, Learning, Social Inclusion and Governance Systems Benchmarked to Global Standards
built on a Socially Responsible and Ecologically Sound Partnership model for the Creation of Wealth, Health and Self Respect of every Indian
Our vision is not just for our country but appreciating that we live in an interlinked global village one that allows us to live and lead a world towards a sustainable future
“Vision without action is a dream. Action without vision is simply passing the time. Action with Vision is making a positive difference.”- Joel Barker
Vision Statement
The importance of a Vision for India in 2009 :
-Because the Bharatiya Janata Party is the party that can make India a super power and keep India from becoming a failed state
- In a coalition the BJP must provide the Vision, Mission and Development KRAs of a Common Minimum Program so as to steer away from the smaller
and non meaningful issues towards nation building
“Vision without action is a dream. Action without vision is simply passing the time. Action with Vision is making a positive difference.”- Joel Barker
Friends of BJP
Aiming to counter voter apathy and cynicism in the ensuing general elections, a National Endeavour called “Friends of BJP” has been floated by a group of youth, professionals, entrepreneurs and concerned citizens
“Friends of BJP” is a subset of the educated civil society that is BJP-leaning, and willing to be vocal about it. We are not part of the BJP. We also do not agree with everything the BJP says or does. It is our belief that at this point of time the BJP is the better alternative
A Magnet for the party: “Friends of BJP” is a connectivity channel to attract the youth and the like minded people. The BJP has always focused on connectivity through roads, highways, telecom networks and rivers. “Friends of BJP” wishes to be an instrument of political connectivity and a channel of unbiased feedback.
“Friends of BJP” intends to support BJP in 3 ways:• OUTREACH: Helping grow support virally for the BJP via the use of social media
(mobile and online) and drawing room meetings • IDEAS BANK: Provide a platform for members to channel inputs in multiple disciplines
for the manifesto and to the BJP leadership• VOTES and SEATS: Help BJP win more (urban) seats by using the assistance of
members to get 1 lakh new vote(r)s in every constituency
Some inputs for the BJP Manifesto and Governance Agenda
Identified 5 issues of national importance as follows:• Governance & Administrative reforms• Economy & Business• Social Issues• National Security (External & Internal)• Foreign Policies
70 members of “Friends of BJP” had an opportunity to share their recommendations on area’s of their expertise and issues of their interest. This process is yet underway
Given the need for result orientation this agenda document defines key result area’s, recommendations and sets out global and local benchmarks
if the party sees value in taking forward this process then we will need to do the following:
• Address key area’s of voter interest • Get inputs and guidance on all the positive steps taken by the BJP but not reported
meaningfully or broadcast• Detailed research inputs to finalize the agenda with hard data and realistic
targets
Flow of Ideas
Governance & Administrative Reforms
Economy, Business & Agriculture
Social Issues
National Security (External & Internal)
Foreign Policies
Governance & Administrative Reforms: Important Facts
India ranked 83rd (in the bottom 40%) corrupt Nation in the Global Corruption Index, a survey of 133 nations conducted in 2008
India’s current position in the global e-governance ranking is 29th out of 34 countries surveyed in 2008 (in the bottom 15%)
140 countries around the globe have signed the United Nations Convention Against Corruption. India has yet to ratify this document.
6 State Governments namely Andhra Pradesh, Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Tamil Nadu and West Bengal have set up their State Centre for Corporate Governance (CGGs)
There is a public fever for good governance and administrative reform
Indian law inherited from Imperial India with arbitrary use of power must be reviewed and changed
Current system is anti poor and anti the law abiding
Unless the roots of corruption are accepted and tackled good governance is not on the agenda
Inefficient multiple subsidies should be replaced by a national social security and agri-insurance scheme
Centralized power vs. Local self governance: Devolution of power to states and to the citizens is a priority
Government must down size. must retain the right to dismiss. Follow armed forces system of review and merit based promotion.
Governance & Administrative Reforms
Review our laws and check the high levels of discretion and arbitrariness of power
Government Spending :Efficiency of Capital employed is the key issue. Returns on Capital Employed is pathetic on huge investments being made
Performance Management Systems must be developed and monitored for each ministry
Recommendations KRAs
Related Issues : Corruption, System Reforms, Economic Growth, Education
Parallel entry into government jobs from private sector
Autonomy to police and IAS officers by accepting the innumerable Police Commission Reports gathering dust)
Release Vohra Committee annexures
To set up Centers for Good Governance (CGG) at the State/UT level
Sign the United Nations Convention Against Corruption
Decriminalize politics
Have a consistent policy regime with definitive time frames.
Follow up on RTI Act by implementing a Whistle-blowers protection act
Governance & Administrative Reforms
Take up compensation and link it to performance driven systems
All ministries should submit quarterly performance report
Fixing the tenure of the Government employees.
To set up CGGs for all the states and e-enable all public services in 5 years
India needs to ratify the UN Convention in the parliament
Ratify the BJP’s bill on debarring criminal with 2 heinous convictions
Recommendations KRAs
Related Issues : Corruption, System Reforms, Economic Growth, Education
Accept and act on the total breakdown of the judicial system
Bipartisan approach on key issues is vital
Start a system of shadow cabinet which will allow the opposition to play meaningful role
Governance & Administrative Reforms
To achieve computerization and networking of all courts
Find ways to collaborate between government and opposition
Move away from the enemy mindset to offering competitive choice in governance
Recommendations KRAs
Related Issues : Corruption, System Reforms, Economic Growth, Education
Governance & Administrative Reforms
Economy, Business & Agriculture
Social Issues
National Security (External & Internal)
Foreign Policies
Flow of Ideas
Economy, Business & Agriculture: Important Facts
Industrial competitiveness – India – 48th In world ranking out of 131 in 2009
Why?
Indian business waste a humungous 20% of it’s time in managing bureaucracy
Unemployment in our country including disguised is around 8%
India: Growth of the Educated and the Unemployable
Quality of Life Index – India – in the bottom 40 % - 51 out of 195 in 2009
Agriculture – value chain loss is 30%. Major part derives not from inefficiency in transport, storage and pilfering but because of lack of Agro processing capabilities. Currently less than 2% of agriculture produce in India is processed compared to 30% in Brazil and 70% in U.S
BJP built India’s entrepreneurial capabilities through economic freedom, privatization and minimum red tape for 5 years and must revitalize this process
Replace subsidies with a social security net, agricultural insurance and quality education and health
Rationalization of Budget and expenditure with priorities on Social and Development Sector rather than on unproductive sectors and non plan expenditure
Adherence to the FRBM Act
Employability: Make Vocational training a Fundamental Right
Changing BPL definition in line with World Bank definition to deal with actual poverty
Administered Price Mechanism should be reviewed
To be in the top 30 countries in Industry competitiveness by 2014
Increase India’s contribution in international trade from 1.5% to 4% by 2014
Reduce fiscal deficit from 6% to 3% by 2014
To raise share of renewable as a percentage of installed power capacity in India, from 8% to 12% by 2012 and 20%+ by 2020
Bring down the BPL population from 25% to 20% by 2014
Recommendations KRAs
Related Issues : Agriculture, Infrastructure, financial reforms, Education, Employment Generation, Terrorism, Corruption and Governance
Economy, Business & Agriculture
Derisk Agriculture: Increasing the coverage of agriculture insurance (currently 3%) by creating more awareness at village panchayats and controlling the immense risk borne by farmers due to lack of adequate insurance will boost agri production
Develop an efficient Agriculture value chain with focus on Agro Processing; encourage PPP in Warehousing/cold storage of agricultural products
Energy Security: Alternate Energy Harnessing India’s agri waste with capacity to generate 10,000 MWs of power
Review India’s nuclear programme and consider building capability based on thorium and uranium availability and competing new age technology
Water Management: A national priority :Rain-water harvesting, recycling and joining of rivers to improve water Table
To implement the linking of 37 rivers estimated to cost Rs. 560,000 Cr by 2014. Is conservation and harvesting a better solution?
Increase the processing of agriculture produce from less than 2% to 10% by 2014
Achieve timely disbursement under Agriculture insurance
Biomass must make up 30% of the total renewable energy sources, considering its suitability to India and it’s economic benefits over other renewable
Nuclear technology in the west is 25 years old. We must not buy obsolete technology
Recommendations KRAs
Related Issues : Agriculture, Infrastructure, financial reforms, Education, Employment Generation, Terrorism, Corruption and Governance
Economy, Business & Agriculture
Water Management : Tackle drought problem in central and southern India and the floods in North and Eastern India
Urban Infrastructure: Emulate the NHAI model and build model cities to replace and renew crumbling urban India
Financial Markets : Stop export of our markets by removing restrictions on financial markets and instruments and help make Mumbai a global financial centre
Incentives for developing Alternate Energy sources with focused efforts on promoting biomass energy which is employment intensive
Liberalize labor laws
Reclassification of sectors for SMEs/SSIs
Government should publish quarterly status report from inception, construction, maintenance , fund requirement etc. till end of contract on each Infrastructure project along with the reasons for delays, if any
Follow BJP’s NHAI model BJP’s exemplary track record is lauded by all
Recommendations KRAs
Related Issues : Agriculture, Infrastructure, financial reforms, Education, Employment Generation, Terrorism, Corruption and Governance
Economy, Business & Agriculture
Governance & Administrative Reforms
Economy, Business & Agriculture
Social Issues
National Security (External & Internal)
Foreign Policies
Flow of Ideas
Social Issues: Important Facts
Gender Gap Index – India is the pits - 116th out of 130 countries in 2008
Youth and Employment Time bomb - Educated yet Unemployable: In developed countries, 80% of the youth from age of 14 to 35 go in for VET (Vocational Education Training). In India it is 8-10%.
Third worst affected country with (2.5m) HIV after South Africa (5.5m) and Nigeria (2.9 m) in 2007
Elementary education cannot continue to suffer from government abdication.
Establish VET (Vocational Education Training) institutes on PPP basis
Employment Generation: Start Enterprise Skill Development (ESD) programs from middle school
De-Licensing” Higher Education
Political ownership of education must be negated
Revamp medical education
Impart Financial literacy in Educational Institutions
Social Issues
Recommendations KRAs
Related Issues : Economic Growth, Employment Generation, Corruption, Education, Panchayati Raj & focus on Local Government
Elementary education cannot continue to suffer from government abdication.
Establish VET (Vocational Education Training) institutes on PPP basis
Employment Generation: Start Enterprise Skill Development (ESD) programs from middle school
De-Licensing” Higher Education
Political ownership of education must be negated
Revamp medical education
Impart Financial literacy in Educational Institutions
Abolish AICTE to develop an industry body of accreditation
Right to Education up to Class XII
Focus on Nation Building through Education and civic responsibility : impart and build modern India based on India’s gift to the world: naturopathy, ayurveda, yoga, meditation, conservation of nature
Health care: Initiate PPP in medical education and make India a global health centre. Reservation at post graduation level In medicine will undermine our health system
Sanitation: Improving sanitation is a driver to health
India’s Shame :Rehabilitation of Kashmiri Pandits must be a national priority
Implement Uniform Civil Code
Social Issues
Focus education to make every school pass out employable. Developed world will need manpower and outsourcing as they go significantly below their net reproduction rate
Achieve 80% functional literacy (Reading, Writing and Arithmetic) rate by 2014 from current estimate of 40%
Right to Life means ability and trust in the quality and competence of healthcare service providers
Recommendations KRAs
Related Issues : Economic Growth, Employment Generation, Corruption, Education, Panchayati Raj & focus on Local Government
Governance & Administrative Reforms
Economy, Business & Agriculture
Social Issues
National Security (External & Internal)
Foreign Policies
Flow of Ideas
National Security
National Security Imperative:
South Asia is the most explosive world hot spot ahead of the Middle East
Scenario:
–Surrounded by hostile and / or unstable neighbors–Separatism on our borders–Naxalism down our spine–Terrorism in our cities–Corruption in every organ of the state
Strategic thinking & planning to integrate our security, foreign and economic policies. The First Imperative is the removal of India’s 5th column – Corruption
Counter China’s increasing domination/ influence on neighboring countries. To assess need for blue water dominance
Naxal Problem: Naxal problem should be solved through economic and social justice
Separate tougher terror laws should be there to ensure speedy trials
Make national security number card as a compulsory document for every citizen or for anyone who is working/ studying in India
J & K : Build on the Vajpayee Musharaf understanding and speed up the peace process in J&K
National Security
Have consensus with opposition parties for appropriate National Security Policy
To transform Indian military from conventional force into Strategic Force
Enact/ implement anti-terror laws as stringent as PATRIOT act in US
The national security card to be implemented by next 3 years
Recommendations KRAs
Related Issues : Terrorism, Judicial Reforms, Governance, Economic Growth, Corruption
J & K : Build on the Vajpayee Musharaf understanding and speed up the peace process in
J&K Defense production: End the continued string of
failures in developing indigenous defense solutions like Arjun Tank, and focus on improving market share
Use India’s technology prowess as force multiplier and for low cost solutions
India’s nuclear programme: Review and build capability based on availability and treatment capability of thorium and reduce dependence on foreign nations
National Security
Review rules for involvement of private and global parties. Don’t let procurement hampered due to lack of transparency.
Audit conducted by CAG revealed that India has enough uranium reserves to meet India’s fuel supply for the next 40 years which were left unexplored and untapped due to laxity by the Department of Atomic Energy (DAE)
Recommendations KRAs
Related Issues : Terrorism, Judicial Reforms, Governance, Economic Growth, Corruption
Governance & Administrative Reforms
Economy, Business & Agriculture
Social Issues
National Security (External & Internal)
Foreign Policy
Flow of Ideas
The world is going through tectonc changes. The collapse of US dominance creates a vacuum for China and India’s growth as global super powers
Strategic thinking & planning should be on how to integrate and harmonize our foreign, security and economic policies so as to become a super power
Settle boundary issues with neighbors
Engage Pakistan bilaterally and multi meaningfully out of our own national interest
Develop India’s border infrastructure
Foreign Policy
Take actions on the “Agreement on the political parameters and guiding principles for the settlement of the India-China boundary question”
To make sure that Pakistan is unable to get military aid from international community
Construction of link roads of operational significance along the India-China border
Recommendations KRAs
Related Issues : Terrorism, Energy Security, Governance
BJP
the hurtling degeneration of India’ polity is a greater crisis than the global economic crisis. It calls for the clarion conch of a BJP Government to address issues relating to India’s problems on a war footing and simultaneously take it’s place in the world by the adoption of a clear Vision:
“Empowerment, learning, social inclusion and governance systems benchmarked to global standards
built on a socially responsible and ecologically sound partnership model for the creation of wealth, health and self respect of every Indian”
Not getting lost in small and petty issues
Thank You