(Image source from: What makes Modi government different from previous ones?})
Narendra Modi-led NDA government has completed 100 days in power. PM Modi came to power on the back of a massive mandate after an election campaign that was high on glamour, glitz and blitzkreig marketing.
The poll campaigns had promised ‘acche din’ for the common man. Now that the Modi government has completed 100 days can we say it has kept its promise? Maybe it’s too early to judge, but the new government is definitely different from its predecessors.
Here are some remarkable moments that made the Modi government stand out in its first three months.
Inviting SAARC member
PM Narendra Modi became the first to invite SAARC leaders to his swearing-in ceremony. During the ceremony Pakistan PM Nawaz Sharif and PM Modi chit-chatted, enquiring after their mothers. Later Sharif gifted a sari to Modi's mother.
Indo-Pak talks canceled
In the run-up to secretary-level talks there were reports of increased tension in the Indo-Pak border. But what vexed the Modi government was the meeting between Pakistan envoy Abdul Basit and Kashmiri separatist leaders just a few hours before the official talks. Basit went ahead and met Kashmiri separatist leaders inspite of a request from India to desist. Pakistan says such meetings are routine, but the Modi government said 'nothing doing, don't take us for granted'.
Hygiene and sanitation
The Prime Minister stressed the need for increased hygiene and sanitation from the ramparts of the Red Fort. He said that toilets are a priority and India is in dire need for sanitation infrastructure.
Make sons responsible
PM Modi laid stress on questioning the male child on his behaviour in order to curb the menace of violence against women. This won applause as he identified as 'male' the cause of sexual violence against women. Modi called upon all parents and guardians to keep an eye on the activities of their children.
Media sidelined
Narendra Modi ended the practice of reporters travelling with the PM on all his tours –domestic as well as foreign trips.
Attendance please
PM Modi started his office as the head of the government by cracking the whip on late comers and absentee babus. He made the early-to-work and late-back-home fashionable. In a few days all his ministers knew his style of working and the bureaucrats realised that attendance mattered.
Bhutan visit
As PM, Narendra Modi chose Bhutan as his first foreign trip. This was followed by a trip to Nepal. Experts have interpretted this move as 'neighbours first' foreign policy.
No relatives in staff
Modi’s ministers were sent an advisory telling them not to appoint their kith and kin as staff members. Elaborate rules were laid down in the document directing ministers on the appointment of personal staff.
(AW: Pratima Tigga)
