States' concerns a priority, Modi tells PMO staff

Modi has made it clear that his aim would be to strengthen the federal structure of the country

In his first interaction with officials of the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) after taking charge, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday directed them to consider issues raised by states a “priority” and handle these with “sensitivity”. A statement released by the PMO quoted Modi as saying, “India’s progress lies in the progress of states; this will strengthen our federal structure.”

As chief minister of Gujarat, Modi had several run-ins with the Centre. He was known for his direct style of functioning — he emphasised “team work” was the corner stone of “good governance” and encouraged officials to share their ideas freely with him.

The PMO staff made a detailed presentation before the new prime minister on the structure and functions of the office.

While acknowledging the PMO, through the past decades, had evolved as an important institution and its “best practices” should be carried forward, he urged PMO officials to resolve grievances on a “fast-track basis”. He stressed the importance of addressing issues raised by people’s representatives, in person or through parliamentary procedures.

A directive was issued  to government officials not to appoint their relatives as personal staff, a common practice with new governments.

During the second term of the United Progressive Alliance government, then railway minister Pawan Bansal was embroiled in a cash-for-postings scam, which ultimately forced him to resign. It was alleged the scam had been carried out by Vijay Singla, Bansal’s nephew. Bansal had appointed his son-in-law, Vitul Kumar, an officer on special duty and his sister’s son-in-law, Rahul Bhandari, his personal secretary.

The Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions has directed secretaries and staff are to be appointed from the general pool and no contracts are to be awarded to relatives.