Shri Narendra Modi
The Prime Minister of India
Dear Shri Modi,
First, hearty congratulations on your momentous victory in
the recent elections, which will make into the Indian history books for
generations to come. Hearty compliments on the introduction of meritocracy in
the government to replace entitled dynasties. It is, most certainly, a welcome
change.
What motivated me to write this letter is the news about the
significant hike in railway fares and season tickets. I am not writing to cry
foul, as members of the Opposition have been doing – every Opposition has got
into the habit of crying foul when the ruling government raises prices, so
there is nothing unusual or unexpected in that behavior. I agree with members
of your Government that the Indian Railways need to get modernized, and that this
requires capital and operational expense, which needs to come from somewhere.
Having extensively commuted using suburban trains in Mumbai
when I lived there – as a Class II ticket-holder while a student, and a Class I
season-ticket-holder when I started working – I know first-hand how much the
railway system is the lifeline of the country. There is no doubt that an
improvement in the transportation infra-structure will help everybody.
I disagree, however, that the cost of modernization needs to
come from the current users of the railway service. As a strategic investment,
the source of funds for the modernization can be distinct from the application
of such funds. There are so many sources of revenue leakage in the system. I am
aware that the fraction of public transportation users who do not pay for the
service is non-zero, and varies by city and mode of transportation. Let us take
strong measures to stop such revenue leaks, rather than further stretching
those who are law-abiding, fare-paying citizens. I have heard of entitled
members of government availing of State and Central funds for the benefit of
their extended families. I have heard of members of government make international
trips for personal reasons (such as the college graduation of their family
members) and avail of VIP treatment from the Indian Consulates. Let us curtail
the pomp and show of members of government and the administration – the country
eliminated the privy purses of the princely states, but not the ostentations of
leaders of the military, government administration and elected representatives.
This is definitely not an exhaustive list, just the tip of the iceberg. Let us
look at the revenue in a holistic manner and find means to improve it and
eliminate leakage. Then, let us look at the demands on that revenue and
allocate it in ways that help the common man.
As a member of the Indian diaspora, there are many networks
far-and-wide that would be more than willing to get involved towards the
reconstruction of the country of our birth. There is no dearth of expertise of
any specialty that would be willing to be involved. Please provide a channel
for such involvement, regardless of our current citizenship, political ideology,
and personal beliefs. I have heard about your high proficiency in people management,
and I urge you to avail of people like myself. I also urge other members of the
Indian diaspora to come forth and contribute in their own and different ways.
Respectfully,
Aseem Chandawarkar
2 comments:
You have disagreed without being disagreeable!
By any chance, did you send this Open Letter to the PMO?
Thank you for your comment! I can engage in a discussion if the you divulge your identity.
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