It was Christmas for the rest of the world, but for the Modi government, it was Good Governance Day on Thursday — the regime’s tribute to BJP veteran and former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee on his 90th birthday.
Schools and universities in the national capital remained closed, but several Union Ministries marked the day with e-governance initiatives, launch of new programmes and websites. Some dedicated existing initiatives to the nation, while others released year-end reviews of their programmes.
The government’s decision to celebrate Good Governance Day on Christmas had invited criticism from several quarters, but it went ahead with its programme of events. Prime Minister Narendra Modi led the programmes with a visit to his Varanasi Lok Sabha constituency, launching development activities and participating in the “Clean India” campaign.
On his second visit to Varanasi after becoming Prime Minister, Mr. Modi took part in the Swachh Bharat mission and inaugurated development works in the city.
While commencing expansion of diesel locomotive works, Mr. Modi asked the people to shed inhibitions over foreign and private capital that could be used in improving railway infrastructure.
At Banaras Hindu University, Mr. Modi launched a mission in the name of the university’s founder, Madan Mohan Malaviya, who along with Mr. Vajpayee has been chosen for the country’s highest civilian award Bharat Ratna.
