Bureaucrats holding key positions in the outgoing government at the Centre are a worried lot, apprehending a major shake-up after the Narendra Modi-led NDA takes over the reins. According to government sources, anticipating a regime change, all departments had started preparing for the “inevitable” for the past few months.
“Not much has moved in several departments in the past couple of years, which is a cause for concern to many bureaucrats, given that Mr. Modi is commonly perceived as a no-nonsense person who believes in fixing accountability,” said a senior official on condition of anonymity.
For quite some time, sources said, all departments were busy documenting their “achievements” to showcase before the next regime their output, much before the Cabinet Secretary had earlier this year directed the ministries to prepare work reports for the next government.
“All eyes would be on the functioning of the Prime Minister-led Cabinet Committee on Appointments in the coming days, particularly in the portfolios which are said to be his priority areas, including ministries of Home, External Affairs, Finance and Tourism,” said another official, adding that Mr. Modi’s approach towards internal security would also become apparent from the composition of the Prime Minister’s Office.
Besides, there is also speculation in the corridors of power that a few gubernatorial positions would also be up for grabs as the new government may want to replace Governors in some States.
“While the President is elected by the representatives of the people, namely, the Members of Parliament and the Members of the State Legislatures, the Governor is merely appointed by the President which really means, by the Union Council of Ministers.
Inasmuch as the Governor holds office during the pleasure of the President, there is no security of his tenure. He can be removed by the President at any time,” observes a Law Ministry paper on the “Institution of Governor Under the (Indian) Constitution”.
