July 6, 1998

SUSHMA SWARAJ
Communications and I&B Minister

"I have never taken on Gill. No
one  has indicated that Prasar Bharati has been mishandled"

Priorities

• Get the Prasar Bharati Bill through in this session of Parliament.
• Corporatise the Department of Telecommunications. Separate its role as regulator from that of service provider.

PERFORMANCE: She is better with words and doesn't blame bureaucracy for shortcomings. Messed up on Prasar Bharati, but secured industry status for Bollywood. A late-comer to communications, her priorities have actually been formulated in the past week. Therefore, little real progress but corporatisation of dot could mean quick connections and less congestion on exchanges.

PROBLEMS: Prasar Bharati Bill may be stymied by the Opposition. The problem has become one of S.S. Gill versus the BJP. In the Communications Ministry, the previous government's blunders on privatisation have locked the issue in the courts. Basic telecom services are in a shambles with licence agreements in place for only six of the 21 circles. Cellular operators are demanding both moratorium on licence fees and delayed payment.

ASSESSEMENT: She has fallen between two stools. Must learn to specialise and be less judgemental .

RAM JETHMALANI
Urban Affairs Minister

"I want large-scale involvement
of the private sector. We
must end the inspector raj."

Priorities

• Abolition of the Urban Land Ceiling Act.
• Eviction of VIP overstayers from Government bungalows in Delhi.

PERFORMANCE: Has issued eviction notices to more than 300 VIPs. Saw through bureaucratic stalling tactics. The touts who once brokered allotments in Lutyens' Delhi have now disappeared. The private sector's role in housing has been recognised.

PROBLEMS: Well-meaning eviction plans can be delayed by the courts. Indiscriminate recognition of unauthorised colonies in Delhi can open the floodgates for unplanned development. Wants private and foreign capital in housing, but lacks the resources to provide supporting services like roads, water and power .

ASSESSEMENT: He is an intelligent boy who does not brook indiscipline. Can do wonders if he remains focused.

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