July 6, 1998

P R KUMARAMANGALAM
Power Minister

"I kept my word on every count.
In 100 days I could not
have done better."

Priorities

• Extend counter-guarantees to fast-track power projects.
• Establish an electricity regulatory body.
• Ensure awareness of the consequences of power theft and excessive subsidies.

PERFORMANCE: He was first off the mark, talking reforms and change in the power sector. Succeeded in pushing for counter-guarantees to three pending fast-track power projects. Presented a radical ordinance making it mandatory for state governments to set up regulatory authorities. Ordinance also set norms for power tariffs to meet 50 per cent of generation costs.

PROBLEMS: A political lightweight and a new-comer to the BJP, Kumaramangalam failed to anticipate the populist backlash to his new power ordinance. His AIADMK and Akali Dal coalition partners forced him to dilute the ordinance because they had a stake in supplying free power to farmers. Since this setback, he has kept his reformist impulses under check. However, he feels that the dissenting states will eventually fall in line. At present he has to ensure more power to Delhi to cool tempers.

ASSESSEMENT: Must not allow his inquiring mind to be curbed by his environment. Must also avoid showing off.

MURLI MANOHAR JOSHI
HRD Minister

"Leftists believe only one
view is acceptable. They are
sore that it's our turn now. "

Priorities

• Weed out leftists from positions of authority and influence.
• Formulate a new education and culture policy. Establish a youth army.

PERFORMANCE: Has removed leftists from the Indian Council of Historical Research. He has otherwise shied away from controversy, focusing his energies on resolving the teachers' pay dispute. Working hard on new policies that will also enable him to make a political mark.

PROBLEMS: An ideological agenda cannot be implemented overnight. Joshi has to wait before patronage opportunities present themselves. His attempts to introduce academic quality control and accountability have not gone down well with the teachers.

ASSESSEMENT: He picks fights in the classroom. He must realise he is now a prefect.

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