Modi Govt’s governance reforms included scrapping of 2,000 obsolete rules: Dr Jitendra

NEW DELHI: Modi Govt’s governance reforms included scrapping of nearly 2,000 obsolete rules which had lost relevance with the passage of time and which were in fact proving detrimental to the ease of working and timely disposals.

This was disclosed here on Monday by Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Science and Technology; (Independent Charge) Earth Sciences and Minister of State for PMO, Department of Atomic Energy, Department of Space, Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions, Dr Jitendra Singh during an exclusive conversation at the “Bharat 24” TV Conclave at Hotel Taj here.

On the eve of Good Governance Day, which also marks the 100th birth anniversary of former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee, Dr. Jitendra Singh outlined key achievements and governance reforms brought about under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership.

Addressing an engaged audience, Dr. Jitendra Singh emphasized the government’s commitment to transparency, innovation, and people-centric policies that have redefined the meaning of governance in India.

The Minister highlighted the concerted efforts to eliminate redundant laws, stating, “Nearly 2000 outdated rules and regulations have been scrapped to simplify governance and make it more citizen-friendly.”

Dr Jitendra recalled that within a few months of Narendra Modi taking over as Prime Minister in May 2014, the DoPT (Department of Personnel & Training) scrapped the rule which was a rather dubious and feudalistic legacy of the British empire and made it mandatory to get the documents attested by a gazetted officer. This sent out a message across the country that now there was a government in place which had the capacity to trust the youth of the country, he said.

Soon thereafter, in his Independence Day address, Dr Jitendra Singh recalled that Prime minister Modi gave a call for abolishing interviews in recruitment to lower posts in order to ensure transparency and the DoPT followed it up by issuing a circular to this effect in 2016. Similarly, a number of reforms have been introduced to simplify the Pension rules, particularly those pertaining to elder citizens and family pension rules for divorced daughters, he added.

Among the most notable initiatives was the integration of cleanliness into governance, turning what might have been dismissed as an administrative detail into a national movement. “Cleanliness is now a hallmark of governance practices”, Dr. Jitendra Singh said, recalling how the cleanliness drive began with building toilets and evolved into cleaning up government spaces and work places..

The Minister revealed that through efficient management of scrap material and obsolete equipment, the government had reclaimed over 643 lakh square feet of office space and earned ₹2,364 crore for the national exchequer. “The transformation is visible in government offices that were once cluttered and now serve as models of cleanliness and efficiency,” he added.

Dr. Jitendra Singh attributed these changes to the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who he described as a “visionary unifier.” Shifting focus to broader national issues, the Minister elaborated on how Modi’s governance reshaped India’s socio-political fabric, particularly in regions like the North East and Jammu & Kashmir.

Transitioning to a broader political narrative, Dr. Jitendra Singh underlined the Modi administration’s role in reshaping India’s unity and integrity. Referring to the North East and Jammu & Kashmir, he noted the shift from regional alienation to integration. “Before 2014, the North East often felt disconnected from the rest of India-not just geographically but emotionally,” Dr. Jitendra Singh observed.

Under Modi’s leadership, PM’s frequent visits, infrastructure development, and socio-economic programs transformed the region into what the Minister called “a model of development.” Citing significant strides in connectivity, he said, “Under Modi ji’s leadership, the North East now enjoys unparalleled connectivity, not just physically through roads and air links, but also socially and emotionally.” Similar progress was noted in Jammu & Kashmir, where BJP flags now fly as symbols of a united India, he added.

In Jammu & Kashmir, Dr. Jitendra Singh described a similar shift, where a region once rife with skepticism toward the central government now embraces national unity. “We have gone from a time when even mentioning the name of BJP was a taboo to a time where our flag flies proudly in the region,” he stated. He credited this change to Modi’s policies, which prioritized grassroots development and inclusivity.

Dr. Jitendra Singh also addressed narratives propagated by the opposition, particularly the Congress Party, accusing them of using divisive rhetoric and falsehoods to sustain political gains. He pointed out that Congress’s portrayal of BJP as exclusionary was dismantled by Modi’s inclusive governance, especially through welfare measures for Dalits, backward classes, and women. “Congress thrived on creating misunderstandings about the BJP. Today, these myths are unravelling as people witness the benefits of Modi ji’s policies firsthand,” he asserted.

As India approaches the next phase of its democratic journey, with a focus on “One Nation, One Election,” Dr. Jitendra Singh concluded by expressing confidence in the Modi-led administration’s capability to steer the nation towards a cohesive and progressive future.

With Good Governance Day serving as a moment of reflection, the Minister’s remarks captured the essence of a nation moving forward under strong, inclusive, and decisive leadership. His message was clear: the Modi government’s governance model is not only about efficiency but about building a unified and empowered India.