Rama Rajya is considered to be the ideal. The Ayodhya Kanda, the second chapter of Ramayana, speaks about good governance. Bharata, the younger brother of Rama, goes to meet the latter in the forest to request him to return to Ayodhya and rule (Bharata is one of the most unsung heroes of Ramayana. A truly great soul, who ruled through proxy for 14 years without expecting anything in return. True practioner of nishkama karma). Rama politely refuses to return and opted to fulfill his fathers vow. Then he goes on to advice Bharata on Rajaneethi or sound governance. From quality of ministers and the importance of strategy sessions, to temperance in administration to justice, Rama expounds on all the subtleties of statecraft in a lucid manner.
According to Rama, a critical factor in good governance is the quality of ministers. Rama asks Bharata whether he has appointed courageous, knowledgeable, strong-willed men with a high emotional quotient (EQ) as his ministers, because quality advice is the key to effective governance. The emphasis is on competence and confidentiality. Rama's advice to Bharata is to take a decision on a complex issue neither unilaterally nor in consultation with too many people. There should be an efficient core group.
Rama tells Bharata to prefer one wise man to a thousand fools, as it is the wise who can ensure prosperity during an economic crisis. Even if there is one minister who is really effective, the king will gain immensely.
Moderate taxes should be levied on the people, lest they revolt. Rama wants Bharata to treat his soldiers well and pay their legitimate wages on time. Delays in payment of wages and other allowances can lead to dangerous consequences.
Trade and agriculture are important and Rama wants Bharata to ensure good irrigation facilities rather than being overly dependent on rains. Traders need to be ensured of a fear-free environment and their grievances should be redressed promptly.
Protecting the forests and maintaining livestock have also been dealt with as important aspects of effective governance. In fact, the vision of the Ramayana has eternal relevance.
I really wish our Government follows these simple principles. They have flouted every single one of them. Manmohan Singh has surrounded himself with 100 fools and there is not even a single wise man amongst it. Or else he would not have been exposed so cruelly as a liar in the N-Deal. He and P Chidambaram have taxed everything that even moves. The only thing that has not been taxed is marriage and f****ing. And you can see the benefit of that in the increased productivity in this sector (1.2 billion people and counting). Soldiers are extremely unhappy with the new pay commission report which is for IAS offices, by IAS officers and of IAS officers, the dimwitted beaureaucracy, who qualifies as the biggest stumbling block in India’s growth. We are still dependant on monsoons for agriculture activities and not much has been done to increase the irrigated land. Traders are burdened with taxes and have no protection from the protectors of law. Do I have to say more?
