Finally, We have a Government that has taken the tough decision to Divest Air India. This was loooooooooooong overdue. Government has no business in running Airlines, and the only reasons why they do is for Politicians and Bureaucrats to wield their power, and of course to get fat commissions from Aircraft purchases. If you have doubt, just ask Praful Patel, the Civil Aviation Minister during UPA!

 

This post is not about Air India divestment though. This just triggered a thought process as to other things/persons we need to divest immediately.

 

Let us start with some Constitutional Authorities. Will Modi bite the bullet and divest the President, Vice President and all the Governors please, on priority? India bears a huge cost for maintaining them and they frankly serve only a ceremonial purpose. We are maturing as a democracy and there is no place for dignitaries like President, VP and Governors.

 

Next in the line to divest are the Rajya Sabha, and all the Upper Houses (MLCs) of States wherever they exist. These were established similar to House of Lords in England, and was supposed to have matured individuals who shall provide the necessary guidance to the Loksabha MPs and Assembly MLAs but have become a den of unelectable politicians, goons, businessmen and rogues. And they are not accountable to the people directly but have the Veto right on decisions taken by People Elected Loksabha or Assemblies.

 

Can we also Divest most of the Ministers? Do we really need 80 Ministers to rule a country like India. There is too much interference in the running

 

We also need to divest Delhi of its Capital Status. It is a relic of the Mughal empire and has no advantage for being the Capital City. Government is spending thousands of crores on developing Smart Cities, and it should seriously look at building a brand new Capital City somewhere in the middle of India in Madhya Pradesh or Maharashtra, which is equi distant from all parts of India. At least it will get rid of the vested interests of the Lutyens, and for at least a couple of decades, till new power centres start coming up, it will be free of shady movers and shakers, who are undesirable.