Deprecated (16384): The ArrayAccess methods will be removed in 4.0.0.Use getParam(), getData() and getQuery() instead. - /home/brlfuser/public_html/src/Controller/ArtileDetailController.php, line: 73
 You can disable deprecation warnings by setting `Error.errorLevel` to `E_ALL & ~E_USER_DEPRECATED` in your config/app.php. [CORE/src/Core/functions.php, line 311]
Code Context


        trigger_error($message, E_USER_DEPRECATED);

    }
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 You can disable deprecation warnings by setting `Error.errorLevel` to `E_ALL & ~E_USER_DEPRECATED` in your config/app.php.'
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deprecationWarning - CORE/src/Core/functions.php, line 311
Cake\Http\ServerRequest::offsetGet() - CORE/src/Http/ServerRequest.php, line 2421
App\Controller\ArtileDetailController::printArticle() - APP/Controller/ArtileDetailController.php, line 73
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Cake\Http\ActionDispatcher::_invoke() - CORE/src/Http/ActionDispatcher.php, line 120
Cake\Http\ActionDispatcher::dispatch() - CORE/src/Http/ActionDispatcher.php, line 94
Cake\Http\BaseApplication::__invoke() - CORE/src/Http/BaseApplication.php, line 235
Cake\Http\Runner::__invoke() - CORE/src/Http/Runner.php, line 65
Cake\Routing\Middleware\RoutingMiddleware::__invoke() - CORE/src/Routing/Middleware/RoutingMiddleware.php, line 162
Cake\Http\Runner::__invoke() - CORE/src/Http/Runner.php, line 65
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Cake\Http\Runner::__invoke() - CORE/src/Http/Runner.php, line 65
Cake\Error\Middleware\ErrorHandlerMiddleware::__invoke() - CORE/src/Error/Middleware/ErrorHandlerMiddleware.php, line 96
Cake\Http\Runner::__invoke() - CORE/src/Http/Runner.php, line 65
Cake\Http\Runner::run() - CORE/src/Http/Runner.php, line 51
Cake\Http\Server::run() - CORE/src/Http/Server.php, line 98

Deprecated (16384): The ArrayAccess methods will be removed in 4.0.0.Use getParam(), getData() and getQuery() instead. - /home/brlfuser/public_html/src/Controller/ArtileDetailController.php, line: 74
 You can disable deprecation warnings by setting `Error.errorLevel` to `E_ALL & ~E_USER_DEPRECATED` in your config/app.php. [CORE/src/Core/functions.php, line 311]
Code Context


        trigger_error($message, E_USER_DEPRECATED);

    }
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 You can disable deprecation warnings by setting `Error.errorLevel` to `E_ALL & ~E_USER_DEPRECATED` in your config/app.php.'
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deprecationWarning - CORE/src/Core/functions.php, line 311
Cake\Http\ServerRequest::offsetGet() - CORE/src/Http/ServerRequest.php, line 2421
App\Controller\ArtileDetailController::printArticle() - APP/Controller/ArtileDetailController.php, line 74
Cake\Controller\Controller::invokeAction() - CORE/src/Controller/Controller.php, line 610
Cake\Http\ActionDispatcher::_invoke() - CORE/src/Http/ActionDispatcher.php, line 120
Cake\Http\ActionDispatcher::dispatch() - CORE/src/Http/ActionDispatcher.php, line 94
Cake\Http\BaseApplication::__invoke() - CORE/src/Http/BaseApplication.php, line 235
Cake\Http\Runner::__invoke() - CORE/src/Http/Runner.php, line 65
Cake\Routing\Middleware\RoutingMiddleware::__invoke() - CORE/src/Routing/Middleware/RoutingMiddleware.php, line 162
Cake\Http\Runner::__invoke() - CORE/src/Http/Runner.php, line 65
Cake\Routing\Middleware\AssetMiddleware::__invoke() - CORE/src/Routing/Middleware/AssetMiddleware.php, line 88
Cake\Http\Runner::__invoke() - CORE/src/Http/Runner.php, line 65
Cake\Error\Middleware\ErrorHandlerMiddleware::__invoke() - CORE/src/Error/Middleware/ErrorHandlerMiddleware.php, line 96
Cake\Http\Runner::__invoke() - CORE/src/Http/Runner.php, line 65
Cake\Http\Runner::run() - CORE/src/Http/Runner.php, line 51
Cake\Http\Server::run() - CORE/src/Http/Server.php, line 98

Warning (512): Unable to emit headers. Headers sent in file=/home/brlfuser/public_html/vendor/cakephp/cakephp/src/Error/Debugger.php line=853 [CORE/src/Http/ResponseEmitter.php, line 48]
Code Context
            if (Configure::read('debug')) {

                trigger_error($message, E_USER_WARNING);

            } else {
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-The Economic Times
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&lt;br /&gt;
My target for fulfilling Rajiv&#039;s vision has always been 2018. We can get there in less than 5 years if govt acts on our recommendations, says diplomat-turned-politician Mani Shankar Aiyar.
&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p align=&quot;justify&quot;&gt;
&lt;em&gt;You have been passionately talking about Panchayati Raj. But your party doesn&#039;t seem to share the same passion lately... &lt;/em&gt;
&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p align=&quot;justify&quot;&gt;
Mani Shankar Aiyar: I don&#039;t agree with you here. The commitment of the party to Panchayati Raj and devolution of powers remains as strong as it was. But there is bewilderment as to how to go about it. Our expert committee report is just about this. Our report couldn&#039;t have come 25 years ago when there wasn&#039;t the literature and the ground experience of implementation of Panchayati Raj. 
&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p align=&quot;justify&quot;&gt;
&lt;em&gt;Your proposal is quite similar to the idea of empowerment of the grassroots Rahul Gandhi talked about in his CII address... &lt;/em&gt;
&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p align=&quot;justify&quot;&gt;
Mani Shankar Aiyar: If Rahul wants to do it, he will have to read and act upon this report. I say this not with arrogance but a fervent prayer that the son will be able to fulfil his father&#039;s dream. 
&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p align=&quot;justify&quot;&gt;
&lt;em&gt;You have said that outcomes are not in sync with outlays... &lt;/em&gt;
&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p align=&quot;justify&quot;&gt;
Mani Shankar Aiyar: Of course, outcomes are completely out of sync with outlays. But is not because of panchayati raj that this has happened. It is happening precisely because panchayati raj institutions are not being used for either bottom-up planning or last mile delivery. So long as the central government continues to rely on mutually insulated bureaucratic silos, which prevent the convergence of more than 150 centrally sponsored schemes, and the Planning Commission fails to enforce its own circulars and manuals for planning, there can be no participation of people in programmes meant for their welfare development. And if this alienation of the people from the processes of growth continues, there can be no inclusive governance. And without inclusive governance there can be no inclusive growth. And so we would continue to justify economic reforms as generating vast revenue for social sector and anti-poverty programmes but remain incapable of explaining why exponential expenditure in increases are giving virtually no outcomes. 
&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p align=&quot;justify&quot;&gt;
&lt;em&gt;But you have been talking about devolution for over 20 years. How much longer will it take? &lt;/em&gt;
&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p align=&quot;justify&quot;&gt;
Mani Shankar Aiyar: All the Centre and the Planning commission have to do is use the detailed recommendations in our report to give effect to their own policy decisions announced a decade ago. We will then get true panchayati raj and this fulfil a prediction made to me by Rajiv Gandhi in a personal conversation - that it would take at least a generation, that is 25 years, to move from getting the Constitution amended to securing effective panchayati raj. My personal target for fulfilling Rajiv&#039;s vision has always been 2018. We can get there in less than 5 years if the government acts on our recommendations. 
&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p align=&quot;justify&quot;&gt;
&lt;em&gt;Do you see this idea of devolution being implemented? &lt;/em&gt;
&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p align=&quot;justify&quot;&gt;
Mani Shankar Aiyar: I will tell you a small story. In August 2010, while releasing the Hindi version of my book on his father Rajiv, Rahul recounted a personal anecdote. He talked about when he was a part of his father&#039;s campaign trail when all of us were touring the whole of India. He said at around 5 am he was woken up by his father and Rahul asked him &#039;Why are we doing this? We have hardly had 3 hours of sleep. I liked it better when you were a pilot&#039;. To this Rajiv said &#039;I am sorry I cannot go back. I have to do this. Because I now have belief in the people of India which I didn&#039;t have ever&#039;. It is this continuity of thought and faith I see in Rahul&#039;s speech. There is continuity of thought but there is no continuity of circumstances. 
&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p align=&quot;justify&quot;&gt;
&lt;em&gt;What do mean by no continuity of circumstances? &lt;/em&gt;
&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p align=&quot;justify&quot;&gt;
Mani Shankar Aiyar: Jawaharlal Nehru and Indira had no opposition. Rajiv Gandhi came back with two-thirds majority. But circumstances have changed. When Rahul comes to power we will have to see whether he will be able to prioritize panchayati raj, whether his advisers would be able to put a package of devolution. I don&#039;t expect to be in Rahul&#039;s entourage but my report would be there. I hope he delivers on his promise otherwise his words to CII will remain just impressions on sands of time washed away by waves of history. 
&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p align=&quot;justify&quot;&gt;
&lt;em&gt;Do you see a perpetual crisis in Parliament? &lt;/em&gt;
&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p align=&quot;justify&quot;&gt;
Mani Shankar Aiyar: It is the most incompetent Opposition I have ever seen. They are such a motley crowd. Every morning we read five different voices screaming through newspaper headlines. What Arun Jaitley and his lot, all of whom are infected with Ahluwalitis (reference to BJP MP SS Ahluwalia&#039;s shouting ways), don&#039;t understand that government can&#039;t be brought down in front of cameras. It can be done only on the floor of the House. Why do they not go to the floor of the House? Because they know that internal divisions are so sharp that they can never present a united front. They are cowards and hypocrites and the nation recognises them for that.
&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p align=&quot;justify&quot;&gt;
&lt;em&gt;The Economic Times, 2 May, 2013, &lt;a href=&quot;http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/opinion/interviews/congress-committed-to-panchayati-raj-confusion-only-on-process-mani-shankar-aiyar-ex-panchyati-raj-minister/articleshow/19825709.cms&quot;&gt;http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/opinion/interviews/congress-committed-to-panchayati-raj-confusion-only-on-process-mani-shankar-aiyar-ex-panchyati-raj-minister/articleshow/19825709.cms&lt;/a&gt; &lt;/em&gt;
&lt;/p&gt;
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&lt;strong&gt;Image Courtesy: The Economic Times&lt;/strong&gt; 
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-The Economic Times



My target for fulfilling Rajiv&#039;s vision has always been 2018. We can get there in less than 5 years if govt acts on our recommendations, says diplomat-turned-politician Mani Shankar Aiyar.


You have been passionately talking about Panchayati Raj. But...&#039;,
	&#039;disp&#039; =&gt; &#039;&lt;div align=&quot;justify&quot;&gt;-The Economic Times&lt;/div&gt;&lt;p align=&quot;justify&quot;&gt;&lt;br /&gt;My target for fulfilling Rajiv&#039;s vision has always been 2018. We can get there in less than 5 years if govt acts on our recommendations, says diplomat-turned-politician Mani Shankar Aiyar.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p align=&quot;justify&quot;&gt;&lt;em&gt;You have been passionately talking about Panchayati Raj. But your party doesn&#039;t seem to share the same passion lately... &lt;/em&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p align=&quot;justify&quot;&gt;Mani Shankar Aiyar: I don&#039;t agree with you here. The commitment of the party to Panchayati Raj and devolution of powers remains as strong as it was. But there is bewilderment as to how to go about it. Our expert committee report is just about this. Our report couldn&#039;t have come 25 years ago when there wasn&#039;t the literature and the ground experience of implementation of Panchayati Raj. &lt;/p&gt;&lt;p align=&quot;justify&quot;&gt;&lt;em&gt;Your proposal is quite similar to the idea of empowerment of the grassroots Rahul Gandhi talked about in his CII address... &lt;/em&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p align=&quot;justify&quot;&gt;Mani Shankar Aiyar: If Rahul wants to do it, he will have to read and act upon this report. I say this not with arrogance but a fervent prayer that the son will be able to fulfil his father&#039;s dream. &lt;/p&gt;&lt;p align=&quot;justify&quot;&gt;&lt;em&gt;You have said that outcomes are not in sync with outlays... &lt;/em&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p align=&quot;justify&quot;&gt;Mani Shankar Aiyar: Of course, outcomes are completely out of sync with outlays. But is not because of panchayati raj that this has happened. It is happening precisely because panchayati raj institutions are not being used for either bottom-up planning or last mile delivery. So long as the central government continues to rely on mutually insulated bureaucratic silos, which prevent the convergence of more than 150 centrally sponsored schemes, and the Planning Commission fails to enforce its own circulars and manuals for planning, there can be no participation of people in programmes meant for their welfare development. And if this alienation of the people from the processes of growth continues, there can be no inclusive governance. And without inclusive governance there can be no inclusive growth. And so we would continue to justify economic reforms as generating vast revenue for social sector and anti-poverty programmes but remain incapable of explaining why exponential expenditure in increases are giving virtually no outcomes. &lt;/p&gt;&lt;p align=&quot;justify&quot;&gt;&lt;em&gt;But you have been talking about devolution for over 20 years. How much longer will it take? &lt;/em&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p align=&quot;justify&quot;&gt;Mani Shankar Aiyar: All the Centre and the Planning commission have to do is use the detailed recommendations in our report to give effect to their own policy decisions announced a decade ago. We will then get true panchayati raj and this fulfil a prediction made to me by Rajiv Gandhi in a personal conversation - that it would take at least a generation, that is 25 years, to move from getting the Constitution amended to securing effective panchayati raj. My personal target for fulfilling Rajiv&#039;s vision has always been 2018. We can get there in less than 5 years if the government acts on our recommendations. &lt;/p&gt;&lt;p align=&quot;justify&quot;&gt;&lt;em&gt;Do you see this idea of devolution being implemented? &lt;/em&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p align=&quot;justify&quot;&gt;Mani Shankar Aiyar: I will tell you a small story. In August 2010, while releasing the Hindi version of my book on his father Rajiv, Rahul recounted a personal anecdote. He talked about when he was a part of his father&#039;s campaign trail when all of us were touring the whole of India. He said at around 5 am he was woken up by his father and Rahul asked him &#039;Why are we doing this? We have hardly had 3 hours of sleep. I liked it better when you were a pilot&#039;. To this Rajiv said &#039;I am sorry I cannot go back. I have to do this. Because I now have belief in the people of India which I didn&#039;t have ever&#039;. It is this continuity of thought and faith I see in Rahul&#039;s speech. There is continuity of thought but there is no continuity of circumstances. &lt;/p&gt;&lt;p align=&quot;justify&quot;&gt;&lt;em&gt;What do mean by no continuity of circumstances? &lt;/em&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p align=&quot;justify&quot;&gt;Mani Shankar Aiyar: Jawaharlal Nehru and Indira had no opposition. Rajiv Gandhi came back with two-thirds majority. But circumstances have changed. When Rahul comes to power we will have to see whether he will be able to prioritize panchayati raj, whether his advisers would be able to put a package of devolution. I don&#039;t expect to be in Rahul&#039;s entourage but my report would be there. I hope he delivers on his promise otherwise his words to CII will remain just impressions on sands of time washed away by waves of history. &lt;/p&gt;&lt;p align=&quot;justify&quot;&gt;&lt;em&gt;Do you see a perpetual crisis in Parliament? &lt;/em&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p align=&quot;justify&quot;&gt;Mani Shankar Aiyar: It is the most incompetent Opposition I have ever seen. They are such a motley crowd. Every morning we read five different voices screaming through newspaper headlines. What Arun Jaitley and his lot, all of whom are infected with Ahluwalitis (reference to BJP MP SS Ahluwalia&#039;s shouting ways), don&#039;t understand that government can&#039;t be brought down in front of cameras. It can be done only on the floor of the House. Why do they not go to the floor of the House? Because they know that internal divisions are so sharp that they can never present a united front. They are cowards and hypocrites and the nation recognises them for that.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p align=&quot;justify&quot;&gt;&lt;em&gt;The Economic Times, 2 May, 2013, &lt;a href=&quot;http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/opinion/interviews/congress-committed-to-panchayati-raj-confusion-only-on-process-mani-shankar-aiyar-ex-panchyati-raj-minister/articleshow/19825709.cms&quot; title=&quot;http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/opinion/interviews/congress-committed-to-panchayati-raj-confusion-only-on-process-mani-shankar-aiyar-ex-panchyati-raj-minister/articleshow/19825709.cms&quot;&gt;http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/opinion/interviews/con&lt;br /&gt;gress-committed-to-panchayati-raj-confusion-only-on-proces&lt;br /&gt;s-mani-shankar-aiyar-ex-panchyati-raj-minister/articleshow&lt;br /&gt;/19825709.cms&lt;/a&gt; &lt;/em&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p align=&quot;justify&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Image Courtesy: The Economic Times&lt;/strong&gt; &lt;/p&gt;&#039;,
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	&#039;title&#039; =&gt; &#039;Mani Shankar Aiyar, diplomat-turned-politician interviewed by Nidhi Sharma&#039;,
	&#039;subheading&#039; =&gt; &#039;&#039;,
	&#039;description&#039; =&gt; &#039;&lt;div align=&quot;justify&quot;&gt;
-The Economic Times
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&lt;p align=&quot;justify&quot;&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
My target for fulfilling Rajiv&#039;s vision has always been 2018. We can get there in less than 5 years if govt acts on our recommendations, says diplomat-turned-politician Mani Shankar Aiyar.
&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p align=&quot;justify&quot;&gt;
&lt;em&gt;You have been passionately talking about Panchayati Raj. But your party doesn&#039;t seem to share the same passion lately... &lt;/em&gt;
&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p align=&quot;justify&quot;&gt;
Mani Shankar Aiyar: I don&#039;t agree with you here. The commitment of the party to Panchayati Raj and devolution of powers remains as strong as it was. But there is bewilderment as to how to go about it. Our expert committee report is just about this. Our report couldn&#039;t have come 25 years ago when there wasn&#039;t the literature and the ground experience of implementation of Panchayati Raj. 
&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p align=&quot;justify&quot;&gt;
&lt;em&gt;Your proposal is quite similar to the idea of empowerment of the grassroots Rahul Gandhi talked about in his CII address... &lt;/em&gt;
&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p align=&quot;justify&quot;&gt;
Mani Shankar Aiyar: If Rahul wants to do it, he will have to read and act upon this report. I say this not with arrogance but a fervent prayer that the son will be able to fulfil his father&#039;s dream. 
&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p align=&quot;justify&quot;&gt;
&lt;em&gt;You have said that outcomes are not in sync with outlays... &lt;/em&gt;
&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p align=&quot;justify&quot;&gt;
Mani Shankar Aiyar: Of course, outcomes are completely out of sync with outlays. But is not because of panchayati raj that this has happened. It is happening precisely because panchayati raj institutions are not being used for either bottom-up planning or last mile delivery. So long as the central government continues to rely on mutually insulated bureaucratic silos, which prevent the convergence of more than 150 centrally sponsored schemes, and the Planning Commission fails to enforce its own circulars and manuals for planning, there can be no participation of people in programmes meant for their welfare development. And if this alienation of the people from the processes of growth continues, there can be no inclusive governance. And without inclusive governance there can be no inclusive growth. And so we would continue to justify economic reforms as generating vast revenue for social sector and anti-poverty programmes but remain incapable of explaining why exponential expenditure in increases are giving virtually no outcomes. 
&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p align=&quot;justify&quot;&gt;
&lt;em&gt;But you have been talking about devolution for over 20 years. How much longer will it take? &lt;/em&gt;
&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p align=&quot;justify&quot;&gt;
Mani Shankar Aiyar: All the Centre and the Planning commission have to do is use the detailed recommendations in our report to give effect to their own policy decisions announced a decade ago. We will then get true panchayati raj and this fulfil a prediction made to me by Rajiv Gandhi in a personal conversation - that it would take at least a generation, that is 25 years, to move from getting the Constitution amended to securing effective panchayati raj. My personal target for fulfilling Rajiv&#039;s vision has always been 2018. We can get there in less than 5 years if the government acts on our recommendations. 
&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p align=&quot;justify&quot;&gt;
&lt;em&gt;Do you see this idea of devolution being implemented? &lt;/em&gt;
&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p align=&quot;justify&quot;&gt;
Mani Shankar Aiyar: I will tell you a small story. In August 2010, while releasing the Hindi version of my book on his father Rajiv, Rahul recounted a personal anecdote. He talked about when he was a part of his father&#039;s campaign trail when all of us were touring the whole of India. He said at around 5 am he was woken up by his father and Rahul asked him &#039;Why are we doing this? We have hardly had 3 hours of sleep. I liked it better when you were a pilot&#039;. To this Rajiv said &#039;I am sorry I cannot go back. I have to do this. Because I now have belief in the people of India which I didn&#039;t have ever&#039;. It is this continuity of thought and faith I see in Rahul&#039;s speech. There is continuity of thought but there is no continuity of circumstances. 
&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p align=&quot;justify&quot;&gt;
&lt;em&gt;What do mean by no continuity of circumstances? &lt;/em&gt;
&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p align=&quot;justify&quot;&gt;
Mani Shankar Aiyar: Jawaharlal Nehru and Indira had no opposition. Rajiv Gandhi came back with two-thirds majority. But circumstances have changed. When Rahul comes to power we will have to see whether he will be able to prioritize panchayati raj, whether his advisers would be able to put a package of devolution. I don&#039;t expect to be in Rahul&#039;s entourage but my report would be there. I hope he delivers on his promise otherwise his words to CII will remain just impressions on sands of time washed away by waves of history. 
&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p align=&quot;justify&quot;&gt;
&lt;em&gt;Do you see a perpetual crisis in Parliament? &lt;/em&gt;
&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p align=&quot;justify&quot;&gt;
Mani Shankar Aiyar: It is the most incompetent Opposition I have ever seen. They are such a motley crowd. Every morning we read five different voices screaming through newspaper headlines. What Arun Jaitley and his lot, all of whom are infected with Ahluwalitis (reference to BJP MP SS Ahluwalia&#039;s shouting ways), don&#039;t understand that government can&#039;t be brought down in front of cameras. It can be done only on the floor of the House. Why do they not go to the floor of the House? Because they know that internal divisions are so sharp that they can never present a united front. They are cowards and hypocrites and the nation recognises them for that.
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&lt;em&gt;The Economic Times, 2 May, 2013, &lt;a href=&quot;http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/opinion/interviews/congress-committed-to-panchayati-raj-confusion-only-on-process-mani-shankar-aiyar-ex-panchyati-raj-minister/articleshow/19825709.cms&quot;&gt;http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/opinion/interviews/congress-committed-to-panchayati-raj-confusion-only-on-process-mani-shankar-aiyar-ex-panchyati-raj-minister/articleshow/19825709.cms&lt;/a&gt; &lt;/em&gt;
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&lt;strong&gt;Image Courtesy: The Economic Times&lt;/strong&gt; 
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-The Economic Times



My target for fulfilling Rajiv&#039;s vision has always been 2018. We can get there in less than 5 years if govt acts on our recommendations, says diplomat-turned-politician Mani Shankar Aiyar.


You have been passionately talking about Panchayati Raj. But...&#039;
$disp = &#039;&lt;div align=&quot;justify&quot;&gt;-The Economic Times&lt;/div&gt;&lt;p align=&quot;justify&quot;&gt;&lt;br /&gt;My target for fulfilling Rajiv&#039;s vision has always been 2018. We can get there in less than 5 years if govt acts on our recommendations, says diplomat-turned-politician Mani Shankar Aiyar.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p align=&quot;justify&quot;&gt;&lt;em&gt;You have been passionately talking about Panchayati Raj. But your party doesn&#039;t seem to share the same passion lately... &lt;/em&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p align=&quot;justify&quot;&gt;Mani Shankar Aiyar: I don&#039;t agree with you here. The commitment of the party to Panchayati Raj and devolution of powers remains as strong as it was. But there is bewilderment as to how to go about it. Our expert committee report is just about this. Our report couldn&#039;t have come 25 years ago when there wasn&#039;t the literature and the ground experience of implementation of Panchayati Raj. &lt;/p&gt;&lt;p align=&quot;justify&quot;&gt;&lt;em&gt;Your proposal is quite similar to the idea of empowerment of the grassroots Rahul Gandhi talked about in his CII address... &lt;/em&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p align=&quot;justify&quot;&gt;Mani Shankar Aiyar: If Rahul wants to do it, he will have to read and act upon this report. I say this not with arrogance but a fervent prayer that the son will be able to fulfil his father&#039;s dream. &lt;/p&gt;&lt;p align=&quot;justify&quot;&gt;&lt;em&gt;You have said that outcomes are not in sync with outlays... &lt;/em&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p align=&quot;justify&quot;&gt;Mani Shankar Aiyar: Of course, outcomes are completely out of sync with outlays. But is not because of panchayati raj that this has happened. It is happening precisely because panchayati raj institutions are not being used for either bottom-up planning or last mile delivery. So long as the central government continues to rely on mutually insulated bureaucratic silos, which prevent the convergence of more than 150 centrally sponsored schemes, and the Planning Commission fails to enforce its own circulars and manuals for planning, there can be no participation of people in programmes meant for their welfare development. And if this alienation of the people from the processes of growth continues, there can be no inclusive governance. And without inclusive governance there can be no inclusive growth. And so we would continue to justify economic reforms as generating vast revenue for social sector and anti-poverty programmes but remain incapable of explaining why exponential expenditure in increases are giving virtually no outcomes. &lt;/p&gt;&lt;p align=&quot;justify&quot;&gt;&lt;em&gt;But you have been talking about devolution for over 20 years. How much longer will it take? &lt;/em&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p align=&quot;justify&quot;&gt;Mani Shankar Aiyar: All the Centre and the Planning commission have to do is use the detailed recommendations in our report to give effect to their own policy decisions announced a decade ago. We will then get true panchayati raj and this fulfil a prediction made to me by Rajiv Gandhi in a personal conversation - that it would take at least a generation, that is 25 years, to move from getting the Constitution amended to securing effective panchayati raj. My personal target for fulfilling Rajiv&#039;s vision has always been 2018. We can get there in less than 5 years if the government acts on our recommendations. &lt;/p&gt;&lt;p align=&quot;justify&quot;&gt;&lt;em&gt;Do you see this idea of devolution being implemented? &lt;/em&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p align=&quot;justify&quot;&gt;Mani Shankar Aiyar: I will tell you a small story. In August 2010, while releasing the Hindi version of my book on his father Rajiv, Rahul recounted a personal anecdote. He talked about when he was a part of his father&#039;s campaign trail when all of us were touring the whole of India. He said at around 5 am he was woken up by his father and Rahul asked him &#039;Why are we doing this? We have hardly had 3 hours of sleep. I liked it better when you were a pilot&#039;. To this Rajiv said &#039;I am sorry I cannot go back. I have to do this. Because I now have belief in the people of India which I didn&#039;t have ever&#039;. It is this continuity of thought and faith I see in Rahul&#039;s speech. There is continuity of thought but there is no continuity of circumstances. &lt;/p&gt;&lt;p align=&quot;justify&quot;&gt;&lt;em&gt;What do mean by no continuity of circumstances? &lt;/em&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p align=&quot;justify&quot;&gt;Mani Shankar Aiyar: Jawaharlal Nehru and Indira had no opposition. Rajiv Gandhi came back with two-thirds majority. But circumstances have changed. When Rahul comes to power we will have to see whether he will be able to prioritize panchayati raj, whether his advisers would be able to put a package of devolution. I don&#039;t expect to be in Rahul&#039;s entourage but my report would be there. I hope he delivers on his promise otherwise his words to CII will remain just impressions on sands of time washed away by waves of history. &lt;/p&gt;&lt;p align=&quot;justify&quot;&gt;&lt;em&gt;Do you see a perpetual crisis in Parliament? &lt;/em&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p align=&quot;justify&quot;&gt;Mani Shankar Aiyar: It is the most incompetent Opposition I have ever seen. They are such a motley crowd. Every morning we read five different voices screaming through newspaper headlines. What Arun Jaitley and his lot, all of whom are infected with Ahluwalitis (reference to BJP MP SS Ahluwalia&#039;s shouting ways), don&#039;t understand that government can&#039;t be brought down in front of cameras. It can be done only on the floor of the House. Why do they not go to the floor of the House? Because they know that internal divisions are so sharp that they can never present a united front. They are cowards and hypocrites and the nation recognises them for that.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p align=&quot;justify&quot;&gt;&lt;em&gt;The Economic Times, 2 May, 2013, &lt;a href=&quot;http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/opinion/interviews/congress-committed-to-panchayati-raj-confusion-only-on-process-mani-shankar-aiyar-ex-panchyati-raj-minister/articleshow/19825709.cms&quot; title=&quot;http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/opinion/interviews/congress-committed-to-panchayati-raj-confusion-only-on-process-mani-shankar-aiyar-ex-panchyati-raj-minister/articleshow/19825709.cms&quot;&gt;http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/opinion/interviews/con&lt;br /&gt;gress-committed-to-panchayati-raj-confusion-only-on-proces&lt;br /&gt;s-mani-shankar-aiyar-ex-panchyati-raj-minister/articleshow&lt;br /&gt;/19825709.cms&lt;/a&gt; &lt;/em&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p align=&quot;justify&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Image Courtesy: The Economic Times&lt;/strong&gt; &lt;/p&gt;&#039;
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-The Economic Times



My target for fulfilling Rajiv's vision has always been 2018. We can get there in less than 5 years if govt acts on our recommendations, says diplomat-turned-politician Mani Shankar Aiyar.


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                <strong>Mani Shankar Aiyar, diplomat-turned-politician interviewed by Nidhi Sharma</strong></h1>
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                <div align="justify">-The Economic Times</div><p align="justify"><br />My target for fulfilling Rajiv's vision has always been 2018. We can get there in less than 5 years if govt acts on our recommendations, says diplomat-turned-politician Mani Shankar Aiyar.</p><p align="justify"><em>You have been passionately talking about Panchayati Raj. But your party doesn't seem to share the same passion lately... </em></p><p align="justify">Mani Shankar Aiyar: I don't agree with you here. The commitment of the party to Panchayati Raj and devolution of powers remains as strong as it was. But there is bewilderment as to how to go about it. Our expert committee report is just about this. Our report couldn't have come 25 years ago when there wasn't the literature and the ground experience of implementation of Panchayati Raj. </p><p align="justify"><em>Your proposal is quite similar to the idea of empowerment of the grassroots Rahul Gandhi talked about in his CII address... </em></p><p align="justify">Mani Shankar Aiyar: If Rahul wants to do it, he will have to read and act upon this report. I say this not with arrogance but a fervent prayer that the son will be able to fulfil his father's dream. </p><p align="justify"><em>You have said that outcomes are not in sync with outlays... </em></p><p align="justify">Mani Shankar Aiyar: Of course, outcomes are completely out of sync with outlays. But is not because of panchayati raj that this has happened. It is happening precisely because panchayati raj institutions are not being used for either bottom-up planning or last mile delivery. So long as the central government continues to rely on mutually insulated bureaucratic silos, which prevent the convergence of more than 150 centrally sponsored schemes, and the Planning Commission fails to enforce its own circulars and manuals for planning, there can be no participation of people in programmes meant for their welfare development. And if this alienation of the people from the processes of growth continues, there can be no inclusive governance. And without inclusive governance there can be no inclusive growth. And so we would continue to justify economic reforms as generating vast revenue for social sector and anti-poverty programmes but remain incapable of explaining why exponential expenditure in increases are giving virtually no outcomes. </p><p align="justify"><em>But you have been talking about devolution for over 20 years. How much longer will it take? </em></p><p align="justify">Mani Shankar Aiyar: All the Centre and the Planning commission have to do is use the detailed recommendations in our report to give effect to their own policy decisions announced a decade ago. We will then get true panchayati raj and this fulfil a prediction made to me by Rajiv Gandhi in a personal conversation - that it would take at least a generation, that is 25 years, to move from getting the Constitution amended to securing effective panchayati raj. My personal target for fulfilling Rajiv's vision has always been 2018. We can get there in less than 5 years if the government acts on our recommendations. </p><p align="justify"><em>Do you see this idea of devolution being implemented? </em></p><p align="justify">Mani Shankar Aiyar: I will tell you a small story. In August 2010, while releasing the Hindi version of my book on his father Rajiv, Rahul recounted a personal anecdote. He talked about when he was a part of his father's campaign trail when all of us were touring the whole of India. He said at around 5 am he was woken up by his father and Rahul asked him 'Why are we doing this? We have hardly had 3 hours of sleep. I liked it better when you were a pilot'. To this Rajiv said 'I am sorry I cannot go back. I have to do this. Because I now have belief in the people of India which I didn't have ever'. It is this continuity of thought and faith I see in Rahul's speech. There is continuity of thought but there is no continuity of circumstances. </p><p align="justify"><em>What do mean by no continuity of circumstances? </em></p><p align="justify">Mani Shankar Aiyar: Jawaharlal Nehru and Indira had no opposition. Rajiv Gandhi came back with two-thirds majority. But circumstances have changed. When Rahul comes to power we will have to see whether he will be able to prioritize panchayati raj, whether his advisers would be able to put a package of devolution. I don't expect to be in Rahul's entourage but my report would be there. I hope he delivers on his promise otherwise his words to CII will remain just impressions on sands of time washed away by waves of history. </p><p align="justify"><em>Do you see a perpetual crisis in Parliament? </em></p><p align="justify">Mani Shankar Aiyar: It is the most incompetent Opposition I have ever seen. They are such a motley crowd. Every morning we read five different voices screaming through newspaper headlines. What Arun Jaitley and his lot, all of whom are infected with Ahluwalitis (reference to BJP MP SS Ahluwalia's shouting ways), don't understand that government can't be brought down in front of cameras. It can be done only on the floor of the House. Why do they not go to the floor of the House? Because they know that internal divisions are so sharp that they can never present a united front. They are cowards and hypocrites and the nation recognises them for that.</p><p align="justify"><em>The Economic Times, 2 May, 2013, <a href="http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/opinion/interviews/congress-committed-to-panchayati-raj-confusion-only-on-process-mani-shankar-aiyar-ex-panchyati-raj-minister/articleshow/19825709.cms" title="http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/opinion/interviews/congress-committed-to-panchayati-raj-confusion-only-on-process-mani-shankar-aiyar-ex-panchyati-raj-minister/articleshow/19825709.cms">http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/opinion/interviews/con<br />gress-committed-to-panchayati-raj-confusion-only-on-proces<br />s-mani-shankar-aiyar-ex-panchyati-raj-minister/articleshow<br />/19825709.cms</a> </em></p><p align="justify"><strong>Image Courtesy: The Economic Times</strong> </p>               </font>
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-The Economic Times
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&lt;p align=&quot;justify&quot;&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
My target for fulfilling Rajiv&#039;s vision has always been 2018. We can get there in less than 5 years if govt acts on our recommendations, says diplomat-turned-politician Mani Shankar Aiyar.
&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p align=&quot;justify&quot;&gt;
&lt;em&gt;You have been passionately talking about Panchayati Raj. But your party doesn&#039;t seem to share the same passion lately... &lt;/em&gt;
&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p align=&quot;justify&quot;&gt;
Mani Shankar Aiyar: I don&#039;t agree with you here. The commitment of the party to Panchayati Raj and devolution of powers remains as strong as it was. But there is bewilderment as to how to go about it. Our expert committee report is just about this. Our report couldn&#039;t have come 25 years ago when there wasn&#039;t the literature and the ground experience of implementation of Panchayati Raj. 
&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p align=&quot;justify&quot;&gt;
&lt;em&gt;Your proposal is quite similar to the idea of empowerment of the grassroots Rahul Gandhi talked about in his CII address... &lt;/em&gt;
&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p align=&quot;justify&quot;&gt;
Mani Shankar Aiyar: If Rahul wants to do it, he will have to read and act upon this report. I say this not with arrogance but a fervent prayer that the son will be able to fulfil his father&#039;s dream. 
&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p align=&quot;justify&quot;&gt;
&lt;em&gt;You have said that outcomes are not in sync with outlays... &lt;/em&gt;
&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p align=&quot;justify&quot;&gt;
Mani Shankar Aiyar: Of course, outcomes are completely out of sync with outlays. But is not because of panchayati raj that this has happened. It is happening precisely because panchayati raj institutions are not being used for either bottom-up planning or last mile delivery. So long as the central government continues to rely on mutually insulated bureaucratic silos, which prevent the convergence of more than 150 centrally sponsored schemes, and the Planning Commission fails to enforce its own circulars and manuals for planning, there can be no participation of people in programmes meant for their welfare development. And if this alienation of the people from the processes of growth continues, there can be no inclusive governance. And without inclusive governance there can be no inclusive growth. And so we would continue to justify economic reforms as generating vast revenue for social sector and anti-poverty programmes but remain incapable of explaining why exponential expenditure in increases are giving virtually no outcomes. 
&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p align=&quot;justify&quot;&gt;
&lt;em&gt;But you have been talking about devolution for over 20 years. How much longer will it take? &lt;/em&gt;
&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p align=&quot;justify&quot;&gt;
Mani Shankar Aiyar: All the Centre and the Planning commission have to do is use the detailed recommendations in our report to give effect to their own policy decisions announced a decade ago. We will then get true panchayati raj and this fulfil a prediction made to me by Rajiv Gandhi in a personal conversation - that it would take at least a generation, that is 25 years, to move from getting the Constitution amended to securing effective panchayati raj. My personal target for fulfilling Rajiv&#039;s vision has always been 2018. We can get there in less than 5 years if the government acts on our recommendations. 
&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p align=&quot;justify&quot;&gt;
&lt;em&gt;Do you see this idea of devolution being implemented? &lt;/em&gt;
&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p align=&quot;justify&quot;&gt;
Mani Shankar Aiyar: I will tell you a small story. In August 2010, while releasing the Hindi version of my book on his father Rajiv, Rahul recounted a personal anecdote. He talked about when he was a part of his father&#039;s campaign trail when all of us were touring the whole of India. He said at around 5 am he was woken up by his father and Rahul asked him &#039;Why are we doing this? We have hardly had 3 hours of sleep. I liked it better when you were a pilot&#039;. To this Rajiv said &#039;I am sorry I cannot go back. I have to do this. Because I now have belief in the people of India which I didn&#039;t have ever&#039;. It is this continuity of thought and faith I see in Rahul&#039;s speech. There is continuity of thought but there is no continuity of circumstances. 
&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p align=&quot;justify&quot;&gt;
&lt;em&gt;What do mean by no continuity of circumstances? &lt;/em&gt;
&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p align=&quot;justify&quot;&gt;
Mani Shankar Aiyar: Jawaharlal Nehru and Indira had no opposition. Rajiv Gandhi came back with two-thirds majority. But circumstances have changed. When Rahul comes to power we will have to see whether he will be able to prioritize panchayati raj, whether his advisers would be able to put a package of devolution. I don&#039;t expect to be in Rahul&#039;s entourage but my report would be there. I hope he delivers on his promise otherwise his words to CII will remain just impressions on sands of time washed away by waves of history. 
&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p align=&quot;justify&quot;&gt;
&lt;em&gt;Do you see a perpetual crisis in Parliament? &lt;/em&gt;
&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p align=&quot;justify&quot;&gt;
Mani Shankar Aiyar: It is the most incompetent Opposition I have ever seen. They are such a motley crowd. Every morning we read five different voices screaming through newspaper headlines. What Arun Jaitley and his lot, all of whom are infected with Ahluwalitis (reference to BJP MP SS Ahluwalia&#039;s shouting ways), don&#039;t understand that government can&#039;t be brought down in front of cameras. It can be done only on the floor of the House. Why do they not go to the floor of the House? Because they know that internal divisions are so sharp that they can never present a united front. They are cowards and hypocrites and the nation recognises them for that.
&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p align=&quot;justify&quot;&gt;
&lt;em&gt;The Economic Times, 2 May, 2013, &lt;a href=&quot;http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/opinion/interviews/congress-committed-to-panchayati-raj-confusion-only-on-process-mani-shankar-aiyar-ex-panchyati-raj-minister/articleshow/19825709.cms&quot;&gt;http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/opinion/interviews/congress-committed-to-panchayati-raj-confusion-only-on-process-mani-shankar-aiyar-ex-panchyati-raj-minister/articleshow/19825709.cms&lt;/a&gt; &lt;/em&gt;
&lt;/p&gt;
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&lt;strong&gt;Image Courtesy: The Economic Times&lt;/strong&gt; 
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-The Economic Times



My target for fulfilling Rajiv&#039;s vision has always been 2018. We can get there in less than 5 years if govt acts on our recommendations, says diplomat-turned-politician Mani Shankar Aiyar.


You have been passionately talking about Panchayati Raj. But...&#039;,
	&#039;disp&#039; =&gt; &#039;&lt;div align=&quot;justify&quot;&gt;-The Economic Times&lt;/div&gt;&lt;p align=&quot;justify&quot;&gt;&lt;br /&gt;My target for fulfilling Rajiv&#039;s vision has always been 2018. We can get there in less than 5 years if govt acts on our recommendations, says diplomat-turned-politician Mani Shankar Aiyar.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p align=&quot;justify&quot;&gt;&lt;em&gt;You have been passionately talking about Panchayati Raj. But your party doesn&#039;t seem to share the same passion lately... &lt;/em&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p align=&quot;justify&quot;&gt;Mani Shankar Aiyar: I don&#039;t agree with you here. The commitment of the party to Panchayati Raj and devolution of powers remains as strong as it was. But there is bewilderment as to how to go about it. Our expert committee report is just about this. Our report couldn&#039;t have come 25 years ago when there wasn&#039;t the literature and the ground experience of implementation of Panchayati Raj. &lt;/p&gt;&lt;p align=&quot;justify&quot;&gt;&lt;em&gt;Your proposal is quite similar to the idea of empowerment of the grassroots Rahul Gandhi talked about in his CII address... &lt;/em&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p align=&quot;justify&quot;&gt;Mani Shankar Aiyar: If Rahul wants to do it, he will have to read and act upon this report. I say this not with arrogance but a fervent prayer that the son will be able to fulfil his father&#039;s dream. &lt;/p&gt;&lt;p align=&quot;justify&quot;&gt;&lt;em&gt;You have said that outcomes are not in sync with outlays... &lt;/em&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p align=&quot;justify&quot;&gt;Mani Shankar Aiyar: Of course, outcomes are completely out of sync with outlays. But is not because of panchayati raj that this has happened. It is happening precisely because panchayati raj institutions are not being used for either bottom-up planning or last mile delivery. So long as the central government continues to rely on mutually insulated bureaucratic silos, which prevent the convergence of more than 150 centrally sponsored schemes, and the Planning Commission fails to enforce its own circulars and manuals for planning, there can be no participation of people in programmes meant for their welfare development. And if this alienation of the people from the processes of growth continues, there can be no inclusive governance. And without inclusive governance there can be no inclusive growth. And so we would continue to justify economic reforms as generating vast revenue for social sector and anti-poverty programmes but remain incapable of explaining why exponential expenditure in increases are giving virtually no outcomes. &lt;/p&gt;&lt;p align=&quot;justify&quot;&gt;&lt;em&gt;But you have been talking about devolution for over 20 years. How much longer will it take? &lt;/em&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p align=&quot;justify&quot;&gt;Mani Shankar Aiyar: All the Centre and the Planning commission have to do is use the detailed recommendations in our report to give effect to their own policy decisions announced a decade ago. We will then get true panchayati raj and this fulfil a prediction made to me by Rajiv Gandhi in a personal conversation - that it would take at least a generation, that is 25 years, to move from getting the Constitution amended to securing effective panchayati raj. My personal target for fulfilling Rajiv&#039;s vision has always been 2018. We can get there in less than 5 years if the government acts on our recommendations. &lt;/p&gt;&lt;p align=&quot;justify&quot;&gt;&lt;em&gt;Do you see this idea of devolution being implemented? &lt;/em&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p align=&quot;justify&quot;&gt;Mani Shankar Aiyar: I will tell you a small story. In August 2010, while releasing the Hindi version of my book on his father Rajiv, Rahul recounted a personal anecdote. He talked about when he was a part of his father&#039;s campaign trail when all of us were touring the whole of India. He said at around 5 am he was woken up by his father and Rahul asked him &#039;Why are we doing this? We have hardly had 3 hours of sleep. I liked it better when you were a pilot&#039;. To this Rajiv said &#039;I am sorry I cannot go back. I have to do this. Because I now have belief in the people of India which I didn&#039;t have ever&#039;. It is this continuity of thought and faith I see in Rahul&#039;s speech. There is continuity of thought but there is no continuity of circumstances. &lt;/p&gt;&lt;p align=&quot;justify&quot;&gt;&lt;em&gt;What do mean by no continuity of circumstances? &lt;/em&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p align=&quot;justify&quot;&gt;Mani Shankar Aiyar: Jawaharlal Nehru and Indira had no opposition. Rajiv Gandhi came back with two-thirds majority. But circumstances have changed. When Rahul comes to power we will have to see whether he will be able to prioritize panchayati raj, whether his advisers would be able to put a package of devolution. I don&#039;t expect to be in Rahul&#039;s entourage but my report would be there. I hope he delivers on his promise otherwise his words to CII will remain just impressions on sands of time washed away by waves of history. &lt;/p&gt;&lt;p align=&quot;justify&quot;&gt;&lt;em&gt;Do you see a perpetual crisis in Parliament? &lt;/em&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p align=&quot;justify&quot;&gt;Mani Shankar Aiyar: It is the most incompetent Opposition I have ever seen. They are such a motley crowd. Every morning we read five different voices screaming through newspaper headlines. What Arun Jaitley and his lot, all of whom are infected with Ahluwalitis (reference to BJP MP SS Ahluwalia&#039;s shouting ways), don&#039;t understand that government can&#039;t be brought down in front of cameras. It can be done only on the floor of the House. Why do they not go to the floor of the House? Because they know that internal divisions are so sharp that they can never present a united front. They are cowards and hypocrites and the nation recognises them for that.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p align=&quot;justify&quot;&gt;&lt;em&gt;The Economic Times, 2 May, 2013, &lt;a href=&quot;http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/opinion/interviews/congress-committed-to-panchayati-raj-confusion-only-on-process-mani-shankar-aiyar-ex-panchyati-raj-minister/articleshow/19825709.cms&quot; title=&quot;http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/opinion/interviews/congress-committed-to-panchayati-raj-confusion-only-on-process-mani-shankar-aiyar-ex-panchyati-raj-minister/articleshow/19825709.cms&quot;&gt;http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/opinion/interviews/con&lt;br /&gt;gress-committed-to-panchayati-raj-confusion-only-on-proces&lt;br /&gt;s-mani-shankar-aiyar-ex-panchyati-raj-minister/articleshow&lt;br /&gt;/19825709.cms&lt;/a&gt; &lt;/em&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p align=&quot;justify&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Image Courtesy: The Economic Times&lt;/strong&gt; &lt;/p&gt;&#039;,
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	&#039;id&#039; =&gt; (int) 20719,
	&#039;title&#039; =&gt; &#039;Mani Shankar Aiyar, diplomat-turned-politician interviewed by Nidhi Sharma&#039;,
	&#039;subheading&#039; =&gt; &#039;&#039;,
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-The Economic Times
&lt;/div&gt;
&lt;p align=&quot;justify&quot;&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
My target for fulfilling Rajiv&#039;s vision has always been 2018. We can get there in less than 5 years if govt acts on our recommendations, says diplomat-turned-politician Mani Shankar Aiyar.
&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p align=&quot;justify&quot;&gt;
&lt;em&gt;You have been passionately talking about Panchayati Raj. But your party doesn&#039;t seem to share the same passion lately... &lt;/em&gt;
&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p align=&quot;justify&quot;&gt;
Mani Shankar Aiyar: I don&#039;t agree with you here. The commitment of the party to Panchayati Raj and devolution of powers remains as strong as it was. But there is bewilderment as to how to go about it. Our expert committee report is just about this. Our report couldn&#039;t have come 25 years ago when there wasn&#039;t the literature and the ground experience of implementation of Panchayati Raj. 
&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p align=&quot;justify&quot;&gt;
&lt;em&gt;Your proposal is quite similar to the idea of empowerment of the grassroots Rahul Gandhi talked about in his CII address... &lt;/em&gt;
&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p align=&quot;justify&quot;&gt;
Mani Shankar Aiyar: If Rahul wants to do it, he will have to read and act upon this report. I say this not with arrogance but a fervent prayer that the son will be able to fulfil his father&#039;s dream. 
&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p align=&quot;justify&quot;&gt;
&lt;em&gt;You have said that outcomes are not in sync with outlays... &lt;/em&gt;
&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p align=&quot;justify&quot;&gt;
Mani Shankar Aiyar: Of course, outcomes are completely out of sync with outlays. But is not because of panchayati raj that this has happened. It is happening precisely because panchayati raj institutions are not being used for either bottom-up planning or last mile delivery. So long as the central government continues to rely on mutually insulated bureaucratic silos, which prevent the convergence of more than 150 centrally sponsored schemes, and the Planning Commission fails to enforce its own circulars and manuals for planning, there can be no participation of people in programmes meant for their welfare development. And if this alienation of the people from the processes of growth continues, there can be no inclusive governance. And without inclusive governance there can be no inclusive growth. And so we would continue to justify economic reforms as generating vast revenue for social sector and anti-poverty programmes but remain incapable of explaining why exponential expenditure in increases are giving virtually no outcomes. 
&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p align=&quot;justify&quot;&gt;
&lt;em&gt;But you have been talking about devolution for over 20 years. How much longer will it take? &lt;/em&gt;
&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p align=&quot;justify&quot;&gt;
Mani Shankar Aiyar: All the Centre and the Planning commission have to do is use the detailed recommendations in our report to give effect to their own policy decisions announced a decade ago. We will then get true panchayati raj and this fulfil a prediction made to me by Rajiv Gandhi in a personal conversation - that it would take at least a generation, that is 25 years, to move from getting the Constitution amended to securing effective panchayati raj. My personal target for fulfilling Rajiv&#039;s vision has always been 2018. We can get there in less than 5 years if the government acts on our recommendations. 
&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p align=&quot;justify&quot;&gt;
&lt;em&gt;Do you see this idea of devolution being implemented? &lt;/em&gt;
&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p align=&quot;justify&quot;&gt;
Mani Shankar Aiyar: I will tell you a small story. In August 2010, while releasing the Hindi version of my book on his father Rajiv, Rahul recounted a personal anecdote. He talked about when he was a part of his father&#039;s campaign trail when all of us were touring the whole of India. He said at around 5 am he was woken up by his father and Rahul asked him &#039;Why are we doing this? We have hardly had 3 hours of sleep. I liked it better when you were a pilot&#039;. To this Rajiv said &#039;I am sorry I cannot go back. I have to do this. Because I now have belief in the people of India which I didn&#039;t have ever&#039;. It is this continuity of thought and faith I see in Rahul&#039;s speech. There is continuity of thought but there is no continuity of circumstances. 
&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p align=&quot;justify&quot;&gt;
&lt;em&gt;What do mean by no continuity of circumstances? &lt;/em&gt;
&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p align=&quot;justify&quot;&gt;
Mani Shankar Aiyar: Jawaharlal Nehru and Indira had no opposition. Rajiv Gandhi came back with two-thirds majority. But circumstances have changed. When Rahul comes to power we will have to see whether he will be able to prioritize panchayati raj, whether his advisers would be able to put a package of devolution. I don&#039;t expect to be in Rahul&#039;s entourage but my report would be there. I hope he delivers on his promise otherwise his words to CII will remain just impressions on sands of time washed away by waves of history. 
&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p align=&quot;justify&quot;&gt;
&lt;em&gt;Do you see a perpetual crisis in Parliament? &lt;/em&gt;
&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p align=&quot;justify&quot;&gt;
Mani Shankar Aiyar: It is the most incompetent Opposition I have ever seen. They are such a motley crowd. Every morning we read five different voices screaming through newspaper headlines. What Arun Jaitley and his lot, all of whom are infected with Ahluwalitis (reference to BJP MP SS Ahluwalia&#039;s shouting ways), don&#039;t understand that government can&#039;t be brought down in front of cameras. It can be done only on the floor of the House. Why do they not go to the floor of the House? Because they know that internal divisions are so sharp that they can never present a united front. They are cowards and hypocrites and the nation recognises them for that.
&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p align=&quot;justify&quot;&gt;
&lt;em&gt;The Economic Times, 2 May, 2013, &lt;a href=&quot;http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/opinion/interviews/congress-committed-to-panchayati-raj-confusion-only-on-process-mani-shankar-aiyar-ex-panchyati-raj-minister/articleshow/19825709.cms&quot;&gt;http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/opinion/interviews/congress-committed-to-panchayati-raj-confusion-only-on-process-mani-shankar-aiyar-ex-panchyati-raj-minister/articleshow/19825709.cms&lt;/a&gt; &lt;/em&gt;
&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p align=&quot;justify&quot;&gt;
&lt;strong&gt;Image Courtesy: The Economic Times&lt;/strong&gt; 
&lt;/p&gt;&#039;,
	&#039;credit_writer&#039; =&gt; &#039;The Economic Times, 2 May, 2013, http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/opinion/interviews/congress-committed-to-panchayati-raj-confusion-only-on-process-mani-shankar-aiyar-ex-panchyati-raj-minister/arti&#039;,
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-The Economic Times



My target for fulfilling Rajiv&#039;s vision has always been 2018. We can get there in less than 5 years if govt acts on our recommendations, says diplomat-turned-politician Mani Shankar Aiyar.


You have been passionately talking about Panchayati Raj. But...&#039;
$disp = &#039;&lt;div align=&quot;justify&quot;&gt;-The Economic Times&lt;/div&gt;&lt;p align=&quot;justify&quot;&gt;&lt;br /&gt;My target for fulfilling Rajiv&#039;s vision has always been 2018. We can get there in less than 5 years if govt acts on our recommendations, says diplomat-turned-politician Mani Shankar Aiyar.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p align=&quot;justify&quot;&gt;&lt;em&gt;You have been passionately talking about Panchayati Raj. But your party doesn&#039;t seem to share the same passion lately... &lt;/em&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p align=&quot;justify&quot;&gt;Mani Shankar Aiyar: I don&#039;t agree with you here. The commitment of the party to Panchayati Raj and devolution of powers remains as strong as it was. But there is bewilderment as to how to go about it. Our expert committee report is just about this. Our report couldn&#039;t have come 25 years ago when there wasn&#039;t the literature and the ground experience of implementation of Panchayati Raj. &lt;/p&gt;&lt;p align=&quot;justify&quot;&gt;&lt;em&gt;Your proposal is quite similar to the idea of empowerment of the grassroots Rahul Gandhi talked about in his CII address... &lt;/em&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p align=&quot;justify&quot;&gt;Mani Shankar Aiyar: If Rahul wants to do it, he will have to read and act upon this report. I say this not with arrogance but a fervent prayer that the son will be able to fulfil his father&#039;s dream. &lt;/p&gt;&lt;p align=&quot;justify&quot;&gt;&lt;em&gt;You have said that outcomes are not in sync with outlays... &lt;/em&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p align=&quot;justify&quot;&gt;Mani Shankar Aiyar: Of course, outcomes are completely out of sync with outlays. But is not because of panchayati raj that this has happened. It is happening precisely because panchayati raj institutions are not being used for either bottom-up planning or last mile delivery. So long as the central government continues to rely on mutually insulated bureaucratic silos, which prevent the convergence of more than 150 centrally sponsored schemes, and the Planning Commission fails to enforce its own circulars and manuals for planning, there can be no participation of people in programmes meant for their welfare development. And if this alienation of the people from the processes of growth continues, there can be no inclusive governance. And without inclusive governance there can be no inclusive growth. And so we would continue to justify economic reforms as generating vast revenue for social sector and anti-poverty programmes but remain incapable of explaining why exponential expenditure in increases are giving virtually no outcomes. &lt;/p&gt;&lt;p align=&quot;justify&quot;&gt;&lt;em&gt;But you have been talking about devolution for over 20 years. How much longer will it take? &lt;/em&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p align=&quot;justify&quot;&gt;Mani Shankar Aiyar: All the Centre and the Planning commission have to do is use the detailed recommendations in our report to give effect to their own policy decisions announced a decade ago. We will then get true panchayati raj and this fulfil a prediction made to me by Rajiv Gandhi in a personal conversation - that it would take at least a generation, that is 25 years, to move from getting the Constitution amended to securing effective panchayati raj. My personal target for fulfilling Rajiv&#039;s vision has always been 2018. We can get there in less than 5 years if the government acts on our recommendations. &lt;/p&gt;&lt;p align=&quot;justify&quot;&gt;&lt;em&gt;Do you see this idea of devolution being implemented? &lt;/em&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p align=&quot;justify&quot;&gt;Mani Shankar Aiyar: I will tell you a small story. In August 2010, while releasing the Hindi version of my book on his father Rajiv, Rahul recounted a personal anecdote. He talked about when he was a part of his father&#039;s campaign trail when all of us were touring the whole of India. He said at around 5 am he was woken up by his father and Rahul asked him &#039;Why are we doing this? We have hardly had 3 hours of sleep. I liked it better when you were a pilot&#039;. To this Rajiv said &#039;I am sorry I cannot go back. I have to do this. Because I now have belief in the people of India which I didn&#039;t have ever&#039;. It is this continuity of thought and faith I see in Rahul&#039;s speech. There is continuity of thought but there is no continuity of circumstances. &lt;/p&gt;&lt;p align=&quot;justify&quot;&gt;&lt;em&gt;What do mean by no continuity of circumstances? &lt;/em&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p align=&quot;justify&quot;&gt;Mani Shankar Aiyar: Jawaharlal Nehru and Indira had no opposition. Rajiv Gandhi came back with two-thirds majority. But circumstances have changed. When Rahul comes to power we will have to see whether he will be able to prioritize panchayati raj, whether his advisers would be able to put a package of devolution. I don&#039;t expect to be in Rahul&#039;s entourage but my report would be there. I hope he delivers on his promise otherwise his words to CII will remain just impressions on sands of time washed away by waves of history. &lt;/p&gt;&lt;p align=&quot;justify&quot;&gt;&lt;em&gt;Do you see a perpetual crisis in Parliament? &lt;/em&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p align=&quot;justify&quot;&gt;Mani Shankar Aiyar: It is the most incompetent Opposition I have ever seen. They are such a motley crowd. Every morning we read five different voices screaming through newspaper headlines. What Arun Jaitley and his lot, all of whom are infected with Ahluwalitis (reference to BJP MP SS Ahluwalia&#039;s shouting ways), don&#039;t understand that government can&#039;t be brought down in front of cameras. It can be done only on the floor of the House. Why do they not go to the floor of the House? Because they know that internal divisions are so sharp that they can never present a united front. They are cowards and hypocrites and the nation recognises them for that.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p align=&quot;justify&quot;&gt;&lt;em&gt;The Economic Times, 2 May, 2013, &lt;a href=&quot;http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/opinion/interviews/congress-committed-to-panchayati-raj-confusion-only-on-process-mani-shankar-aiyar-ex-panchyati-raj-minister/articleshow/19825709.cms&quot; title=&quot;http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/opinion/interviews/congress-committed-to-panchayati-raj-confusion-only-on-process-mani-shankar-aiyar-ex-panchyati-raj-minister/articleshow/19825709.cms&quot;&gt;http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/opinion/interviews/con&lt;br /&gt;gress-committed-to-panchayati-raj-confusion-only-on-proces&lt;br /&gt;s-mani-shankar-aiyar-ex-panchyati-raj-minister/articleshow&lt;br /&gt;/19825709.cms&lt;/a&gt; &lt;/em&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p align=&quot;justify&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Image Courtesy: The Economic Times&lt;/strong&gt; &lt;/p&gt;&#039;
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-The Economic Times



My target for fulfilling Rajiv's vision has always been 2018. We can get there in less than 5 years if govt acts on our recommendations, says diplomat-turned-politician Mani Shankar Aiyar.


You have been passionately talking about Panchayati Raj. But..."/>
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                <strong>Mani Shankar Aiyar, diplomat-turned-politician interviewed by Nidhi Sharma</strong></h1>
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                <div align="justify">-The Economic Times</div><p align="justify"><br />My target for fulfilling Rajiv's vision has always been 2018. We can get there in less than 5 years if govt acts on our recommendations, says diplomat-turned-politician Mani Shankar Aiyar.</p><p align="justify"><em>You have been passionately talking about Panchayati Raj. But your party doesn't seem to share the same passion lately... </em></p><p align="justify">Mani Shankar Aiyar: I don't agree with you here. The commitment of the party to Panchayati Raj and devolution of powers remains as strong as it was. But there is bewilderment as to how to go about it. Our expert committee report is just about this. Our report couldn't have come 25 years ago when there wasn't the literature and the ground experience of implementation of Panchayati Raj. </p><p align="justify"><em>Your proposal is quite similar to the idea of empowerment of the grassroots Rahul Gandhi talked about in his CII address... </em></p><p align="justify">Mani Shankar Aiyar: If Rahul wants to do it, he will have to read and act upon this report. I say this not with arrogance but a fervent prayer that the son will be able to fulfil his father's dream. </p><p align="justify"><em>You have said that outcomes are not in sync with outlays... </em></p><p align="justify">Mani Shankar Aiyar: Of course, outcomes are completely out of sync with outlays. But is not because of panchayati raj that this has happened. It is happening precisely because panchayati raj institutions are not being used for either bottom-up planning or last mile delivery. So long as the central government continues to rely on mutually insulated bureaucratic silos, which prevent the convergence of more than 150 centrally sponsored schemes, and the Planning Commission fails to enforce its own circulars and manuals for planning, there can be no participation of people in programmes meant for their welfare development. And if this alienation of the people from the processes of growth continues, there can be no inclusive governance. And without inclusive governance there can be no inclusive growth. And so we would continue to justify economic reforms as generating vast revenue for social sector and anti-poverty programmes but remain incapable of explaining why exponential expenditure in increases are giving virtually no outcomes. </p><p align="justify"><em>But you have been talking about devolution for over 20 years. How much longer will it take? </em></p><p align="justify">Mani Shankar Aiyar: All the Centre and the Planning commission have to do is use the detailed recommendations in our report to give effect to their own policy decisions announced a decade ago. We will then get true panchayati raj and this fulfil a prediction made to me by Rajiv Gandhi in a personal conversation - that it would take at least a generation, that is 25 years, to move from getting the Constitution amended to securing effective panchayati raj. My personal target for fulfilling Rajiv's vision has always been 2018. We can get there in less than 5 years if the government acts on our recommendations. </p><p align="justify"><em>Do you see this idea of devolution being implemented? </em></p><p align="justify">Mani Shankar Aiyar: I will tell you a small story. In August 2010, while releasing the Hindi version of my book on his father Rajiv, Rahul recounted a personal anecdote. He talked about when he was a part of his father's campaign trail when all of us were touring the whole of India. He said at around 5 am he was woken up by his father and Rahul asked him 'Why are we doing this? We have hardly had 3 hours of sleep. I liked it better when you were a pilot'. To this Rajiv said 'I am sorry I cannot go back. I have to do this. Because I now have belief in the people of India which I didn't have ever'. It is this continuity of thought and faith I see in Rahul's speech. There is continuity of thought but there is no continuity of circumstances. </p><p align="justify"><em>What do mean by no continuity of circumstances? </em></p><p align="justify">Mani Shankar Aiyar: Jawaharlal Nehru and Indira had no opposition. Rajiv Gandhi came back with two-thirds majority. But circumstances have changed. When Rahul comes to power we will have to see whether he will be able to prioritize panchayati raj, whether his advisers would be able to put a package of devolution. I don't expect to be in Rahul's entourage but my report would be there. I hope he delivers on his promise otherwise his words to CII will remain just impressions on sands of time washed away by waves of history. </p><p align="justify"><em>Do you see a perpetual crisis in Parliament? </em></p><p align="justify">Mani Shankar Aiyar: It is the most incompetent Opposition I have ever seen. They are such a motley crowd. Every morning we read five different voices screaming through newspaper headlines. What Arun Jaitley and his lot, all of whom are infected with Ahluwalitis (reference to BJP MP SS Ahluwalia's shouting ways), don't understand that government can't be brought down in front of cameras. It can be done only on the floor of the House. Why do they not go to the floor of the House? Because they know that internal divisions are so sharp that they can never present a united front. They are cowards and hypocrites and the nation recognises them for that.</p><p align="justify"><em>The Economic Times, 2 May, 2013, <a href="http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/opinion/interviews/congress-committed-to-panchayati-raj-confusion-only-on-process-mani-shankar-aiyar-ex-panchyati-raj-minister/articleshow/19825709.cms" title="http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/opinion/interviews/congress-committed-to-panchayati-raj-confusion-only-on-process-mani-shankar-aiyar-ex-panchyati-raj-minister/articleshow/19825709.cms">http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/opinion/interviews/con<br />gress-committed-to-panchayati-raj-confusion-only-on-proces<br />s-mani-shankar-aiyar-ex-panchyati-raj-minister/articleshow<br />/19825709.cms</a> </em></p><p align="justify"><strong>Image Courtesy: The Economic Times</strong> </p>               </font>
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-The Economic Times
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&lt;br /&gt;
My target for fulfilling Rajiv&#039;s vision has always been 2018. We can get there in less than 5 years if govt acts on our recommendations, says diplomat-turned-politician Mani Shankar Aiyar.
&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p align=&quot;justify&quot;&gt;
&lt;em&gt;You have been passionately talking about Panchayati Raj. But your party doesn&#039;t seem to share the same passion lately... &lt;/em&gt;
&lt;/p&gt;
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Mani Shankar Aiyar: I don&#039;t agree with you here. The commitment of the party to Panchayati Raj and devolution of powers remains as strong as it was. But there is bewilderment as to how to go about it. Our expert committee report is just about this. Our report couldn&#039;t have come 25 years ago when there wasn&#039;t the literature and the ground experience of implementation of Panchayati Raj. 
&lt;/p&gt;
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&lt;em&gt;Your proposal is quite similar to the idea of empowerment of the grassroots Rahul Gandhi talked about in his CII address... &lt;/em&gt;
&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p align=&quot;justify&quot;&gt;
Mani Shankar Aiyar: If Rahul wants to do it, he will have to read and act upon this report. I say this not with arrogance but a fervent prayer that the son will be able to fulfil his father&#039;s dream. 
&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p align=&quot;justify&quot;&gt;
&lt;em&gt;You have said that outcomes are not in sync with outlays... &lt;/em&gt;
&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p align=&quot;justify&quot;&gt;
Mani Shankar Aiyar: Of course, outcomes are completely out of sync with outlays. But is not because of panchayati raj that this has happened. It is happening precisely because panchayati raj institutions are not being used for either bottom-up planning or last mile delivery. So long as the central government continues to rely on mutually insulated bureaucratic silos, which prevent the convergence of more than 150 centrally sponsored schemes, and the Planning Commission fails to enforce its own circulars and manuals for planning, there can be no participation of people in programmes meant for their welfare development. And if this alienation of the people from the processes of growth continues, there can be no inclusive governance. And without inclusive governance there can be no inclusive growth. And so we would continue to justify economic reforms as generating vast revenue for social sector and anti-poverty programmes but remain incapable of explaining why exponential expenditure in increases are giving virtually no outcomes. 
&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p align=&quot;justify&quot;&gt;
&lt;em&gt;But you have been talking about devolution for over 20 years. How much longer will it take? &lt;/em&gt;
&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p align=&quot;justify&quot;&gt;
Mani Shankar Aiyar: All the Centre and the Planning commission have to do is use the detailed recommendations in our report to give effect to their own policy decisions announced a decade ago. We will then get true panchayati raj and this fulfil a prediction made to me by Rajiv Gandhi in a personal conversation - that it would take at least a generation, that is 25 years, to move from getting the Constitution amended to securing effective panchayati raj. My personal target for fulfilling Rajiv&#039;s vision has always been 2018. We can get there in less than 5 years if the government acts on our recommendations. 
&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p align=&quot;justify&quot;&gt;
&lt;em&gt;Do you see this idea of devolution being implemented? &lt;/em&gt;
&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p align=&quot;justify&quot;&gt;
Mani Shankar Aiyar: I will tell you a small story. In August 2010, while releasing the Hindi version of my book on his father Rajiv, Rahul recounted a personal anecdote. He talked about when he was a part of his father&#039;s campaign trail when all of us were touring the whole of India. He said at around 5 am he was woken up by his father and Rahul asked him &#039;Why are we doing this? We have hardly had 3 hours of sleep. I liked it better when you were a pilot&#039;. To this Rajiv said &#039;I am sorry I cannot go back. I have to do this. Because I now have belief in the people of India which I didn&#039;t have ever&#039;. It is this continuity of thought and faith I see in Rahul&#039;s speech. There is continuity of thought but there is no continuity of circumstances. 
&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p align=&quot;justify&quot;&gt;
&lt;em&gt;What do mean by no continuity of circumstances? &lt;/em&gt;
&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p align=&quot;justify&quot;&gt;
Mani Shankar Aiyar: Jawaharlal Nehru and Indira had no opposition. Rajiv Gandhi came back with two-thirds majority. But circumstances have changed. When Rahul comes to power we will have to see whether he will be able to prioritize panchayati raj, whether his advisers would be able to put a package of devolution. I don&#039;t expect to be in Rahul&#039;s entourage but my report would be there. I hope he delivers on his promise otherwise his words to CII will remain just impressions on sands of time washed away by waves of history. 
&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p align=&quot;justify&quot;&gt;
&lt;em&gt;Do you see a perpetual crisis in Parliament? &lt;/em&gt;
&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p align=&quot;justify&quot;&gt;
Mani Shankar Aiyar: It is the most incompetent Opposition I have ever seen. They are such a motley crowd. Every morning we read five different voices screaming through newspaper headlines. What Arun Jaitley and his lot, all of whom are infected with Ahluwalitis (reference to BJP MP SS Ahluwalia&#039;s shouting ways), don&#039;t understand that government can&#039;t be brought down in front of cameras. It can be done only on the floor of the House. Why do they not go to the floor of the House? Because they know that internal divisions are so sharp that they can never present a united front. They are cowards and hypocrites and the nation recognises them for that.
&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p align=&quot;justify&quot;&gt;
&lt;em&gt;The Economic Times, 2 May, 2013, &lt;a href=&quot;http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/opinion/interviews/congress-committed-to-panchayati-raj-confusion-only-on-process-mani-shankar-aiyar-ex-panchyati-raj-minister/articleshow/19825709.cms&quot;&gt;http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/opinion/interviews/congress-committed-to-panchayati-raj-confusion-only-on-process-mani-shankar-aiyar-ex-panchyati-raj-minister/articleshow/19825709.cms&lt;/a&gt; &lt;/em&gt;
&lt;/p&gt;
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&lt;strong&gt;Image Courtesy: The Economic Times&lt;/strong&gt; 
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-The Economic Times



My target for fulfilling Rajiv&#039;s vision has always been 2018. We can get there in less than 5 years if govt acts on our recommendations, says diplomat-turned-politician Mani Shankar Aiyar.


You have been passionately talking about Panchayati Raj. But...&#039;,
	&#039;disp&#039; =&gt; &#039;&lt;div align=&quot;justify&quot;&gt;-The Economic Times&lt;/div&gt;&lt;p align=&quot;justify&quot;&gt;&lt;br /&gt;My target for fulfilling Rajiv&#039;s vision has always been 2018. We can get there in less than 5 years if govt acts on our recommendations, says diplomat-turned-politician Mani Shankar Aiyar.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p align=&quot;justify&quot;&gt;&lt;em&gt;You have been passionately talking about Panchayati Raj. But your party doesn&#039;t seem to share the same passion lately... &lt;/em&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p align=&quot;justify&quot;&gt;Mani Shankar Aiyar: I don&#039;t agree with you here. The commitment of the party to Panchayati Raj and devolution of powers remains as strong as it was. But there is bewilderment as to how to go about it. Our expert committee report is just about this. Our report couldn&#039;t have come 25 years ago when there wasn&#039;t the literature and the ground experience of implementation of Panchayati Raj. &lt;/p&gt;&lt;p align=&quot;justify&quot;&gt;&lt;em&gt;Your proposal is quite similar to the idea of empowerment of the grassroots Rahul Gandhi talked about in his CII address... &lt;/em&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p align=&quot;justify&quot;&gt;Mani Shankar Aiyar: If Rahul wants to do it, he will have to read and act upon this report. I say this not with arrogance but a fervent prayer that the son will be able to fulfil his father&#039;s dream. &lt;/p&gt;&lt;p align=&quot;justify&quot;&gt;&lt;em&gt;You have said that outcomes are not in sync with outlays... &lt;/em&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p align=&quot;justify&quot;&gt;Mani Shankar Aiyar: Of course, outcomes are completely out of sync with outlays. But is not because of panchayati raj that this has happened. It is happening precisely because panchayati raj institutions are not being used for either bottom-up planning or last mile delivery. So long as the central government continues to rely on mutually insulated bureaucratic silos, which prevent the convergence of more than 150 centrally sponsored schemes, and the Planning Commission fails to enforce its own circulars and manuals for planning, there can be no participation of people in programmes meant for their welfare development. And if this alienation of the people from the processes of growth continues, there can be no inclusive governance. And without inclusive governance there can be no inclusive growth. And so we would continue to justify economic reforms as generating vast revenue for social sector and anti-poverty programmes but remain incapable of explaining why exponential expenditure in increases are giving virtually no outcomes. &lt;/p&gt;&lt;p align=&quot;justify&quot;&gt;&lt;em&gt;But you have been talking about devolution for over 20 years. How much longer will it take? &lt;/em&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p align=&quot;justify&quot;&gt;Mani Shankar Aiyar: All the Centre and the Planning commission have to do is use the detailed recommendations in our report to give effect to their own policy decisions announced a decade ago. We will then get true panchayati raj and this fulfil a prediction made to me by Rajiv Gandhi in a personal conversation - that it would take at least a generation, that is 25 years, to move from getting the Constitution amended to securing effective panchayati raj. My personal target for fulfilling Rajiv&#039;s vision has always been 2018. We can get there in less than 5 years if the government acts on our recommendations. &lt;/p&gt;&lt;p align=&quot;justify&quot;&gt;&lt;em&gt;Do you see this idea of devolution being implemented? &lt;/em&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p align=&quot;justify&quot;&gt;Mani Shankar Aiyar: I will tell you a small story. In August 2010, while releasing the Hindi version of my book on his father Rajiv, Rahul recounted a personal anecdote. He talked about when he was a part of his father&#039;s campaign trail when all of us were touring the whole of India. He said at around 5 am he was woken up by his father and Rahul asked him &#039;Why are we doing this? We have hardly had 3 hours of sleep. I liked it better when you were a pilot&#039;. To this Rajiv said &#039;I am sorry I cannot go back. I have to do this. Because I now have belief in the people of India which I didn&#039;t have ever&#039;. It is this continuity of thought and faith I see in Rahul&#039;s speech. There is continuity of thought but there is no continuity of circumstances. &lt;/p&gt;&lt;p align=&quot;justify&quot;&gt;&lt;em&gt;What do mean by no continuity of circumstances? &lt;/em&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p align=&quot;justify&quot;&gt;Mani Shankar Aiyar: Jawaharlal Nehru and Indira had no opposition. Rajiv Gandhi came back with two-thirds majority. But circumstances have changed. When Rahul comes to power we will have to see whether he will be able to prioritize panchayati raj, whether his advisers would be able to put a package of devolution. I don&#039;t expect to be in Rahul&#039;s entourage but my report would be there. I hope he delivers on his promise otherwise his words to CII will remain just impressions on sands of time washed away by waves of history. &lt;/p&gt;&lt;p align=&quot;justify&quot;&gt;&lt;em&gt;Do you see a perpetual crisis in Parliament? &lt;/em&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p align=&quot;justify&quot;&gt;Mani Shankar Aiyar: It is the most incompetent Opposition I have ever seen. They are such a motley crowd. Every morning we read five different voices screaming through newspaper headlines. What Arun Jaitley and his lot, all of whom are infected with Ahluwalitis (reference to BJP MP SS Ahluwalia&#039;s shouting ways), don&#039;t understand that government can&#039;t be brought down in front of cameras. It can be done only on the floor of the House. Why do they not go to the floor of the House? Because they know that internal divisions are so sharp that they can never present a united front. They are cowards and hypocrites and the nation recognises them for that.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p align=&quot;justify&quot;&gt;&lt;em&gt;The Economic Times, 2 May, 2013, &lt;a href=&quot;http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/opinion/interviews/congress-committed-to-panchayati-raj-confusion-only-on-process-mani-shankar-aiyar-ex-panchyati-raj-minister/articleshow/19825709.cms&quot; title=&quot;http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/opinion/interviews/congress-committed-to-panchayati-raj-confusion-only-on-process-mani-shankar-aiyar-ex-panchyati-raj-minister/articleshow/19825709.cms&quot;&gt;http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/opinion/interviews/con&lt;br /&gt;gress-committed-to-panchayati-raj-confusion-only-on-proces&lt;br /&gt;s-mani-shankar-aiyar-ex-panchyati-raj-minister/articleshow&lt;br /&gt;/19825709.cms&lt;/a&gt; &lt;/em&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p align=&quot;justify&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Image Courtesy: The Economic Times&lt;/strong&gt; &lt;/p&gt;&#039;,
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	&#039;id&#039; =&gt; (int) 20719,
	&#039;title&#039; =&gt; &#039;Mani Shankar Aiyar, diplomat-turned-politician interviewed by Nidhi Sharma&#039;,
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-The Economic Times
&lt;/div&gt;
&lt;p align=&quot;justify&quot;&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
My target for fulfilling Rajiv&#039;s vision has always been 2018. We can get there in less than 5 years if govt acts on our recommendations, says diplomat-turned-politician Mani Shankar Aiyar.
&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p align=&quot;justify&quot;&gt;
&lt;em&gt;You have been passionately talking about Panchayati Raj. But your party doesn&#039;t seem to share the same passion lately... &lt;/em&gt;
&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p align=&quot;justify&quot;&gt;
Mani Shankar Aiyar: I don&#039;t agree with you here. The commitment of the party to Panchayati Raj and devolution of powers remains as strong as it was. But there is bewilderment as to how to go about it. Our expert committee report is just about this. Our report couldn&#039;t have come 25 years ago when there wasn&#039;t the literature and the ground experience of implementation of Panchayati Raj. 
&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p align=&quot;justify&quot;&gt;
&lt;em&gt;Your proposal is quite similar to the idea of empowerment of the grassroots Rahul Gandhi talked about in his CII address... &lt;/em&gt;
&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p align=&quot;justify&quot;&gt;
Mani Shankar Aiyar: If Rahul wants to do it, he will have to read and act upon this report. I say this not with arrogance but a fervent prayer that the son will be able to fulfil his father&#039;s dream. 
&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p align=&quot;justify&quot;&gt;
&lt;em&gt;You have said that outcomes are not in sync with outlays... &lt;/em&gt;
&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p align=&quot;justify&quot;&gt;
Mani Shankar Aiyar: Of course, outcomes are completely out of sync with outlays. But is not because of panchayati raj that this has happened. It is happening precisely because panchayati raj institutions are not being used for either bottom-up planning or last mile delivery. So long as the central government continues to rely on mutually insulated bureaucratic silos, which prevent the convergence of more than 150 centrally sponsored schemes, and the Planning Commission fails to enforce its own circulars and manuals for planning, there can be no participation of people in programmes meant for their welfare development. And if this alienation of the people from the processes of growth continues, there can be no inclusive governance. And without inclusive governance there can be no inclusive growth. And so we would continue to justify economic reforms as generating vast revenue for social sector and anti-poverty programmes but remain incapable of explaining why exponential expenditure in increases are giving virtually no outcomes. 
&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p align=&quot;justify&quot;&gt;
&lt;em&gt;But you have been talking about devolution for over 20 years. How much longer will it take? &lt;/em&gt;
&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p align=&quot;justify&quot;&gt;
Mani Shankar Aiyar: All the Centre and the Planning commission have to do is use the detailed recommendations in our report to give effect to their own policy decisions announced a decade ago. We will then get true panchayati raj and this fulfil a prediction made to me by Rajiv Gandhi in a personal conversation - that it would take at least a generation, that is 25 years, to move from getting the Constitution amended to securing effective panchayati raj. My personal target for fulfilling Rajiv&#039;s vision has always been 2018. We can get there in less than 5 years if the government acts on our recommendations. 
&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p align=&quot;justify&quot;&gt;
&lt;em&gt;Do you see this idea of devolution being implemented? &lt;/em&gt;
&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p align=&quot;justify&quot;&gt;
Mani Shankar Aiyar: I will tell you a small story. In August 2010, while releasing the Hindi version of my book on his father Rajiv, Rahul recounted a personal anecdote. He talked about when he was a part of his father&#039;s campaign trail when all of us were touring the whole of India. He said at around 5 am he was woken up by his father and Rahul asked him &#039;Why are we doing this? We have hardly had 3 hours of sleep. I liked it better when you were a pilot&#039;. To this Rajiv said &#039;I am sorry I cannot go back. I have to do this. Because I now have belief in the people of India which I didn&#039;t have ever&#039;. It is this continuity of thought and faith I see in Rahul&#039;s speech. There is continuity of thought but there is no continuity of circumstances. 
&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p align=&quot;justify&quot;&gt;
&lt;em&gt;What do mean by no continuity of circumstances? &lt;/em&gt;
&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p align=&quot;justify&quot;&gt;
Mani Shankar Aiyar: Jawaharlal Nehru and Indira had no opposition. Rajiv Gandhi came back with two-thirds majority. But circumstances have changed. When Rahul comes to power we will have to see whether he will be able to prioritize panchayati raj, whether his advisers would be able to put a package of devolution. I don&#039;t expect to be in Rahul&#039;s entourage but my report would be there. I hope he delivers on his promise otherwise his words to CII will remain just impressions on sands of time washed away by waves of history. 
&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p align=&quot;justify&quot;&gt;
&lt;em&gt;Do you see a perpetual crisis in Parliament? &lt;/em&gt;
&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p align=&quot;justify&quot;&gt;
Mani Shankar Aiyar: It is the most incompetent Opposition I have ever seen. They are such a motley crowd. Every morning we read five different voices screaming through newspaper headlines. What Arun Jaitley and his lot, all of whom are infected with Ahluwalitis (reference to BJP MP SS Ahluwalia&#039;s shouting ways), don&#039;t understand that government can&#039;t be brought down in front of cameras. It can be done only on the floor of the House. Why do they not go to the floor of the House? Because they know that internal divisions are so sharp that they can never present a united front. They are cowards and hypocrites and the nation recognises them for that.
&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p align=&quot;justify&quot;&gt;
&lt;em&gt;The Economic Times, 2 May, 2013, &lt;a href=&quot;http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/opinion/interviews/congress-committed-to-panchayati-raj-confusion-only-on-process-mani-shankar-aiyar-ex-panchyati-raj-minister/articleshow/19825709.cms&quot;&gt;http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/opinion/interviews/congress-committed-to-panchayati-raj-confusion-only-on-process-mani-shankar-aiyar-ex-panchyati-raj-minister/articleshow/19825709.cms&lt;/a&gt; &lt;/em&gt;
&lt;/p&gt;
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&lt;strong&gt;Image Courtesy: The Economic Times&lt;/strong&gt; 
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-The Economic Times



My target for fulfilling Rajiv&#039;s vision has always been 2018. We can get there in less than 5 years if govt acts on our recommendations, says diplomat-turned-politician Mani Shankar Aiyar.


You have been passionately talking about Panchayati Raj. But...&#039;
$disp = &#039;&lt;div align=&quot;justify&quot;&gt;-The Economic Times&lt;/div&gt;&lt;p align=&quot;justify&quot;&gt;&lt;br /&gt;My target for fulfilling Rajiv&#039;s vision has always been 2018. We can get there in less than 5 years if govt acts on our recommendations, says diplomat-turned-politician Mani Shankar Aiyar.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p align=&quot;justify&quot;&gt;&lt;em&gt;You have been passionately talking about Panchayati Raj. But your party doesn&#039;t seem to share the same passion lately... &lt;/em&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p align=&quot;justify&quot;&gt;Mani Shankar Aiyar: I don&#039;t agree with you here. The commitment of the party to Panchayati Raj and devolution of powers remains as strong as it was. But there is bewilderment as to how to go about it. Our expert committee report is just about this. Our report couldn&#039;t have come 25 years ago when there wasn&#039;t the literature and the ground experience of implementation of Panchayati Raj. &lt;/p&gt;&lt;p align=&quot;justify&quot;&gt;&lt;em&gt;Your proposal is quite similar to the idea of empowerment of the grassroots Rahul Gandhi talked about in his CII address... &lt;/em&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p align=&quot;justify&quot;&gt;Mani Shankar Aiyar: If Rahul wants to do it, he will have to read and act upon this report. I say this not with arrogance but a fervent prayer that the son will be able to fulfil his father&#039;s dream. &lt;/p&gt;&lt;p align=&quot;justify&quot;&gt;&lt;em&gt;You have said that outcomes are not in sync with outlays... &lt;/em&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p align=&quot;justify&quot;&gt;Mani Shankar Aiyar: Of course, outcomes are completely out of sync with outlays. But is not because of panchayati raj that this has happened. It is happening precisely because panchayati raj institutions are not being used for either bottom-up planning or last mile delivery. So long as the central government continues to rely on mutually insulated bureaucratic silos, which prevent the convergence of more than 150 centrally sponsored schemes, and the Planning Commission fails to enforce its own circulars and manuals for planning, there can be no participation of people in programmes meant for their welfare development. And if this alienation of the people from the processes of growth continues, there can be no inclusive governance. And without inclusive governance there can be no inclusive growth. And so we would continue to justify economic reforms as generating vast revenue for social sector and anti-poverty programmes but remain incapable of explaining why exponential expenditure in increases are giving virtually no outcomes. &lt;/p&gt;&lt;p align=&quot;justify&quot;&gt;&lt;em&gt;But you have been talking about devolution for over 20 years. How much longer will it take? &lt;/em&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p align=&quot;justify&quot;&gt;Mani Shankar Aiyar: All the Centre and the Planning commission have to do is use the detailed recommendations in our report to give effect to their own policy decisions announced a decade ago. We will then get true panchayati raj and this fulfil a prediction made to me by Rajiv Gandhi in a personal conversation - that it would take at least a generation, that is 25 years, to move from getting the Constitution amended to securing effective panchayati raj. My personal target for fulfilling Rajiv&#039;s vision has always been 2018. We can get there in less than 5 years if the government acts on our recommendations. &lt;/p&gt;&lt;p align=&quot;justify&quot;&gt;&lt;em&gt;Do you see this idea of devolution being implemented? &lt;/em&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p align=&quot;justify&quot;&gt;Mani Shankar Aiyar: I will tell you a small story. In August 2010, while releasing the Hindi version of my book on his father Rajiv, Rahul recounted a personal anecdote. He talked about when he was a part of his father&#039;s campaign trail when all of us were touring the whole of India. He said at around 5 am he was woken up by his father and Rahul asked him &#039;Why are we doing this? We have hardly had 3 hours of sleep. I liked it better when you were a pilot&#039;. To this Rajiv said &#039;I am sorry I cannot go back. I have to do this. Because I now have belief in the people of India which I didn&#039;t have ever&#039;. It is this continuity of thought and faith I see in Rahul&#039;s speech. There is continuity of thought but there is no continuity of circumstances. &lt;/p&gt;&lt;p align=&quot;justify&quot;&gt;&lt;em&gt;What do mean by no continuity of circumstances? &lt;/em&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p align=&quot;justify&quot;&gt;Mani Shankar Aiyar: Jawaharlal Nehru and Indira had no opposition. Rajiv Gandhi came back with two-thirds majority. But circumstances have changed. When Rahul comes to power we will have to see whether he will be able to prioritize panchayati raj, whether his advisers would be able to put a package of devolution. I don&#039;t expect to be in Rahul&#039;s entourage but my report would be there. I hope he delivers on his promise otherwise his words to CII will remain just impressions on sands of time washed away by waves of history. &lt;/p&gt;&lt;p align=&quot;justify&quot;&gt;&lt;em&gt;Do you see a perpetual crisis in Parliament? &lt;/em&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p align=&quot;justify&quot;&gt;Mani Shankar Aiyar: It is the most incompetent Opposition I have ever seen. They are such a motley crowd. Every morning we read five different voices screaming through newspaper headlines. What Arun Jaitley and his lot, all of whom are infected with Ahluwalitis (reference to BJP MP SS Ahluwalia&#039;s shouting ways), don&#039;t understand that government can&#039;t be brought down in front of cameras. It can be done only on the floor of the House. Why do they not go to the floor of the House? Because they know that internal divisions are so sharp that they can never present a united front. They are cowards and hypocrites and the nation recognises them for that.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p align=&quot;justify&quot;&gt;&lt;em&gt;The Economic Times, 2 May, 2013, &lt;a href=&quot;http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/opinion/interviews/congress-committed-to-panchayati-raj-confusion-only-on-process-mani-shankar-aiyar-ex-panchyati-raj-minister/articleshow/19825709.cms&quot; title=&quot;http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/opinion/interviews/congress-committed-to-panchayati-raj-confusion-only-on-process-mani-shankar-aiyar-ex-panchyati-raj-minister/articleshow/19825709.cms&quot;&gt;http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/opinion/interviews/con&lt;br /&gt;gress-committed-to-panchayati-raj-confusion-only-on-proces&lt;br /&gt;s-mani-shankar-aiyar-ex-panchyati-raj-minister/articleshow&lt;br /&gt;/19825709.cms&lt;/a&gt; &lt;/em&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p align=&quot;justify&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Image Courtesy: The Economic Times&lt;/strong&gt; &lt;/p&gt;&#039;
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-The Economic Times



My target for fulfilling Rajiv's vision has always been 2018. We can get there in less than 5 years if govt acts on our recommendations, says diplomat-turned-politician Mani Shankar Aiyar.


You have been passionately talking about Panchayati Raj. But..."/>
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                <strong>Mani Shankar Aiyar, diplomat-turned-politician interviewed by Nidhi Sharma</strong></h1>
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                <div align="justify">-The Economic Times</div><p align="justify"><br />My target for fulfilling Rajiv's vision has always been 2018. We can get there in less than 5 years if govt acts on our recommendations, says diplomat-turned-politician Mani Shankar Aiyar.</p><p align="justify"><em>You have been passionately talking about Panchayati Raj. But your party doesn't seem to share the same passion lately... </em></p><p align="justify">Mani Shankar Aiyar: I don't agree with you here. The commitment of the party to Panchayati Raj and devolution of powers remains as strong as it was. But there is bewilderment as to how to go about it. Our expert committee report is just about this. Our report couldn't have come 25 years ago when there wasn't the literature and the ground experience of implementation of Panchayati Raj. </p><p align="justify"><em>Your proposal is quite similar to the idea of empowerment of the grassroots Rahul Gandhi talked about in his CII address... </em></p><p align="justify">Mani Shankar Aiyar: If Rahul wants to do it, he will have to read and act upon this report. I say this not with arrogance but a fervent prayer that the son will be able to fulfil his father's dream. </p><p align="justify"><em>You have said that outcomes are not in sync with outlays... </em></p><p align="justify">Mani Shankar Aiyar: Of course, outcomes are completely out of sync with outlays. But is not because of panchayati raj that this has happened. It is happening precisely because panchayati raj institutions are not being used for either bottom-up planning or last mile delivery. So long as the central government continues to rely on mutually insulated bureaucratic silos, which prevent the convergence of more than 150 centrally sponsored schemes, and the Planning Commission fails to enforce its own circulars and manuals for planning, there can be no participation of people in programmes meant for their welfare development. And if this alienation of the people from the processes of growth continues, there can be no inclusive governance. And without inclusive governance there can be no inclusive growth. And so we would continue to justify economic reforms as generating vast revenue for social sector and anti-poverty programmes but remain incapable of explaining why exponential expenditure in increases are giving virtually no outcomes. </p><p align="justify"><em>But you have been talking about devolution for over 20 years. How much longer will it take? </em></p><p align="justify">Mani Shankar Aiyar: All the Centre and the Planning commission have to do is use the detailed recommendations in our report to give effect to their own policy decisions announced a decade ago. We will then get true panchayati raj and this fulfil a prediction made to me by Rajiv Gandhi in a personal conversation - that it would take at least a generation, that is 25 years, to move from getting the Constitution amended to securing effective panchayati raj. My personal target for fulfilling Rajiv's vision has always been 2018. We can get there in less than 5 years if the government acts on our recommendations. </p><p align="justify"><em>Do you see this idea of devolution being implemented? </em></p><p align="justify">Mani Shankar Aiyar: I will tell you a small story. In August 2010, while releasing the Hindi version of my book on his father Rajiv, Rahul recounted a personal anecdote. He talked about when he was a part of his father's campaign trail when all of us were touring the whole of India. He said at around 5 am he was woken up by his father and Rahul asked him 'Why are we doing this? We have hardly had 3 hours of sleep. I liked it better when you were a pilot'. To this Rajiv said 'I am sorry I cannot go back. I have to do this. Because I now have belief in the people of India which I didn't have ever'. It is this continuity of thought and faith I see in Rahul's speech. There is continuity of thought but there is no continuity of circumstances. </p><p align="justify"><em>What do mean by no continuity of circumstances? </em></p><p align="justify">Mani Shankar Aiyar: Jawaharlal Nehru and Indira had no opposition. Rajiv Gandhi came back with two-thirds majority. But circumstances have changed. When Rahul comes to power we will have to see whether he will be able to prioritize panchayati raj, whether his advisers would be able to put a package of devolution. I don't expect to be in Rahul's entourage but my report would be there. I hope he delivers on his promise otherwise his words to CII will remain just impressions on sands of time washed away by waves of history. </p><p align="justify"><em>Do you see a perpetual crisis in Parliament? </em></p><p align="justify">Mani Shankar Aiyar: It is the most incompetent Opposition I have ever seen. They are such a motley crowd. Every morning we read five different voices screaming through newspaper headlines. What Arun Jaitley and his lot, all of whom are infected with Ahluwalitis (reference to BJP MP SS Ahluwalia's shouting ways), don't understand that government can't be brought down in front of cameras. It can be done only on the floor of the House. Why do they not go to the floor of the House? Because they know that internal divisions are so sharp that they can never present a united front. They are cowards and hypocrites and the nation recognises them for that.</p><p align="justify"><em>The Economic Times, 2 May, 2013, <a href="http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/opinion/interviews/congress-committed-to-panchayati-raj-confusion-only-on-process-mani-shankar-aiyar-ex-panchyati-raj-minister/articleshow/19825709.cms" title="http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/opinion/interviews/congress-committed-to-panchayati-raj-confusion-only-on-process-mani-shankar-aiyar-ex-panchyati-raj-minister/articleshow/19825709.cms">http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/opinion/interviews/con<br />gress-committed-to-panchayati-raj-confusion-only-on-proces<br />s-mani-shankar-aiyar-ex-panchyati-raj-minister/articleshow<br />/19825709.cms</a> </em></p><p align="justify"><strong>Image Courtesy: The Economic Times</strong> </p>               </font>
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		'description' => '<div align="justify">
-The Economic Times
</div>
<p align="justify">
<br />
My target for fulfilling Rajiv's vision has always been 2018. We can get there in less than 5 years if govt acts on our recommendations, says diplomat-turned-politician Mani Shankar Aiyar.
</p>
<p align="justify">
<em>You have been passionately talking about Panchayati Raj. But your party doesn't seem to share the same passion lately... </em>
</p>
<p align="justify">
Mani Shankar Aiyar: I don't agree with you here. The commitment of the party to Panchayati Raj and devolution of powers remains as strong as it was. But there is bewilderment as to how to go about it. Our expert committee report is just about this. Our report couldn't have come 25 years ago when there wasn't the literature and the ground experience of implementation of Panchayati Raj. 
</p>
<p align="justify">
<em>Your proposal is quite similar to the idea of empowerment of the grassroots Rahul Gandhi talked about in his CII address... </em>
</p>
<p align="justify">
Mani Shankar Aiyar: If Rahul wants to do it, he will have to read and act upon this report. I say this not with arrogance but a fervent prayer that the son will be able to fulfil his father's dream. 
</p>
<p align="justify">
<em>You have said that outcomes are not in sync with outlays... </em>
</p>
<p align="justify">
Mani Shankar Aiyar: Of course, outcomes are completely out of sync with outlays. But is not because of panchayati raj that this has happened. It is happening precisely because panchayati raj institutions are not being used for either bottom-up planning or last mile delivery. So long as the central government continues to rely on mutually insulated bureaucratic silos, which prevent the convergence of more than 150 centrally sponsored schemes, and the Planning Commission fails to enforce its own circulars and manuals for planning, there can be no participation of people in programmes meant for their welfare development. And if this alienation of the people from the processes of growth continues, there can be no inclusive governance. And without inclusive governance there can be no inclusive growth. And so we would continue to justify economic reforms as generating vast revenue for social sector and anti-poverty programmes but remain incapable of explaining why exponential expenditure in increases are giving virtually no outcomes. 
</p>
<p align="justify">
<em>But you have been talking about devolution for over 20 years. How much longer will it take? </em>
</p>
<p align="justify">
Mani Shankar Aiyar: All the Centre and the Planning commission have to do is use the detailed recommendations in our report to give effect to their own policy decisions announced a decade ago. We will then get true panchayati raj and this fulfil a prediction made to me by Rajiv Gandhi in a personal conversation - that it would take at least a generation, that is 25 years, to move from getting the Constitution amended to securing effective panchayati raj. My personal target for fulfilling Rajiv's vision has always been 2018. We can get there in less than 5 years if the government acts on our recommendations. 
</p>
<p align="justify">
<em>Do you see this idea of devolution being implemented? </em>
</p>
<p align="justify">
Mani Shankar Aiyar: I will tell you a small story. In August 2010, while releasing the Hindi version of my book on his father Rajiv, Rahul recounted a personal anecdote. He talked about when he was a part of his father's campaign trail when all of us were touring the whole of India. He said at around 5 am he was woken up by his father and Rahul asked him 'Why are we doing this? We have hardly had 3 hours of sleep. I liked it better when you were a pilot'. To this Rajiv said 'I am sorry I cannot go back. I have to do this. Because I now have belief in the people of India which I didn't have ever'. It is this continuity of thought and faith I see in Rahul's speech. There is continuity of thought but there is no continuity of circumstances. 
</p>
<p align="justify">
<em>What do mean by no continuity of circumstances? </em>
</p>
<p align="justify">
Mani Shankar Aiyar: Jawaharlal Nehru and Indira had no opposition. Rajiv Gandhi came back with two-thirds majority. But circumstances have changed. When Rahul comes to power we will have to see whether he will be able to prioritize panchayati raj, whether his advisers would be able to put a package of devolution. I don't expect to be in Rahul's entourage but my report would be there. I hope he delivers on his promise otherwise his words to CII will remain just impressions on sands of time washed away by waves of history. 
</p>
<p align="justify">
<em>Do you see a perpetual crisis in Parliament? </em>
</p>
<p align="justify">
Mani Shankar Aiyar: It is the most incompetent Opposition I have ever seen. They are such a motley crowd. Every morning we read five different voices screaming through newspaper headlines. What Arun Jaitley and his lot, all of whom are infected with Ahluwalitis (reference to BJP MP SS Ahluwalia's shouting ways), don't understand that government can't be brought down in front of cameras. It can be done only on the floor of the House. Why do they not go to the floor of the House? Because they know that internal divisions are so sharp that they can never present a united front. They are cowards and hypocrites and the nation recognises them for that.
</p>
<p align="justify">
<em>The Economic Times, 2 May, 2013, <a href="http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/opinion/interviews/congress-committed-to-panchayati-raj-confusion-only-on-process-mani-shankar-aiyar-ex-panchyati-raj-minister/articleshow/19825709.cms">http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/opinion/interviews/congress-committed-to-panchayati-raj-confusion-only-on-process-mani-shankar-aiyar-ex-panchyati-raj-minister/articleshow/19825709.cms</a> </em>
</p>
<p align="justify">
<strong>Image Courtesy: The Economic Times</strong> 
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-The Economic Times



My target for fulfilling Rajiv's vision has always been 2018. We can get there in less than 5 years if govt acts on our recommendations, says diplomat-turned-politician Mani Shankar Aiyar.


You have been passionately talking about Panchayati Raj. But...',
	'disp' => '<div align="justify">-The Economic Times</div><p align="justify"><br />My target for fulfilling Rajiv's vision has always been 2018. We can get there in less than 5 years if govt acts on our recommendations, says diplomat-turned-politician Mani Shankar Aiyar.</p><p align="justify"><em>You have been passionately talking about Panchayati Raj. But your party doesn't seem to share the same passion lately... </em></p><p align="justify">Mani Shankar Aiyar: I don't agree with you here. The commitment of the party to Panchayati Raj and devolution of powers remains as strong as it was. But there is bewilderment as to how to go about it. Our expert committee report is just about this. Our report couldn't have come 25 years ago when there wasn't the literature and the ground experience of implementation of Panchayati Raj. </p><p align="justify"><em>Your proposal is quite similar to the idea of empowerment of the grassroots Rahul Gandhi talked about in his CII address... </em></p><p align="justify">Mani Shankar Aiyar: If Rahul wants to do it, he will have to read and act upon this report. I say this not with arrogance but a fervent prayer that the son will be able to fulfil his father's dream. </p><p align="justify"><em>You have said that outcomes are not in sync with outlays... </em></p><p align="justify">Mani Shankar Aiyar: Of course, outcomes are completely out of sync with outlays. But is not because of panchayati raj that this has happened. It is happening precisely because panchayati raj institutions are not being used for either bottom-up planning or last mile delivery. So long as the central government continues to rely on mutually insulated bureaucratic silos, which prevent the convergence of more than 150 centrally sponsored schemes, and the Planning Commission fails to enforce its own circulars and manuals for planning, there can be no participation of people in programmes meant for their welfare development. And if this alienation of the people from the processes of growth continues, there can be no inclusive governance. And without inclusive governance there can be no inclusive growth. And so we would continue to justify economic reforms as generating vast revenue for social sector and anti-poverty programmes but remain incapable of explaining why exponential expenditure in increases are giving virtually no outcomes. </p><p align="justify"><em>But you have been talking about devolution for over 20 years. How much longer will it take? </em></p><p align="justify">Mani Shankar Aiyar: All the Centre and the Planning commission have to do is use the detailed recommendations in our report to give effect to their own policy decisions announced a decade ago. We will then get true panchayati raj and this fulfil a prediction made to me by Rajiv Gandhi in a personal conversation - that it would take at least a generation, that is 25 years, to move from getting the Constitution amended to securing effective panchayati raj. My personal target for fulfilling Rajiv's vision has always been 2018. We can get there in less than 5 years if the government acts on our recommendations. </p><p align="justify"><em>Do you see this idea of devolution being implemented? </em></p><p align="justify">Mani Shankar Aiyar: I will tell you a small story. In August 2010, while releasing the Hindi version of my book on his father Rajiv, Rahul recounted a personal anecdote. He talked about when he was a part of his father's campaign trail when all of us were touring the whole of India. He said at around 5 am he was woken up by his father and Rahul asked him 'Why are we doing this? We have hardly had 3 hours of sleep. I liked it better when you were a pilot'. To this Rajiv said 'I am sorry I cannot go back. I have to do this. Because I now have belief in the people of India which I didn't have ever'. It is this continuity of thought and faith I see in Rahul's speech. There is continuity of thought but there is no continuity of circumstances. </p><p align="justify"><em>What do mean by no continuity of circumstances? </em></p><p align="justify">Mani Shankar Aiyar: Jawaharlal Nehru and Indira had no opposition. Rajiv Gandhi came back with two-thirds majority. But circumstances have changed. When Rahul comes to power we will have to see whether he will be able to prioritize panchayati raj, whether his advisers would be able to put a package of devolution. I don't expect to be in Rahul's entourage but my report would be there. I hope he delivers on his promise otherwise his words to CII will remain just impressions on sands of time washed away by waves of history. </p><p align="justify"><em>Do you see a perpetual crisis in Parliament? </em></p><p align="justify">Mani Shankar Aiyar: It is the most incompetent Opposition I have ever seen. They are such a motley crowd. Every morning we read five different voices screaming through newspaper headlines. What Arun Jaitley and his lot, all of whom are infected with Ahluwalitis (reference to BJP MP SS Ahluwalia's shouting ways), don't understand that government can't be brought down in front of cameras. It can be done only on the floor of the House. Why do they not go to the floor of the House? Because they know that internal divisions are so sharp that they can never present a united front. They are cowards and hypocrites and the nation recognises them for that.</p><p align="justify"><em>The Economic Times, 2 May, 2013, <a href="http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/opinion/interviews/congress-committed-to-panchayati-raj-confusion-only-on-process-mani-shankar-aiyar-ex-panchyati-raj-minister/articleshow/19825709.cms" title="http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/opinion/interviews/congress-committed-to-panchayati-raj-confusion-only-on-process-mani-shankar-aiyar-ex-panchyati-raj-minister/articleshow/19825709.cms">http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/opinion/interviews/con<br />gress-committed-to-panchayati-raj-confusion-only-on-proces<br />s-mani-shankar-aiyar-ex-panchyati-raj-minister/articleshow<br />/19825709.cms</a> </em></p><p align="justify"><strong>Image Courtesy: The Economic Times</strong> </p>',
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	'title' => 'Mani Shankar Aiyar, diplomat-turned-politician interviewed by Nidhi Sharma',
	'subheading' => '',
	'description' => '<div align="justify">
-The Economic Times
</div>
<p align="justify">
<br />
My target for fulfilling Rajiv's vision has always been 2018. We can get there in less than 5 years if govt acts on our recommendations, says diplomat-turned-politician Mani Shankar Aiyar.
</p>
<p align="justify">
<em>You have been passionately talking about Panchayati Raj. But your party doesn't seem to share the same passion lately... </em>
</p>
<p align="justify">
Mani Shankar Aiyar: I don't agree with you here. The commitment of the party to Panchayati Raj and devolution of powers remains as strong as it was. But there is bewilderment as to how to go about it. Our expert committee report is just about this. Our report couldn't have come 25 years ago when there wasn't the literature and the ground experience of implementation of Panchayati Raj. 
</p>
<p align="justify">
<em>Your proposal is quite similar to the idea of empowerment of the grassroots Rahul Gandhi talked about in his CII address... </em>
</p>
<p align="justify">
Mani Shankar Aiyar: If Rahul wants to do it, he will have to read and act upon this report. I say this not with arrogance but a fervent prayer that the son will be able to fulfil his father's dream. 
</p>
<p align="justify">
<em>You have said that outcomes are not in sync with outlays... </em>
</p>
<p align="justify">
Mani Shankar Aiyar: Of course, outcomes are completely out of sync with outlays. But is not because of panchayati raj that this has happened. It is happening precisely because panchayati raj institutions are not being used for either bottom-up planning or last mile delivery. So long as the central government continues to rely on mutually insulated bureaucratic silos, which prevent the convergence of more than 150 centrally sponsored schemes, and the Planning Commission fails to enforce its own circulars and manuals for planning, there can be no participation of people in programmes meant for their welfare development. And if this alienation of the people from the processes of growth continues, there can be no inclusive governance. And without inclusive governance there can be no inclusive growth. And so we would continue to justify economic reforms as generating vast revenue for social sector and anti-poverty programmes but remain incapable of explaining why exponential expenditure in increases are giving virtually no outcomes. 
</p>
<p align="justify">
<em>But you have been talking about devolution for over 20 years. How much longer will it take? </em>
</p>
<p align="justify">
Mani Shankar Aiyar: All the Centre and the Planning commission have to do is use the detailed recommendations in our report to give effect to their own policy decisions announced a decade ago. We will then get true panchayati raj and this fulfil a prediction made to me by Rajiv Gandhi in a personal conversation - that it would take at least a generation, that is 25 years, to move from getting the Constitution amended to securing effective panchayati raj. My personal target for fulfilling Rajiv's vision has always been 2018. We can get there in less than 5 years if the government acts on our recommendations. 
</p>
<p align="justify">
<em>Do you see this idea of devolution being implemented? </em>
</p>
<p align="justify">
Mani Shankar Aiyar: I will tell you a small story. In August 2010, while releasing the Hindi version of my book on his father Rajiv, Rahul recounted a personal anecdote. He talked about when he was a part of his father's campaign trail when all of us were touring the whole of India. He said at around 5 am he was woken up by his father and Rahul asked him 'Why are we doing this? We have hardly had 3 hours of sleep. I liked it better when you were a pilot'. To this Rajiv said 'I am sorry I cannot go back. I have to do this. Because I now have belief in the people of India which I didn't have ever'. It is this continuity of thought and faith I see in Rahul's speech. There is continuity of thought but there is no continuity of circumstances. 
</p>
<p align="justify">
<em>What do mean by no continuity of circumstances? </em>
</p>
<p align="justify">
Mani Shankar Aiyar: Jawaharlal Nehru and Indira had no opposition. Rajiv Gandhi came back with two-thirds majority. But circumstances have changed. When Rahul comes to power we will have to see whether he will be able to prioritize panchayati raj, whether his advisers would be able to put a package of devolution. I don't expect to be in Rahul's entourage but my report would be there. I hope he delivers on his promise otherwise his words to CII will remain just impressions on sands of time washed away by waves of history. 
</p>
<p align="justify">
<em>Do you see a perpetual crisis in Parliament? </em>
</p>
<p align="justify">
Mani Shankar Aiyar: It is the most incompetent Opposition I have ever seen. They are such a motley crowd. Every morning we read five different voices screaming through newspaper headlines. What Arun Jaitley and his lot, all of whom are infected with Ahluwalitis (reference to BJP MP SS Ahluwalia's shouting ways), don't understand that government can't be brought down in front of cameras. It can be done only on the floor of the House. Why do they not go to the floor of the House? Because they know that internal divisions are so sharp that they can never present a united front. They are cowards and hypocrites and the nation recognises them for that.
</p>
<p align="justify">
<em>The Economic Times, 2 May, 2013, <a href="http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/opinion/interviews/congress-committed-to-panchayati-raj-confusion-only-on-process-mani-shankar-aiyar-ex-panchyati-raj-minister/articleshow/19825709.cms">http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/opinion/interviews/congress-committed-to-panchayati-raj-confusion-only-on-process-mani-shankar-aiyar-ex-panchyati-raj-minister/articleshow/19825709.cms</a> </em>
</p>
<p align="justify">
<strong>Image Courtesy: The Economic Times</strong> 
</p>',
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-The Economic Times



My target for fulfilling Rajiv's vision has always been 2018. We can get there in less than 5 years if govt acts on our recommendations, says diplomat-turned-politician Mani Shankar Aiyar.


You have been passionately talking about Panchayati Raj. But...'
$disp = '<div align="justify">-The Economic Times</div><p align="justify"><br />My target for fulfilling Rajiv's vision has always been 2018. We can get there in less than 5 years if govt acts on our recommendations, says diplomat-turned-politician Mani Shankar Aiyar.</p><p align="justify"><em>You have been passionately talking about Panchayati Raj. But your party doesn't seem to share the same passion lately... </em></p><p align="justify">Mani Shankar Aiyar: I don't agree with you here. The commitment of the party to Panchayati Raj and devolution of powers remains as strong as it was. But there is bewilderment as to how to go about it. Our expert committee report is just about this. Our report couldn't have come 25 years ago when there wasn't the literature and the ground experience of implementation of Panchayati Raj. </p><p align="justify"><em>Your proposal is quite similar to the idea of empowerment of the grassroots Rahul Gandhi talked about in his CII address... </em></p><p align="justify">Mani Shankar Aiyar: If Rahul wants to do it, he will have to read and act upon this report. I say this not with arrogance but a fervent prayer that the son will be able to fulfil his father's dream. </p><p align="justify"><em>You have said that outcomes are not in sync with outlays... </em></p><p align="justify">Mani Shankar Aiyar: Of course, outcomes are completely out of sync with outlays. But is not because of panchayati raj that this has happened. It is happening precisely because panchayati raj institutions are not being used for either bottom-up planning or last mile delivery. So long as the central government continues to rely on mutually insulated bureaucratic silos, which prevent the convergence of more than 150 centrally sponsored schemes, and the Planning Commission fails to enforce its own circulars and manuals for planning, there can be no participation of people in programmes meant for their welfare development. And if this alienation of the people from the processes of growth continues, there can be no inclusive governance. And without inclusive governance there can be no inclusive growth. And so we would continue to justify economic reforms as generating vast revenue for social sector and anti-poverty programmes but remain incapable of explaining why exponential expenditure in increases are giving virtually no outcomes. </p><p align="justify"><em>But you have been talking about devolution for over 20 years. How much longer will it take? </em></p><p align="justify">Mani Shankar Aiyar: All the Centre and the Planning commission have to do is use the detailed recommendations in our report to give effect to their own policy decisions announced a decade ago. We will then get true panchayati raj and this fulfil a prediction made to me by Rajiv Gandhi in a personal conversation - that it would take at least a generation, that is 25 years, to move from getting the Constitution amended to securing effective panchayati raj. My personal target for fulfilling Rajiv's vision has always been 2018. We can get there in less than 5 years if the government acts on our recommendations. </p><p align="justify"><em>Do you see this idea of devolution being implemented? </em></p><p align="justify">Mani Shankar Aiyar: I will tell you a small story. In August 2010, while releasing the Hindi version of my book on his father Rajiv, Rahul recounted a personal anecdote. He talked about when he was a part of his father's campaign trail when all of us were touring the whole of India. He said at around 5 am he was woken up by his father and Rahul asked him 'Why are we doing this? We have hardly had 3 hours of sleep. I liked it better when you were a pilot'. To this Rajiv said 'I am sorry I cannot go back. I have to do this. Because I now have belief in the people of India which I didn't have ever'. It is this continuity of thought and faith I see in Rahul's speech. There is continuity of thought but there is no continuity of circumstances. </p><p align="justify"><em>What do mean by no continuity of circumstances? </em></p><p align="justify">Mani Shankar Aiyar: Jawaharlal Nehru and Indira had no opposition. Rajiv Gandhi came back with two-thirds majority. But circumstances have changed. When Rahul comes to power we will have to see whether he will be able to prioritize panchayati raj, whether his advisers would be able to put a package of devolution. I don't expect to be in Rahul's entourage but my report would be there. I hope he delivers on his promise otherwise his words to CII will remain just impressions on sands of time washed away by waves of history. </p><p align="justify"><em>Do you see a perpetual crisis in Parliament? </em></p><p align="justify">Mani Shankar Aiyar: It is the most incompetent Opposition I have ever seen. They are such a motley crowd. Every morning we read five different voices screaming through newspaper headlines. What Arun Jaitley and his lot, all of whom are infected with Ahluwalitis (reference to BJP MP SS Ahluwalia's shouting ways), don't understand that government can't be brought down in front of cameras. It can be done only on the floor of the House. Why do they not go to the floor of the House? Because they know that internal divisions are so sharp that they can never present a united front. They are cowards and hypocrites and the nation recognises them for that.</p><p align="justify"><em>The Economic Times, 2 May, 2013, <a href="http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/opinion/interviews/congress-committed-to-panchayati-raj-confusion-only-on-process-mani-shankar-aiyar-ex-panchyati-raj-minister/articleshow/19825709.cms" title="http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/opinion/interviews/congress-committed-to-panchayati-raj-confusion-only-on-process-mani-shankar-aiyar-ex-panchyati-raj-minister/articleshow/19825709.cms">http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/opinion/interviews/con<br />gress-committed-to-panchayati-raj-confusion-only-on-proces<br />s-mani-shankar-aiyar-ex-panchyati-raj-minister/articleshow<br />/19825709.cms</a> </em></p><p align="justify"><strong>Image Courtesy: The Economic Times</strong> </p>'
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Mani Shankar Aiyar, diplomat-turned-politician interviewed by Nidhi Sharma

-The Economic Times My target for fulfilling Rajiv's vision has always been 2018. We can get there in less than 5 years if govt acts on our recommendations, says diplomat-turned-politician Mani Shankar Aiyar. You have been passionately talking about Panchayati Raj. But your party doesn't seem to share the same passion lately... Mani Shankar Aiyar: I don't agree with you here. The commitment of the party to Panchayati Raj and devolution of powers remains as strong as it was. But there is bewilderment as to how to go about it. Our expert committee report is just about this. Our report couldn't have come 25 years ago when there wasn't the literature and the ground experience of implementation of Panchayati Raj. Your proposal is quite similar to the idea of empowerment of the grassroots Rahul Gandhi talked about in his CII address... Mani Shankar Aiyar: If Rahul wants to do it, he will have to read and act upon this report. I say this not with arrogance but a fervent prayer that the son will be able to fulfil his father's dream. You have said that outcomes are not in sync with outlays... Mani Shankar Aiyar: Of course, outcomes are completely out of sync with outlays. But is not because of panchayati raj that this has happened. It is happening precisely because panchayati raj institutions are not being used for either bottom-up planning or last mile delivery. So long as the central government continues to rely on mutually insulated bureaucratic silos, which prevent the convergence of more than 150 centrally sponsored schemes, and the Planning Commission fails to enforce its own circulars and manuals for planning, there can be no participation of people in programmes meant for their welfare development. And if this alienation of the people from the processes of growth continues, there can be no inclusive governance. And without inclusive governance there can be no inclusive growth. And so we would continue to justify economic reforms as generating vast revenue for social sector and anti-poverty programmes but remain incapable of explaining why exponential expenditure in increases are giving virtually no outcomes. But you have been talking about devolution for over 20 years. How much longer will it take? Mani Shankar Aiyar: All the Centre and the Planning commission have to do is use the detailed recommendations in our report to give effect to their own policy decisions announced a decade ago. We will then get true panchayati raj and this fulfil a prediction made to me by Rajiv Gandhi in a personal conversation - that it would take at least a generation, that is 25 years, to move from getting the Constitution amended to securing effective panchayati raj. My personal target for fulfilling Rajiv's vision has always been 2018. We can get there in less than 5 years if the government acts on our recommendations. Do you see this idea of devolution being implemented? Mani Shankar Aiyar: I will tell you a small story. In August 2010, while releasing the Hindi version of my book on his father Rajiv, Rahul recounted a personal anecdote. He talked about when he was a part of his father's campaign trail when all of us were touring the whole of India. He said at around 5 am he was woken up by his father and Rahul asked him 'Why are we doing this? We have hardly had 3 hours of sleep. I liked it better when you were a pilot'. To this Rajiv said 'I am sorry I cannot go back. I have to do this. Because I now have belief in the people of India which I didn't have ever'. It is this continuity of thought and faith I see in Rahul's speech. There is continuity of thought but there is no continuity of circumstances. What do mean by no continuity of circumstances? Mani Shankar Aiyar: Jawaharlal Nehru and Indira had no opposition. Rajiv Gandhi came back with two-thirds majority. But circumstances have changed. When Rahul comes to power we will have to see whether he will be able to prioritize panchayati raj, whether his advisers would be able to put a package of devolution. I don't expect to be in Rahul's entourage but my report would be there. I hope he delivers on his promise otherwise his words to CII will remain just impressions on sands of time washed away by waves of history. Do you see a perpetual crisis in Parliament? Mani Shankar Aiyar: It is the most incompetent Opposition I have ever seen. They are such a motley crowd. Every morning we read five different voices screaming through newspaper headlines. What Arun Jaitley and his lot, all of whom are infected with Ahluwalitis (reference to BJP MP SS Ahluwalia's shouting ways), don't understand that government can't be brought down in front of cameras. It can be done only on the floor of the House. Why do they not go to the floor of the House? Because they know that internal divisions are so sharp that they can never present a united front. They are cowards and hypocrites and the nation recognises them for that. The Economic Times, 2 May, 2013, http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/opinion/interviews/con gress-committed-to-panchayati-raj-confusion-only-on-proces s-mani-shankar-aiyar-ex-panchyati-raj-minister/articleshow /19825709.cms Image Courtesy: The Economic Times