Total Reform Agenda (Sone Ki Chidiya)

7/29/2019 Total Reform Agenda (Sone Ki Chidiya)

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Sone Ki Chidiya Movement

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Sone Ki Chidiyahttp://sonekichidiya.in

A Manifesto for Total Reform1

This draft Agenda For Change is written in the form of a manifestofor an imagined SKC Party. We hope that parties contesting the

2013/2014 Lok Sabha elections will make use of the reformproposals outlined in this manifesto. Let us all do what is best for

Indias future.

Heaven of FreedomWhere the mind is without fear and the head is held high;

Where knowledge is free;

Where the world has not been broken up into fragments by narrow domesticwalls;

Where words come out from the depth of truth;

Where tireless striving stretches its arms towards perfection;

Where the clear stream of reason has not lost its way into the dreary desertsand of dead habit;

Where the mind is led forward by thee into ever-widening thought and action

Into that heaven of freedom, my Father, let my country awake.

RabindranathTagore (Gitanjali)

1 Draft, 22 September 2013.

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Contents

1. Vision...............................................................................1

2. Beliefs..............................................................................82.1 We believe:...............................................................................8

2.2 Modern India: the challenge of nation building.........................8

2.3 Rights and freedoms come with associated responsibilities... ..9

2.4 India and the world.................................................................11

3. Focus of the first 100 Days............................................12

3.1 Ten focus areas.......................................................................123.2 Reporting on progress.............................................................12

4. Unleash the people, leash the government....................134.1 Constitutional leash on government.......................................13

4.1.1 Key amendments to the Constitution, and fundamentalreview..............................................................................14

4.2 The government we form always recognise citizens as themaster........................................................................................144.2.1 Citizens must directly decide, where possible.................144.2.2 No unnecessary secrets from the people (transparency)144.2.3 Citizens must directly supervise the government,

wherever possible............................................................154.2.4 Lowest responsible level of government must decide

wherever possible [subsidiarity]......................................15

4.3 The government must not assume to be our master..............164.3.1 Treat us all the same.......................................................164.3.2 Dont tell us what to do...................................................164.3.3 Dont tell us what we can or cant say............................174.3.4 Dont interfere in our religious beliefs and affairs...........174.3.5 Dont tell us which occupation or trade we can undertake

.........................................................................................18

4.3.6 Dont touch our property!................................................184.4 What a government should, or may do...................................19

4.4.1 Must do or core (first order) functions..........................194.4.2 Some additional (second order) functions.......................194.4.3 Government should entirely avoid third order functions

.........................................................................................19

5. Eliminating corruption and criminality from Indiaspolitical system.........................................................205.1 Reduced opportunity for corruption........................................20

5.2 Incentives to keep the corrupt and criminal out of politics.... .21

5.2.1 Negative incentives: Deterrence ....................................215.2.2 Positive incentives: Attracting good people into politics. 23

5.3 Strengthening democracy.......................................................24

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5.3.1 Individual voting records of MPs/MLAs to be published ..245.3.2 No genuine citizens voting rights should be compromised

.........................................................................................245.3.3 Online voting by defence and police personnel...............245.3.4 NRIs right to vote...........................................................25

5.3.5 Platform for all candidates to communicate with villagers.........................................................................................25

5.3.6 Judicial power to review laws for Constitutionality to bestrengthened....................................................................25

5.4 Review of electoral system policies.........................................255.4.1 Review of anti-defection law...........................................255.4.2 Review of election expenditure limit...............................255.4.3 Study of feasibility of right to recall..............................265.4.4 Study of feasibility of alternative voting systems............26

6. New machinery of government......................................27

6.1 New structure to deliver government responsibilities.............276.1.1 Freedom Ministry.............................................................276.1.2 Strategic review and restricting of governance ..............276.1.3 Abolition of concentred bureaucratic extra-constitutional

power...............................................................................28

6.2 Creation of an entirely new civil service machine...................296.2.1 Senior positions to be converted purely to contractual

jobs..................................................................................296.2.2 Non-contractual roles to be modernised.........................29

6.3 Zero corruption in bureaucracy...............................................296.3.1 Reduced opportunities for corruption in bureaucracy... ..29

6.3.2 Incentives to reduce corruption.......................................296.4 Strengthening local government.............................................30

6.5 Modern governance frameworks and mechanisms.................316.5.1 World-best policy and regulatory frameworks.................316.5.2 Regulatory gatekeeping and review organisation...........316.5.3 E-governance..................................................................326.5.4 All regulation to sunset every 10 years...........................326.5.5 Reducing regulation to a total of 10,000 pages..............326.5.6 Reducing red tape (costs of regulation) by 50 per cent. .32

7. Doing more with less.....................................................33

7.1 Revenue principles..................................................................337.1.1 Minimal taxation..............................................................337.1.2 Modestly progressive direct tax system..........................337.1.3 Reducing marginal rates.................................................337.1.4 Minimising regressive indirect taxes...............................337.1.5 Cautious use of consumption tax....................................347.1.6 Broadening the tax base through a simple tax system...347.1.7 Reducing gap between possible and actual realisation...347.1.8 Review of transaction tax models...................................34

7.2 Expenditure principles.............................................................347.2.1 Prohibition on deficit financing........................................347.2.2 Repayment of debt and borrowing only for physical and

social infrastructure.........................................................357.2.3 Debt repayment through sale of government lands and

PSUs.................................................................................35

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7.3 Disclosure principles...............................................................357.3.1 World best-practice disclosure principles........................35

7.4 Abolishing the inflation tax: Sound money..............................357.4.1 Phase 1: Monetary rule for maximum 3 per cent inflation

.........................................................................................35

7.4.2 Phase 2: Monetary rule for maximum 1 per cent inflation.........................................................................................35

8. First order function: Defence and Foreign affairs...........37

8.1 Defence...................................................................................37

8.2 Integration of defence with foreign policy...............................37

8.3 Specific defence and foreign policies......................................38

9. First order function: Internal security ............................409.1 Police and policing reforms.....................................................40

9.2 Reviewing and improving penal laws......................................409.3 Specific internal security policies............................................41

9.3.1 Citizens ID Numbers.......................................................419.3.2 Jammu and Kashmir........................................................419.3.3 Ayodhya temple..............................................................419.3.4 Naxalism ........................................................................419.3.5 North East.......................................................................41

10. First order function: Justice..........................................4210.1 Effective, modern system of laws and justice.......................42

10.1.1 Significant increase in the number of judges................42

10.1.2 Greater use of private initiative ....................................4210.1.3 Making laws accessible and clear to the people............43

10.2 Efficient delivery of justice....................................................4410.2.1 Accountability and resourcing.......................................4410.2.2 Key human rights outcomes .........................................4510.2.3 Reducing procedural delays..........................................4510.2.4 Removal of contempt of court provisions......................47

11. First order function: Right to produce and trade..........4811.1 Well-defined property rights..................................................48

11.2 Getting the government out of business...............................48

11.3 Well regulated free markets..................................................4911.3.1 Regulation of monopoly................................................4911.3.2 Deregulation of business...............................................49

11.4 Deregulation and decontrol of prices....................................49

11.5 Free labour markets (with collective bargaining)..................50

11.6 No second guessing the growth direction of the economy....50

11.7 Standardization and quality control......................................50

11.8 Environmental justice and sustainability...............................5011.8.1 Solutions to ensure environmental justice....................5111.8.2 Converting national parks into regulated private spaces

.........................................................................................51

11.8.3 Natural resources policy................................................51

12. Second order function: Equality of opportunity............53

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12.1 Eliminating poverty in three years........................................5312.1.1 Role of charities.............................................................5312.1.2 Role of the state to ensure a social minimum ..............53

12.2 Ensuring access to high quality education for the children ofthe poor......................................................................................55

12.2.1 Details...........................................................................5512.3 Ensuring emergency health for all, and basic health for the

poor 59

12.4 Non-discrimination by the state............................................6012.4.1 Phasing out reservations...............................................6012.4.2 A minimum standard for everyone, not a Uniform Civil

Code.................................................................................6112.4.3 Ensuring greater respect for women.............................6212.4.4 No role for the state in matters of religion....................6212.4.5 Letting tribal India engage with modernisation at its own

pace................................................................................. 62

13. Second order function: Infrastructure..........................6313.1 Infrastructure .......................................................................63

13.1.1 Private investment in infrastructure..............................6313.1.2 Efficient creation and management of state-provided

infrastructure...................................................................63

14. Third order functions of government............................6514.1 India does not need a population policy................................65

14.2 The government doesnt have a role in preserving culturalheritage......................................................................................65

14.3 Global warming.....................................................................6514.4 Social capital and international resurgence of India.............66

14.4.1 Sports............................................................................66

15. Implications for specific policy areas............................6715.1 Agriculture............................................................................67

15.1.1 Market based agriculture industry.................................67

15.2 Education..............................................................................6915.2.1 Education industry to be freed from government

shackles...........................................................................6915.2.2 Subsidised loans to students for higher education .......69

15.3 Industry policy.......................................................................7015.4 Strong insurance markets.....................................................70

15.5 Financial, Capital, and Foreign Exchange Markets................70

15.6 Information Technology........................................................70

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1. Vision

An India to be proud of2

1. Security for everyone, particularly women, and quick justice for all

2. Total elimination of corruption within three years, with end to blackmoney

3. A rupee that is not degraded by excessive inflation

4. Removal of obstructions on production and trade, thus creatingemployment opportunities for all

5. Access to high quality school education even for the poorest

6. Total elimination of extreme poverty in three years through targetednegative income tax

7. Low, rationalised taxes because government will not undertakeunnecessary roles

8. High quality infrastructure including transport, power, water,

sanitation and broadband

9. Electoral reforms to motivate good people to join public life

10. Better prices for farmers through phased deregulation, withoutincreasing food costs

For thousands of years, our science, agriculture and craftsmanship wereunparalleled. We supplied most luxuries and needs for the Roman Empire andEurope3. In return, India was the final destination for most of the worlds gold. Itwas therefore viewed as a golden bird (Sone Ki Chidiya). India was alsohumanitys guiding light, with many of world religions and philosophies havingemerged from here.

Given this proud history, British rule was a huge blow and pushed us back byhundreds of years. But sixty five years after the Britishers left, we are hardly anybetter. Todays India is surely not what the heroes of our independence struggledreamt of. We are less a Republic today, more an oppressed nation ruled bytyrants. And we cant blame the British now after six decades of self-rule. Wemust take our share of responsibility for the continuing injustice, decadence andcorruption of India. It is time we do something about this.

2 Draft, 30 April 2013.

3 Mukund, Kanakalatha, Merchants of Tamilakam: Pioneers of InternationalTrade, Delhi: Allen Lane, 2012. (Series Editor: Gurcharan Das), seeForeword.

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Our honorable politicians have degraded India and brought our once proudcountry to its knees:

India is more famous worldwide for corruption than for its knowledge,innovation, wisdom, or character. Our corrupt politicians have hoarded

massive amounts of black money which is used in unproductive assets likeland and gold, reducing productivity and destroying the nations character.

No citizen is safe and justice is virtually non-existent. If citizens demandjustice they are met with police brutality. But politicians who incite riotingand murder escape untouched.

India is an oppressive police state, with innocent youngsters arrested forexpressing opinions on social media. Our police are known mainly as bribe-seekers than our protectors.

Dishonest, corrupt, and criminal elements reach the top in India, while thehonest are sidelined, harassed and even killed.

Our Constitution, ravaged by exceptions to equality of status and liberty,and destruction of basic liberties such as property rights, is a bare shadowof our original Constitution.

Public property is plundered by politicians, who give away mines andminerals at throw-away prices to their cronies.

Severe tax inefficiencies (over 30 types of taxes) have put a brake onsaving and investment.

The last two respected pillars of the Republic courts and the media areat risk of becoming an extension of the ruling party and corrupt interests.

Politicians, to facilitate their loot, enforce outdated British laws, policies

and governance systems, and refuse to introduce much needed world-bestframeworks.

Instead of governing, our governments have spent more time inestablishing a centrally planned economy, so governments can engage inbusiness, while preventing citizens from producing and trading.

Government is our servant but acts like our master. Our corrupt leaders, sittingon vast piles of black money, are more oppressive than our colonial masters everwere.

Most of our talented people, unable to use their talents in India, have left indroves to settle abroad. India, which had 25 per cent share of world trade not so

long ago, now has a mere 1.2 per cent share. Our economy is just 2.7 per cent ofthe global economy, compared with one-third of the global economy in the past.Tiny countries like Singapore, Malaysia and Hong Kong; mid-sized countries likeSouth Korea, Taiwan, Japan; and large nations like China have all madesignificant progress but India continues to resemble tyrannies like Zimbabwe andkleptocracies like Russia.

The current conditions are reminiscent of those in which the Mughal empire brokeup. In this darkest of hours over the past three hundred years, the ongoing anti-black money and anti-corruption movements of 2009-2012 under the leadershipof Swami Ramdev and Anna Hazare have tapped the countrys deepunhappiness and brought about an awakening that is now unstoppable.

The time has come to build on these movements and not just demand, butensure, complete overhaul of governance, making India the best country in theworld, a country we can be proud of, again.

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Clarion call for action

We must wake up and take charge of our own country. The Sone Ki Chidiyamovement hereby gives a clarion call to Indians to:

(1) overthrow the tyrants who in the name of governing, are looting India;and

(2) demand liberty, good governance, and accountability fromgovernment.

We want an India where no child, woman or man goes hungry or feels unsafe. Wewant to release the energies of our people so they can make India once again theland of milk and honey, the land of bountiful fruits and plentiful water, dark withthe crops of the harvest, and where Sone Ki Chidiya chirps on every branch onevery tree.

Proposed vision for New IndiaWe propose the following vision to be improved as we go along. We want anIndia:

1. Where our governments respect us as masters of the nation which acts like alarger family; and where we think of the whole world as our larger family:

.

2. Where we are free to pursue our happiness and spiritual goals so long as wedont harm others.

3. Where women are protected and respected, even as they get an equalopportunity to contribute to society.

4. Where children are ambitious and sure that merit will be rewarded, not thecaste to which they were born or whom they know.

5. Where environment is created in which everyone is enabled to earn their ownroti, kapda aur makaan.

6. Where prosperity is rightfully earned and not stolen or redistributed.

7. Where everyone, including the poorest, get an equal opportunity to achievetheir potential:

the poor dont have to depend on corrupted welfare schemes but instead,get a direct transfer of an appropriate amount to bring them above thepoverty line;

children of the poor attend schools similar to those that children of the richattend (with citizens free to establish their own institutions of learning andlearn without governments permission, but with accountability to parentsand students through appropriate regulation); and

everyone gets access to immediate emergency health care, with the pooralso given access to basic care through social insurance.

8. Where we are safe from criminals and from politicians, policemen andbureaucrats who loot the public.

9. Where there is prompt and proportionate justice:

with investigations and decisions undertaken at fast track speed; courts quick to deliver dispassionate justice; and

the ill-gotten of the corrupt confiscated.

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10.Where rogues and criminals certainly cannot become MPs and MLAs:

only honest, good persons are allowed to contest elections, and bad onesdisqualified; and

and if any criminal get elected or an elected person indulges in crime, he ispromptly removed after a speedy trial.

11.Where government officials are fully accountable, corruption is totallyeliminated and black money is declared and (where it has been illegally takenabroad) brought back to India.

12.Where citizens are able to produce and trade without the nanny statescontrol so that:

India operates as a single market and goods can be transported withoutpaying at every state or town border;

any approvals needed for trade and industry are provided quickly througha single window; and

we are able to trade globally consistent with our great history as theworlds foremost trading nation.

13.Where our property is safe:

we can buy and sell land and property without using corrupt means;

where property in mines is allocated competitively with a view to achievingsignificant returns for the public; and

where the government doesnt forcibly take our land to hand over to bigbusiness.

14.Where the government facilitates clean water, sufficient roads, power, ports

and railways, and other critically needed infrastructure.

15.Where the government operates within its means, taxes are low and borne bythose who can pay, debt is paid off, and our currency is not made worthlessbecause of inflation.

16.Where Sanskrit and peoples indigenous languages are nurtured andstrengthened.

17.Where development is sustainable because incentive-based systems preservewildlife and forestry, and minimise any unnecessary use of chemicals.

How will we know we have succeeded?

We will know that we are going in the right direction when security, justice,freedom (subject to accountability), education and health, and the status ofwomen will rapidly increase, and corruption, social oppression and discriminationbecome a thing of the past. In addition, we will know we are in the right directionwhen everyone becomes more prosperous, and poverty becomes history.

Given the chaos and corruption seen today, many of Indias most talentedcitizens line up in foreign embassies, waiting to permanently leave India. Not onlywould we want these lines to reverse but we will know we have succeeded whenthe worlds best graduates are desperate to migrate to India, and Indians whopreviously left return as the world sees India as the land of freedom andopportunity, and the land of science, knowledge, spirituality, and integrity which

it once was.Principles of good governance

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For this vision to become a reality, the government must follow the followingbasic principles:

1) Democracy and subsidiarity ( )

Democracy is not license to oppress on minority: Democracy is a tool for publicdebate and decision making, and not an end in itself. Democracy must thereforebe strongly overseen by constitutional constraints that prevent any undueimposition on minorities, or limitations on freedom.

We believe that all powers except those explicitly entrusted to the state shouldremain with the individual (and family). This is also the principle of subsidiarity,by which the individual is sovereign, with some powers loaned to the localgovernment, a few others to the state government and only the fewest, to thecentral government. True swaraj can only be achieved if functions of governmentare delegated to the lowest effective level, such as village or mohalla.

Where such delegation is implemented in the interest of effectiveness, the rule of

law must be ensured. Local bodies, subject to accountability, should be fullyempowered to levy, collect, and use their own taxes (local rates) to become asfinancially independent as possible for their local needs and infrastructure.

2) Strong accountability mechanisms

We must ensure that governments hire people of high integrity and calibre, paythem well (according to market rates) and hold them to account. Governmentsmust, in particular, give incentives to good people to enter public life throughsignificant electoral reforms that also eliminate incentives for crooked, evenconvicted people to enter the system. Public servants at all levels must be held toaccount for delivery of results. Performance must be rewarded, and non-performance (based on performance feedback from citizens) lead to termination

without notice. Tenured services like IAS must be replaced with contractualservices that allow termination for non-performance, and severe punishmentmust be enforced for corruption.

3) The government must performs its basic role very well

A governments main role is to provide defence and police (security), and justice.Justice should be easy to seek, be swift, and be seen to be done. Governmentshould catch and punish all criminals, murderers and the corrupt.

4) After doing its basic roles properly, the government can perform afew additional functions

It is very dangerous for a government to take on the role of a businessman. As

the ancient Indian saying goes: . We envisagethat government will get out of many of its current functions and consider newfunctions only on the basis of a world-best policy framework that tests whethergovernment has a role, and whether it can deliver a net benefit.After delivery of security and justice, the government could potentially facilitateinfrastructure that cant be built by private enterprise, and help citizens achievetheir potential (on merit) through equal opportunity. As a result of such revisionof government functions, public service jobs in security (police, defence) and

justice will increased while many other jobs will reduce.

5) Transitional arrangements

It is important that changes are not disruptive and are well planned, so there areno losers except the corrupt. This might mean that till prices are fully freed, someinefficient subsidies might continue for a while, and direct prices paid to farmers.

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Values for a New India

The following principles of national building, based on the ancient Indian traditionof open debate and respectful discussion, can guide us in our efforts to make anIndia we can be proud of.

1) Samagra Bharat

India is one nation. The rule of law, not whimsy, should apply. Government shouldtreat each citizen equally without reference to any innate or group characteristicsuch as gender or religion including caste. This would mean a minimumstandard for all even in matters of marriage and inheritance. Further, any socialinsurance decisions should be made solely on the economic, not religious orcaste considerations.

2) Equal opportunity

We believe that a free society must ensure equal opportunity for all, particularlythrough education and healthcare for the poorest, and elimination of poverty.

3) Individuals are the foundation of Bharat

All men and women are unique and form the foundation of a society. We holdthat progress, welfare and happiness of the people depend on their initiative,enterprise and energy. Through our individual striving and learning, throughworking with and serving others, we achieve our potential, and the community itsbest results. The emphasis on nationhood must not come at the expense of theprimacy of the individual.

4) Family as key social unit

We recognise and value the role the family plays in bringing up new generationsand imbibing the values that lead an individual to self-actualisation, and society

to its greatest success. In particular, we value the role of mothers, sisters, anddaughters in the formation of a great India.

High fertility is more often than not a symptom of desperation; of poverty.Fertility tends to decline as people get richer and become hopeful that theirchildren, if educated, will achieve more than they themselves could achieve. Withthe right education and incentives, our large population will produce unparalleledwealth. As good policies are introduced, we expect birth rates to rapidly decline,as parents find it worthwhile to invest in their childrens education.

5) Freedom to pursue spiritual and material goals

Each Indian should be free to pursue his or her material and/or spiritual goals,

both of which form an important part of Indias culture. :: 4

We stand for the principle of maximum freedom for the individual and minimuminterference by the state consistent with its obligation to enforce contracts,prevent and punish those who harm others.

The government, being our servant, must not teach us us how to live or directthe choices we make. Its role is limited to preventing us from harming others.

6) Freedom comes with accountability

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In the Vedas it is said that if someone enters onlyinto the world ofmaterialism, he enters into a world of darkness. But equally, if someoneenters onlyinto the world of spiritualism, he too enters into a world ofdarkness. Only he who seeks both can swim across the three worlds.

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Freedom comes with accountability (). That is the basic principle of allIndian systems of thought. There is no freedom to harm others. Accountability isnot limited to humans. Even animals have a right to live without pain. Inparticular, where animals are consumed as food, they should be treated with due

respect and their pain minimised. Further, plant diversity must be maintained,particularly given the enormous medicinal uses of plants, and natural resourcesshould not be exploited unnecessarily.

But what about self-harm? Many things in life can harm us in excess, or even inmoderation. But as Gandhi said, Freedom is not worth having if it does notinclude the freedom to make mistakes. We believe that except for regulationsfor public decorum and public safety, everyone must be free to make theirmistakes and learn from them. We are responsible for guiding our friends andfamily, or even advocating social reform. But we do not agree that coercion( government) should be used to prohibit private folly.

7) Truth and the scientific method

A powerful ancient Indian dictum says: Satyameva Jayate, which means that truthalone triumphs. Truth requires openness to new ideas ( Let auspicious thoughts come unto us from every direction, Rg Veda I-89-1)and openness to debate (- and ). The scientific method, with roots inancient Indian science, is one of the best ways to seek the truth.

Accordingly, we hope that the inevitable differences among participants in theSone Ki Chidiya movement will be resolved through debate in a search for thetruth.

8) Diversity and tolerance

We value diversity of opinion and belief, and a tolerant India. Arguably,

indigenous Indian thought had more diversity than the combined diversity of allmodern systems of thought. We agree with Jean Pierre Lehmann that in a globalenvironment desperate for ideas, philosophy and religion, India is the mostprolific birthplace of all three because of the great synergy of democracy anddiversity. The planet needs a sense of moral order, spirituality and an ethicalcompass. The Indian religious and philosophical traditions can provide a greatdeal of all three.

9) Freedom of occupation and trade

India was a great free market (in labour, goods, services, and capital) forthousands of years. The whole world came to Indias shores to buy and to sell.We value freedom of occupation and ability to trade. Free sale of agricultural

products is particularly crucial to our farm sector.

Perhaps the occasion where freedom to trade can be questioned is when goodsare dumped into India at prices well below cost of production. Even then, freechoices on quality and price are better for Indians than imposing barriers whichcan lower Indias long-term competitiveness. In any event, the use of infantindustry arguments after 65 years of independence is not tenable.

A society that follows such principles can live in mutual harmony with itself andits environment. Perhaps a useful expression to summarise these aspirations is.

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2. Beliefs

While the Vision has outlined a number of beliefs, the following clarify ourvision and beliefs.

2.1 We believe:

In India, its people and the great future that lies ahead for them.

In the innate worth of the individual, in the right to be independent, toown property and to achieve, and in the need to encourage initiativeand personal responsibility.

In basic freedoms of thought, worship, speech, association and choice.

In reasonable equality of opportunity, with all Indians having the

opportunity to reach their full potential in a tolerant nationalcommunity.

In a just and humane society, where those who are unable to provide

for themselves at a given point in time, can live in dignity throughsocial insurance.

In the family as the primary institution for fostering values on which acohesive society is built.

In competitive enterprise, consumer choice and reward for effort as

proven means of providing prosperity for all Indians.

In the importance of voluntary effort and voluntary organisations.

In parliamentary democracy as the best system for the expression and

fulfilment of the aspirations of a free people.

In the separation and distribution of powers as the best protection for

the democratic process.

In subsidiarity and the decentralisation of power, with local decisions

made at the local level.

In Government keeping to its core business and not competing with the

private sector.

In the rule of law and justice, giving all citizens equal rights under the

law.

In India playing a constructive role in the pursuit and maintenance of

international peace.

2.2 Modern India: the challenge of nation buildingIndia is one of the worlds great democracies, founded on liberal ideals ofhuman dignity, freedom and equality of social and political status. Indiassociety has a rich diversity of cultures and lifestyles in an environment ofharmony and mutual respect, bound together by an overriding andunifying commitment to India.

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India was the most prosperous nation in the world and we can make itonce gain the most prosperous of all.

The foundations of modern India are its freedom, its opportunity and itstolerance. We would also like to significantly strengthen social

egalitarianism, or equal social status for all. One of the defining featuresof India of the future would be a commitment to social equality a disdainfor caste structures, the celebration of camaraderie as Indians and anuncompromising commitment to democratic freedoms for everyone.

Part of what makes India unique is the beauty of its environment anddiversity. From magnificent tropical jungles to austere deserts and theworlds highest snow-capped mountains, there is little the Indianlandscape does not offer. The heritage of our natural environment, no lessthan our cultural heritage, is one of our most precious assets, to bepreserved and passed on to future generations. But we cannot do thatthrough government. This must be done through duly regulated private

enterprise, lest the dead hand of government kills our species for ever.Nation building is not just a matter of cultural values and environmentalprotection - it is also about providing opportunity for advancement to allIndians. All Indians should be rewarded for their productive enterprise andthose in crisis or need due to unavoidable reasons, after their best effortshould be assured a fugal level of public support.

Above all, our focus is on the future, giving all of us hope in our ownpersonal future and optimism for Indias future as the worlds centre ofgravity.

Our young people are the future of the Indian nation. They deserve afuture in which they can fulfil their talent and forge an India which they

can be proud of.

2.3 Rights and freedoms come with associatedresponsibilitiesWe believe in rights, freedoms and responsibilities of all people asindividuals as the surest foundation of strong community life. We believethese are enduring values. Only in a society where individuals are free topursue their individual goals can tyranny be avoided. Only in a societywhere opportunity, initiative and personal responsibility are fostered canprosperity be attained. Freedom can only be meaningful if individuals

have the opportunity to participate, to achieve and to develop theirtalents. Respect for the individual implies tolerance of others.

We are the enemy of privilege, sectional interests and narrow prejudice.We do not believe in absolute and unfettered freedom but in freedombound by accountability. The rights of an individual are limited andconstrained also by the equal rights of other individuals.

Intrusive government has been demonstrated by history to be inefficient,cruel and discouraging to human achievement. We therefore believe inlimited government. The role of government is to set the framework oflaws and other rules within which individuals and families can freely makedecisions about their own lives and pursue their goals with confidence. By

both the laws it enacts and the taxation it exacts, government shouldinterfere as little with the freedom of the individual as is consistent withthe maintenance of a fair and open society.

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We support the family as the fundamental institution for the raising andnurturing of children and for making each individual an integral part ofsociety. We believe that an economy based on private property, freeenterprise and competitive markets will produce the wealth and jobs

Indians want. Government should not provide services that can be betterdelivered by competitive enterprise.

Liberals recognise the capacity of markets, as well as their limits, and tothat extent we believe in well regulated competitive markets where nonecan cheat or harm. But we recognise the limits of government equally, oreven more. Government failure arises from the tendency of power tocorrupt, and for the tendency of politicians to be careless with otherpeoples money.

A free society relies on voluntary participation in clubs, associations,charities and community groups freely formed to achieve a great diversityof aims and purposes. We strongly support and encourage involvement in

this civil society.The security and prosperity of all Indians depend on sound financialmanagement producing economic stability, low inflation, highemployment and a state debt that does not risk the economic well-beingof future generations.

Indias Constitution embodies the democratic values of the Indian people,establishing a democratic parliament, courts to maintain the rule of law,limits on the powers of government and protection of liberty.

Within the broad framework outlined above we recognize the diversenature of the interests of Indians. For instance, that regional and ruralcommunities face unique problems. We are committed to promoting the

conservation of Indias cultural and architectural heritage throughcommunity and private initiative.

We want an open economy that provides quality jobs and high livingstandards across the nation. Achieving these goals in a competitive globalmarketplace means we must have on-going economic reform. We believethe best strategy for jobs and prosperity includes:

giving priority to sound economic fundamentals, including responsible

fiscal management, low inflation, low interest rates, rising employmentlevels, low net debt and high real business investment;

supporting the role of small business as the engine room of job

generation through reduction of unnecessary regulation and provisionof high quality infrastructure;

encouraging workplace reform through promoting the shared interestsof employers and employees in building efficient, cohesive, profitableand competitive enterprises and through breaking down anycentralised controls;

ensuring that all have the choice to belong, or not, to unions and

professional associations;

encouraging competitive markets by monitoring monopoly and

prohibiting unfair trading practices;

building a taxation system which enhances fairness and incentives to

work and save, provides sound finance for government services,

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boosts business investment and exports, promotes simplicity andconsistency and is internationally competitive;

minimising the regulatory burden on business, consistent with

protecting consumers, the environment and the safety of employees;

moving toward unilateral free trade which is always most beneficial

through the competitive and innovative energy and it generates;

facilitating a world-class infrastructure;

strengthening (through appropriate incentives) a high quality and

internationally competitive education and training system, includingapprenticeships, that equips people with relevant skills for rewarding

jobs, provides avenues for re-training and re-skilling, especially forthose who are unemployed, and encourages life-long learning;

boosting private initiatives for innovation, science and technological

development;

giving all Indians the opportunity to invest in, or to create their own,

business;

making India an attractive destination for global investment; and

corporatising and privatising government business enterprises to

provide better and cheaper services.

2.4 India and the world

Indias international interests encompass an important network ofrelationships with our SAARC neighbours, a longstanding history of linkswith Commonwealth countries and recently with the USA, and acontinuing development of our other international relationships includingwith China and the rest of Asia, all of which are important in the emergingwired world. We recognise the growing influence of globalisation butguard the sovereignty of our nation.

We believe that Indias priority in foreign and trade policy must be to:

further develop the capacity of an internationally competitive Indian

economy to benefit from the globalisation of trade and investmentflows;

maintain a strong national defence capability, with an appropriate mix

of security alliances and self-reliance;

strengthen our international relationships;

maximise the economic and strategic opportunities with countries in

Asia;

participate in international organisations including the United Nations

and the Commonwealth of Nations, while being wary of empty words.

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3. Focus of the first 100 Days

When India became independent and declared itself a democraticrepublic, there was hope that India would make unprecedented progressin every field. It was the time when Nehru spoke of our tryst with destiny.None anticipated that Indias democracy would decay to the level it hastoday, where corrupt and criminals are elected to Parliament and goodpeople shun politics thinking of it as a disease far worse than leprosy.

The people of India are rapidly losing confidence in democracy today. Wetake responsibility for bringing India to an even keel, and preparing tolaunch into the future as the worlds most successful nation in humanhistory. To make this happen, we will deliver, with the help of all Indians,all commitments in this manifesto, with the following areas being a keyfocus for the first 100 days. We invite you to join hands and worktogether.

3.1 Ten focus areas

1. Security for everyone and quick justice

2. Total elimination of corruption in three years

3. Strong rupee not degraded by inflation

4. Removal of obstructions on production and trade

5. Access to high quality schools for the poorest

6. Total elimination of poverty in three years

7. Low taxes because government will only perform key roles

8. High quality infrastructure including transport, power, and water

9. Motivating good people into public life through electoral reforms

10.Better prices for farmers till prices are deregulated

This will be achieved through world best policy and governanceframeworks that are detailed in this document.

3.2 Reporting on progressIn the first 90 days we will establish Key Performance Indicators for eachcommitment in this manifesto, and reporting on these commitmentsregularly from then on, every six months. You will then be able to see howeach commitment is tracking and point out how these can be betterdelivered.

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4. Unleash the people, leash thegovernment

In 1959 the newly formed Swatantra Party noted that steps should betaken to remove the pervading sense of uncertainty that has been createdby the present policies of the government and its varying forecasts offuture plans, leading to the drying up of initiative and enterprise in land,shop and factory alike. The reference here was to the fact that Nehru hadstarted moving into areas in which the government has no role.

The party noted that a sense of stability and incentive for individual effort

can be restored only by strict adherence to the fundamental rightsand guarantee specified in the Constitution as originally adoptedin respect of freedom of property, trade and occupation and justcompensation for any property compulsory acquired by the state forpublic purposes.

Many decades later, after the runaway growth of governmentinterventions that has destroyed enterprise in India, we will keepgovernment on a tight leash and unleash the people of India.

4.1 Constitutional leash on government

Democracy is a necessary requirement of the principles of equal freedomand equal treatment for all under the law. Democratically made laws arecrucial for the legitimacy of our social contract. Further, democraticinstitutions, by allowing citizens to replace non-performing governments,keep non-performance and tyranny in check.

However, a balance is necessary between direct democracy anddelegated decision making through representatives, primarily due to thetransaction costs of direct democracy. Hence the need for delegateddecision making that is constitutionally conscribed.

But more importantly, any form of unlimited direct democracy canultimately lead to the tyranny of majorities over minorities. Constitutional

restrictions on what a government can do are therefore extremelyrelevant.

Representatives should not imagine that they have any powers beyondthose granted by the Constitution. At all times they remain our agentswhose salaries we pay. A government must therefore always see itself asthe servant of the people, not their master or ruler. It can be an umpireand night watchman, perhaps, in its limited functions.

We will abide by all Constitutional restraints imposed by the IndianConstitution and endeavour to make these constraints stronger byrestoring the liberties enshrined in the original Constitution. For instance,we will bring back the full fundamental right to acquire, hold and dispose

of property.

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4.1.1 Key amendments to the Constitution, andfundamental review

Certain amendments with laudable objectives but faulty design have beenintroduced in the Constitution, e.g. Panchayat Raj institutions and

discouraging political defections.

These will be reviewed and improved. A few key Constitutionalamendments will be moved as early as possible:

a) Removal of the word socialistic from the Preamble of ourConstitution, since this term, representing coercive control by thestate over our property and economic equality is entirelyinconsistent with the basic structure of the Constitution visualised bythe founders of India.

b) Re-inclusion of a fundamental right to property, which has beendiluted to the extent that today there is only a notional right left.

c) Repeal of all sections relating to All India Services, to allow publicservice to be regulated through acts of parliament.

d) Repeal of schedules that protect land ceiling acts from beingannulled, being inconsistent with the Constitution as originallycreated by the founders of India, and violative of the fundamentalright to property .

In addition, we believe that while Indias Constitution has served ustolerably well despite the destruction of its original intent by successivegovernments, it is time to review it from first principles and to considerways to create a much simpler Constitution that is focused on liberty, andis not overly prescriptive about the way a government shall ensure it.

4.2 The government we form always recognise citizens asthe masterAlthough a governments job is to govern, a government must not forgetthat it is a servant, and that citizens are masters. Citizens produce wealththrough their efforts. The government lives off these productive activitiesand is required to abide by the Constitution and deliver the necessaryservices, within the funds made available by citizens.

4.2.1 Citizens must directly decide, where possible

We will actively consult citizens on all policies and where possible, we willsupport platforms that allow citizens to directly participate in decision-making and monitoring government. We will also support such citizenparticipation in government decision making through increase intransparency.

4.2.2 No unnecessary secrets from the people(transparency)

The government can be thought of as the board of directors of a nation.Its actions must be transparent subject only to the demands of nationalsecurity, on which no compromise is possible, including imposing stringentrequirements on secrecy.

Right to Information laws will be amended to err in favour of greater thanless disclosure wherever privacy, commercial in confidence issues, or

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national security is not involved. Each citizen will be empowered to access(at actual cost) any non-secret record about the citizen maintained bygovernment.

Disclosures laws will be amended to ensure that all cabinet and any other

(including national security) documents are made public after 30 years orafter any pressing need for national security, or reasonable requirementfor commercial confidentiality, has passed: whichever comes first.

Except for state secrets relating to national security nothing will beclassified as Official Secret. In particular, normal democratic politicalactivity of any citizen will not be classified as an official secret.

In effect, much of the current secrecy associated with government wouldbe removed through a duty to publish any non-privacy violating, non-security related information that is paid for by the taxpayer.

4.2.3 Citizens must directly supervise the

government, wherever possibleWe will ensure that each public office (e.g. police station) has a LocalBoard constituted by lots from eligible voters (similar to jury selection).

The Local Board will supervise activities of that public office. It will havepowers to inspect all records and processes (including confidentialrecords) and escalate any non-compliance with law with higherauthorities, or, where necessary with the media. Masters (citizens) will beable to supervise us, the servant. We would welcome ongoing citizenfeedback and direction right through the five years of being in power.

4.2.3.1 Citizens Governments requests to be actioned

Citizens groups, equipped with latest technological tools that empowercitizens to monitor government would be encouraged to monitorpoliticians, businesses, and criminal and identify any quid pro quo. Thiswould include permission to disclose such information anonymously, sothe government can launch internal investigations to verify any suchnexus. We will enact laws to compel all government functionaries torespond promptly to any requests for information received from such civilsociety organisations.

Such citizens groups (e.g. Citizens Government) will be given tax-exemptions for donations from Indian citizens so we can begin to see truedemocracy and accountability for the first time in India.

4.2.4 Lowest responsible level of government mustdecide wherever possible [subsidiarity]

Governance should be left to the level of government closest or mostappropriate to dealing with a given issue. Public servants with localknowledge are best placed to examine issues carefully and make the bestdecisions on our behalf.

Although local government regulation falls within the jurisdiction of states,we will use all levers available to strengthen and modernise the localgovernment systems across India. Models of local governance followed inmany Western countries will be adopted and tailored to Indian needs to

ensure elected representatives are able to hire and fire public officials, solines of accountability are clear.

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Once the governance systems are fully modernised, considerabledelegation of services and functions can occur, such as local roads beinghanded over to local governments. Local governments will also beempowered to raise rates and taxes, but will also be supported as

appropriate by higher levels of government, as higher standards ofdiscipline, professionalism and accountability are imposed on them.Having efficient and competent local city governments is particularlyimportant to enhance the viability of large cities and satellite cities,increasing the prospects of orderly urbanisation.

4.3 The government must not assume to be our master

4.3.1 Treat us all the same

We will ensure the rule of law: that the laws apply equally to everyone.There should be no subsidies, reservations or favours for any citizen,

entity, or sector of the economy. (This does not rule out social insurancethrough a social minimum for those who are unable to look afterthemselves for causes beyond their control.) While merit will berecognised in government jobs, birth or social characteristics should notbe considered in recruitment and promotion decisions in government.

4.3.2 Dont tell us what to do

Governments hypocritically try to extend their reach into areas that arenot their business by pretending to impose their moral vision on us. Thestate cannot preach morality, which is not its domain of expertise orcapacity as our servant. We disagree with the delusion that somegovernments have that they are, apart from being an umpire and night

watchman paid by us also our nanny or mai-baap.

A governments job is to protect our life and liberty, not to tell us what todo with our life. Our servant must not usurp powers to tell us how we shallfind our happiness, or how we should behave. In a free nation we are freeto pursue our happiness on our initiative, enterprise, energy, and moralreckoning. Moral choices we make are purely a matter between us andour Creator.

As far as society is concerned, each of us is accountable only for any harmwe cause others. If anyone has a difference of opinion on matters of tasteand preference, such matters are for social debate and discussion, not forgovernment comment or legislation. Through this approach, we will keepthe domain of the state sharply distinct from the domain of religion,whose role is to dwell on the spirit and morality, subject to individualchoice.

If government can only keep itself honest and do its job withoutcorruption, that would be good enough in terms of any role it plays in themorality of a society. Today, government is the most immoral organisationin India. Let it become honest, for a change. With the governmentbecoming honest and each Indian pursuing his or her own spiritual values,India can once again aspire to the highest reaches of the material andspiritual world, free from the eternal shame of government-led corruptionand criminality.

This cleansing will take place from the top. We will ensure an ethicalgovernment.

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4.3.3 Dont tell us what we can or cant say

We will foster citizens rights to free speech. We will assure ourselves, asIndians, the closest approximation to absolute freedom of speech outsideof the USA, if necessary by introducing a Constitutional amendment.

Speech must be free. The only restriction would relate to civil liability forlibel, direct threats or incitement of violence, and reasonable restrictionson speech for appropriateness of audience (e.g. time-based limitations on

TV programming). Even laws about how national symbols and flag aretreated will be reviewed to bring them into consonance with freedom ofspeech. The rights of citizens who express their dissent in peaceful ways are more important and significant than the rights of a nation toprotection of its symbols. India must be a free nation, not a nation slave toimages or symbols.

We will repeal any law that curtail freedom of speech (e.g. laws that makecertain online comments an offence or permit bans and censorship). We

will remove all bans on books and movies and prevent such bans frombeing imposed in the future. We will also examine ways to democratisedbroadcasting services (TV, radio) on payment of market determined feefor the relevant spectrum which is owned collectively by the people ofIndia.

4.3.4 Dont interfere in our religious beliefs andaffairs

Religious freedom is a fundamental freedom, a matter of fundamentalchoice for each of us. The state and religion are different domains, withentirely different purposes. Religion can never be a matter for governmentpolicy, except where some misguided elements seek to use justifyviolence or aggression on its basis. No religious activity can be opposed bythe state unless it trespasses others liberties.

We believe that the state must be non-denominational and not (normally)ask anyone about their beliefs (including religion or caste, if any).

We note that everyone can enjoy their religious freedom only by givingothers similar freedom. This means tolerating (and accommodating ingood faith, to the extent possible) all religious beliefs.

In this regard we believe that religious freedom, like all other freedoms,must be accompanied by matching accountability. Although toleranceincludes the right to preach and convert others, it must be done through

legitimate persuasion methods. We oppose attempts to convert people todifferent religions that use questionable means such as coercion, bribes,or misleading conduct. It may be possible to encourage all religious bodiesto agree a self-regulatory Code of Practice to establish minimumstandards for such activity.

We recognise that in India even ordinary greetings can at times take on areligious connotation. Many official events in India open with a ceremonyto light earthen lamps or to break a coconut. Other common practicesinclude applying tika or welcoming guests with garlands. We believe manysuch practices are cultural and do not imply religious motivation.However, to ensure propriety, we will ensure that where any elected SKC

representative attends a religious event, he or she will not use any officialtitle and speak at that event purely as a private individual. This will alsoimply that no costs can be charged to taxpayers for attending such event.

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A government must not use taxpayer funding to support religiousactivities. Subsidies for Durga Puja on the ground that these will increasetourism are not admissible expenditures from the public purse. Similarly,subsidies for religious pilgrimages or the management of temples by

government functionaries are not permissible.Government is usually asked to step in where a temple organisationsystem has become defunct and the temple property has reverted to thestate. In such cases, we will undertake to create a system to auction theproperty to interested buyer/s.

We believe that if equal freedom is ensured, then a separate category ofminority rights is not needed in Indias Constitution. However, until therule of law is well-established, we will preserve Articles 29 and 30 of theConstitution, even as we phase out subsidisation of any religious or otherminority.

Religious freedom does not give anyone a right to encroach on public

land, harbour criminals and terrorists, harass or threaten those carryingon civilized discourse, or otherwise create public nuisance such as byfeeding stray animals, fouling rivers and ponds, and disturbing peace byblaring loudspeakers at unseemly hours.

We will consult with the public to work out options to ensure discipline andorder even as people are free to observe their religious practices. Wewould hope that no religious structure is built on public spaces like roads.If such structures are detected on public land, these will be respectfullyremoved and handed over to suitable religious organisations whereuponthese structures can be rehabilitated.

4.3.5 Dont tell us which occupation or trade wecan undertake

Citizens of Free India must have the right to engage in mutually agreedcontracts so long as they do not harm anyone else. This includes freedomof occupation and trade, including freedom of farmers, small and self-employed artisans, craftsmen and traders.

We will ensure that citizens have the right to sell their produce in anymarket in India without restriction of city, municipal or state boundaries,and to the world itself to the extent such trade is consistent with broaderforeign policy. Accordingly, coercive purchase of agricultural produce (e.g.through state owned Mandis) will be scrapped.

With virtually total freedom of occupation and trade, we will regulate riskyprofessions to ensure social decorum and occupational health and safety.

There is no freedom to harm anyone, so any voluntary transaction mustbe bounded by the discipline of accountability.

4.3.6 Dont touch our property!

No one can force us to sell our land to them except the State, which cando so only for a specified public purpose. If private industry wants toacquire land it will have to directly purchase from land owners. Wherenecessary, zoning of lands can be revised to suit the needs ofmodernisation. But government will not be allowed to acquire private land

for another persons private benefit.

Some people have raised the idea ofAmiri Rekha or an upper limit onindividual wealth or property. We believe such an idea violates the basic

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liberty of each Indian. If wealth is properly earned, there can be norestriction or limitation on enjoyment of such earned wealth. Thegovernment is obliged to protect it, as it is obliged to protect any otherform of property. It should, however, be possible to tax such wealth more

than normal wealth, through modestly progressive taxation.

4.4 What a government should, or may do

4.4.1 Must do or core (first order) functions

We will ensure that government performs its core (first order) functionsvery well. The specific actions in this regard will be outlined in Chapter[DN: fix number in the end].

4.4.1.1 Defence

A strong armed force and capability for espionage is the first core function

of government. We will ensure a very strong and effective defence ofIndia.

4.4.1.2 Internal security, and law and order

The second core function of government is to protect us from crime andviolence within the country. We will ensure a very strong and effectivepolice system.

4.4.1.3 Justice and rule of law

We will ensure quick and effective justice and enforce the rule of law.

4.4.2 Some additional (second order) functions

After security and justice have been ensured, government can helpeliminate dire poverty and ensure reasonable equality of opportunity to allcitizens. Government can also undertake some good public infrastructureprojects. We will ensure that these additional functions do not directlyinvolve government management, but coordination and facilitation. Forinstance, we believe that government is fundamentally ill-equipped tomanage institutions of learning or medical care.

4.4.3 Government should entirely avoid thirdorder functions

There are certain tasks for which justification for a role of government is

hard, if not impossible. In such tasks government should ask manyquestions and at most play a very minimal role. Most such functionsshould be performed by citizens themselves.

Examples include consideration of plant and animal life, promoting andpreserving certain cultural practices including protecting ancientmonuments, and funding sportspersons for certain national events.

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5. Eliminating corruption and criminalityfrom Indias political system

Indias Westminster system of democracy (along with a First Past The Postvoting mechanism) has worked well in many countries for hundreds ofyears. It is a time tested, responsive and effective system provided itsincentive structure is effective. That it has not worked well in India can beattributed to its many incentive distortions.

No Indian is born corrupt but badly designed systems (wrong opportunitiesand wrong incentives) motivate corruption. Indians were known across theworld for their impeccable integrity before the British came to India. Even

today Indians in the West are valued for qualities of character, and displaypersonal qualities of honesty that the West marvels at.

Why do the same Indians who behave so ethically abroad, become corruptin India? The answer lies in the system.

The opportunity for corruption in our current system arises becausegovernment directly engages in business, apart from building andmanaging infrastructure and services directly (which it should outsource,and regulate). It also has the discretion to interfere with production andtrade by Indias so-called free citizens. This discretionary environmentallows politicians and bureaucrats to indulge in rent seeking by sellingfavours. Many other strong incentives for corruption exist. For instance,

politicians lose a lot of money in contesting elections. They mustnecessarily recover their costs after they are elected: with interest.

We believe that while punishment is an important part of the incentivetoolkit, witch-hunts to identify corrupt individuals wont eradicatecorruption. Numerous countries have low levels of corruption withouthaving any Lokpal. Punishment becomes relevant after positive incentivehave been fully applied.

We will undertake systemic reforms to:

a) reduce opportunities for corruption; and

b) reduce incentives for corruption. As part of the latter, we will ensure

stern punishment of the corrupt and protect and reward honest publicservants.

The combination will achieve total accountability and eliminate corruptionwithin three years, through measures outlined below as well as in otherparts of this Agenda.

5.1 Reduced opportunity for corruptionA minimal government that does not unnecessarily interfere in the lives ofcitizens will significantly reduce opportunities for corruption.

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5.2 Incentives to keep the corrupt and criminal out ofpoliticsBy incentives we mean both positive incentives (the carrot) andnegative incentives (the stick, or deterrence).

To make politics in India once again the realm of wisdom andstatesmanship which brings greatest benefit to humanity, we need toexpel criminals from Indias politics and attract the best Indians (bothhonest and policy-capable) into politics.

5.2.1 Negative incentives: Deterrence

We will deter bad people from entering into politics. Key measures areoutlined below.

5.2.1.1 Criminal background publicity before elections

We will make it mandatory for candidates to furnish details about anycriminal cases against them, even those that have been filed. Suchinformation will be publicised by Returning Officers. Anyone who does notdisclose truthful details will forfeit his seat (if elected) and/or return anystate funding received.

5.2.1.2 Video surveillance at polling stations to prevent intimidation

With reduced costs of digital recording equipment, all polling stations willbe placed under closed circuit TV surveillance to prevent booth capturingand intimidation (without reducing the privacy and secrecy of voters).Significant penalties will be imposed on anyone found subverting the law.

5.2.1.3 Stringent audit of electoral expensesWe will review the law on arbitrary electoral expense limits that in a verybasic way violate freedom of speech. Regardless of such a law, strictdisclosure and monitoring of reported election expenditure will berequired to prevent use of black money in elections.

Currently, almost all elected representatives lodge a false declaration ofelection expenses. We will require the Election Commission to conduct astringent audit of electoral expenses, with rigorous punishment meted outfor false declarations.

We will also empower the Election Commission to dissolve any politicalparty that does not disclose fund receipts and expenses comprehensively.

Any foreign funding of a political party will invite its immediate dissolution.

Feeble penal provisions (such as the token fine of Rs. 500 for makingillegal expenses on elections under Section 171-H of the Indian PenalCode) will be entirely revamped, with penalties of up to Rs 10 crores and a

jail term of three years for failure to accurately declare all political fundingreceipts and expenses. Maximum penalty for making unauthorizedpolitical expenditure that benefits a party or candidate will be increased toRs 1 crore along with a one year jail term.

5.2.1.4 Fast-track courts to deal with corruption or criminal chargesagainst MPs

It is important that being charged with a criminal offence not be equatedwith conviction. A citizen has the right to be presumed innocent until

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proven guilty. Being convicted for a major crime is therefore necessarybefore someone is legally prevented from being an elected representative

The Election Commission, however, can be given the mandate to fast-track criminal cases against MPs and MLAs in consultation with the

Supreme Court. While the EC has no powers to prosecute anyone forcriminal offences not related to electoral matters, it is responsible forensuring that heinous criminals dont become our MPs and MLAs. The ECwill therefore be asked to work with the Supreme Court to ensure thatcases against elected MPs (or MLAs) be given top priority and heardwithout break until completed.

In doing so the EC will liaise with the Supreme Court and report monthly toParliament. The EC will be given access to extra resources which it canapply where needed through the court system. It will be empowered toenforce tight timelines (through the Supreme Court), and punish any non-

judicial official who delays justice.

5.2.1.5 Public disclosure of assets of elected representatives andsenior bureaucrats

All elected representatives will be required, within 30 days of theirelection, to publish past five years income tax statements and full list ofassets of family; and thereafter, to publish annual returns of income andassets. The Election Commission will be asked to scrutinise assets andwealth of elected representatives to verify that any growth in declaredwealth is consistent with their known earnings and investments. Shouldany unexplained growth in wealth be detected, the elected representativewill be asked to publish an explanation.

5.2.1.6 Focus on punishing the seniormost firstCorruption in India starts from the top. We will make laws to punish anyPrime Minister or Chief Minister found guilty of corruption with capitalpunishment for treason. When the defender of the public trust himselfsteals public funds, then the nation is obliged to remove such personentirely. Other Ministers and senior officials found guilty of bribery orsimilar actions would be punished through imprisonment of not less thanfive years. Confiscation of all assets of anyone found guilty of seriouscorruption would be a further penalty strongly enforced.

5.2.1.7 A strong Lokpal for Prime Minister and Chief Ministers

Although a Lokpal on its own, under current circumstances, might evenincrease corruption, it can form a valuable part of an overall reformpackage of deterrence. We will focus the Lokpal only on senior corruptpoliticians and civil servants, including CBI itself, and the Prime Minister.

To ensure independent inquiry, the CBI shall be given the status of anautonomous institution, reporting directly to the Lokpal.

5.2.1.8 Unearthing and confiscating undisclosed wealth (blackmoney)

We will endeavour to bring back and confiscate black money stashedabroad and also unearth and confiscate black money stored in India by:

Treating tax evasion on par with crimes against the person andensuring exemplary punishment for those who deliberately evadetaxes (whether politicians, bureaucrats, or citizens).

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Making or amending laws to unearth Indian black money both within

the country and abroad, with such black money treated as nationalproperty.

Making provisions (including treaties with foreign nations) to ensure

that sources of any black money deposited abroad and sources offoreign investments in India are transparently disclosed. This wouldinclude identifying and removing any mechanism used to launder blackmoney through FDI.

Making laws to allow general-purpose FIRs against suspected corruptMPs, MLAs, government officers or politically connected personsuspected to possess black money.

Amending Banking Secrecy laws to gain accurate information about

any black money deposited in foreign tax havens.

Addressing flawed incentives in the land transfer system to unearth

black money stored within India.

5.2.2 Positive incentives: Attracting good peopleinto politics

In addition to blocking out bad elements, we need to attract good people.We will increase positive incentives to attract good people to politics byincreasing the probability of their getting elected.

5.2.2.1 Taxpayer funding of candidates

Given the extremely large population and often geographical spread ofIndian constituencies, communicating ones message to voters can cost a

good amounts of money. While electoral expenditure is never the onlydeterminant of electoral success, good candidates are out-spent bycriminal candidates who resort to crores of rupees of black money, and inthis way are defeated even before they start.

There is no reason why peoples representatives should be expected tolose their entire lifetimes savings for the thankless privilege ofrepresenting their community. To make the playing field more even, wewill reimburse Rs.15 per valid vote cast up to a ceiling of Rs. 40 lakhs percandidate. With about 16 lakh voters per parliamentary constituency, ofwhich about 60 per cent tend to vote, a candidate who secures half thevalid votes that are cast would receive the maximum entitlement (Rs. 40

lakhs).This system will let good candidates borrow funds to contest elections inanticipation of potential recovery of a part of their costs from thegovernment, based on the votes they poll. Even though corruptcandidates will still try to outspend honest candidates through underhanduse of black money (which would be separately stopped, as outlinedabove), good candidates will at least not have to go bankrupt if, afterspending their lifetime savings, they lose the election.

This system will ensure that over the course of time, the proportion ofgood candidates will increase, thus creating a virtuous cycle. Such asystem works successfully in Australia where competent candidates are

able to contest, thus leading to good quality, honest parliamentaryleadership.

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While the direct cost of this system will need to be borne by taxpayers,the indirect cost borne by them will significantly decline, as corruption andbad policy are brought to an end.

Along with this reform, security deposit for elections will be increased

significantly to ensure that only serious candidates contest elections. Suchsecurity deposit has not been increased for nearly 50 years [DN: check].

5.2.2.2 Competitive salary for elected representatives

Protection of our life and liberty, if done well, cannot come cheaply. It isan ill-conceived ideology to pay representatives, judges and publicservants poorly and then expect them to rise above temptation.

Chanakya knew this well. Higher positions require greater knowledge andjudgement. InArthashastra he specified that the highest public servantsalary should be 800 times that of the lowest functionary. As the sayinggoes, if you pay peanuts, you will get monkeys.

Today MPs are paid extremely low salaries compared with senior privatesector executives, even though the responsibility of our MPs is arguablyhigher. Competent people therefore prefer to earn a respectable livingelsewhere instead of entering parliament.

We will establish an independent Political Representative IncentivesCommission charged with research on compensation for representatives.Its recommendations would include consideration of performance bonusesfor MPs and MLAs (and particularly Ministers) linked to national growthand integrity targets. In this regard, it is expected that all perquisites suchas free travel, telephones, furnishings, vehicles or loans will be abolished.In any event, all pension schemes for legislators will be abolished.

5.3 Strengthening democracyWe will strengthen Indias democracy in many ways.

5.3.1 Individual voting records of MPs/MLAs to bepublished

Voting records of MPs/MLAs on each Bill will be published, to allow citizensto determine whether their interest has been adequately safeguarded.

This will be particular pertinent where MPs/MLAs have the flexibility ofusing their conscience and wisdom to vote instead of the Party Whip.

5.3.2 No genuine citizens voting rights should becompromised

Eligible Indian citizens sometimes find their names missing from thevoters list despite having valid voter ID cards and having voted in thepast. The level of inaccuracy in the voters list is a matter of significantconcern and all means, including online registration, will be deployed toensure that no genuine citizens electoral rights are undermined.

5.3.3 Online voting by defence and policepersonnel

Given the last minute deployment of security forces during elections, they

often do not get to vote. Options other than postal ballot to ensure theyget access to the vote (such as internet-based voting systems) will beexamined.

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5.3.4 NRIs right to vote

Indian citizens living abroad must have the same right to vote in nationalelections as citizens living in India. This will be operationalised throughonline mechanisms. In addition,

5.3.5 Platform for all candidates to communicatewith villagers

The costs and feasibility of having Returning Officer organise video-debates between all candidates, with such debates being relayedsimultaneously to all villages through relevant TV channels, will beexplored. It should be possible for candidates to explain their platform tovoters without having to spend unduly in visiting all villages.

5.3.6 Judicial power to review laws forConstitutionality to be strengthened

We believe in the rule of law and an independent judiciary with powers toreview laws for compliance with the Constitution. We will strengthen thisfunction and ensure that the judiciary is able defend liberty.

5.4 Review of electoral system policies

5.4.1 Review of anti-defection law

A review of anti-defection law is overdue. Its intent was to deter the evilof political defections by legislators motivated by lure of office or othersimilar considerations. By operating in cases where no such evil isinvolved, the purpose of the laws is defeated. Reducing the application of

this law to confidence and no-confidence motions, or when thegovernment is in danger, can increase open debate. Further it gives legaland even moral sanction to defection provided it is done in large enoughgroup. It is not clear that this law is consistent with democracy andfreedom.

5.4.2 Review of election expenditure limit

There is no currently limit on contributions to political parties, whichreceive income tax exemption for these contributions [check]. Thisposition is consistent with freedom of expression. Thus, if someonebelieves in a particular idea, he or she must be free to promote it through

an appropriate political party.But when it comes to spending this money in elections, there is greathypocrisy, with limits on electoral expenditure. Imposing limits merelydistort incentives and increases the flow and use of black money inelections. In addition, it leads to parties paying for news (expenditure onnews is not be included in accounts to the Election Commission), in lieuof advertisement. The hypocrisy involved in this rule has not onlyadversely affected freedom of speech, but corrupted the entire politicaland bureaucratic system, and now the media.

Limits will always be flouted by the corrupt, giving them an unfairadvantage over honest people. We will review the need for any limit, and

consider how accountability and disclosure is encouraged, instead.

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5.4.3 Study of feasibility of right to recall

We note that the right to recall is being promoted by number of people.However, we are not aware of any detailed practical proposal for itspossible implementation in India. We will commission a feasibility study of

this proposal and implement it if found to be viable and cost effective.

5.4.4 Study of feasibility of alternative votingsystems

Alternative electoral systems are proposed from time to time by eminentthinkers as a solution to many of Indias problems. Although we believethat the FPTP system can do a good job with the appropriate change inincentives outlined in this manifesto, we will commission a study of otherforms of representation including proportional representation and thepresidential system, to determine whether these options are compatiblewith liberal democracy and with Indias nature and character.

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6. New machinery of government

We will bring good governance to India for the first time ever throughactions aimed at ensuring accountability from anyone who is paid bytaxpayers.

6.1 New structure to deliver government responsibilitiesCabinet will monitor and regularly inform public about progress inachieving committed objectives.

6.1.1 Freedom Ministry

A new Freedom Ministry will be created in the first ten days to serve thePrime Minister and the Minister of State for Cabinet (to whom the CabinetSecretary will report), charged with, among other things:

promoting our freedoms;

ensuring that commitments made in this manifesto are delivered; and

advise Cabinet on the extent to which all new laws and regulations

prop

Documents

Total Reform Agenda (Sone Ki Chidiya)