Union minister of state (independent charge) for power, coal and new and renewable energy Piyush Goyal says the Narendra Modi-led government has been able to make foundational changes a year into office. 

COMMERCIAL BREAK
SCROLL TO CONTINUE READING

Speaking to dna's Dhaval Kulkarni, Goyal rejects criticism of the government being pro-corporate, and, in a swipe at Congress vice president Rahul Gandhi, claims Modi spends his time in public service and does not take long holidays to exotic locales. Goyal also claims that they have managed to put incendiary, communal statements by Hindutva hardliners behind them. Edited excerpts:

How would you rate the Narendra Modi-led government's first year?

It's been an outstanding year, where the government has been able to make very far-reaching and foundational changes to bring sustainable growth, sustainable development and a better life for the people of India. We have cleaned up the system. PM Modi does not desire to have short-term goals. He believes he has to create a framework which is long-lasting and can significantly alter the style of government, which we have witnessed for several years, and ensure a corruption-free India.The government has come to power on a popular wave. Are high expectations of the people, who expect too much in too little time, an impediment?

Not at all. In fact, we are delighted that people have so much aspiration. If you recall, one year ago, people had given up on this country... they had lost even the aspiration that they will have a better life and... did not believe that India can be run without corruption. I am delighted that people have high expectations from the government. It only confirms that they have confidence... that this prime minister and his team can deliver.What are your priorities for the next year?

For the first year, take the example of the coal mines auction. It is not about the mines alone. We have created a framework by which in perpetuity for generations to come, the natural resources of India cannot be given away free or illegally and arbitrarily to friends, family and relatives or party members without due process. Prime minister Modi is doing foundational and structural improvements in the system... in the second year, we will build upon this foundation, take forward each of our programmes more actively.Your opposition has accused you of being pro-corporate. What is your take on it?

If the allocation of coal mines to friends and family members of the ruling party as well as its MPs is pro-poor, while an honest e-auction of the mines, out of which lakhs of crores of rupees will be generated as revenue to coal-bearing states, with corporates having to pay for every kg of coal they mine, is pro-corporate, then the opposition has completely lost its sense of balance and needs to re-learn good governance. This government has served the poor, the downtrodden; its only focus is to ensure a just and equitable society. The PM does not rest for a minute, and does not take long holidays in exotic locations; he spends every moment of (his) life in service of the people of India.Is Rahul Gandhi's new-found aggression a cause for concern? He is touring villages, meeting fishermen...

We work for the people of India, we don't do photo opportunities. But an invigorated opposition is not an irritant. Discussion and debate in any form is always welcome. We are not deterred and our work does not get affected by criticism.Some your allies have struck a discordant role, the Shiv Sena for example, which has opposed the land acquisition bill.

It has not opposed the bill, it had a few suggestions. We are happy to consider everybody's ideas and suggestions... As far as the Sena's opposition to the Jaitapur nuclear plant is concerned, the PM's department is looking into this, but I don't see any reason for Jaitapur not to be set up. But we shall have discussions with our partners in the state and I am sure we will find a satisfactory resolution.The swearing-in of the new government was followed by some of your ministers, MPs making some incendiary statements on ghar vapasi, ramzade, haramzade...

Those issues are behind us. (The) people concerned have taken back inappropriate statements. We are in the business of giving good governance to people, we don't believe that any of these statements should take away the attention from the good work the government is doing. Those were their personal comments. I don't think there was any government forum on which these comments were made.Your critics accuse it of being a centralised, top-down government despite claims of maximum governance, minimum government.

If it comes down to a crackdown on corruption, we won't allow anybody to indulge in any unfair practices in the government. This government works on strengthening institutional systems, we empower our officials to do their duty honestly and fairly.