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The Rediff Interview/ Atal Bihari Vajpayee

'We have to prepare for the coming new century, or be left behind'

Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee, in a rare and exclusive interview to Pritish Nandy just before flying off to South Africa, explains how his government is all set to take fresh economic initiatives that could result in $ 10 billion a year in foreign direct investments. He argues for speedier economic reforms, infrastructure development, more jobs, better fiscal management and -- in the social sector -- education, health, roads and homes for the homeless. A whole new agenda for the new government in place.

What are the immediate priorities of your government?

Our immediate priority is to focus attention on socio-economic development. With heightened awareness among the people, there is increasing aspiration and growing expectations. People want government to deliver -- here and now. Therefore, we cannot afford to lose any time.

Our government has already announced its socio-economic agenda. Broadly, it focuses on speedier economic reforms, infrastructure development, generation of employment opportunity, financial sector and fiscal reforms and removing bottlenecks to facilitate greater foreign direct investment.

On the social sector front, we are going to focus on primary education, basic health, roads to link villages and shelter for the homeless. We will seek the active participation of the private sector in the social sector.

Have you set a specific timeframe for achieving this?

Well, we started work immediately after the government was formed. A separate department for primary education has been set up. Each ministry has been asked to monitor the implementation of their part of the agenda.

Just to put a deadline for delivery is not sufficient. Ultimately, what matters is the quality of delivery. If we can ensure that, and do it within a reasonable period of time, then I would consider it a task well done.

Do you think the objectives of the government will get sidetracked by the political compulsions of your alliance?

The objectives of this government were worked out in consultation with all partners before the election. All of us subscribe to the manifesto of the National Democratic Alliance -- Agenda for a Proud, Prosperous India. With this commonality, I do not see any scope for the objectives getting sidetracked.

What about giving in to pressure on reform measures? For instance, the demand to rollback the diesel price rise…

There is greater consensus today than ever before on the need for a fresh mindset. No matter how relevant our economic policies may have been in the '60s, '70s or '80s, in the changed global scenario we have to take hard decisions. We have to prepare for the coming new century, or be left behind.

The choices are clear, and I think the people understand this. Subsidies were meant for specific target groups, but somewhere along the line they became an instrument of political expediency. As a result, the target group gained next to nothing. So, we must better target the subsidies rather than let them become an unmanageable drain on the exchequer. If we are firm and patient, we should be able to do it. After all, we have stayed with the diesel price hike.

The market has responded positively to your government's economic agenda. What should we expect in the coming days?

The market expects us to perform, and perform with speed. Well, as I said, we have not wasted any time. Two important Bills have been introduced in the Lok Sabha -- the IRA Bill and the Money Laundering Bill. A host of other measures, both related to policy initiative and legislative action, are on the anvil. By the winter session, we will be going full steam ahead.

Do you think the lifting of sanctions by the US will lead to greater foreign direct investment?

Yes, the lifting of the sanctions is a positive development. However, as far as FDI is concerned, we propose to take several initiatives to augment its inflow. We propose to review the present FDI regime and ensure greater transparency along with reduction in the delay of project implementation. We are in the process of setting up an automatic route for FDI clearance, barring a small negative list. Our initiatives should result in at least $ 10 billion a year in foreign direct investment.

How do you react to the coup in Pakistan?

The military takeover in Pakistan has naturally caused grave concern for us. I believe that democracy is the best guarantor for peace and co-operation among nations.

In retrospect, do you regret the Lahore initiative?

Our Lahore initiative was the best of intentions and the entire world recognised the import of that substantive gesture. Unfortunately, Pakistan embarked on its Kargil misadventure. Ultimately, the loss is theirs. They invited upon themselves the military and diplomatic defeat that was inflicted over Kargil.

You have talked about 'zero tolerance' while dealing with terrorism. What does the government propose to do? Will you seek to mobilise international opinion?

We have been actively seeking international attention on the dangers of trans-border terrorism. The deadly impact of trans-border terrorism is not limited to South Asia or its immediate neighbourhood. Others have suffered its consequences, too. Our efforts have not been without success. For instance, the UN has just adopted a resolution on trans-border terrorism. This is a good first step towards concerted international action to counter this menace.

How do you react to the allegation of political vendetta in the Bofors case?

We chose not to interfere in the work of the CBI. As the investigating agency involved in the Bofors case, the CBI has done its work and filed its chargesheet. I would think that this stand of the government not to interfere, unlike the practice in the past, should be applauded. If some people have objections to the chargesheet, they are free to approach the relevant court and seek redressal. My government has already stated that had we interfered with the due process of law, it would have been a sad day for jurisprudence.

People have voted for you overwhelmingly in the election, but the BJP on its own has not done well…

Barring three states, the BJP has done well all over the country. In these three states we had to contend with a very strong anti-incumbency factor. Even then, we have improved upon our overall 1998 performance. Also, you must take into consideration the fact that the BJP contested far fewer seats this time.

Do you think the Congress got more votes than it deserved because of the BJP's attack on Sonia Gandhi?

We did not go for a campaign based on personal attacks. In fact, time and again we reiterated our view that the elections should be contested on the strength of programmes and issues. And we did craft our campaign on these lines, focusing on our agenda for governance, our achievements and our vision of India. Our emphasis was on seeking a positive mandate. The Congress, on the other hand, ran a negative campaign based on the most outrageous personal attacks that I find too distasteful to go into. Even institutions like the Indian army were not spared.

Do you still take time off to write poetry?

I try to indulge my muse whenever I am able to get away from it all. Which, let me tell you, is not as often as I would like it to be!

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