In his first address to the officials of the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) after assuming office for the third time, Prime Minister Narendra Modi made a powerful statement about his vision for the PMO. He emphasized that the PMO should not be seen as a power center, but rather as a catalytic agent for the nation’s development.
“Ten years ago, the image in our country was that the PMO is a power center, a very big power center,” Modi said. “I was not born for power. I do not think of acquiring power. For me, it is neither my wish nor my path that the PMO should become a power center.”
This statement marks a significant departure from the traditional view of the PMO. It reflects Modi’s belief in a more democratic and people-centric approach to governance.
Modi went on to highlight the steps his administration has taken since 2014 to transform the PMO. “We have tried to develop it as a catalytic agent,” he said. This suggests a shift in focus from power consolidation to facilitating change and progress.
In a poignant conclusion, Modi stated, “The PMO should be people’s PMO. It cannot be Modi’s PMO.” This statement underscores his commitment to serving the people of India and ensuring that the PMO works for their benefit.
This vision of a people-centric PMO sets a new precedent for future administrations. It emphasizes the importance of democratic values, public service, and the role of government as a facilitator of change. As Modi begins his third term in office, it will be interesting to see how this vision translates into policy and action.
