No major mistake in policy, governance: Arun Jaitley on NDA govt

New Delhi, Mar 28; The BJP-led NDA Government has not made any major mistake in terms of governance, both on integrity and policy, in two years and "that says a lot", Finance Minister Arun Jaitley has said.

He also asserted that the government is directional and is moving forward decisively without any collateral considerations unlike its predecessor.

"I think this government in terms of governance issues, both in terms of its integrity and in terms of policy, is yet to make its first major mistake. And that says a lot," he told PTI in an interaction.

He was asked about Modi government nearing two years in office and what were its major achievements. Jaitley claimed that the hallmark of this government was quick decision-making in all areas and was giving a direction to the country's policies and that is what clearly distinguishes it from its predecessor governments.

"When you compare it with its predecessor governments, in terms of direction and you see any department of the government, the decisions are more reform-oriented, they are bold and the direction is absolutely clear rather than confusing.

Attacking the previous Congress-led UPA government, he said unlike that the decisions now are not motivated by any collateral considerations. "There are no corrupt motives. And I think the ethics of this government distinguishes it from its predecessor government," he said.

The Finance Minister said governments, in their initial years, the performance has to be directional and therefore, "if you see the present government and you contra distinct it with its predecessor governments, I think the facts that stand out is the Prime Minister and the government is decisive.

As the government nears two years of its rule at the Centre, he said this government is pursuing the policy of expediting reforms and growth and is using the resources thus saved for helping the under-privileged.

"On an overall, you are sticking to your broad philosophy of expediting reforms, expediting growth and using the state resource for helping the less privileged. And I think both in each one of these areas, in most areas, they have not been found lacking," he said.

Asked if there was any area the government could have done better, he remarked, "You can always do better in every area. But that then depends on what the global factors are and what your own pace of democratic process is."

PTI