Published 22:28 IST, February 19th 2020
PM Modi shows intent; Ex-Principal Secy Nripendra Misra to oversee Ram Mandir construction
The appointment of Nripendra Misra, PM Modi's former Principal Secretary as the head of the Ram temple construction committee has created a considerable buzz.
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In first meeting of ‘Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teertha Kshetra' trust on Wednesday, Mahant Nritya Gopal Das and Champat Rai were elected as president and general secretary respectively. However, appointment that has garnered most buzz is that of Nripendra Misra, Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s former Principal Secretary. He will head Ram temple construction committee. As Misra was considered as PM’s most trusted lieutenant, this move is being perceived as PM’s attempt to personally ensure that construction of Ram temple goes smoothly.
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Nripendra Misra’s career
A 1967-batch UP cadre officer, Misra is t only an Allahabad University graduate but also has a master's degree from Harvard University. In his career spanning 4 decades, he has served in multiple positions at Uttar Pradesh government, Centre, International Monetary Fund, World Bank and Asian Development Bank. Misra was Principal Secretary to former UP CM Kalyan Singh when demolition of Babri Masjid took place. He introduced concept of ‘day officer’- a joint secretary-level officer attached to CM on a daily basis to ensure better coordination between Chief Minister’s Office and government.
During his tenure as Telecom Regulatory Authority of India Chairman, 2G scam unfolded. He appeared as a prosecution witness in special CBI court hearing 2G scam matter. After Misra’s retirement in 2009, he made an astonishing comeback to bureaucracy as Narendra Modi insisted on him being Principal Secretary after assuming office in May 2014. As section 5(8) of TRAI Act, 1997 barred any member of TRAI from holding a subsequent government position, an ordinance was promulgated to facilitate Misra’s appointment. Misra’s tenure witnessed emergence of PMO as a very powerful entity. Extending his best wishes to Misra at time of latter’s retirement, PM Modi praised his contribution to India’s growth trajectory.
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PM's attachment to cause of construction of Ram temple is borne out by fact that he chose to himself make anuncement pertaining to formation of trust. Speaking on floor of Lok Sabha on February 5, he stated that it was a privilege for him to inform people about Cabinet's decision on Ram temple. Furrmore, he highlighted that Supreme Court's order would be followed in toto.
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22:28 IST, February 19th 2020