NRIs back Jayalalithaa for PM post

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister and AIADMK supremo Jayalalithaa has been rated and adjudged as the best person suited for national leadership, according to a poll conducted among NRIs, who also chosen Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi as the next strong contender for PM post.

In an opinion poll conducted among NRI community, which included managers, engineers and business people, Jayalalithaa was the face of Indian leadership with 86 marks followed by Narendra Modi at 81 and Rahul Gandhi at 53 marks.

The poll was conducted by Dr. Pon Mohaideen Pitchai, an NRI and senior HR and management advisor from Dubai, via e-mail and telephone, mostly with the participants in GCC countries including Saudi, Qatar, UAE, Oman, Bahrain and Kuwait, Australia, Canada, UK, Singapore, Malaysia, Sri Lanka, Thailand and also India.

Over 75 per cent of the respondents said that both of them are the best among other available leaders and can be an alternative to fill the current leadership vacuum. The survey compared the leadership levels on various criteria from academic education, experience to leadership skills and mass support.

NRI’s analysis says that Narendra Modi can bring big impact on economic development than Manmohan Singh. He is good in implementing the economic measures. He will turn around the government administration.

“NRI’s were of the view, that, “The nation needs improvement in Infrastructure, health, water and energy. This cannot be achieved without FDI. To have foreign direct investment (FDI), India needs more governance and accountability in government role. Both Narendra Modi and J Jayalalithaa can bring such integrity and accountability. Jayalalithaa has that will power and determination. Definitely J Jayalalithaa has the vision of Lee Kuann Yew of Singapore,” a statement from the poll organisers said.

“Lee has often stated that Singapore’s only natural resources are its people and their strong work ethic. Jayalalithaa can easily follow Lee way. When she took over as CM in 2011, she had set objectives of making Tamil Nadu “Numero Uno” among the Indian states. Her vision of Tamil Nadu 2013, will aim to increase its GSDP (Gross State Domestic Product) at a growth rate of 11 percent or more per annum,” it said.

If we look at the competencies of Modi, there are some qualities which makes him apart from others, viz, he is not a caste-based leader, possesses good governance attitudes and skills, very energetic in working towards people’s welfare, clear vision of economic development, can lead the nation towards success through talent development, best communicator, ability to attract people, organizational capabilities, can direct, lead and control an administration, Pitchai said quoting the survey results.

On the other side Jayalalithaa possess some special traits, which make her the strongest contender, he said, adding, “These persona’s are integrity and ethics in administration, clarity of understanding social values and behavior, deep understanding of crucial issues, diplomatic skills, social and economic knowledge that helps in delivering best results, multi-linguistic knowledge to address the whole nation, decisiveness and willingness to make unpopular decisions, good formal education, political skills and sincere concern towards the people’s welfare.”

J Jayalalithaa focuses more on Social Benefits than long term economic measures. Modi was rated 10 on 10 in economic knowledge, whereas Jayalalithaa secured 9. Under the parameters `Mass Support’, `Party Influence’,` Faith in Secular Democracy’ and `Perfectionism’, J Jayalalithaa was rated the best with full 10 marks. Modi has secured full marks of 10 in four factors such as Education, Experience, Perfectionism and Economic knowledge, Rahul Gandhi’s representation has scored only 3 marks in Experience.In ‘Leadership Skills’ Narendra Modi has been awarded 7 marks whereas Selvi J Jayalalithaa is leading with 8 marks.

“Current politicians must mirror youthful ambitions, ideals and aspirations. Otherwise, our country will find itself trapped in the old and obsolete. For progress to come, prosper and continue we need progressive leaders. This survey has been conducted among the NRIs all over the world who with their roots in India know the reality of Indian politics and leadership abilities. It is a representation of the opinion of observers of Indian and International political scenarios, revealing their confidence in Narendra Modi and J Jayalalithaa’s ability,” added Pitchai.

Haryana tops average rural household monthly expenditure

Haryana has ranked on top with highest average rural household monthly expenditure on education worth over Rs 373 during 2004-05 and 2009-10, apex industry body ASSOCHAM said.

“While Odisha has ranked lowest with average rural household monthly expenditure on education worth just about Rs 52,” according to a study titled ‘Evolution of Indian Rural Markets: During 2004-05 to 2009-10,’ conducted by The Associated Chambers of Commerce and Industry of India (ASSOCHAM).

“Although we have made great strides in improving India’s education scenario, much ground still needs to be covered as our education system is still plagued by low enrollment rates, lower attendance and retention rates, high teacher absenteeism, irregular classes, poor teaching standards and other related issues,” said D.S. Rawat, national secretary general of ASSOCHAM while releasing the study’s findings. “The government needs to shift its focus on increasing enrollment rates and also reducing school drop-outs in rural areas which is also a significant problem.”  

“Gujarat has clocked massive growth rate of about 126 per cent in rural household monthly expenditure on education across states during the aforesaid period,” according to the study prepared by ASSOCHAM Research Bureau.

Punjab, though ranks second with about Rs 305 worth of average rural household monthly expenditure on education but the state ranks lowest with just about 10 per cent growth rate.

Jammu and Kashmir, Kerala and Himachal Pradesh are other states where the rural households on an average spend more on education.

While in Madhya Pradesh, Bihar, Karnataka and Assam average monthly household expenditure on education is low. “This portrays a wide inter-state variation in household expenditure on education,” said Rawat.

Analysing the aspect of growth in household monthly expenditure on education during the five years to 2009-10, Andhra Pradesh, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh and Kerala have registered high growth rate between 52-93 per cent.

While household expenditure on education in rural areas increased a lower rate between 17-23 per cent in Assam, Haryana, Madhya Pradesh and Odisha during the five years after 2004-05, highlighted the ASSOCHAM study.

“There is no dearth of world class quality higher-education institutions in urban centres but the need of the hour is to improve both primary and higher education scenario in rural sector.,” said ASSOCHAM.