Is Modi's fabled Gujarat model lawful and accountable?

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Is Modi’s fabled Gujarat model lawful and accountable?

By Bharat Patel, Kanchi Kohli, Manju Menon

Firstpost

April 22, 2014

The model’s first principle is state patronage to corporations.

Kutch Nahin Dekha to Kuch Nahin Dekha (If you ain’t seen Kutch, you ain’t seen nothin’) is a signature advertisement of the government of Gujarat. In our view it also fits a poster for the Gujarat model of development. Here, even before the ballot speaks, the administration is flexing its muscle. Over 12,000 Agariya families who have produced hand-made salt for generations in the Little Rann of Kutch have been declared violators of the Wildlife (Protection) Act. An earlier 2011 notice issued by the state government has been reiterated this month and the community has been given a week’s notice to provide documentary proof of their occupation or vacate the region. The official communication states that this activity is ‘prohibited’ and one that invites imprisonment up to seven years.

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January 17th, 2024

On 10th January 2024, CPR received a notice from the Ministry of Home Affairs cancelling its FCRA status. The basis of this decision is incomprehensible and disproportionate, and some of the reasons given challenge the very basis of the functioning of a research institution. This includes the publication on our website of policy reports emanating from our research being equated with current affairs programming.

During the tenure of our suspension, we sought and obtained interim redress from the honourable Delhi High Court and will continue to seek recourse in all avenues possible.

This cancellation comes after a decision to suspend the FCRA status in February 2023. These actions followed an Income Tax “survey” that took place in September 2022. The actions have had a debilitating impact on the institution’s ability to function by choking all sources of funding. This has undermined the institution’s ability to pursue its well established objective of producing high quality, globally recognised research on policy matters, which it has been recognised for over its 50 years’ existence. During this time the institution has been home to some of the country’s most distinguished academics, diplomats and policymakers.

CPR firmly reiterates that it is in complete compliance with the law, and has been cooperating fully and exhaustively at every step of the process. We remain steadfast in our belief that this matter will be resolved in line with constitutional values and guarantees.

From the President, CPR

Opinion and commentary

Is Modi’s fabled Gujarat model lawful and accountable?

By Bharat Patel, Kanchi Kohli, Manju Menon