Are We Punching Above Our Weight?
Bureaucracy Today|May 01 - 31, 2017

International diplomacy is about Games Nations Play. This title of the celebrated book on world politics suggests that the success and failure of a country in the international arena will be determined by how good or bad it plays the game of politics at the global level. Like any other game, diplomacy is also about the calibre, skill and strength of the players which will decide the outcome of the game. In this context, we are talking here about the Ministry of External Affairs which is mandated to project India in the comity of nations and promote national interests by a sound mix of depth touches, dexterous policy measures and a bold declaration of official intent. 

Amit Kumar
Are We Punching Above Our Weight?

An oft-repeated criticism of the MEA working is as India grows in international stature, its diplomatic Service is increasingly getting outclassed and outnumbered and has become outdated. It suffers from a lack of consultations among those framing India’s foreign policy and a lack of coordination among those implementing it.

In recent years, the intake of the Indian Foreign Service has averaged between eight and 15 persons annually. The present cadre strength of the service stands at approximately 1,200 officers manning around 162 Indian missions and posts abroad and the various posts in the Ministry at home. The total strength of MEA personnel at the Headquarters in New Delhi and in its Missions abroad is 4,054.

Contrast this number with those of the American, Russian and Chinese Foreign Offices which have 13,000, 12,000 and 7,500 officers, respectively, in their diplomatic Service. This comparison is warranted as these countries dominate the world stage and India is both cooperating and competing with these giants.

Of particular interest to India is the case of China. Its diplomatic engagement with the world is intensive; its diplomatic network is much larger than that of India and its embassies are considerably larger. China manages well its Asia policy and engagements with other world regions. Its deep pockets and generous aid grants have supported a strong economic project drive.

Similarly, how seriously Russia takes its foreign policy business is evident from the structure of its Foreign Ministry. Russia has 10 Deputy Foreign Ministers looking after different aspects of its foreign policy.

Denne historien er fra May 01 - 31, 2017-utgaven av Bureaucracy Today.

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Denne historien er fra May 01 - 31, 2017-utgaven av Bureaucracy Today.

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FLERE HISTORIER FRA BUREAUCRACY TODAYSe alt
has bureaucracy failed modi?
bureaucracy today

has bureaucracy failed modi?

the ambitious swachh bharat abhiyaan, which was officially launched on october 2, 2014 amid much fanfare with prime minister narendra modi himself cleaning the road with a broom at rajghat in new delhi, was seen as a harbinger of change which would influence the behaviour of millions of indians who are notoriously known for dumping their wastes in public places. for months, bureaucrats wielding the broom also continued to dominate the media space. however, over two years since the campaign was launched, the cleanliness zeal, it seems, has taken a backseat. a reality check done by bureaucracy today in shastri bhawan in lutyens’ delhi which houses major central ministries indicates that those in the corridors of power are not readying themselves to become part of a new, clean and swanky india.

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4 mins  |
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can cag audits be more innovative and transformative?
bureaucracy today

can cag audits be more innovative and transformative?

audit, if used properly, can become an effective aid to administration. the thumb rule is that audit must essentially capture the other side of the coin of governance. a responsive, relevant and responsible audit can only complement, supplement, support and strengthen quality governance. right audit themes, analysis and outcome can help administrators conduct a swot analysis of their strengths and weaknesses, providing deeper insights on missing issues to evaluate and take a midcourse corrective and preventive action, and help the government refocus to derive the planned outcome from projects and schemes.  

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4 mins  |
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increase import duty on stainless steel flat products: issda
bureaucracy today

increase import duty on stainless steel flat products: issda

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5 mins  |
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amritsar's emergence as a real estate hotspot
bureaucracy today

amritsar's emergence as a real estate hotspot

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how much protection is available to judges and magistrates?
bureaucracy today

how much protection is available to judges and magistrates?

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3 mins  |
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five trends that will reshape the indian real estate market
bureaucracy today

five trends that will reshape the indian real estate market

among the many different factors influencing the way real estate is developed, transacted and used in india, there are five big major emerging trends that have both real-time and long-term significance.

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october 1-15,2016
Is it a Crackdown or Creation of New Lords of Black Money Hoarders?
Bureaucracy Today

Is it a Crackdown or Creation of New Lords of Black Money Hoarders?

On the night of november 8 this year, Prime minister narendra modi appeared on national television to declare his Government’s decision to demonetise Rs 500 and Rs 1,000 currency notes, with a window of 50 days for a smooth transition. no doubt the move has hit those who have accumulated unaccounted black money. the Bureaucracy Today magazine analyses whether the move will stop the hoarding of black money in time to come.

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A Paradigm Project for the Future
Bureaucracy Today

A Paradigm Project for the Future

What makes for a great development project in Morocco? Which qualities imbue an initiative with longevity and sustainability, enabling it to meet a whole range of interconnected material and emotional needs? Is there a single concept applicable to a specific geographical location that exceptionally embodies those qualities?

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4 mins  |
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Minority Shareholders 'Short-Changed' At Bombay House
Bureaucracy Today

Minority Shareholders 'Short-Changed' At Bombay House

The National Company Law Tribunal (NCLT) has turned down a request from Shapoorji Pallonji Group (SPG) vide its investment outfits, viz, Sterling Investment Corporation and Cyrus Investments, to initiate action against Tata Sons for the “oppression of minority interest and mismanagement”. It was done on the ground that the petitioner does not have the required minimum shareholding of 10%.

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3 mins  |
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Should You Buy Your Dream Home Now?
Bureaucracy Today

Should You Buy Your Dream Home Now?

The RERA or the Real Estate Regulation Act has finally become a reality. Though there are still plenty of hiccups and it will obviously take some time for the industry to absorb all the facets of the Act, it should be kept in mind that the RERA is a process, not an event. Meanwhile, the foremost question in property buyers’ minds is - should they wait until the RERA process is streamlined, or can they go in for home purchase now? 

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3 mins  |
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