In a confidential communication, the government has urged ministers not to name any programmes or projects after former prime ministers Indira Gandhi or her son Rajiv.
In the letter (DO number 1/48/10/2010), which is possession of rediff.com, Cabinet Secretary KM Chandrasekhar has written:
'As you are aware that a number of programmes under execution in the country are named after leaders, particularly former prime ministers Indira Gandhi and Rajiv Gandhi."
'The practice has become widespread and indiscriminate. This reduces the value of identifying programmes with national figures, particularly as implementation and impact of many of these programmes is not always as ought to be. As such many of them do not merit such association.
'I have therefore been directed to convey that in the light of what is stated above there is need to be sparing and selective in associating names national leaders with such programmes to prevent proliferation of such nomenclature.'
Earlier last month, Congress leaders had claimed that Dr Singh -- at a media interaction with print media editors -- had tried to project himself a better administrator and manager than Nehru and even Indira Gandhi. Given this, it remains to be seen how the Congress party will react to the latest communication involving its icons.
