Hitesh Makwana, the former mayor of Gandhinagar, is still seen driving around with a sign reading “Mayor” on his car. The sign, however, has the word “Former” written in very small letters. This has sparked discussions about the obsession some politicians have with their titles. Makwana served as mayor from October 20, 2021, to June 2024, a period of just three years. Even though he has not held the position for 14 months now, he continues to display the title prominently on his vehicle. The situation highlights a broader issue of how some leaders cling to power and status long after they have left office.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi often encourages leaders and workers in his party to move away from a VIP culture. However, Makwana’s actions contradict this message, showing a clear attachment to his former position. This behaviour raises questions about the true nature of leadership and the respect for democratic processes.
In recent developments, Pranav Parekh has become the full-time personal assistant to the Chief Minister of Gujarat, Bhupendra Patel. Previously, Parekh was handling significant responsibilities along with his role as an assistant, which left him little time at his office. His appointment as the Chief Minister’s permanent personal assistant comes after the departure of two assistants due to various reasons. This internal reshuffling reflects the ongoing changes within the Chief Minister’s office.
Additionally, the Gujarat government is working to increase the number of candidates passing the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) exams. The Sardar Patel Institute of Public Administration (SPIA) conducts training classes for 635 candidates each year. These classes offer various facilities like modern libraries and free Wi-Fi. Candidates with over 80% attendance receive stipends, which has encouraged many young people to join. Recent entrance exams saw over 10,000 applicants, demonstrating the growing interest in civil services.
However, there have been concerns regarding the quality of the Gujarat Public Service Commission (GPSC) exams. Despite having a full legal department, students often find themselves in court over issues related to exam processes. Professor B.C. Rathod, who writes guidebooks for GPSC aspirants, highlighted that the recent preliminary exam was fraught with errors. This situation has led many students to seek legal recourse, raising questions about the integrity of the examination system.
In a positive note, the Gandhinagar Municipal Corporation recently demonstrated a human and practical approach when dealing with a scheduling conflict. The cultural institution ‘Sanskruti’ had booked the town hall for a play, but the municipality had also scheduled an event on the same day. After discussions with the mayor, standing committee chairman, and commissioner, they managed to reschedule the municipal event, allowing the play to proceed without any issues. This kind of responsiveness reflects well on the local government and its leaders.
In summary, the actions of former mayor Hitesh Makwana illustrate a certain mindset prevalent among some politicians regarding their titles. Meanwhile, the Gujarat government is making efforts to support civil service aspirants, even as it grapples with challenges in its examination system. The recent cooperative spirit shown by Gandhinagar’s municipal leaders is a reminder of the importance of effective governance and public service.