What distinguishes a visible minister from an invisible one is that the former takes decisions that matter. Some turn out to be stupid decisions. Sometimes, they run contrary to the plans of the political party leadership. But a good minister must take contrary decisions and make frank statements. And the public must believe that the minister likes to use his brains. Even if his thinking is not in alignment with our own hopes and fears. But at least, let him apply himself to the task at hand, enforce rules, ask questions.
Until recently, the MoEF was barely visible in everyday governance. Usually, the ministries we heard from were Home, Finance or Defence. But debates over displacement, pollution and the right of ecology itself to survive, unmolested, have become uncomfortably hot in India.
But I’m not mourning his transfer to Rural Development. Visible ministers are desperately needed in every ministry.And as for the MoEF, we can only hope Natarajan will similarly consult her conscience while taking decisions on environment.
