PMO begins work on President’s Parliament speech for next govt

This decision, insiders said, was part of a larger effort to effect a smooth transition so that the new government can hit the ground running. As a result, Principal Secretary to the Prime Minister, Pulok Chatterji, wrote this letter recently, setting into motion the transition process.

However, there could be a problem with the content, given that most of the ministries are likely to provide material which reflects current policy. Aligning this to the political priorities of the party or coalition that forms the next government will be the new regime’s first immediate challenge.

For his part, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh has instructed his key aides to record as much as possible in writing and on file. This, sources said, includes sensitive subjects like the country’s nuclear preparedness, the intricate dialogue process with Pakistan and security-related issues.

While it is not possible to put all aspects on paper, insiders said, key PMO officials like the Principal Secretary and the National Security Advisor have been asked to be ready to provide detailed briefings to the next Prime Minister on short notice. It’s reliably learnt that detailed groundwork on this has already started.

Singh, insiders said, is keen that most of his government’s actions on sensitive subjects are properly recorded to prevent any ambiguity or distortion. For instance, the Manmohan Singh government had to constantly reach out to Brajesh Mishra, who was Principal Secretary and NSA in the Vajpayee government, for clarity on many issues like the R K Mishra-led back channel talks with Pakistan.

Chatterji, sources said, has also asked Cabinet Secretary Ajit Seth to draw up lists of pending legislation and bureaucratic appointments which would be due when the next government takes over. Within the PMO too, a proper compendium of the way the office currently functions is being prepared to ensure an easier change of guard.

Meanwhile, for the first time in many years, the government has decided to completely refurbish the cabinet meeting room in the PMO. A full-fledged renovation is now underway to make the room more welcome for the new cabinet.