Centre’s Repeated U-Turns Raise Questions on Policy Preparedness

Centre’s Repeated U-Turns Raise Questions on Policy Preparedness

HARISH MONGA

The recent withdrawal of Union Law and Justice Minister Arjun Ram Meghwal from the Gang Canal Centenary celebrations has once again highlighted a growing pattern of abrupt reversals by the Central Government. Meghwal, who had already landed in Amritsar and was on his way to Ferozepur to preside over the 100-year commemorative event, was instructed by the Prime Minister’s Office to return immediately. No official explanation was issued, leaving room for speculation and public criticism.

The Gang Canal—commissioned on December 5, 1925, by Maharaja Ganga Singh of Bikaner—remains a lifeline for the Bikaner region, running 1,398 km along the Indo-Pak border and addressing long-standing irrigation needs. The centenary celebration was expected to honor this engineering feat, but the sudden cancellation overshadowed the occasion.

This incident is the fourth Punjab-related rollback by the Centre in recent times. Earlier U-turns include:

• Withdrawal of the MSP-related legislation, following year-long farmer protests at the Shambhu border.
• Retraction of the proposed Electricity Amendment Bill, which faced strong resistance from farmers and states.
• Cancellation of the controversial Punjab University notification, after widespread academic and political objections.
• Pullback from changes concerning UT governance and Chandigarh administration, following fears of federal overreach.
• Reversal on the Punjab University Senate elections, again showcasing indecision.

These repeated flip-flops suggest inadequate groundwork, poor consultation, and a lack of sensitivity toward regional concerns—especially in Punjab, where political sentiments are already delicate. Frequent reversals not only erode public trust but also raise questions about the Centre’s decision-making process.

It is high time the government re-evaluates its approach, strengthens its consultative mechanisms, and ensures thorough assessment before announcing significant policies. Learning from these missteps is essential to avoid further embarrassment and maintain credibility in the eyes of the public.