Question

Explain the new initiatives in the Era of Rajiv gandhi

Answer 1

The following are new initiatives in the Era of Rajiv gandhi -

• It was under his rule that Centre for Development of Telematics (C-DOT) was established in August 1984 to develop state-of-the-art telecommunication technology and meet the needs of the Indian telecommunication network.
• In 1986, MTNL (Mahanagar Telephone Nigam Limited) was established which helped in the spread of telephone network.
• Rajiv Gandhi promoted science and technology and associated industries. One of the ways was to reduce import quotas, taxes and tariffs on such industries, especially computers, airlines, defence and telecommunications. The Indian Railways was modernised after introduction of computerised railway tickets.
• Rajiv Gandhi sought to give empower the youths. Towards that end, the 61st Amendment Act of the Constitution was passed in 1989, lowering the voting age from 21 years to 18 years. This move allowed the youths to have a say in choosing Lok Sabha MPs and MLAs in the states.
• Though Panchayati Raj was created by the 73rd and the 74th Amendments to the Constitution in 1992, a year after Rajiv Gandhi was assassinated, the background was prepared during the Congress government led by him.
• With NPE in place, residential schools called Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalayas, under the central government, were set up to bring out the best of rural talent. These schools provide free residential education from grades six to twelve to the rural population.