Why Isn't Piyush Goyal the Finance Minister?

There has been a lot of debate on whether or not Piyush Goyal should be appointed as the Finance Minister of India. He has shown remarkable efficiency in his current roles, particularly in the Ministry of Railways. However, the decision for such a significant change lies in the hands of the Prime Minister, who decides based on the need and capability of the person.

Efficiency in the Ministry of Railways

Under his leadership, the Ministry of Railways has seen a significant improvement in infrastructure. However, it's crucial to note that the travel time for some distances has increased, which doesn't reflect well on the previous efforts. Yet, with his strong leadership, the railways have managed to grow considerably. Critics have argued that these developments might not amount to efficiency; however, his approach to the role is different.

Current Portfolio and Future Ambitions

Piyush Goyal is indeed performing exceptionally well in his current roles, as the Minister of Railways and Commerce. His dual responsibility demonstrates his capability to handle multiple portfolios effectively. However, the Ministry of Finance carries substantial weight and demands a leader with both political acumen and economic expertise. His limited background in commerce might be a disadvantage in this capacity.

Previous and Future Challenges

Prior to his roles, Piyush Goyal had a brief stint as the Night-Shift Minister, which he declined based on his assessment of the state of the nation. He gave clear reasons for not taking on the Finance Minister role, emphasizing the need to prevent the country from descending into further disarray under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his previous Finance Minister, Arun Jaitley.

Comparing Ministers in Commerce and Finance

While Piyush Goyal is doing commendably in the Ministry of Railways and Commerce, the Minister of Finance, Nirmala Sitharaman, faces a multitude of challenges. She has been successful in the Ministry of Defence, especially during the critical time of the Rafale deal. She will now have to focus on the Ministry of Finance, where her expertise can be leveraged to address economic challenges such as trade deficits and tax simplification.

Future Prospects for Nirmala Sitharaman

Nirmala Sitharaman's roles and responsibilities have expanded significantly. She must now work on creating a simplified tax filing system and prepare regular budgets. Her knowledge of defense and economics can help her in her new role, although it will require a steep learning curve in understanding the complexities of finance management.

Conclusion

While Piyush Goyal has demonstrated his efficiency in the Ministry of Railways and Commerce, the challenges in the Ministry of Finance are quite different. It will be interesting to see how both capable leaders, Piyush Goyal and Nirmala Sitharaman, navigate their respective roles to benefit the nation.