Chapter 88: Ch.87: Prelude to the Anti-Corruption Crusade
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Rashtrapati Bhavan, New Delhi, Bharat, May 15, 1946
Aryan Yadav, the newly elected President of Bharat, sat in his office at Rashtrapati Bhavan, reflecting on the historic day. The first session of the Bharatiya Parliament had concluded successfully, with the budget and several key policies and laws approved by both the Upper and Lower Houses. The budget, designed to foster all-around development, encourage business ventures, and uplift the financially challenged sections of society, was a significant milestone for the new nation.
Aryan's thoughts turned to the resolution passed in Parliament to base the Bharatiya Rupee on gold. This decision was bolstered by a recent discovery by the Archaeological Survey of Bharat (ASB), which had unearthed massive gold and mineral reserves across the country. The anonymous tip that led to this discovery had come from Aryan himself, disguised to ensure the information reached the right hands without raising suspicion.
With the ASB and several mining companies, including a subsidiary of Yadav Industries, now funded and equipped for extraction, Bharat was poised to significantly reduce its gold imports. The Reserve Bank of Bharat would begin accumulating gold, purchasing it from domestic companies and international markets, ensuring that global gold prices remained stable.
Aryan envisioned the economic stability this move would bring for Bharat. The gold-backed Rupee would provide a stable and reliable currency, boosting investor confidence and attracting foreign investments. It would also protect Bharat from the volatility of fiat currencies. Aryan knew that in the near future, Americans would sign an agreement with the oil-rich nations in the Middle East to only accept payment in US dollars for their oil, a resource indispensable for the rebuilding and future development of the world after the war. This move would increase the world's dependency on the USD, allowing America to control the global economy through the power of its currency.
However, Aryan was determined to change the course of history. He planned to make Bharat less dependent on fossil fuels and focus on renewable sources like nuclear energy and magi-tech innovation for electricity. As Bharat grew into a middle-income country, he envisioned the successful completion of nuclear fission experiments, paving the way for nuclear fusion technology. Inspired by various games and novels, he imagined creating an artificial sun and developing a nuclear fuel cell reactor small enough to be held in one hand. This advanced magi-tech would further reduce Bharat's dependency on fossil fuels.
In Aryan's view, a future where Bharat's strategic gold accumulation was carefully managed to avoid significant fluctuations in global gold prices was a much better option. By maintaining a balance between demand and supply, Bharat could ensure a steady increase in gold value, benefiting its economy.
Initially, the Rupee's value against the US Dollar would stabilize, reflecting the newfound economic strength. Over time, as Bharat's gold reserves grew and its economy expanded, the Rupee could appreciate against the Dollar, enhancing its purchasing power on the global stage. The gold-backed Rupee would also lay the foundation for long-term economic growth, reducing dependency on foreign currencies and fostering self-reliance. Additionally, this shift would encourage domestic industries and technological advancements, positioning Bharat as a global economic powerhouse.
As Aryan was engrossed in reviewing and signing off the Budget, he was interrupted by a soft knock on the door. He looked up to see Athena, his Chief of Staff, entering the office. Athena had efficiently taken over the role from Ravi Verma, Aryan's adoptive father and father-in-law, who now served as the Home Minister of Bharat. Ravi had stepped into this role after the election of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel as the Vice President of Bharat in the recent Presidential elections alongside him.
Athena's presence was both calming and invigorating. Her charming personality and the elegance of her traditional attire made her a perfect fit for the official environment of Rashtrapati Bhavan.
"Master," Athena began, her voice gentle yet authoritative, "Dr. B.R. Ambedkar has arrived for the meeting you called." Ambedkar, after much convincing and reassurance from Aryan personally on the sidelines of the Constituent Assembly, about the upliftment of those affected by the caste system and other oppressed sections of society, had decided to join the Bharatiya Vikas Sangh (BVS). Taking into account his expertise in the law department, he had been appointed as the Attorney General of Bharat and would head the Department of Justice.
Aryan's eyes lit up with a mix of satisfaction and determination. Dr. Ambedkar's inclusion in the government was a significant step towards achieving social justice and equality in Bharat. Aryan knew that with Ambedkar's expertise and dedication, the nation could make substantial progress in eradicating social injustices that had plagued it for centuries.
"Thank you, Athena," Aryan replied, his voice filled with gratitude. "Please show him in. We have important matters to discuss."
Athena nodded and gracefully exited the room, returning moments later with Dr. B.R. Ambedkar. The distinguished leader entered with a gait of purpose, his presence commanding respect.
"Dr. Ambedkar, thank you for coming," Aryan greeted him warmly. "I have an important task for you. We have managed to pass the Anti-Corruption Bill, despite significant opposition from Congress and other parties, owing to our special majority in Parliament. With the passage of this Bill, we need to form a specialized ombudsman department focused on eradicating corruption from Bharat. This department will be crucial in ensuring that our nation's growth and development are not hampered by corrupt practices."
Dr. Ambedkar listened intently, nodding in agreement. "I understand the importance of this task, Mr. President. I am honored to take on this responsibility and will ensure that the department operates with the utmost integrity and efficiency." He had been very satisfied after the law was proposed by Aryan and he was given an opportunity to craft it accordingly. It signified that his decision to leave Congress, who opposed this law vehemently, and later join BVS under Aryan's leadership, was the correct one. He was confident that with the passage of this bill, many new doors would open to his wishes of effectively remedying the injustices faced by people belonging to lower castes and tribes, after the removal of the hurdles in the way.
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