Below the Line – The Hindu BusinessLine

GM crop finding
| Photo Credit:
NAGARA GOPAL

Bharatiya Kisan Sangh (BKS) General Secretary Mohini Mohan Mishra’s interview to businessline, stating that a full stop would be put to genetically modified (GM) crops, has brought to the open differences between the Modi Government and the Sangh, says a little bird.

Mishra pointed out that while NITI Aayog Member Ramesh Chand supports GM crops, the Minister of Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare Shivraj Singh Chauhan opposes them. BKS, Sangh, and the government are not on the same page with regard to the US-India bilateral agreement, especially in providing market access to agri produce from the US. The BKS and Sangh are bitter that bureaucrats are calling the shots. This is contrary to charges made by the Opposition that the Sangh dictates the Government’s policies, points out the little bird.

Seniors vs juniors

There is trouble brewing between a minister and his deputy, so much so that the minister refuses to be drawn into lengthy discussions with the latter. The two have also set up separate communication channels to ensure visibility.

More onus on auditors

With increased disclosure and approval requirements for related party transactions from April 1 onward, the onus is now on the audit committees of companies as well as external auditors to closely track such transactions. Most cases of fraud in the corporate sector involve related parties, and regulators feel that fraudulent and suspicious transactions can be nipped if these transactions are flagged and their implications spelt out. While audit committees have to seek granular details of such transactions, independent directors on companies boards have to be careful when stamping their approval. Compliance officers and audit committees will be feeling the heat of the heightened scrutiny. Law firms aver that while the tightening of regulations is justified in the light of the frauds that are perpetrated, it is likely to slow down decision-making in companies

Gag order on ministers

Post Pahalgam, some of the senior Cabinet ministers have been holding back on interviews and public appearances. Apparently, there have been orders from higher-ups to avoid public appearances/interactions — such as attending events, speaking to the media, giving interviews, or making statements. Exceptions include “the big three”; and any “major gathering”. And, apparently, the orders are being followed to the T.

Published on April 27, 2025