Rajeev’s consistent stand that the school managements are responsibility for safety of children and that the Government department of Education is also responsible for regulating schools on all…
Rajeev’s consistent stand that the school managements are responsibility for safety of children and that the Government department of Education is also responsible for regulating schools on all matters including safety of children was validated by the Karnataka High court. The court ruled that both the Government and school managements are responsible and will be called to account every time such a crime occurs
In January 2014, when a two and a half year old child was brutally raped by her school van driver in Bangalore city, Rajeev wrote to the Home Minister of the State to ensure that speedy justice is…
In January 2014, when a two and a half year old child was brutally raped by her school van driver in Bangalore city, Rajeev wrote to the Home Minister of the State to ensure that speedy justice is delivered He urged the Home Minister to initiate criminal action against school authorities and to set up a Special Court to fast track such cases as mandated under the Prevention of Children from Sexual Offences (POSCO) Act. Rajeev also suggested that the government institute a policy to ensure schools follow a rigorous verification process while hiring drivers, janitors and other support staff.to prevent such incidents in the future,Rajeev’s efforts helped in adding pressure on the police to eventually arrest the School Principal and the attendant accused of abetting the crime
When Karnataka CM Shri Siddaramaiah issued a statement that Bruhut Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) was facing fund crunch and there is no money available for the BBMP to take up new projects…
When Karnataka CM Shri Siddaramaiah issued a statement that Bruhut Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) was facing fund crunch and there is no money available for the BBMP to take up new projects, Rajeev wrote to the Chief Minister stating that Bangalore was not facing any shortfall in revenue but is actually suffering from corruption, wasteful Expenditure & vested Interests and this was the cause, in fact, the main cause for the city’s Municipal authority edging towards bankruptcy. Rajeev highlighted the poor Governance and corruption over the last several years and suggested measures to stem the decline. Although initially few ministers from the Government denied the allegations of Bankruptcy, the Mayor himself wrote to Rajeev, seeking his suggestions and advice to improve the financial condition of the city administration. Many media reports revealed the massive corruption in the BBMP and how the intervention of vested interests had caused great damage to the city and its financial state, validating Rajeev’s argument.
The Government of Karnataka mandated the Karnataka Information and Communication Technology Group Report details 10 key initiatives and recommends several measures for the government to leverage the…
Adverse Impact of the KIG Report on Bangalore’s development
The Government of Karnataka mandated the Karnataka Information and Communication Technology Group Report details 10 key initiatives and recommends several measures for the government to leverage the opportunity and to achieve its core objectives. Among the recommendations, the proposal to increase and implement premium FAR/FSI (Floor Area Ratio/Floor Space Index) as a resource mobilization concept for funding of development of Bengaluru has received wide public attention. Rajeev opposed the recommendations, wrote to Chief Minister urging him to take citizens considerations seriously and protect the city against efforts by lobbies and vested interests. Rajeev’s views received wide spread support from the citizens and a Retired Additional Chief Secretary of Karnataka Government also endorsed Rajeev’s Views on this issue.
Rajeev Chandrasekhar was hand-picked by the BJP President Amit Shah to lead the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) in Kerala as its Vice Chairman on 26th September 2016. Rajeev believes that politics…
Rajeev Chandrasekhar was hand-picked by the BJP President Amit Shah to lead the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) in Kerala as its Vice Chairman on 26th September 2016.
Rajeev believes that politics in Kerala needs a transformation that is capable of unleashing the state’s full potential. And that an alternative political front based on equitable development for all including the many lakhs of downtrodden as well as opportunities for the youth is the need of the hour. The NDA, with its rapidly growing vote share and popularity he feels, is that alternative.
With his ancestral roots in Kerala, he has in this short period, taken up many critical issues within the state and also helped to address grievances of many Keralites living outside the state.
Rajeev has brought the National focus on one of the most burning issues in Kerala - the rise in political violence. He believes political violence is not just lives and disrupting families – it has a big impact on private and public investments into the state and highlighted that investors don’t want to invest and create jobs in a state that is being perceived as state sponsor of Political violence with no heed or respect for law or individual rights and liberty.
Rajeev has persistently demanded de-politicization of Police in the state and urged the State Government to take the initiative – and start getting the police to enforce the law instead of being complicit in law breaking or ignoring the law.
One of the more serious issues Rajeev has raised is the radicalization of youth and ISIS growth in Kerala stating that it is tragic for a state that has had a long record of Communal harmony and inter-faith relations to be rushing headlong into a sharp deterioration of the same due to the politics that is giving a go-by to law enforcement for the sake of communal politics.
Another area in focus of Rajeev’s work has been the protection of the eco-sensitive zone of Munnar. He raised the Munnar issue in the Parliament and highlighted the extensive encroachments of forest land and illegal constructions by the political-business-bureaucratic mafia going on for decades. He continues to pursue the issue and is determined to ensure all encroachments and illegal constructions in Munnar, Pallivasal and CHR are evicted in a time-bounded manner under FC Act and culprits including politicians involved are held to account.
Rajeev has taken up other significant issues like education and pay structure of Nurses and sought the status of implementation of MCI recommendations to raise the salary of nurses working in private hospitals at par with those of nurses in government hospitals across the nation in Parliament. He also actively pursued the case of a Keralite missing in Kuwait and ensured his safe return home and brought attention to the rising cases in vector-borne diseases in Kerala.
Rajeev has voiced his concern over the state of economy and employment in Kerala – the political violence, radicalisation, and spread of ISIS and lack of reforms in education all have caused global investors to refuse to even consider Kerala as a destination and this driven away investors from the state and prevented job opportunities for the youth.
Rajeev continues to raise these important issues that impact Kerala within and outside Parliament, in the media and with the public.
Rajeev Chandrasekhar has focused on and taken up a wide array of macro-economic and micro-economic issues in his two terms in Parliament. These include the restructuring of Public Sector Banks…
Rajeev Chandrasekhar has focused on and taken up a wide array of macro-economic and micro-economic issues in his two terms in Parliament. These include the restructuring of Public Sector Banks, creating Transparency in the management of Public Assets and repairing key sectors in the economy to revive growth amongst others.
Rajeev advocates for the creation of a new architecture, a coherent economic vision, prudent financial management and a team of credible leaders to ensure revival of the economy. He believes that there is a need to redefine the role of the Government and restore credibility of government institutions.
With Transform India, Rajeev has focused on multiple areas providing solutions and roadmaps to many critical issues pertaining to the Government of India’s economic and governance policy decisions. Rajeev’s insight made him one of the first individuals to raise concerns regarding the ad hoc allocation of 2G licenses in 2008 – which in the years to come became one of the main indictments against the UPA government.
Rajeev has asserted the need for reforms in the public sector banking (PSB) system and has urged the Government to consider stronger mechanisms for installing an internal culture of transparency and accountability in decisions taken by PSBs. He has highlighted the seriousness of the issue of Non-Performing Assets in PSB’s as it involves Tax payers’ money and advocated a joint effort by the Government, RBI and the Board of Management of the Banks.
Rajeev has over the past ten years advocated for an integrated approach to Economic reforms in the country that address issues of banking, manufacturing & production and technology & governance. Rajeev has maintained that most important structural moves are the creation of a social security net via pension and insurance, and the MUDRA bank that will also bring the bottom of pyramid into the economy.
A strong votary for Transparency in Governance, Rajeev feels the change in the government’s approach towards public assets is in itself a transformation. Rajeev has maintained that there is a need for a comprehensive public policy especially when it involves commercial terms of monetisation of public assets like spectrum, minerals, natural resources, etc. He firmly believes a public policy should be based on a simple objective and test of ensuring maximum benefits to the exchequer and public
A proponent for Independence in monetary policymaking in India just as it is recognised the world over, Rajeev maintains that important and first steps towards reforming the economy must entail decisive governance and policy action that spurs foreign and domestic equity investor sentiment and restart equity investment cycle.
Highlighting that the issue of deciding on interest rates has resulted in much friction between the government and the RBI, Rajeev believes the RBI should be kept autonomous even if it does not pander to government’s expectations all the time.
The 'change' to India’s economic architecture according to Rajeev could be deep and transformational. It involves funding the unfunded, and unlocking the potential of a new pool of entrepreneurs and future taxpayers in this country
Rajeev has served on select committees that finalised legislations like GST, Insurance, Mines & Mineral Regulation Bill, Auctions in Spectrum and the Real Estate Regulation Bill amongst others.
Rajeev Chandrasekhar is a strong supporter of the Armed Forces in India. He has been the voice for the men and women in uniform who serve and the veterans who have served in the Armed Forces since he…
Rajeev Chandrasekhar is a strong supporter of the Armed Forces in India. He has been the voice for the men and women in uniform who serve and the veterans who have served in the Armed Forces since he stepped into Parliament in 2006.
Rajeev is the lone Parliamentarian to have raised the issue of One Rank One Pension (OROP) persistently since 2008. His long standing endeavour saw victory on 05 September 2015, when the Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar announced that the Government had accepted OROP and would implement it. In November 2015, the Government went on to issue orders of implementation of OROP with effect from 01 July 2014. Rajeev welcomed the announcement stating it was the biggest and most significant welfare measure for veterans in Post-Independent India by any Government.
Rajeev spearheaded the introduction of the Armed Forces Covenant Bill that envisages “pledging of commitment” that soldiers— both retired and serving — and their families will be provided with medical support, education; good quality and affordable accommodation; a comprehensive compensation system; maintenance for disabled soldiers and bereaved families; reservation in civilian jobs particularly related to security and more. It also entails that the Government set up an Armed Forces Grievances Redressal Commission, comprising senior judges and top army brass to oversee that the provisions of the law are fulfilled. He has also demanded setting up of a Veterans Commission and nominations of a Veteran into Parliament.
Rajeev has also raised the demand for a National Military Memorial in New Delhi, consistently in Parliament. He believes that the Country needs to show deep gratitude to those who in times of war and peace have faithfully defended the Nation. . It was on his initiative, persistent efforts and a long legal battle resulted in building of the National Military Memorial at Bengaluru in 2012.
Rajeev has championed the rights of Armed Forces to exercise their franchise. Taking the cause up on various platforms, Rajeev took the fight up to the Supreme Court of India. In March 2014, his fight saw a victory when the Court ordered the Election Commission to facilitate voting rights for armed forces and not obstruct it. Armed forces personnel and their families stationed in peace areas since 1 January 2014 were considered general voters and allowed to vote at their place of posting.
Rajeev, his foundation - the Flags of Honour, and Captain Kalia’s father Dr. N.K. Kalia, filed a petition in UN Human Rights Council seeking independent investigations on the torture and death of Capt. Saurabh Kalia and five jawans of the 4 Jat Regiment during the Kargil War in 1999.
The petition was filed on 7 December 2012 with Mr Juan E Mendez, Special Rapporteur on Torture, Office of High Commissioner of Human Rights, UN Office Geneva. Rajeev continues to raise the matter in Parliament and in public domain.
Rajeev is constantly engaged with veterans and their families and takes up matters for their welfare. In a rare honour, in February 2016, he was felicitated by Lt Gen KJ Singh, then General Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Western Command, with the Army Commander’s Commendation Card for his contribution to the cause of the defence community and actively pursuing various defence issues, including welfare of the veterans, at the national level.
Rajeev Chandrasekhar is committed to protecting children. He believes crimes against children are the worst forms of cruelty, especially because they violate the basic trust and care that a child…
Rajeev Chandrasekhar is committed to protecting children. He believes crimes against children are the worst forms of cruelty, especially because they violate the basic trust and care that a child expects from an adult. Concerned over the growing danger of abuse to young children and lack of child safety in India, he has advocated measures to create safe environments for children and for those who have been victimised.
Rajeev advocates a three-pronged approach to tackling the malaise of Child Sexual Abuse, through increasing Accountability, bolstering mechanisms for Prevention, and ensuring swifter Prosecution.
Consistently drawing attention to the deficient laws on Child Safety, Rajeev made continued interventions in the Parliament, written thought provoking articles in the National media, engaged with State Governments and taken up the cause in the State High Courts. He has highlighted the glaring gaps that exist in the institutional response to Child Sexual Abuse vehemently, and holds that children will remain exposed and vulnerable to sexual assault until the Government commits to a roadmap to ensure the safety of our children.
As a Member of Parliament from Bengaluru, which has seen several incidents of sexual assaults perpetrated against children, Rajeev has pushed relentlessly for Governments – State and Central, police and judiciary to adopt a zero tolerance approach towards crimes against children.
Under his ProtectOurChildren initiative, Rajeev seeks to ensure institutional responses to Child Sexual Abuse and the wider issue of Child Rights and Child Safety.
In December 2015 Rajeev initiated the National Coalition to ProtectOurChildren - a civil society group - to help the government frame a policy that will ensure safety and well-being of children.
Rajeev regularly engages with diverse stakeholders-parents, students, teachers, counsellors, school managements etc. apart from academics, legal experts in deliberations to ensure a more proactive approach to child safety.
Rajeev Chandrasekhar is committed to protecting children. He believes crimes against children are the worst forms of cruelty, especially because they violate the basic trust and care that a child…
Rajeev Chandrasekhar is committed to protecting children. He believes crimes against children are the worst forms of cruelty, especially because they violate the basic trust and care that a child expects from an adult. Concerned over the growing danger of abuse to young children and lack of child safety in India, he has advocated measures to create safe environments for children and for those who have been victimised.
Rajeev advocates a three-pronged approach to tackling the malaise of Child Sexual Abuse, through increasing Accountability, bolstering mechanisms for Prevention, and ensuring swifter Prosecution.
Consistently drawing attention to the deficient laws on Child Safety, Rajeev made continued interventions in the Parliament, written thought provoking articles in the National media, engaged with State Governments and taken up the cause in the State High Courts. He has highlighted the glaring gaps that exist in the institutional response to Child Sexual Abuse vehemently, and holds that children will remain exposed and vulnerable to sexual assault until the Government commits to a roadmap to ensure the safety of our children.
As a Member of Parliament from Bengaluru, which has seen several incidents of sexual assaults perpetrated against children, Rajeev has pushed relentlessly for Governments – State and Central, police and judiciary to adopt a zero tolerance approach towards crimes against children.
Under his ProtectOurChildren initiative, Rajeev seeks to ensure institutional responses to Child Sexual Abuse and the wider issue of Child Rights and Child Safety.
In December 2015 Rajeev initiated the National Coalition to ProtectOurChildren - a civil society group - to help the government frame a policy that will ensure safety and well-being of children.
Rajeev regularly engages with diverse stakeholders-parents, students, teachers, counsellors, school managements etc. apart from academics, legal experts in deliberations to ensure a more proactive approach to child safety.
Rajeev Chandrasekhar has always been passionate about technology. As an MP with deep knowledge, experience and an extensive background in technology and entrepreneurship, Rajeev believes the use of…
Rajeev Chandrasekhar has always been passionate about technology. As an MP with deep knowledge, experience and an extensive background in technology and entrepreneurship, Rajeev believes the use of technology plays a crucial role in bringing to effect a more efficient, transparent and accountable government.
A strong supporter of the Digital India Program launched by the Government in July 2014 Rajeev believes this initiative by the Ministry of Information Technology and Communication will create a single, comprehensive vision for the country’s technological future. Rajeev’s approach to Digital India stems from the view that the program will transform governance by creating a technological platform for administrative and decision making processes shall enable governments to be more responsive.
Rajeev is of the firm belief that access to technology will ensure that citizens have access to information and services on a real time basis. As users of end line services, socio-economically backward citizens can be saved of the mire of government bureaucracy and political corruption. They can verify information, access a host of products and services and increase the efficiency of their daily lives.
To make real the Digital India vision and of taking government and services to a billion Indians via the internet Rajeev emphasises that TRAI, DoT and DeitY have to be transformed with the specialised capacity required to deal with technology policy making and regulation.
Rajeev is a proponent of Net Neutrality and believes a free internet is derived from the universal democratic value of freedom of speech, and therefore is essential to democracy in the 21st century. In his ten years in Parliament, he has worked to sensitise fellow MPs to the need for a free internet with minimal regulation, and supplied inputs to the law-making process, drawing from his own experience as a business leader in the communications industry.
For India and its vision of Digital India – “Access to the Internet must be as important as the phone and should be available to all”, Rajeev holds that the Internet needs simple regulations that are based on fundamental consumer rights, innovation and connectivity.
Rajeev Chandrasekhar’s connect with Bengaluru goes beyond just representing Bengaluru Urban in the Rajya Sabha. The city is home to him for almost three decades. Over the past years, he has advocated and been vocal about the problems faced by citizens of the city.
Rajeev firmly believes a progressive vision for Bengaluru must stem from statutory multi-year development plans that draw participation of citizens in decisions that will affect them. A strong votary for Governance Reforms through the planned development of Bengaluru, Rajeev has fought for increased citizen participation in the development plans of the city.
Seeking active involvement of Bengalureans to reclaim the city, the Big Bengaluru Fight addresses the core problems – failure of Government, takeover of planning and development by vested interests, the decline of neighbourhoods and the need to a push for reforms in the administration of civic agencies and the Government – from exploiting the city to serving the city’s citizens.
Through multiple initiatives under the Big Bengaluru Fight, Rajeev empowers and collaborates with the citizens of Bengaluru in a movement to eradicate corruption, bring in accountability and usher in transparency in the functioning of the Government. This involves fighting corruption and holding Government agencies accountable through Public Interest Litigation and Judicial interventions.
Big Bengaluru Fight continues to be a strong initiative aimed at eradicating corruption and making accountable the people, under whom this corruption flourishes.
Rajeev Chandrasekhar is the Union Minister of State for Electronics and Information Technology and Union Minister of State for Skill Development and Entrepreneurship.
Rajeev is an MP with deep knowledge, experience and an extensive background in Technology and Entrepreneurship. Rajeev is an alumnus of Manipal Institute of Technology, graduating with high ranked Bachelors in Electrical Engineering; Alumnus of Illinois Institute of Technology, Chicago with MS in Computer Science.
He is a passionate techie and has a wide-ranging experience starting with working on the early Internet and Unix systems in the late 80's. During and immediately after his MS studies in Chicago, he was at various times a prolific software coder specializing in Compilers and Operating systems; systems designer working on Multiprocessor Unix systems and a research assistant working on Artificial Intelligence and Robotics and a tutor to undergraduate computer science students.
Post his MS, he was offered positions at Microsoft and Intel amongst other companies and was wooed by Vinod Dham - father of the Pentium chip who hand-picked him to work at Intel in Santa Clara, California in the heart of Silicon Valley. At Intel, he started as a Design Engineer as part of 80486 Architecture Verification Team where he also built the first software simulator for the Microprocessor. He was subsequently a member of the Architecture and Design team for next Generation Pentium Processors. Those years that Rajeev spent at Intel were, in his words "the years when the Internet and the world as we know today was being conceived and built in various small/medium companies around the Silicon Valley by some of the brightest and most motivated people I have been fortunate to meet". It was here that he had the unique opportunity to meet, observe and learn from the best and brightest like Andy Grove, Bob Noyce, Gordon Moore, Bill Joy, Bill Gates, Steve Jobs, Les Kohn, Larry Ellison, John Crawford and others oblivious to the fact that he was watching history being scripted!
In the early 1990s, he returned to India first on a leave of absence from Intel and then permanently to explore the story of the new India that was being talked about. He became an accidental Entrepreneur setting up one of India's first mobile cellular networks and without doubt India's largest cellular network BPL Mobile, in a very adverse and challenging business, policy and regulatory environment and very unique technology challenges. With little or no experience in telecommunications, Rajeev, and his team executed this with a home grown team consisting of people from the Armed Forces, Government Telecom departments and young professionals raring for a challenge and built a team of one of the finest telecom managers and executives in the country. Many of them have since gone on to senior leadership roles in the domestic and international telecom sectors.
Rajeev is known as the poster boy of India's telecom revolution and is widely recognized for his role in the development of the now thriving telecom sector. In 2005, he decided to exit the telecom sector and sold his investments to what eventually became Hutchison and then Vodafone. When he exited, he was quoted as saying, "I have spent 10 years building this sector, and it seems that requirements are now how to lobby in Delhi for free spectrum etc. and I am not good at that and nor do I want to do that." The years of the famous 2G scam happened after Rajeev exited, making his decision to exit a prescient one.
Recognition for his Technology work includes multiple plaques from Intel, an Honorary Doctorate of Science from Vishweswarya Technical University in Karnataka and the Illinois Institute of Technology's Global Service Alumni Association Honour.
MoS for Electronics and Information Technology, Skil Development and Entrepreneurship on Rajeev Chandrasekhar
Rajeev has repeatedly shown that he is unafraid to speak his mind and even take on the government on policy issues.
A strong votary of good governance through institutional reforms, he has been vocal and articulate on issues of reforms, governance, and economy inside and outside Parliament.
Rajeev's political work focuses on protecting Bengaluru and Bengalureans' interests with Urban Governance issues, Transforming India through Governance and Economic reforms, Veteran and Armed Forces issues, Protecting our Children etc. For causes he believes in and supports, he has - apart from raising these in Parliament, actively approached the courts to intervene on behalf of citizens as in the case of Sec 66A, Aadhaar privacy issues and voting rights for Armed Forces. He is an active MP and his work and its effects are available through periodic report cards He is widely recognized as the most Informed and active MP on Digital India, Internet and Technology issues, policies and regulatory matters and is unafraid to dive into issues that need support after informing himself well on these.
He was nominated for UK's prestigious Index Freedom of Expression Award for 2013, in the category of Digital Freedom for fighting against internet censorship in India and challenging legislation that will stifle digital freedom.
As one of India's most informed and experienced MPs in areas of technology, finance, entrepreneurship and economy, He has been nominated to several Parliamentary and Government committees. He has been on various standing and select committees of Parliament -Defence, Finance, Telecom, Urban Development, GST, Real estate Regulatory bill, Coal, NCC Advisory Board etc. Prior to becoming an MP, Rajeev has also been a member of the PM's Council on Trade and Development, Chairman of Karnataka Government's Infrastructure Task Force, Member of the Parliamentary Standing Committee on IT and Member of Parliamentary Forum on Youth.
Rajeev Chandrasekhar is the Union Minister of State for Electronics and Information Technology and Union Minister of State for Skill Development and Entrepreneurship.
In 2005, he set up Jupiter Capital, with a vision to foray into businesses of tomorrow in emerging new markets of the globalizing economy of India. Currently, the only position he occupies is that of Chairman, Jupiter Capital, which was established with an initial investment of US$100 million and today has investments and managed assets of over 1 Billion USD ranging from technology to transportation, logistical services to hospitality and entertainment. Jupiter Capital marks his complete transition from Techie to Manager to Investor. Jupiter Capital has a team of professional managers that run the day to day operations and investments.
Jupiter Capital has been successful in its investments and has earned a solid reputation of spotting opportunities and good managements/promoters with its diverse portfolio of investee companies and creating valuable, innovative and successful brands and franchises.
Rajeev recognizes he is a Member of Parliament who also earns his income from business investments. As such he ensures that he adheres scrupulously to all disclosures of Assets and Interests required by Parliament and Parliamentary Committees. He has gone further and, for example, puts all his communication to Governments past and present on his website. He has earned and built an impeccable record of service and integrity in sharp contrast from many other businessmen turned MPs whose conduct that has unfortunately cast a shadow on businessmen who try and enter Politics. For purposes of clarity, all investee companies have their Boards, Chairpersons, and Managements who are responsible for these companies, and neither Jupiter Capital nor Rajeev is responsible in any way for these companies or their operations.
Rajeev served as the youngest President of FICCI - India's apex industry chamber in 2008-09. He was the first to strongly advocate Governance reforms and caused FICCI to initiate, way back in 2008, a series of seminars on Governance reforms, including a Conference on Administrative Reforms and Ethics in Governance which for the first time, brought the Government and industry together on the same platform to discuss the need to reform Government.
His success as an entrepreneur and investor is the reason he believes in the future of India lying in Entrepreneurship and Enterprise. It's a cause he evangelizes to young Indians all over and he targets neglected and ignored youngsters with his help and mentorship. He has invested resources and time to identify young entrepreneurs across India, including in the neglected parts of the North East. The overwhelming response of young entrepreneurs to his initiative for nurturing entrepreneurs in Nagaland will soon see this programme extend to Karnataka and Kerala.
MoS for Electronics and Information Technology, Skil Development and Entrepreneurship on Rajeev Chandrasekhar
Rajeev has served as Member of the Standing Committee on Information Technology, Standing Committee on Defence, Consultative Committee on Defence, Consultative Committee on Urban Development, Select Committee on Real Estate (Regulation and Development) Bill, Select Committee on GST Bill, Select Committee on Insurance Laws (Amendment) Bill, Select Committee on National Commission for Backward Classes Bill, Select Committee on Prevention of Corruption (Amendment) Bill, Select Committee on Repealing and Amending Bill, Select Committee on Coal Mines (Special Provisions) Bill and Select Committee on Motor Vehicles (Amendment) Bill.
Currently he serves as Member of the Standing Committee on Finance, Consultative Committee for the Ministry of Finance and Central Advisory Committee for the National Cadet Corps.
Rajeev is also Co Chairman, Vigilance & Monitoring Committee, Bangalore Urban District.
MoS for Electronics and Information Technology, Skil Development and Entrepreneurship on Rajeev Chandrasekhar
Son of an Air Force Officer, Rajeev has lived his childhood as most service children do. A life of constant movement from one remote area of India to another and being schooled in various KendriyaVidyalayas in and around cantonments and Air Force bases. He is, therefore an MP whose identity is primarily that of being an Indian born in Ahmedabad to Malayali parents, growing up living in different parts of the country and considering Bengaluru his home, having spent almost three decades in the city. As he says himself, "the first time I was aware of my caste, religious or lingua identity was when I joined politics- since being brought up in the Armed Forces leaves you focusing on just one identity - of being Indian."
Being from a service family and living amongst the warriors of the Air Force and Armed Forces all through his growing years has left him with a deep, abiding commitment to the cause of Armed Forces and the men, women, and families who serve and have served. This has also defined his Parliamentary career as being about National and Public service.
Unusual for a politician, his office in New Delhi is covered only with images of ParamVir Chakra Bravehearts. He says, Seeing them every day as a politician reminds me of the acts, deeds, and lives of real heroes who have served our Nation and inspires me to do more every day." Under the title of #ServingOurNation, he has spearheaded a large number of initiatives for Veterans, Widows, Families and serving Armed Forces personnel ranging from One Rank, One Pension, National War Memorial, voting rights for Armed Forces personnel, Housing, ECHS, 7th CPC, financial aid to widows and children of the martyrs and is deeply engaged on these issues that affect the men, women and their families who make up the backbone of our Armed Forces and Veteran community. He is often referred to as the Guardian MP of Veterans and Armed Forces and continues to advocate their cause consistently in and outside Parliament.
Rajeev Chandrasekhar was hand-picked by the BJP President Amit Shah to lead the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) in Kerala as its Vice Chairman on 26th September 2016. Rajeev believes that politics…
Rajeev Chandrasekhar was hand-picked by the BJP President Amit Shah to lead the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) in Kerala as its Vice Chairman on 26th September 2016.
Rajeev believes that politics in Kerala needs a transformation that is capable of unleashing the state’s full potential. And that an alternative political front based on equitable development for all including the many lakhs of downtrodden as well as opportunities for the youth is the need of the hour. The NDA, with its rapidly growing vote share and popularity he feels, is that alternative.
With his ancestral roots in Kerala, he has in this short period, taken up many critical issues within the state and also helped to address grievances of many Keralites living outside the state.
Rajeev has brought the National focus on one of the most burning issues in Kerala - the rise in political violence. He believes political violence is not just lives and disrupting families – it has a big impact on private and public investments into the state and highlighted that investors don’t want to invest and create jobs in a state that is being perceived as state sponsor of Political violence with no heed or respect for law or individual rights and liberty.
Rajeev has persistently demanded de-politicization of Police in the state and urged the State Government to take the initiative – and start getting the police to enforce the law instead of being complicit in law breaking or ignoring the law.
One of the more serious issues Rajeev has raised is the radicalization of youth and ISIS growth in Kerala stating that it is tragic for a state that has had a long record of Communal harmony and inter-faith relations to be rushing headlong into a sharp deterioration of the same due to the politics that is giving a go-by to law enforcement for the sake of communal politics.
Another area in focus of Rajeev’s work has been the protection of the eco-sensitive zone of Munnar. He raised the Munnar issue in the Parliament and highlighted the extensive encroachments of forest land and illegal constructions by the political-business-bureaucratic mafia going on for decades. He continues to pursue the issue and is determined to ensure all encroachments and illegal constructions in Munnar, Pallivasal and CHR are evicted in a time-bounded manner under FC Act and culprits including politicians involved are held to account.
Rajeev has taken up other significant issues like education and pay structure of Nurses and sought the status of implementation of MCI recommendations to raise the salary of nurses working in private hospitals at par with those of nurses in government hospitals across the nation in Parliament. He also actively pursued the case of a Keralite missing in Kuwait and ensured his safe return home and brought attention to the rising cases in vector-borne diseases in Kerala.
Rajeev has voiced his concern over the state of economy and employment in Kerala – the political violence, radicalisation, and spread of ISIS and lack of reforms in education all have caused global investors to refuse to even consider Kerala as a destination and this driven away investors from the state and prevented job opportunities for the youth.
Rajeev continues to raise these important issues that impact Kerala within and outside Parliament, in the media and with the public.
