December 1991
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Raj Mehra stood on the balcony of his Bandra villa, watching the Arabian Sea churn under a gray monsoon sky. The year had been one of quiet victories and looming storms. The Soviet Union had dissolved in December, its fragments scattering like ash. BP held the balance in Delhi's fragile coalition. Riya, now a toddling one-year-old, chased butterflies in the garden below, while Priya—radiant in her second trimester—watched from a lounge chair. Jyoti, heavy with their second child, rested inside.
But Raj's mind was on the nation. The balance-of-payments crisis had struck hard in mid-1991—reserves plummeting, gold pledged abroad, IMF knocking at the door. Inflation gnawed at savings, factories slowed from import curbs, and rural distress lingered from drought scars. Yet India had not broken. Raj's moves—Soviet resource deals, joint ventures, trade pivots—had cushioned the fall. UFT villages prospered amid scarcity; Luxmi branches multiplied; Mehra highways employed thousands.
He summoned his inner circle for a year-end strategy session: Suraj Patel (finance and Luxmi), Vikram Singh (Rural Development Minister), Arjun Singh (Home Ministry influence), Vishal Singh (Mehra Construction), and Ravi Sharma (TBF editor).
They gathered in the study, reports spread across the teak table.
Suraj began. "The crisis is real—reserves at $2.5 billion, barely three weeks' imports. Fiscal deficits 8% of GDP, inflation 12%. Gulf War oil spikes and Soviet trade loss hit hard."
Vikram added, "Rural areas feel it most—unemployment, migration to cities, failed monsoons in pockets."
Raj nodded. "We've buffered some. UFT at 800 villages—higher yields eased food prices regionally. Luxmi's rural credit kept farmers afloat. But we need bolder steps now, while BP has leverage."
He leaned forward. "Vikram, your ministry launches a new scheme in the next budget—call it the National Rural Employment Guarantee Program. Guarantee 100 days of wage employment per rural household annually, on public works—roads, ponds, irrigation canals."
Vikram's eyes widened. "Boss, that's massive—funding?"
"Start with 2,000 crore from rural development budget, scale to 5,000 crore over three years. Tie it to Mehra Construction for infrastructure—build roads linking UFT villages, ponds for water security. Pay daily wages directly via Luxmi branches—cut leakage, build loyalty."
Suraj calculated quickly. "It creates demand—workers buy Bata shoes, deposit earnings in Luxmi, spend on Mehra goods. Multiplier effect: every rupee spent generates 1.5-2 in economic activity."
Ravi Sharma grinned. "TBF headlines: 'BP Delivers Jobs When Others Promise'—contrasts with Congress's old subsidies."
Arjun Singh: "Home Ministry coordinates security for worksites—ASUR shadows ensure no disruptions."
Raj continued. "Phase one: pilot in 200 worst-affected districts—Maharashtra, Gujarat, MP, Rajasthan. Vikram, announce it in January budget session. Frame as 'right to work'—no family left hungry."
The team discussed details late into the night.
- Wages: ₹60/day initially, indexed to inflation.
- Works: 60% labor, 40% material—Mehra supplies tools at cost.
- Oversight: Panchayat committees with UFT representatives.
- Funding: Reallocate fertilizer subsidies (phased cut 10%), add cess on luxury imports.
Raj concluded: "This isn't charity—it's investment. Employed rural youth stay home, reduce migration strain on cities. Higher incomes boost consumption—Bata sales up 20%, Luxmi deposits surge. BP owns the narrative: jobs, dignity, progress."
Vikram smiled. "It'll change millions of lives—and lock the rural vote for decades."
As the meeting ended, Raj stepped back to the balcony. Priya joined him, hand on her belly.
"The country hurts," she said softly.
Raj pulled her close. "We're healing it—one job, one village at a time."
Below, Riya laughed as Jyoti read to her. The empire grew not just in wealth, but in legacy—a nation stronger because one man saw further.
The Bharatiya Pragati Grameen Rozgar Guarantee Yojana born early, under BP's banner—would become Raj's quiet revolution.
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