When asked about the propriety of asking a subject for funding when the study is a “critical appraisal” of

the subject, Raghuram said: “A study sponsored by a subject does not necessarily compromise its objectivity. As academics, we also don’t want the objectivity of a study to be influenced. I had been wanting to see the new initiatives introduced in the Railways. For that, I proposed to the Railways that I wanted to conduct a study, to which they responded favourably.”

The 26-page IIM-A study, which has over 45 pages of annexures, praises the “style of the Minister”, his “non-interference” in dealing with the Railway Board, his “direct approach” while communicating with zonal General Managers, “caring attitude towards staff and unions”, his image-building through the media. And even his ability to identify the right people as reflected by the choice of his OSD Sudhir Kumar.

For the record, between May 4 and July 14 in 2006, Raghuram traveled to Lucknow, Kolkata, Dangoaposi, Noamundi, Tatanagar, Bellary (Hospet), Toranagallu, Bannihatti, Ranajitpura, Yashwantnagar, Tunga Bhadra Dam Weigh Bridge, Kariganuru, Hubli and Chennai. He also held meetings with top railway officials from the ministry and PSUs like SAIL, NTPC and CONCOR in New Delhi. The Sunday Express: “A study sponsored by a subject does not necessarily compromise its objectivity. As academics, we also don’t want the objectivity of a study to be influenced. I had been wanting to see the new initiatives introduced in the Railways. For that, I proposed to the Railways that I wanted to conduct a study, to which they responded favorably.”

... contd.