Chanakya Niti says: çtklq[ks lq[ka jkK% çtkuka p fgrs fgre~A ukRefç;a fgra jkK% çtkuka rq fç;a fgre~A meaning that the happiness and welfare of people should be the King’s happiness. It is king’s utmost duty to look after progress and welfare of people of his country. After independence, India was in dire need of a leader who would be able to take tough decisions, initiate systemic reforms into the governance architecture for ensuring all-round development, creating inclusive society, and most importantly, fighting to safeguard territorial integrity, alongside creating brand image of Bharat. Rise of Narendra Modi in the political landscape of India is a turning point to fill this void.
PM Modi has implemented several high impact initiatives for holistic development of Bharat. As a leader of the largest democracy, he is working relentlessly for creating inclusive society from digital, economic, financial, socio-cultural and environmental standpoint. Ideated by PM Modi, Atma Nirbhar Bharat, pillared at economy, infrastructure, system, vibrant demography and demand, has streamlined and powered the growth engine. His governance model is a blend of soft and hard powers for improving living standard of Indians and creating a new image of India, globally. He leaves no stone unturned to protect the territorial integrity of nation, surgical strike is the case in point.
Launched in 2015, Digital India is transforming country into a digitally empowered society, digital governance and digital economy. It has considerably improved the lives of citizens though digital delivery of services, economy and employment. It is redefining the socio-economic landscape, fostering a brighter and better-connected future for all. Indian Council for Research on International Economic Relations stated that India is third in terms of digitalisation of the economy. National Mission called Pradhan Mantri Jan-Dhan Yojana, initiated in August, 2014, is ensuring financial inclusion and has already benefitted 36.63 crores citizens. Direct Bank Transfer scheme, has considerably reduced leakages, increased efficiency, transparency and has empowered people.
PM Modi’s masterstrokes are GST and demonetization. Fructifying ‘One Nation, One Tax’ concept, GST has helped eliminate ‘tax on tax’, tax evasion, ensured ease of doing business, increased revenue collection and transparent tax regime, alongside reducing corruption. Christine Lagarde, MD of IMF says, GST will help create jobs and promote domestic manufacturing. Demonetization, has stripped black money from the economy, compelled people to pay taxes on the unaccounted cash, promoted cashless economy, eliminated fake currency and dodgy funds and has curtailed funding of terrorism and drug trafficking. Liberalised foreign direct investment policies facilitated foreign investment. Designed to transform India into a global hub for design and manufacturing, PM Modi’s “Make in India” initiative is central to nation-building efforts. This is facilitating investment, developing a robust manufacturing sector, encouraging innovation and developing world-class infrastructure and improving ease of doing business, creating job opportunities and firming up India’s positions in the global manufacturing landscape.
Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana, the world’s largest government funded health insurance and assurance scheme is providing a cover of Rs. 5 lakhs per family per year for cashless access to health care services to twelve crore Indians. Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission launched in 2021 has transformed the healthcare management of over 73 crore Indians within three years. Swachh Bharat Mission has made significant strides in creating clean and hygienic environment. It has positively impacted public health, safety and dignity of women, promoted behavioural change and improved the overall quality of life in the countryside. Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana – Gramin and Rural have made unprecedented progress in transforming the living standards of millions of rural families by providing safe and secure housing. Water supply & electricity connections facility is reducing the health risks associated with unsafe water and irregular power supplies. Efficient solid & liquid waste management is ensuring better health and hygiene for citizens. Pradhan Mantri MUDRA Yojana, launched in 2015, played a pivotal role in empowering non-corporate, non-farm small and micro enterprises with loans up to Rs 10 lakh. Smart cities and smart villages scheme have transformed the urban and rural living standards by providing internet access, clean water, sanitation, and low-carbon energy ensuring healthy living. Citizen-centric smart city project utilizes both human and technological resources and provides solutions to specific problems, namely, inefficient waste management system, lack of civic amenities, traffic and congestion, etc. Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana envisions to distribute 50 million LPG connections to women of below poverty line families, 12,68,36,143 being already distributed. India is meeting commitments made in COPs with respect to climate change mitigation, and taking necessary steps to achieve net-zero emission.
PM Modi’s biggest gift to the nation is learner and Bharat-centric NEP-2020 for transforming education sector. The policy provides flexible learning options and emphasises on experiential learning, critical thinking, creativity, skill-development, entrepreneurship and ensures holistic development. It stresses on integrating Indian Knowledge System and Universal Human Values in the curricula and learning in mother tongue/regional languages.
India’s economic footprint has increased significantly during PM Modi’s tenure. He built a formidable reputation as an efficient business-friendly administrator. S&P Global Ratings chief economist opined that India is the fastest growing major global economy. It has surpassed U.K. to occupy 5th place and is expected to overtake Japan and Germany to become third by 2027. India’s growth is outpacing other major economies, her banks are strong, and the government’s finances are stable despite pandemic. India now has over 100 Unicorns worth over $1 billion and ranks third globally after US and China. The soaring stock markets also have a trickle-down effect on the wealth of the middle class. As of 2024, India is the fourth largest stock market in the world.
Jammu and Kashmir was infested with separatist insurgency for over three decades with halted social life, development and forceful and painful mass exodus of Kashmiri Pandits. Businesses and education sectors suffered immensely due to frequent strike calls, stone pelting and violence. Repealing of Article 370 including 35A has helped restore administrative control and normalcy considerably, with increasing footfall of domestic and foreign tourists. Investment projects worth nearly Rs. 25 thousand crores have been executed and over Rs. 80 thousand crores are in store. Citizenship Amendment Act is helping genuine citizens to have certificates and in confiscating foreign nationals.
India became the first nation to soft land rocket near the Moon’s South Pole. PM Modi launched an OSAT facility in Sanand and semiconductor fabrication facility at Dholera, Gujarat, and OSAT facility at Morigaon, Assam to boost India’s position as a semiconductor powerhouse. India became the world’s second-largest mobile phone manufacturer. India envisions to emerge as a global leader in respect of cutting-edge technologies like AI, quantum computing and space exploration. Anusandhan National Research Foundation is ensuring the access of quality research facilities in hub & spoke model. Focus of funding is on translational research and for strengthening Vocal for Local theme.
Construction of Ram Mandir at Ayodhya, rebuilt of Kashi Vishwanath Temple and corridor, new Mahakaal corridor, Kashi-Tamil Sangmam and successful Mahakumbh at Prayagraj have added flavour and fervour to the cultural connect and spiritual landscape. Ending of triple talak has helped create a liberal society. COVID management, Vaccine distribution, scrapping of over 2000 rules and laws and replacement of IPC, CrPC and Indian Evidence Act with Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, and Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam are other landmark achievements of Modi regime. Through LiFE Style for Environment, Ek Ped Maa ke Naam and cleanliness drive, PM Modi’s endeavour is to reconnect Indians with nature, for sustainability of both.
The key elements of Modi’s foreign policy include Act East policy, Neighbourhood first policy, Indian Ocean Outreach, Project Mausam, Cooperation with Pacific Islands, Fast-track Diplomacy, Para Diplomacy and strategic partnership with clear focus on nation first. India has successfully hosted G-20 summits. For making “Viksit Bharat by 2047” Modi government has laid a comprehensive plan aimed at empowering citizens through core elements of social welfare, manufacturing, inclusive economic pathways, quality inclusive education, skill development & entrepreneurship, health services, road, rail and air network, and restoration of basic traits of Bharatiya culture. India, under PM Modi, is poised to foster inclusive growth, encourage cutting-edge research and innovation and position itself at the forefront of technological advancements. Ultimate mission of PM Modi is to develop India as a confident, self-reliant and strong nation grounded in cultural moorings for serving humanity.
Views are personal
Raghavendra P. Tiwari, Vice Chancellor, Central University of Punjab, Bathinda
