NEW DELHI: The Union Ministers highlighted the country’s progress and focus areas, which the government will work on in the coming time, at the event.
Earlier this week, the iTV Network held an annual gathering, the 2024 edition of India News Manch, featuring the country’s most prominent political figures. Held at the Le Meridien, Connaught Place New Delhi, on July 29, the conference presented the most direct and extensive one-on-one discussions with India’s political elite about the most pressing concerns in the country.
Some of the important highlights came from Union Ministers who tried to reason statistically, as to how India has risen in the recent years and they also put out the focus areas which the central government will pursue in coming time.
Union Minister for Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution, and New and Renewable Energy, Pralhad Joshi, stated that discussions are ongoing regarding consumer routes and household products. He mentioned that their goal for renewable energy over the next 100 days is being actively pursued so that India emerges as the world leader in renewable energy capacity.
He highlighted that the current achievements in renewable energy, including wind and solar energy, have surpassed their targets. He expressed confidence that they are on track to meet the fixed target, with approximately 400 gigawatt in the pipeline. Joshi also criticised Rahul Gandhi, stating that his speeches lack logic and, therefore, he doesn’t take them seriously. He remarked, “A person who is asleep can be awakened, but it’s very difficult to wake up someone who is pretending to be asleep.”
Union Minister Hardeep Singh Puri, who continues as the Petroleum and Natural Gas Minister in Narendra Modi’s third term, said that the India is the only country in the world where petrol and diesel prices have actually decreased over the last three years.
He added, “There are certain actions that the Government of India can take, and I believe the honourable prime minister has demonstrated this. On two occasions, in November 2021 and May 2022, he reduced the central excise rate, which lowered the price of petrol and diesel by 13 and 6 rupees, respectively. BJP-ruled states also reduced their VAT, creating a price differential of about Rs 10 per litre between BJP and non-BJP states.”
Puri also said, “This difference is significant, especially for those with larger cars, which can hold 35 to 45 litres of fuel, resulting in considerable extra costs. Despite these efforts, I frequently face political criticism with questions about when petrol prices will increase or decrease.”
Comparing with other nations, Puri said that gas prices will decrease as there are two key factors that are at play. He said, “First, our production of natural gas, which is different from cylinder gas made from crude oil in refineries, is increasing by about 18% annually. Natural gas is imported, liquefied, regasified, and delivered via pipelines, and it is generally 20–25% cheaper than cylinder gas. Second, the global outlook for 2025-2026 suggests an increase in gas availability. We are also signing long-term contracts. Currently, we import about 50% or less of our natural gas but 85% of our crude oil due to past neglect in the sector.”
Union Minister for Communication and Development of the North East, Jyotiraditya Scindia, announced on the Manch that BSNL will launch its 4G network this October and will soon follow with 5G services. He further underscored India’s remarkable economic ascent, pointing out that the country has advanced from the 11th to the 5th position among the world’s largest economies.
Scindia highlighted the ongoing efforts of his ministry and expressed optimism about India’s advancements in the telecom sector, reminding the country’s significant progress from being a follower in 4G to becoming a leader in 6G.
Addressing the price hikes by telecom giants like Jio, Airtel, and Vodafone, Scindia noted that India offers the most affordable internet globally. He said, “The cost of 1 GB has decreased significantly from Rs 270 in 2014 to just Rs 9 in 2024. Similarly, voice call costs have dropped from 51 paise per minute in 2014 to just 3 paise per minute this year. The capital expenditure for 5G is set at Rs 426 crore, and the recent tariff increases are minimal compared to global standards. Regarding 5G, Scindia revealed that 17 crore customers have adopted the new technology, with 4.5 lakh transmission systems installed across the country.”
He also said, “The deployment of 19 lakh base transceiver stations (BTS) for 4G highlights the extensive infrastructure in place. Quality of service remains a top priority as we can see that India is achieving self-reliance in telecommunications, we should see the Tejas network as a successful example. Additionally, the number of BSNL towers is set to expand to 80,000 by October.”
Union Minister of Commerce and Industry Piyush Goyal stated, “I can assure you that there will be continuity in policy and further reforms. We will place a greater emphasis on various government programs. The prime minister recently advised al thel chief ministers to ensure that our policies reach saturation so that all beneficiaries receive the benefits. I have just come from a meeting with footwear manufacturers, and we are introducing new quality standards to ensure that all consumers, the 140 crore Indians, receive high-quality footwear. These initiatives have been in progress for several years.”
The special guest list also included other union ministers such as Jitan Ram Manjhi, and Gajendra Singh Shekhawat. Overseas Congress President Sam Pitroda was also invited as a guest. The chief ministers who attended the Manch included Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini, Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami, Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, and Tripura’s former Chief Minister Biplab Kumar Deb. Other leaders were also present such as former chief minister and Samwajwadi Party Leader Akhilesh Yadav.