The Narendra Modi government has proved that nothing is impossible if the intention is pure and determination is firm, with committed and continuous development through innovation even in the midst of a dreaded pandemic like the corona and amid a global economic recession. How the world’s biggest democracy, India, was surrounded by challenges even after six decades of Independence, is not hidden from anyone. After a historic mandate in the 2014 Lok Sabha elections, when the Narendra Modi government came to power at the Centre, there was an atmosphere of gloom in the country. After revelations on several scams, it had become apparent that the then UPA government had become a victim of rigidity. The youth were getting frustrated in that atmosphere of rigidity. That’s why the change of power in 2014 was actually a change in the system as well, which brought the country out of a state of anguish and hopelessness. It was not an easy task in a vast country, but even before the election campaign, Narendra Modi had started the process of instilling confidence in citizens by discussing the Gujarat model of development—the message was that India’s capability should not be doubted. The people of India are basically honest and hard working. If the country gets the right leadership and environment, it can overcome the biggest challenges in the world. The foremost thing that the Narendra Modi government did was to instill confidence in Indians about their potential and then make them a partner in the development process.
Even small initiatives can give big results, Swachh Bharat and Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao campaigns being such examples. The responsibility and accountability of the government machinery cannot be denied, but history is witness that social changes come only through the participation of society. When Prime Minister Modi called upon the citizens of Indian for a cleanliness campaign on Gandhi
Jayanti, then only a few would have understood him, but increasing awareness, public participation and competition among cities for better ranking towards cleanliness are proof of the miraculous effect of Swachh Bharat. The deteriorating sex ratio in some states including Haryana has been a matter of concern for a long time. For the first time, a Prime Minister has taken a unique initiative of social partnership to address this serious problem—and the results are palpable.
Despite the nationalization of banks, the banking system remained a dream for us, especially for the poor villagers, but the Jan Dhan Yojana of the Modi government changed the picture. The success of this scheme and its desired results can be gauged from the fact that the number of bank accounts opened under it is 49 crores. But Jan Dhan Yojana is just one example. The way the economy has been digitized during the nine-year tenure of the Modi government, it has played an important role in curbing corruption while giving a new impetus to public welfare schemes.
The result of this transparent change is that today money is going directly to the bank accounts of the beneficiaries of various schemes. Bold steps like demonetisation were taken to eliminate black money and the funding of terrorism and drug trade; the long pending GST was implemented to realize the concept of one nation-one tax. In view of decreasing government jobs due to various reasons, new doors of self-employment have been opened through startups and Mudra loans, which are playing an important role in realizing the dream of self-reliant India, besides creating new employment opportunities. The homeless are getting homes under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana, and there is also light in them through the Saubhagya Yojana. Through the Ujjwala scheme, gas has also reached the kitchen of the poor and they have got freedom from the fumes harmful to their health. Health facilities are being ensured to all through Ayushman Bharat. It is the result of the public welfare commitment by Narendra Modi and the BJP government that under his leadership the villages, the poor, agriculture and farmers have also been made partners in the overall development journey. The Kisan Samman amount, about Rs 80 crores, is going directly to the farmers’ accounts. Starting from the corona period, the system of free ration to the poor continues even today.
It is easy to criticize, but the way the Modi government fought the corona pandemic was praised even by developed countries. The government showed determination to develop an Indian vaccines to counter the coronavirus at a rapid pace and to vaccinate the vast population in a phased manner. This became possible with the determination and dedication of the medical field. We not only vaccinated our citizens, but also gave vaccines to other countries as per our culture of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam.
Other steps have been taken in these nine years to change the condition and direction of the country. The special status accorded to Jammu and Kashmir under Article 370 was a painful situation even after seven decades of Independence. The Modi government fulfilled its ideological commitment to end it. Muslim sisters got rid of the inhuman practice of triple talaq during this period. Initiative has been taken to give Indian citizenship through Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) to Hindus, Sikhs, Jains, Parsis, Buddhists and Christians, who were forced to flee from persecution in neighbouring countries. Eventually, terrorism sponsored from across the border has been dealt with in a manner that shows this is a new India which knows how to confront an enemy in the latter’s house.
We have faced bullying by developed countries in the past, but now India’s image of a global leader is such that in every crisis, including the Russia-Ukraine war, even developed countries look towards us with hope. In fact, during the nine years of the Modi government, India has moved rapidly towards regaining its old identity of being the Vishwa Guru. It can be said with confidence that this journey will continue further with the active participation of our fellow citizens.
The author is Chief Minister of Haryana.