After the NDA government came to power
in 2014, vigorous initiatives and innovations have been introduced in almost
all facets of national life. Narendra Modi’s pro-active foreign policy has
augmented India’s prestige and strengthened economic and defence relations at
the cross-national level. Besides, massive investment is being made on
modernizing India’s defence system. Of late, India’s economic growth has been
accelerating consistently, making it the fastest growing economy in the world. 
What is most noteworthy in the present
regime is the re-vitalization of economic democracy. There has been a massive
participation of common people in banking services, employment generation,
industrial expansion, business growth, educational transformation and delivery
of health services. The “Digital India” campaign has become an effective
catalyst to ensuring greater transparency, accountability and people’s
participation in the governance system. GST is one such upshot of the
technological revolution.
The trinity of JAM (Jaan Dhan Yojana,
mobile and Adhaar) has empowered crores of people financially and
economically. Start-ups and stand-ups have inculcated the spirit of enterprise
and self-esteem among young people, women and underprivileged sections of
society. Obviously, the socio-economic philosophy of the present government is
characterized by the time-honoured dictum of growth with equity. Beti
Bachao, Beti Padao is an example of garnering support for gender justice
and women empowerment.
Perhaps the three most
important innovations of the Modi government are the Make in India campaign
(facilitating even the production of defence equipment and supercomputers),
strengthening the spirit of Team India that has given a fillip to deliberative
democracy, and the Skill India Mission.
Demonetization and GST will
eventually be helpful in containing black money, although many more systematic
efforts will be required to curb economic crimes and corruption. We need to
build an India where people are devoted to the performance of their duties and
voluntarily conduct themselves honestly in their private and public life.
The Swacchh Bharat
Abhiyan of the Modi government is a revolutionary movement in the India of
Mahatma Gandhi who proclaimed that “cleanliness is next to godliness”. For the
success of this and other programmes, people should demonstrate strong civic
sense which can be promoted by voluntary social groups, families and
educational institutions. India deserves a more responsible society where
people do not evade taxes nor violate laws. They must feel a strong bonding
with their nation and its governments at various levels. Modi’s “New India” can
be constructed only when we have “New Indians” – hard working, sincere,
emotionally intelligent, decent, honest and patriotic.
Apart from national defence
and internal security, which are the areas that require a more focused
attention in the near future? Perhaps, these would be: multi-dimensional
infrastructural development, industrial regeneration, agricultural
re-invention, primary health, primary education, digitalization including
Artificial Intelligence, non-conventional sources of energy and provision of
pure drinking water to all people in all regions. Importantly enough, the Modi
government has emphasized and adopted the approach of ‘holistic’ development,
thus aptly balancing all significant components of nation building. Every
Indian citizen, irrespective of religion, caste, region and political
affiliation, should contribute to making India a great nation. We truly need to
ensure that there is “Sab ka Saath, Sab ka Vikas”.
Author is Chairman, Management Development Academy, Jaipur.
Views
expressed in the article are author’s personal.
Courtesy : PIB, India
Courtesy : PIB, India