Over the past 70 years, through a democratic process where the Parliament and State legislatures played a key role in building the largest democratic country in the world, India shines like the pole star in the comity of nations. I salute the founding fathers of our nation for their clairvoyant thoughts to build a nation well-founded on the bedrocks of democracy and freedom which ought to have resulted in the political empowerment of the people. No doubt, a democratic nation bestows an ‘aura of legitimacy’ on modern political life.
Since Independence, the idea of democratic institutions has captured the attention of the nation. People participated in large numbers in the ensuing elections after we attained independence, and voted in and voted out governments with the profound knowledge that their solemn and patriotic action in all earnestness would establish governments that would ensure development of the country. They believed that the governments that they brought into existence from time to time would put in sincere efforts to eradicate poverty- the curse of the country- a legacy of the British- ruled India. Governments after governments that ruled the country had promised that poverty alleviation would be their overriding ambition. Alas, this dream never got fulfilled, but in practice, the gap between the haves and have-nots widened as years passed by. The ordinary people thought that they had the power to influence the government they elected to solve the gargantuan task of poverty alleviation. But it never happened as the governments that ruled were not sincere enough to thrash out the massive problems confronted by the people at large. Questions were raised in the public domain as to the accountability of the governments that came to power at the centre and the states and their inherent lack of commitment to tackle the problems of stark poverty and inhuman discrimination faced by the weaker sections. The Congress which ruled the country for 60 years, were looting the country in the name of the poor by crafting devious slogans like “Garibi Hatao.”
Empowerment of the ordinary men and women through a method of direct benefit transfer and providing them the basic needs on a time bound basis proves beyond doubt the strong commitment of the Union government to eradicate poverty for once and for all.
But at the same time there was an enlightened understanding of the problem of poverty, well scripted by economists of all hues and colours. The international agencies made prescriptions after prescriptions to find solutions to this enigmatic and macabre situation, which was by and large considered as a quick fix solution, but did not produce the expected results, especially under the dynastic Congress rule.
The political parties in this country knew how effective were the solutions worked out to save the country from the shackles of poverty and what were the end results of such insincere practices. To be precise, for every rupee spent, only 15 paisa reached the beneficiaries as admitted by a former Prime Minister! There was no mechanism developed by the funding agencies to ensure that the beneficiaries really benefited from the government largesse distributed indiscriminately.
When I look back and see for myself the development of the country in places where the most unfortunate people live, I feel disgusted to see millions of disadvantaged people still living on the brink of poverty in a country which is celebrating her seventieth year of independence.
Now whom can we blame? – the British who subjugated us for centuries or the Mughals or the governments that ruled the country later in a free country.
I believe luck has befallen on the country since the last five years which beholds a sense of security and prosperity to the people of the country. Prime Minister Narendra Modi believes in the power of the people and works in one direction- inclusive growth – which has been putting the country’s economic and political system in order. Through his vision of building a New India, his government has heralded a new form of politics – politics of credibility and good governance, mainly by articulating the aspirations of the people. Empowerment of the ordinary men and women through a method of direct benefit transfer and providing them the basic needs on a time bound basis proves beyond doubt the strong commitment of the Union government to eradicate poverty for once and for all. Indeed by 2024, the scourge of poverty, inequality and discrimination would be wiped out in our country through a series of people- oriented welfare schemes. (1% holds 50% of national wealth) Rising inequality) Poor becomes poorer)
In this context, let me emphatically state that loan waiver for farmers is a bad solution and Demonetisation has not affected generation of employment opportunities. It has not affected adversely the economic growth of the country. India grows by a GNP around 7%.
PM Modi‘s government, by all means, retains a human face. The promise of a better life to its 1.3 billion people is being consummated, slowly but steadily.
All this is possible as good governance requires a legitimate state with a democratic mandate and an efficient and open administration. PM Modi’s government fulfils all these criteria of success. Emphasis has been laid on inclusiveness, respect for human rights, tolerance, the rule of law, justice, pluralism, transparency and accountability.
The fact is that democracies require good leaders. PM Modi, through his charismatic leadership and vision, passion and devotion has been able to transform this nation into a nation of possibilities. India is becoming a land of opportunities for the first time in her history. Make in India, Start up India, Stand up India, DBT, Demonetisation, GST, MSP for farm produce and Insurance coverage for farming, Ujjwala scheme, promotion of MSME’s, Ayushmann Bharat in which 10 crore families benefit and Mudra loans are all game changers. Now, politics of hope, peace and progress which symbolises the aspirations of the people have dawned the horizon of Indian politics.
Power is measured by one’ s ability to affect the lives of others and shift the course of the country and world for good. Power is big ideas, and it is the courage to take risks. Here is the only Prime Minister who audaciously pushed the demonetisation drive to confront the devastating problems of black money, fake currency and corruption and ensured transparency and accountability of accounting for the first time. The Prime Minister’s various welfare schemes have been reaching millions of households, irrespective of caste, colour or creed.
Here is a Prime Minister, who through his futuristic vision has become a messiah of the poor in a country where around 40% of the population still lives under the poverty line. His vision is encrypted in his eloquent words: “Sabka Saath , Sabka Vikas”. Jan Dhan accounts, gas connection, Swachh Bharath, several insurance schemes including Ayushman Bharath, Poshan Abhigyan, Fasal yojana, Mudra loans, Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana, Ujjwala Yojana, BHIM app and a plethora of welfare measures are bringing hope and confidence in the minds of millions of people. By 2022, Modi has promised a home for all the homeless.
It’s heartening to see that by 2025, our country would be the largest youngest nation with an average age of 29 years and having a GDP of $20 trillion in purchasing power parity terms. The reinventing of a New India is unfolding in the homes of millions of homes in the country, and is particularly striving hard to empower the youth. This is the moment of truth and revelation, for our country, especially for the youth and marginalised. The Minorities and Dalits are always secure under Narendra Modi’s most remarkable social dispensation.
The 10% reservation for economically weak is yet another key measure to bring equality of opportunities to all. This legislation of 10% reservation does not affect the existing reservation policies. It reinforces the importance of Equality and Justice for all.
While the country is celebrating its vibrant democracy and faster economic development under the exemplary leadership of Narendra Modi, let us all join hands to support him to build a New India, a land of opportunities for all, especially the youth.
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