“When hope fades, Modi ki Guarantee begins” An impactful assertion that has been echoed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi since he returned to power in the year 2019.
The public may have either lost track or remain unaware of the schemes introduced over the past decade. Nonetheless, their impact, successes, failure and future potential have been substantial and easily accessible.
If Modi's government has achieved initiatives like providing piped water, advancing digitalization, eradicating extreme poverty, boosting India's economy, and improving international relations, then PM Modi's budget focus being the four pillars of a Viksit Bharat- The youth, underprivileged, women and farmers is grounded in the government’s confidence of continuity.
However, the fulfilment of this commitment remains to be seen if the government secures a third term.
From among the top 10 guarantees of the Modi government was the Bullet train project announced in the year 2017, since then, the deadline has been pushed several times with a new one being 2027. In the subsequent year, the government announced yet another assurance, ‘To double farmer’s income by the year 2022’. Unfortunately, this has been an overlooked vow.
According to the ‘Quantitative analysis of Microplastics along River Ganga’ study by Toxics link in 2021, of the samples tested, the highest concentration of microplastic pollutants was found in Varanasi. Prime Minister Modi launched the Namami Gange, a National mission for Clean Ganga, in the year 2015 to deal with the problem of river pollution in a holistic way. Woefully, pollution levels in Ganga are higher than the levels recorded in 2014.
Compounding to the failed schemes was the currency gamble, the Demonetisation initiative. A lot of Indians perceived it as the biggest defeat. As per RBI’s data, it quoted it as “A failure of epic proportions”
Conversely, the Ujjwala Yojana is often cited as a successful endeavour. But the fact is that despite Rs 200 subsidy the labharthis took zero or one LPG cylinder in 2022-23. The data was revealed by a Right to Information (RTI) question which showed that of the 9.58 crore PMUY households, 1.8 crore brought no refills while another 1.51 crore bought just one refill.
While these abortive programmes have added to the criticism, there have been remarkable strides as well. For instance, according to Morgan Stanley, the incremental infrastructure progress of national highways went up from 25.7 THKM in 2006-2014 to 53.7 THKM in 2015-2023.
The PM Jan Dhan Yojana, designed to uplift the financially disadvantaged by facilitating direct fund transfers to beneficiaries’ bank accounts, has emerged as a resounding success since it’s inception in 2015. The programme has seen a three-fold increase in accounts, surging from 14.72 crores in 2015 to an impressive 43.04 crores by 2021. Notably, one out every two new accounts opened during this period was a PMJDY Account.
Another scheme that turned in favour of PM Modi was Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana(PM-JAY) or the Ayushman Bharat scheme which was launched in the year 2018. This is the world’s largest health care scheme.
Under this programme, around 10.74 crore deprived families are provided health cover of Rs.5 lakh per family. 40% of the country’s population is being benefited by this initiative.
In evaluating both success and setbacks of the government, it becomes evident that its ability to instil faith among the populace through transformative actions stands out as paramount.
From the historic decision to abrogate Article 370, a move destined for recognition in the annals of Indian history, to the fulfilment of the longstanding promise of the Ram Mandir’s consecration, as outlined in the BJP Manifesto demonstrated it’s commitment to fulfilling electoral pledges.
As India commemorated it’s 75th year of Independence, the launch of the “Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav” initiative symbolized a nationwide celebration honouring the contributions of all those who participated in India’s freedom struggle.
Noteworthy too, was the government’s swift response during the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic, exemplified by Modi’s announcement of free ration for the marginalized sections of society. Through this initiative, more than 80 crore beneficiaries received essential provisions each month.
India’s strides were evident when the nation developed indigenous vaccines in record time that not only facilitated mass vaccination domestically but also extended support to neighbouring nations through the Vaccine Maitri scheme.
So just like Robert Frost quotes, Modi too has “Promises to keep and miles to go before he sleeps”
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