In all aspects, Modi has achieved wonderful success over the past nine years. The rapid development of infrastructure in the country under the Modi regime has no parallel under the previous regimes. The widely expanded network of highways, expressways, other roads, corridors, ports, airports, and the extensively expanded railway network exemplify this.
The nine-year rule of Prime MinisterNarendra Modi reflects how a stable government at the Centre spurs development of the country. The new Parliament building inaugurated by the Prime Minister on Sunday is not only beautiful but also expansive. The construction of the structure could be accomplished in just two and half years. Every inch of the building reflects the glory of Indian architecture, sculpture, and culture. It stands as a testimony to the architectural skills of the modern era.
After 75 years of India becoming independent, the people of the country managed to get rid of the colonial remnants. However, surprisingly opposition parties are not able to stomach the progress of the nation. Their approach to the celebrations suggests that they are always one step backward as the nation progresses one step forward.
As per the Constitution, the Prime Minister is the leader of Parliament. Parliament sessions are held as per the decision of the Cabinet meetings, presided over by the Prime Minister. All decisions, such as introducing crucial bills, would be decided bythe Cabinet. However, the value attached to the post of the President of India as the head of the state and as the first citizen of the country is altogether different.
He convenes both the Lower and Upper Houses and discharges various constitutional obligations. But all executive powers rest with the Prime Minister and the President issues orders on the advice of the Prime Minister and affixes his signature on various orders. This being so, is there any meaning in the opposition parties boycotting the inaugural function just because the Prime Minister is inaugurating it?
In all aspects, Modi has achieved wonderful success over the past nine years. The rapid development of infrastructure in the country under the Modi regime has no parallel under the previous regimes. The widely expanded network of highways, expressways, other roads, corridors, ports, airports, and the extensively expanded railway network exemplify this. The Vande Bharat Express and Udaan stand as testimony to the nation’s progress. Now Metro Rails have been extended to 23 towns and cities, as against only five in 2014.The total development of national highways during the past nine years was put at 145,155 km as against 91,287 km in 2014. The country has 148 airports now as against only 74 in 2014.
The country’s defence exports rose by 334 per cent. The defence exports in 2014 were put at Rs 1,941 crore as against Rs 16,000 crore as of now. The GST monthly collection in April 2023 was put at Rs 1.87 lakh crore, mirroring economic growth of the nation. The total exports from the nation are worth $ 770.18 billion, including the $ 23.57 billion exports of electronic goods. Direct overseas investment in defence sector rose by 74 per cent, taking the investments in this sector to $84.8 billion. The investments stand as a testimony to the increased confidence of investors in Modi’s leadership.
Modi scrapped Article 370 and Article 35 A and made it clear that Jammu and Kashmir is an integral part of India. During Modi’s reign, the construction of the magnificent Ram Mandir and the construction of the Kashi Vishwanath Corridor were completed.
Under Modi’s leadership, the pandemic situation was tackled more efficiently compared to other nations at a time when the virus played havoc in other nations. He was instrumental in the country developing vaccines for Covid domestically and also came to the rescue of many nations.
Another significant victoryof Modi is the push towards a digital economy. Even street vendors are able to do digital transactions nowadays. The government could eliminate middlemen in the implementation of welfare schemes by crediting funds to people’s bank accounts directly. With the seeding of Jandhan bank accounts, Aadhaar cards and mobile phones, over 50 crore people opened their bank accounts to receive subsidies, loans, and funds under various government schemes directly into their bank accounts.
Ayushman Bharat, Beti Bachao-Beti Padhao, weaker section housing programme, Ujjwala scheme, and economic benefits to farmers benefited millions. Over 80 crore people received free foodgrains under the Pradhan mantra Garib Kalyan Yojna. Rs 25 lakh crore has been credited directly to people’s accounts.
In all, 3 crore people built their own homes, over 30 crore people received life insurance cover, 11 crore people benefited under PM-Kisan programme. Under Swanidhi programme, over 34.45 lakh street vendors received benefit. Under Mudra Yojna, Rs 23.60 crore was transferred to 39.65 bank accounts of petty vendors. Under Stand-Up India programme, Rs 7,351 crore was transferred to the bank accounts of SCs and STs. The farmers are able to get MSP that is 50% more than the cost of production. The agriculture budget, which was put at Rs 21,933 crore in 2013-14, increased to Rs 1,25,036 crore by 2023-24. The Swachch Bharat scheme helped over 3 lakh villages overcome open defecation problem. In all, 11.72 crore individual sanitary toilets were built.
The Congress leaders admitted that in the past not even 10 per cent of the funds under government schemes trickled down to the actual beneficiaries. Now there is no such situation.
The achievements of the Modi government in the sphere of education are considerable. After four decades, the New Education Policy has been devised. Seven IIMs and seven IITs have been set up and also 15 AIIMS and 700 medical colleges.
Under the leadership of Modi, India has achieved tremendous success. The cacophony of critical voices from opposition parties would not be able to obliterate this success from the annals of the nation.
