The recent report of the Niti Aayog’s SDG India Index 2023-24 justifying that basic survival is no longer an issue in India points out to ten years report card of NDA’s excellent performance in terms of basic survival as India needed pre 2014. Narendra Modi’s tenure as Prime Minister of India beginning in May 2014, has been a period of significant transformation and mixed outcomes on account of achievements made for basics survival. Basic survival, encompassing essential needs such as food, shelter, healthcare, and education, remains a fundamental concern for a vast population in India since independence. Though, the ten years tenure has seen a range of policies and initiatives aimed at addressing these essential needs. This article explores the intersection of basic survival needs and Modi’s governance, evaluating the successes and challenges of his tenure. While there have been notable achievements in economic reforms, digital initiatives, and infrastructure development, but, several critical promises remain unfulfilled. Job creation, agrarian distress, economic stability and environmental sustainability are areas where the government has faced considerable challenges. As Modi’s administration continues for another five years, addressing these issues comprehensively will be crucial for realizing the vision of a prosperous and inclusive India.
Economic Policies and Employment
Economic stability is a cornerstone of basic survival. Modi’s tenure has been marked by several economic reforms aimed at boosting growth and employment. The introduction of the Goods and Services Tax (GST) in 2017 aimed to unify the national market and improve ease of doing business. While GST has streamlined tax processes, its initial implementation caused disruptions, particularly for small businesses and informal sectors, impacting livelihoods temporarily. The Make in India initiative, launched in 2014, sought to boost manufacturing and create jobs. It has seen mixed results; while it has attracted foreign direct investment (FDI) and improved infrastructure. Under Modi, India’s GDP growth saw a resurgence, peaking at over 8% in 2015-16 before slowing down again, especially due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Inflation rates were brought under control, averaging around 4-5% due to better monetary policies and food management. There has been substantial progress in infrastructure, with the construction of highways, rural roads under PMGSY, and urban metro projects. Initiatives like the Smart Cities Mission and Digital India have further enhanced urban and digital infrastructure. Though, manufacturing sector’s growth has not met the ambitious targets set. Employment generation, a critical aspect of basic survival, remains a challenge, with job creation not keeping pace with the number of job seekers.
Agriculture and Rural Development
Agriculture, supporting nearly half of India’s population, has been a focal point of Modi’s policies. The Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY), introduced in 2016, aimed to provide crop insurance to farmers, protecting them against crop failure. However, issues such as delayed claim settlements have marred its effectiveness. The PM-Kisan scheme, launched in 2019, provides direct income support to farmers, helping them meet their basic needs. Despite its positive impact, challenges like identification of beneficiaries and exclusion errors persist. Rural development schemes like Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY) and Swachh Bharat Mission have improved infrastructure and sanitation in rural areas, contributing to better living conditions. Programs like the Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana (PMJDY) and various welfare schemes have aimed at financial inclusion and poverty reduction. However, income inequality remains a challenge. The Swachh Bharat Mission has been a flagship program, achieving significant progress in reducing open defecation and improving sanitation.
Healthcare and Education
Access to healthcare and education is critical for basic survival. The Ayushman Bharat scheme, launched in 2018, aims to provide health insurance to over 100 million poor families, covering secondary and tertiary healthcare. While the scheme has improved access to healthcare, issues such as hospital empanelment and fraud detection need addressing for its full potential to be realized. Despite these efforts, systemic issues in healthcare and education persist. In education, the New Education Policy (NEP) 2020 seeks to overhaul the educational system, emphasizing holistic learning and flexibility. However, implementation remains a significant challenge, with disparities in access to quality education between urban and rural areas.
Social Welfare and Inclusion
Social welfare schemes have been a significant aspect of Modi’s governance. The Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana (PMJDY), launched in 2014, aimed at financial inclusion by providing bank accounts to the unbanked population. The scheme has been largely successful, improving financial access for millions. The Ujjwala Yojana, providing free LPG connections to poor households, has improved access to clean cooking fuel, impacting women’s health positively. However, affordability of refills remains an issue for many beneficiaries.
Pandemic Response
The COVID-19 pandemic posed unprecedented challenges to basic survival. Modi’s government implemented measures such as the Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Yojana (PMGKY) to provide relief to vulnerable populations, including free food grains and cash transfers. Despite these efforts, the lockdown led to significant economic disruptions, affecting livelihoods, especially in the informal sector.
Unfulfilled Promises and Criticisms
Despite these achievements, several promises made by Modi’s government remain unfulfilled, leading to criticism from various quarters.
One of the major promises of Modi’s campaign was the creation of millions of jobs annually. However, India has faced significant challenges in generating sufficient employment opportunities. Reports and surveys have indicated high levels of unemployment and underemployment, particularly among the youth. The agricultural sector, which employs a large portion of the Indian population, continues to face severe challenges. Despite promises of doubling farmers’ incomes, agrarian distress remains a significant issue, with many farmers struggling with debt and poor market prices for their produce. The controversial farm laws introduced in 2020, intended to liberalize the agricultural market, faced massive protests and were eventually repealed. Before the COVID-19 pandemic, India’s economy showed signs of slowing down, with declining GDP growth rates. The pandemic exacerbated these issues, leading to severe economic contraction. Critics argue that the government’s handling of economic policies and demonetization in 2016 contributed to economic instability.
Conclusion
Comparing India pre-2014 and post-2014 reveals significant changes in the country’s economic, social, and political landscape. Narendra Modi’s tenure has brought about notable achievements in economic reforms, infrastructure development, and international diplomacy. However, challenges such as job creation, social harmony, and systemic issues in health and education continue to persist. The legacy of Modi’s governance will likely be evaluated based on how these ongoing issues are addressed in the coming years.