The evening of May 26, 2014, when Narendra Damodardas Modi was sworn in as the 15th Prime Minister of India, the nation was celebrating the beginning of a new era and the world was watching India with renewed interested. With leaders from neighbouring nations, corporate world and the opposition all in attendance, I believe that this swearing in ceremony was symbolic in more ways than one – it symbolised the beginning of a transparent and good governance regime and a minimalistic approach towards expenses. The presence of leaders from friendly and not so friendly nations resounded in the Prime Minister’s words “Let us together dream of a strong, developed and inclusive India that actively engages with the global community to strengthen the cause of world peace and development.”
Prime Minister Modi took reins with much élan and sincerity to deliver on the hopes, aspirations and dreams of the 1.2 billion Indians. He earnestly started working towards bringing India back on the growth path. In his first year in office, the Prime Minister announced some very unique programs aimed at pulling the sluggish economy out of its slumber – Make in India, Digital India, Skilling India, 100 Smart Cities, Ease of Doing Business, Swachh Bharat Abhiyan are only few of these.
The importance of manufacturing to India’s inclusive growth cannot be undermined. “Make in India” is an initiative to make India a global hub for manufacturing, design and innovation, thus giving this sector the required boost. Today 57 global firms including GE, Bosch, Tejas and Panasonic have already communicated their decision to invest in the electronic, medical, automotive and telecom manufacturing clusters in India. About 30 proposals worth Rs 6,500 crore (US$ 1.04 billion) have already been approved.
Amidst all these unique initiatives, many promises that were made during the poll speeches have not shown any results yet. For instance, the promise of 25 lac jobs per annum being created has fallen far short of the target at 1.7 lac jobs. India’s citizens are impatiently waiting to see the results on some of these promises.
I am sure though that these initiatives will bear fruit. However we the people of India will have to work with the government shoulder to shoulder, and with patience.
The views expressed are personal.
