As parents wait, with trepidation, for their children’s report cards, a similar process is underway in Delhi. There have been many report cards from ‘experts’ and analysts and incredibly even one 0/10 grading from a political leader known for his decade-long absence from anything meaningful!
The decisive mandate of Elections 2014 was one for change and progress and that also meant huge expectations from this government for those who voted for Narendra Modi. For the millions of Indians who invested in the idea of change, there are many reasons to cheer. To those who are focussing on investments and economy, much has been done.
The biggest change is in the tone and tempo of the government. It has become more efficient and transparent. That the Modi government has focussed on administrative efficiency and transparency is obvious. That he has led from the front and energetically is unambiguos. Twelve months have seen success in controlling inflation and reducing fiscal deficit along with almost all other performance indicators like GDP growth, current account deficit, export growth, investments etc.
Scams and corruption that had horrified and disgusted Indians have been dealt with, and auctions becoming the only way to sell public assets like coal. A more fundamental change is afoot, but not highlighted enough — citizens are becoming the main beneficiaries of government policy instead of only corporates or vested interests. Thus, surely and systematically dismantling the altar of crony capitalism that the UPA government had begun to worship at.
Another fundamental change is causing global investors to return slowly, a reflection of confidence in a new, clean transparent business framework that is also focussing on ease of business. There have been deep changes that have been kicked off — a serious of efforts to give subsidy benefits for the poor, using JAM, the triumvirate of Jan Dhan Yojna, Aadhar and Mobile, and Mudra Bank along with insurance and pensioning for the poor.
Although the government is in office only for a year, there are a few people who are disappointed with the pace of change, including some in business community. There are deep emotions behind this. Many amongst those, who supported the Modi government, see a need for departure from the past 10 years and don’t see the last one year as representing enough of that change. This is a no-win debate that perhaps serves to remind the Modi government about the depth of feeling and support behind the 2014 mandate.
I for one, believe much has been done in the transformation process of the government, the economy and the country. Many decisions taken in these first 12 months will make their impact felt in the people’s lives in coming months and years. But I also agree that much more needs to be done.
(The writer is an MP and technology entrepreneur)
