Minister of Urban Development Venkaiah Naidu has tried his best to paint a rosy picture of two years of the Modi government (“Team India is at work”, May 26). But many of the government’s slogans have just remained on paper; we see little implementation or progress. For instance, ‘Make in India’ has failed to pick up. No MNC seems to be coming forward to invest in the manufacturing sector. The MNCs are playing in the finance capital market with short-term returns. In the past 17 months, exports have been dwindling while imports have been soaring. RBI Governor Raghuram Rajan’s comment about the Indian economy may be a bitter one, but it is an undeniable fact. Growth can be seen only in the services sector and that too by private players. The slogan of Swachh Bharat also remains on paper. A lot remains to be done; euphoria at this stage is of little help.
V. Chandrasekhar,
Tirupati
The National Democratic Alliance government in these two years has taken several innovative and long-term measures aimed at development.
The initiatives taken to ensure insurance coverage to farmers, financial inclusion of poor, drinking water, sanitation, and housing schemes are all well-conceived.
Regarding foreign policy, it is clear that an immediate solution to India-Pakistan hostilities is neither possible nor feasible given the systemic failure in Pakistan. But India’s relations with all the major global players has improved manifold. The agreement with Iran to develop the Chabahar port will open access not only to Central Asia but to the whole of Eurasia. Encouraging domestic economic growth, improving relations with other countries, and being backed by the Indian diaspora are all major achievements of the Modi government.
The government has scored well on both fronts, internal and external.
Suresh R.,
Thiruvananthapuram
After a decade of shambolic governance and policy paralysis under the United Progressive Alliance, people saw hope in Narendra Modi as an efficient administrator, assertive leader, and as one who would lift the economy. The Prime Minister has initiated a great number of economic and social reforms, and travelled extensively to leverage India’s soft power and attract buyers for its growth story on foreign shores. From the establishment of the NITI Aayog and MUDRA bank, to the launch of several flagship programmes such as ‘Make in India’, ‘Digital India’, Swachh Bharat Abhiyan, crop insurance, irrigation, and social security schemes, the Modi government is trying to transform the nation into a vibrant one.
However, at times it has failed to rein in objectionable comments from people in the Sangh Parivar, and has shown intolerance towards dissenting voices. The government should rely more on its negotiating skills in Parliament to debate crucial legislation than make frequent use of ordinances and money bills. A lot needs to be done to improve the macroeconomic fundamentals and attract investment. A regime’s true test lies in acknowledging its mistakes and taking necessary corrective action. The nation cannot afford another “accidental prime minister”.
Shreyans Jain,
New Delhi
