Introduction
Prime Minister Narendra Modi's vision for a "Viksit Bharat" (Developed India) is not merely a catchphrase but a comprehensive blueprint for the nation's holistic progress. As India navigates the transformative phase of "Amrit Kaal," this vision serves as a guiding principle, encompassing economic advancement, holistic development, and the integration of technological innovation. Viksit Bharat is a clarion call for a prosperous, inclusive, and sustainable India, where every citizen can thrive and contribute to the nation's collective growth.
India under PM Modi witnessing all-round development: Business Standard
Economic Empowerment and Job Creation
A cornerstone of Viksit Bharat is fostering widespread economic participation and empowerment among citizens. PM Modi envisions a robust, inclusive economy abundant with employment and entrepreneurial opportunities. To achieve this, the government has implemented policies to promote investment, stimulate economic growth, and foster innovation across sectors. Initiatives like "Make in India," "Digital India," and "Startup India" exemplify the commitment to creating a conducive business environment, promoting domestic manufacturing, and nurturing a burgeoning startup ecosystem. By leveraging digitization, domestic production, and entrepreneurship, PM Modi aims to uplift millions from poverty and unlock India's economic potential.
During his poll campaign, the Prime Minister highlighted economic growth as one of his biggest achievements, guaranteeing voters that he would make India the third-largest economy, two notches higher than its current position, if granted a third consecutive term. He asserted that the development accomplished in the last decade was merely an "appetizer," with the "main course" to follow in the third term.
To hit the ground running in a potential third term, Modi has announced an ambitious 100-day agenda, including 50 to 70 important goals and recommendations to establish the tone and intent of the new government. These goals will be divided into three categories: Category A goals, which are of utmost priority and expected to be declared by the Prime Minister nearly as soon as he enters office; Category B targets, to be announced by Union ministers and Ministers of State within the first few days; and Category C targets, more long-term in character, with a rollout planned for the next 2-3 years.
World-Class Infrastructure for Sustainable Growth
Recognizing the pivotal role of infrastructure in catalyzing sustainable growth and enhancing living standards, the government has spearheaded large-scale projects encompassing transportation, digital connectivity, and urban revitalization. Initiatives such as Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana, Bharatmala, Sagarmala, and Smart Cities Mission underscore the commitment to creating livable, connected, and affordable urban spaces. Innovations like Vande Bharat trains and the UDAN initiative streamline travel experiences, while metro expansions facilitate intra-city mobility. By bolstering infrastructure, the government aims to enhance productivity, unlock economic opportunities, and elevate living standards nationwide.
PM Modi has recently stated that the speed of implementation of infrastructure projects will be accelerated manifold in the next five years to make India the third-largest economy in the world. He has inaugurated and laid the foundation of projects worth Rs 10 lakh crore so far this calendar year, underscoring the government's commitment to infrastructure development.
Railways Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw stated that the railways have a multiplier effect of over 4, significantly higher than the 2.3 seen in other infrastructure sectors. "This is because the development of railways integrates various sectors, requiring the combined efforts of all key industries to achieve success," he explained. The government plans to continue enhancing the railways sector, with a vision to export locally designed and manufactured Vande Bharat trains in its third term. This strategy aims to establish an export-linked railways sector, creating a lasting growth story.
Inclusive Development and Social Welfare
Viksit Bharat places a strong emphasis on inclusive development and social welfare, ensuring that the fruits of economic progress benefit all segments of society. The government has launched landmark initiatives to uplift marginalized communities, expand social security nets, and enhance access to healthcare and education. Programs like Ayushman Bharat, Swachh Bharat Abhiyan, Beti Bachao Beti Padhao, and Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana exemplify the commitment to healthcare, financial inclusion, gender equality, and sanitation. PM Modi envisions a more equitable society where every individual can thrive, prioritizing social welfare measures like Jan Aushadhi Kendras, which provide affordable medicines to millions.
Environmental Sustainability and Renewable Energy
Environmental sustainability is a core tenet of Viksit Bharat, with endeavors aimed at greening and cleansing India. The government champions renewable energy adoption, water conservation, and cleanliness through initiatives like the Swachh Bharat Abhiyan, Jal Jeevan Mission, and National Solar Mission. Internationally, PM Modi advocates for sustainable development principles and supports initiatives like the International Solar Alliance. India aims to uphold global environmental standards and targets approximately fifty percent of its power capacity from non-fossil fuel sources by 2030.
Technological Advancements and E-Governance
Central to PM Modi's Viksit Bharat vision is harnessing technology to enhance governance efficiency and transparency. Initiatives like Aadhaar and Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) streamline subsidy distribution, reduce leakages, and ensure targeted assistance delivery. DBT has effectively eliminated fraudulent entries, saving significant government funds. Additionally, schemes like Ayushman Bharat leverage technology to establish digital health infrastructure, facilitating seamless access to healthcare services. The government's tech-driven approach underscores its commitment to inclusive development and citizen empowerment.
Emphasis on Manufacturing and New-Age Technologies
'Make in India' has been Modi's showpiece economic project, and he has been promoting it with indefatigable zeal despite various challenges India's services-led economy faces in creating industries. His manufacturing push is also intricately linked to India's export growth and job creation. As part of the government's vision for supply-side reforms, expect the promotion of manufacturing with ambitious new laws, tax reforms, new incentives, trade pacts, indigenization, and duty reforms to promote ease of doing business and private capital expenditure, as well as attract foreign investors.
Modi is luring manufacturers to the country with heavy incentives, such as tax cuts, rebates, and capital support. The strategy is showing early successes, with firms like Apple Inc. and Samsung Electronics Co. ramping up production in India. However, the government aims to increase the share of manufacturing in the nation's gross domestic product to 25% by 2025, from about 13% in 2022.
India is thrashing out trade agreements with the United Kingdom, European Union, and Gulf nations to boost local manufacturing and job creation. A related theme will be indigenization in the defense sector, with a continued focus on public-sector units. Modi's agenda to ride on new-age tech for economic growth is apparent from the big push it is giving to the semiconductors industry, encouraging manufacturers to set up plants in India. PM Modi recently laid the foundation of three manufacturing and assembly facilities at Dholera and Sanand in Gujarat and Morigaon in Assam. Along with promoting chip makers with incentives and other benefits, the government will also promote the smaller ancillary industry to build a whole ecosystem.
A similar emphasis is expected in the space industry, which is already on a fast growth path. Small startups that ride on innovation will get encouragement in this sector. Other new-age tech sectors such as Artificial Intelligence (AI) and electric vehicles will also get a major push.
Cultural Revitalization and Global Presence
Inspired by PM Modi's vision, India is making strides across sectors, from space exploration to economic prowess. Cultural revitalization initiatives like the PRASHAD scheme and Swadesh Darshan scheme bolster India's global cultural presence. Viksit Bharat epitomizes an ambitious plan to unleash India's full potential, fostering resilience, inclusivity, and sustainability.
Conclusion
Viksit Bharat is a holistic and ambitious vision that transcends mere economic growth. Through infrastructural development, social welfare, economic empowerment, environmental stewardship, and technological advancement, the government strives to realize a prosperous and equitable society driven by collective participation. PM Modi's roadmap for a Developed India is a testament to the nation's unwavering commitment to progress, leaving no one behind. As India navigates the transformative phase of Amrit Kaal, Viksit Bharat serves as a beacon, guiding the nation toward a future where prosperity, sustainability, inclusivity, and technological prowess converge to create a thriving and resilient nation.
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