New Delhi:
Enabling policies and grassroots initiatives by the Modi-led government have led to social and economic transformation of the country since 2014, and the nation is poised to become the world’s fourth-largest economy within two years, said Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw on Saturday.
India is seen as a bright spot in the world and the world puts its trust in India, said Mr. Vaishnaw.
After the Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led government came to power in 2014, India climbed from tenth to fifth place, Mr Vaishnaw said, adding that India will be the world’s fourth-largest economy within two years.
“In six years, India will be the third largest economy in the world,” said Mr. Vaishnaw, highlighting the speed of progress and economic growth under the government, which is driven by determination and a decisive attitude.
Mr Vaishnaw, Minister of Railways, IT and Communications, spoke at a national conclave about nine years of Modi rule.
Mr. Vaishnaw highlighted the various schemes and initiatives of the government that have empowered people and changed lives, telling the audience, “Your future is being built in today’s India. By 2047, you will be living in a developed country.. .when you make decisions, India will be among the top economies.”
Mr Vaishnaw said the Prime Minister’s leadership has brought a new thought process, a new vision and a changed mindset. Previously, the arms were only seen as a voting bank. Government schemes since 2014 have empowered people, brought about transformative and qualitative changes and delivered services to the grassroots, he stressed.
The minister has since made a presentation on the government’s pre-2014 performance with the government, saying that while its previous governance efforts had become synonymous with scams, the current government operates with the ethos of “every penny for the benefit of the arms’. This, he said, is reflected in the way schemes and programs are designed and implemented with consideration for the poor and the weaker segments of society.
Criticizing the opposition, the minister said that pre-2014 Congress rule had turned the country moving forward into “fragile five,” and consistent efforts since 2014 have put it back in the global top league.
From timely access to vaccines (during Covid) to ensuring safe drinking water, and from providing affordable housing under Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana to strengthening rail, air and road infrastructure, the government’s initiatives have led to a “quality and genuine change” and led to inclusive growth, he said.
Today, 3.5 crore houses have been built in the country under Prime Minister Awas Yojana, 12 crore people have water connections and 9.6 crore families have received gas cylinders.
India today runs the world’s largest health insurance program under Ayushman Bharat, which has created provisions for free medical care of up to Rs 5 lakh for the needy, the total coverage which is more than the populations of the US and Russia combined.
The minister said that domestic infrastructure has also undergone an unprecedented makeover since 2014, something that was previously largely lacking due to a lack of the right mindset and thought process. He cited the construction of 74 airports in nine years, a figure consistent with the number built up to 2014. India now has 111 waterways from lack of waterways till 2014, he said, adding that India’s railway stations are being modernized and reflect world class. amenities just like the airports.
Mr Vaishnaw said the digital revolution has democratized technology and brought new opportunities to the poor, citing the mass adoption of digital payments in the country.
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