Good governance is the art of better delivery. The pro-active exercise of power in the management of the country’s economic and social resources is the true manifesto of reform. Now, three years after the BJP’s unprecedented mandate, Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s policy of inclusive development—‘Sabka Saath Sabka Vikas’—is paying dividends. The philosophy of the present regime reflects the words of the celebrated Tamil poet Thirukkural.
Mudivum idaiyurum murriyangu eythum Padupayanum partthuch cheyal
(Each act is to be performed only after calculating the necessary effort, obstacles and purpose.)
For the most part of the last decade to the early part of next, public planning had abdicated its pro-poor fiduciary responsibility. The main reason was political drift, a blowback of massive corruption in the UPA government. The truth that cohesive communication is the key to achieving antyodaya was lost in the mist of indecision.
Taking holistic policy to the grassroots was stuck in the quagmire of political paralysis. Now an effective monitoring mechanism is in place. The government’s pledge in 2014 summarised a rainbow of targets: vibrant and participatory democracy, empowering and inspiring people, sustainable development, improving the quality of life in both rural and urban areas with basic amenities, boosting agriculture growth, creating a productive youth force, empowering and involving women in the national narrative, forming a robust physical and social infrastructure, effective use of innovative technology, encouraging a globally competitive economy, building Brand India based on quality strength and efficacy, and creating futuristic institutions through a pro-active systems-based transparent administration. The underlying thought-stream is the invincibility of Modern India. The emerging truth from confluence of ideas is that there is no better foundation for growth than our culture. It also dovetails with the advice the great Tamil woman poet Avvaiyar once gave a king.
Varappuyara neer vuyarum
Neeruyara nelluyarum
Nelluyara kudi vuyarum
Kudi vuyara kol vuyarum
Kol vuyara Kon vuyarvan
(When the boundary height of a paddy field rises, so does the water level; the paddy level follows; the quality of life rises; the quality of governance goes up; the country flourishes and the greatness of those who govern is admired.)
Basic requirements have to be met for an individual, family, society or state to prosper. To make this a government priority, appropriate distribution of resources and skill development to use these resources in a viable way is picking up pace. In the last three years, each section of the BJP’s manifesto has been integrated with policy, giving the growth story qualitative and quantitative bounce. The government has demystified and de-elitised communication through portals like MyGov.in. Citizens in India and abroad can take their concerns to the minister or official concerned for action on all schemes and policies of the NDA. Popular opinion counts.
Myriad social platforms have made India the karmabhoomi of connectivity. For the first time perhaps in the history of Independent India, the common man’s voice echoes in the corridors of power. Mann ki Baat has built a bridge of emotional connect between the prime minister and the public. All major decisions such as surgical strikes and demonetisation, and welfare schemes such as Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana, Digital India, Swachch Bharat, Saansad Adarsh Gram Yojana, Atal Pension Yojana, Make in India, Jeevan Jyoti Bima Yojana, LPG subsidy, Pahal Scheme, and Gold Monetisation are development-focused. In three years, India is on the path to claiming this decade. Claiming the millennium is the next step.
Mahendra Pandey
National Office Secretary, BJP