Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of a ‘Viksit Bharat,’ or developed India, appears increasingly distant and unattainable. While the aspiration is noble, the ground reality reveals a nation grappling with persistent challenges stemming from inadequate governance. This editorial delves into the systemic issues hindering India’s progress and questions whether the current leadership is doing enough to address them.
Economic Hurdles: Socialism’s Lingering Grip
India’s economic landscape remains shackled by the vestiges of socialism. Despite producing world-class companies, Indian industrialists are stifled by bureaucratic hurdles and extortionate practices. This stifling environment deters innovation and impedes the growth necessary for a developed nation. The government’s reluctance to fully embrace free-market principles and reduce red tape hinders the ease of doing business and discourages foreign investment.
Crumbling Infrastructure: A Testament to Neglect
Recent disasters, such as the devastation in Wayanad and the recurrent floods in Uttarakhand, expose the consequences of unchecked construction and inadequate disaster preparedness. These calamities are not solely natural disasters but are exacerbated by governance failures. The lack of investment in robust infrastructure, including flood control measures, disaster-resistant housing, and early warning systems, leaves millions vulnerable to the devastating effects of natural calamities.
Urban Decay: Governance Gap in Cities and Villages
India’s urban areas, including the capital city of Delhi, are marred by poor urban planning and inadequate infrastructure. Overflowing drains, garbage-strewn streets, and substandard housing paint a grim picture of neglect. This lack of basic amenities casts doubt on the government’s commitment to development. Moreover, the situation in rural areas is even more dire, with villages lacking access to clean water, sanitation, and basic healthcare facilities.
Human Cost of Governance Failures
The tragic death of students in a Delhi coaching center’s basement underscores the human cost of governance failures. The lack of affordable, safe housing for students is a stark reminder of the government’s shortcomings in providing basic necessities. This incident highlights the need for stricter regulations and enforcement to ensure the safety and well-being of citizens, particularly vulnerable groups like students.
Food Security vs. Development: A Contradiction
The Finance Minister’s emphasis on providing free food grains to a vast majority of Indians, while presented as an achievement, actually reveals the extent of poverty and food insecurity in the country. This stark reality contrasts sharply with the vision of a developed India. While ensuring food security is crucial, it should not be the sole focus of development efforts. The government must invest in education, skill development, and job creation to lift people out of poverty and empower them to contribute to the nation’s growth.
Modi’s Unfulfilled Promise: A Call for Accountability
Prime Minister Modi’s promise of ‘parivartan’ (transformation) remains largely unfulfilled. While he may not be solely responsible for the accumulated failures of governance, his administration must be held accountable for its lackluster efforts in addressing these critical issues. The government’s focus on high-profile initiatives and grand announcements often overshadows the need for sustained, grassroots-level action to address the root causes of India’s problems.
Conclusion: A Bleak Outlook for ‘Viksit Bharat’
The dream of a developed India appears increasingly elusive as the nation grapples with systemic governance failures. Until these fundamental issues are addressed, India’s path to development will remain fraught with challenges. The current leadership must recognize the urgency of the situation and take decisive action to rectify these shortcomings. This requires a shift in priorities, from grandiose projects to investing in human capital, infrastructure, and sustainable development. Additionally, the government must foster a culture of accountability and transparency to ensure that resources are utilized effectively and that the needs of all citizens are met.
Sunil Garnayak is an expert in Indian news with extensive knowledge of the nation’s political, social, and economic landscape and international relations. With years of experience in journalism, Sunil delivers in-depth analysis and accurate reporting that keeps readers informed about the latest developments in India. His commitment to factual accuracy and nuanced storytelling ensures that his articles provide valuable insights into the country’s most pressing issues.
