Has India's image improved in first 100 days of new government?

Has India's image improved in first 100 days of new government?

Introduction

PM Narendra Modi led NDA government finally completes its 100 days on September 2, 2014. As the initial trial period gets over, the analysts from all the sectors, media, the opposition parties and the common public are keen to check the report card of PM Narendra Modi’s government and its performance as it completes 100 days in the Office. So, let us check out has the story of nation has improved or not between before and after May 26. Has India's image improved in first 100 days of new government?

Yes

• Stock markets are the indicator of nation’s economic progress. Indian markets have posted gains of more than 9% in the past 100 days.

• Since NDA came in power, business confidence is back in the market and the key macro data points are reflecting signs of revival. The fact stands true for domestic as well as international investors.

• India has attracted strong FII flows and that too ignoring the geo-political uncertainties going on global front. The net FII inflows have reached USD 30 billion so far in this year.

• If the last quarter is analyzed, GDP deflator based inflation has risen for the whole GDP by around 1% as compared to quarter four in the service sector.

• The much needed Special Investigative Team is formed to uncover the illegal money hidden in tax heavens.

• Fruits and vegetables are delisted from the APMC act which has prevented hoarding and helped farmers to get rid of middlemen. It will also keep inflation in check.

• Government has taken certain measures for modernizing and strengthening the broader infrastructure. It has streamlined PPP models and has formed Infrastructural Investment Trusts. For development of infrastructure in rural areas, schemes like Syama Prasad Mookerjee Rurban Mission and others are launched.

• GOMs and EGOMs formed during the UPA tenure are abolished for to expedite decision making.

• The amendment is made in All India Service (Conduct) Rules, 1968 so as to streamline bureaucracy with focus on transparency.

• NJAC bill was passed in both the houses of Parliament.

• Mr. Modi is analyzing the dysfunctional laws and removing them so that the legislation process gets smooth and easier.

• And most importantly, NDA government’s SAARC diplomacy is a significant achievement which will pave way for multilateral economic cooperation.

No

• Government is focusing more on pro-business policy that is going to hurt the poor as well as the environment in the long run.

• The biggest drawback seen is environmental issues were kept secondary to growth. It haste in environmental clearances for big industrial projects can come at the expense of natural resources, environment and community.

• To fulfill the objective of growth, NDA left government allowed expansion of coal mines without any public hearing.

• The mid-sized industries that cause pollution can now function within 5 kilometer range of sanctuaries and national parts as against the set 10 kilometer range mentioned in Supreme Court directive.

• NDA is focusing on the values of Middle India and that is not the promising signs of a liberal government.

• The lack of governance and strength is visible in the new government as they want to please the boss and don’t want to focus on the welfare of nation.

• Many of the significant bills like hiking FDI in insurance and other radical reforms cannot be passed as NDA has got majority in the Lok Sabha but has got minority in the Rajya Sabha.

• The new government wants to create new educational institutes whereas the focus should be on identifying and solving the existing systemic problems.

• The BJP leaders and members were repeatedly engaged in hate speech and divisive politics. Even there was a rise in anti-Muslim statements by BJP leaders and other religious groups during this period.

• The NDA government looked more centrist in whole WTO matter where it was clear that Modi intends to control the key issues related to subsidies and others.

• Narendra Modi invited PM Nawaz Sharif on oath ceremony but Pakistani met Kashmiri entered into talks with separatist leaders despite the fact that it was not approved by Foreign Ministry.

• The key announcements like scrapping of planning commission were done without any prior consultation with Chief Ministers and NDC.

Conclusion

Loads of aspirations and hopes of common men are linked with the ‘aache din’ dream of PM led NDA government. When the expectations are more, disappointment comes easily. However, PM Narendra Modi has taken calculated steps to end the policy paralysis in the nation. He has designed a roadmap for nation’s development and has started working on it. The bureaucracy is streamlined, ministries are kept in check, foreign policy is in focus and obsolete laws are amended for the welfare of nation. Still, PM Narendra Modi has to see that its government doesn’t advocates Hinduism or promotes communalism in any form. Also, environment and the impact of financial measures in free economy should not be ignored. The growth should not come at nation’s cost.