By P Mohan Chandran
Have you ever wondered how the changing guard at the center impacts a nation's development trajectory? Can leadership truly make a difference in a nation's progress? A comparative analysis of India's growth and infrastructural advancements under two significant regimes, Manmohan Singh's UPA government (2004-2014) and Narendra Modi's NDA government (2014-2023), reveals an intriguing narrative.
Economic Maturation & Stability
At the outset of UPA's tenure in 2004, India was labeled as a fragile economy by leading financial analysts. By 2014, India's GDP had grown to 98 lakh crores. Fast forward to 2023 under the Modi-led NDA regime, India is not only the fastest-growing economy but boasts a GDP of a whopping 159.7 lakh crores. Foreign reserves, a vital indicator of a country's economic health, also saw an exponential rise from $313 billion in May 2014 to $600 billion in June 2023.
Alleviating Poverty & Empowering Citizens
One of the most pivotal metrics for any government is its poverty rate. Under UPA's rule, the nation observed a poverty rate of 22% in 2014. In a commendable stride, by 2023, the NDA government has managed to reduce this figure to 8.8%. A closer look at employment statistics tells a similar tale. While there were 6.77 crores of employment providers in 2014, this number substantially increased to 20.23 crores by 2023.
Bridging the Infrastructure Gap
Infrastructure is the backbone of any thriving nation. While the UPA government saw the construction of 74 airports by 2014, this number nearly doubled to 148 airports by 2023 under the NDA government. The narrative remains consistent in the case of highways, railways, and other crucial infrastructural developments.
Fostering Education & Medical Advancements
In the realm of education and medical facilities, the NDA government, by 2023, boasts 1113 universities (390 being new additions) and 1341 medical colleges. In contrast, by 2014, the UPA had 713 universities and 700 medical colleges to its credit.
Addressing Contemporary Challenges
A notable mention is the proactive response of the NDA government to contemporary global challenges. The recent COVID-19 pandemic saw the NDA government stepping up its game with efficient vaccination drives, food supply management, and significant financial packages.
Thus, while both governments have had their set of achievements and challenges, it is evident that the Modi-led NDA government has accelerated India's development trajectory in various spheres. However, this brings us to a pivotal question – does leadership play the primary role in a nation's success? Or is it the cumulative effort of past legacies, global scenarios, and inherent potential?
Whichever side of the debate you lean towards, it's undeniable that the nation has witnessed substantial progress over these two decades. The challenge, however, remains – can we sustain this growth and usher India into an era of unparalleled global leadership? Only time will tell.
Do you agree that India has progressed rapidly under Modi's leadership?
A. Yes, India has moved from No. 10 to No.3 economy today.
B. No, India hasn't progressed much since MMS govt. of 2014.
© 2023. P Mohan Chandran. All Rights Reserved.
12102023
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