While a majority of people gave thumbs up to the government headed by Narendra Modi in surveys conducted at the end of first year, they also felt that more time should be given to assess its performance.
The fact that there was no corruption in the first year is a small matter but given the situation that existed only few years back, this is a giant step indeed. For public used to seeing ministers and officials getting hauled up by courts routinely for various scams, here is a welcome wind that is both necessary and refreshing.
Much was promised and less was achieved in some areas. Intolerances, religious or otherwise, attacks on churches both real and engineered, raised their ugly head but Prime Minister’s strong condemnation though belated hopefully will help in nipping such practice in future.
India was seen and heard by world due to overall better communication which augurs well for the future. With better signs of industrial recovery under the new government India clocked higher GDP than China with 7.5% for the first time.
The Strength, Weakness, Opportunity and Threat analysis (SWOT) is a useful dynamic study to measure the performance of the government more qualitatively than with only numbers. It will serve as an indicator which way the government is heading. The items in the boxes will vary over time and if there is better governance more things will be seen under strength and opportunity headings.
Strength:
1. Overwhelming victory brings a perception India will no longer be ruled by dynasty or for namesake proxy candidate but a political churning has come to stay.
2. Confidence boosting moves have galvanised bureaucracy which can be seen in day to day functioning of government offices.
3. Removal of bottle-necks for doing business will attract more investment from industries abroad over a period.
4. Improvement in ties with countries around India will enhance bilateral relations and trade.
5. Making banks open savings accounts of over 10 crore people under Jan Dhan Yojana from low income group will give them a sense of pride and identity while eradicating middlemen in payments.
6. By apportioning higher share to states, Centre has tried to improve Centre-State relationship.
7. Foreign visits and contacts can enhance India’s chances for UN Membership in Security Council
8. A year of corruption free governance, a welcome change from scam ridden past.
9. Direct contact with farmers, children, students through radio talks, ‘Mann ki Baat’
10. Elimination of two power centres will bring responsibility and status back to Prime Minister’s office.
11. Taking chief ministers along during foreign visits boosts confidence and brings rich dividends.
12.’Swachh Bharath Abhyaan’ is a good initiative to inculcate cleanliness but institutional momentum is required to sustain the same.
13. ‘Make in India’ is worthy cause but needs better overall infrastructure.
14. Prime Minister is an excellent communicator with masses both in India and abroad which was missing earlier.
15. Orientation of erstwhile Planning Commission to Niti Ayog hopefully brings new culture to start people-oriented projects than an ivory tower concept that all projects should emanate only from Planning Commission.
16. India’s growth rate outstripped China’s this year by clocking 7.5 % as against 7% for China for the first time.
17. India has made it clear to Pakistan that it is prepared to play ball but any misadventure by them will be hit back with full force.
Weakness:
1. Reforms have not taken place at the anticipated pace.
2. Quick action to bring anti-religious intolerances and curb loose talk is missing
3. International relations have to be nurtured over time. Flashy wooing won’t bring immediate results.
4 Government appears to be taking too many activities which mean efforts will be too wide and thin; specific goal- oriented projects may prove more beneficial in long run.
5. It is perceived a single-man government though systems have been put in place.
6. Repetitive criticism of previous government will not help in governance at this juncture.
7. It is better to move on from days as chief minister of Gujarat to the Prime Minister of India.
8. There is a perception government is more acting for the growth of Industry and not paying attention to farmers. This has to be rectified both in policy and action.
9. No effective spokespersons to spread awareness on government policies and programmes.
Threat:
1. There has been attack on churches by anti-social elements to discredit and tarnish the government. Such incidents should be put down ruthlessly.
2. Intemperate utterances by MPs, MLAs and ministers on other religions bring in feelings of insecurity among minorities and are an attack on constitution. This should not be allowed at all.
3. Educational institutions perform better in an atmosphere of freedom. Government should ensure their freedom at any cost.
4. There is a perception among people that government is planning to acquire land indiscriminately. Enough efforts are lacking to allay their fears.
5. Lack of numbers in Rajya Sabha will affect pushing through policies for reforms.
6. Bringing back black money from abroad is far more complex than what was imagined when poll promises were made.
7. The Goods and Service Tax (GST) and Land Acquisition Bill may not be passed by the opposition without changes and without extracting their pound of flesh.
Opportunity:
1. The massive mandate is a huge opportunity to ring in positive changes and to bring new reforms.
2. Right governance will remove the disillusionment of non-performance of previous decade.
3. Foreign exchange saved due to steep fall in oil prices should be used in employment-oriented schemes.
4. Enormous potential of expats in terms of knowledge and investment can help in leapfrogging ahead with new technology for agriculture and industry.
5. Economic reforms can be introduced more by getting allies and even opposition to support them than in an atmosphere of confrontation.
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