MODI HAI TO MUMKIN HAI : MYTH OR REALITY ?
Narendra D.Modi is the third of six children of Damodardas Mulchand Modi and Hirabben Modi. In his teen age, he was married to Jasodha Ben but is reported to have left soon after marriage was solemnized.
On May 26, 2014, his ‘Taj Poshi’ was performed as 14th P.M. of India. By that time he had rich experience of Chief Ministership of Gujarat for 12 years.
(A) POSITIVE SIDE OF HIS PERSONALITY
Personal Traits
His reign of eleven years and four months, has led to many achievements across several sectors.So have been controversies, which are but natural.
One of my bosses, early in my career, would surmise: “You become controversial only when you work”.
Therefore, P.M.Modi Jee is no exception.
Cool, calm & connected to ground, he maintains a low profile by looking unassuming. Possessing a very good memory, he performs as a workaholic. But he listens.That is more important.
Focus On Key Sectors
Not all his policies, steps, speeches, interactions, tours etc, nationally or internationally are received well. Nevertheless, focused attempts are made to ensure positive outcome. A few of his initiatives relating to economic domain, infrastructure, social sector, women empowerment, health, education, environment, agriculture, foreign affairs etc had to face rough and turbulent waters.
But unless you work, you donot become known OR a media darling or an opposition target.
Mann Ki Baat
This Radio programme commenced on October 3, 2014 & its 125th episode was broadcast on August 31, 2025. This one way affair has become a success as useful inputs about achievements and failures of Government schemes come in, apart from tips for improvement. But critiques argue, how many persons listen to Radio ?
Similar benchmark has been set by P.M.’s popular interaction with school students, mostly relating to examinations.
Swachh Bharat Abhiyan
Started on 2nd October, 2014, it has no parallels in our history. Feeling motivated, people in general, began cleaning their homes, shops and surroundings.Steps to clean, sweep and dump the trash in a sustainable way followed. As segregation of garbage is an area of concern, fresh vigour and vitality is necessary.
International Yoga Day
Due to ModiJee’s faith and proposal on Yoga, U.N.O. declared 21st June as INTERNATIONAL YOGA DAY. 177 U.N. members co- sponsored the resolution.
In its first function on June 21, 2015, P.M.and 36,000 persons participated. It heralded a global wellness movement as millions gathered at iconic venues.
Ayushman Bharat (A.B.)
On health care, India has come a long way but wealth created by malpractices of some black sheep in medical profession should not be tolerated.Two phases of National Health Mission of 2005 and 2012 filled up gaps.Overall, not only health infrastructure was augmented but health indices too improved.
MMR, IMR, Under 5 MR, prevalence of T.B.and Leprosy too declined. But these are far below international standards.
A.B., launched on September 23, 2018, is jointly funded by Central and State Governments. But three states are not implementing it.
A component of A.B.-PMJAY covers a whopping 50 crore beneficiaries by a financial coverage upto Rs 5 lakhs for secondary and tertiary hospitalization.
Despite a rise in life span from 31 years in 1937 to 70 years now, expectation of people from Government hospitals is not diminishing, wherein GDMO’s donot attend duties regularly and paramedics fill the gap which is risky to patients.As per a recent study even in AIIMS, Delhi, specialists donot perform night duty but senior Residents are available. In most of the hospitals of Delhi, no ultra sound facility is available 24×7. M.R.I. facility has not been installed in many hospitals. Also it is a Pan India phenomenon that lady doctors do not perform deliveries at night and if it is to be done, it is invariably Caesarian, which adds to difficulty and cost of patient’s family.
Initially, A.B. created enthusiasm.Now actual benefit is not trickling. A lot is depending on private players who not only run but dominate the expensive diagnostic centres, for the patients who are Metabolic, Carcinogenic or having Eye or Heart ailments. Apart from immediate improvement in Doctor : Patient ratio, sufficient number of beds are also needed. Even newly opened A.I.I.M.S. centres outside Delhi have vacancies.
Digital India Initiative
Launched on 1st July 2015, it has done wonders for the youth and dedicated public servants. Taking off from E- governance scheme of 9 years “vintage”, it used to be a symbol of national empowerment, elevating living standards and fostering transparency.
Though it has been successful, what can be done if the beneficiary himself surrenders ? Whether money of a scheme reaches the target group or not, requisite WILL to recover is certainly new found development.
Cell phones were introduced in 1996-97, later, SMART PHONES took over.These were supposed to boost efficiency.
Instead, efficiency and speed of criminal minds has been further accelerated and common man in general and senior Citizens in particular, are frequent victims.
Cyber crime, Crime against & by women, aided & abated by CELL PHONES are rising beyond imagination, more so, in the N.C R. Regulation and corrective action looks negligible, despite tall claims made by the Government at the Centre and States.
Promotion Of Swadeshi & Ease Of Business
Modi Jee’s firm faith in Swadesi or self reliance, especially in manufacture of defence products, scientific equipments, Cell phones and essential machines during Covid period will be always remembered. Apart from EASE OF BUSINESS, these are time and cost saving and cutting devices.
In view of anti-India adverse policies of U.S., especially 50 % tariff and sweeping overall of H-1B Visa system, it may be beneficial.
Financially India has begun earning sizeable money, owing to rising exports of India produced items. Before ModiJee, no one thought on these lines.
(B) LONG NEGLECTED ISSUES THAT GOT RESOLVED
(a) Abrogation Of Articles 370 & 35 A of the Constitution
Sri Modi’s most daring, rather, dare devil decision has been abrogation of Articles 370 and 35 A of the Constitution. The said order, doing away with the Special status given to Jammu & Kashmir was issued on August 5, 2019.
The abrogated articles conferred a power on J & K state to have a separate Constitution, state flag and autonomy over internal administration of the state. Two articles defined that residents of the state lived under a separate set of law including those related to Citizenship, ownership of property and Fundamental Rights, as compared to citizens of other states.
After issuance of landmark order, State of Jammu & Kashmir was down graded to that of a Union Territory and a large chunk of land was taken away under a new nomenclature of Union Territory of Ladakh.
DELIMITATION was also done swiftly in all three areas, but to limited satisfaction of now minority Hindus who were not only mercilessly killed and devastated but also compelled to leave their forefathers land.
(b) Challenges From Indirect Taxes
Advent of G.S.T. and its “Reforms” With Effect from 22nd September.
Due to ModiJee’s abiding interest and commitment for immediate fiscal reforms, Goods and Services Tax was launched, over riding erstwhile Value Added Tax (VAT) on 1st July, 2017 after claimed study and consultations with States & businessmen. It was supposed to fill up several gaps in collection of indirect taxes from customers and common man.
GST has replaced multiple indirect taxes paid by the common man.Collection through GST has been phenomenal thus far.
It is a multi stage destination indirect tax imposed on every value addition, replacing indirect taxes, such as, VAT, Excise duty, Service tax etc.Thus common man and traders got the relief, they wanted.
Four types of GST were introduced: Integrated GST, State GST, Central GST and U.T. GST.
Its deft handling has benefited the nation AND theft of tax has been contained, considerably. What fine or penalty is to be given to the tax thieves is still not clear.
Interestingly, in a sudden development, ten days ago, new Central GST tax rates were announced, to be effective from September, 22, 2025. Aim is to simplify and remove anamolies & rates in the “interest of consumers and businessmen”. As against present 4 tier tax structure/slabs of 4,12,18, and 28%, now it will be a 2 tier structure of 5 and 18%.
Tax of 18% on local delivery services needs to be cut down. Tax cuts will be on soaps, tooth paste, bread, some medicines, life saving drugs, 2 wheelers, small cars, T.V., A.C’s, Cement, Tobacco, Pan Masala etc.
How does common man gain from such insignificant cuts ? Rate cuts are to benefit barely 11 out of 30 top consumer houses. It is hardly a relief.
Decision to lower rates to “benefit common man” and “boost” businesses was taken in GST Council meeting on September 3.
So, it could have been announced immediately. Once again Secrecy was maintained for obvious gains.How is it proposed to recover massive revenue loss, will have to be watched with keen interest ?
(c) Clubbing Of Two Budgets
It has been an excellant and forward looking step for which ModiJee needs to be specially patted on his back.Though Railways were a Ministry like any other Ministry, why a special status was assigned to it earlier, is not understood ?
Till 2016, on the second day of Budget session of Parliament, Railway budget used to be presented by the Union Railway Minister. Next day would be scheduled for presentation of General Budget by the Finance Minister. It required a good deal of expenditure, apart from this exercise being labour intensive and time consuming.
As a separate Railway budget was being presented since 1924, 92 year old tradition came to an end from 2017 with the merger of two budgets. New measure was to ensure better financial management and strategic alignment of railway operations with national economic goals.
Clubbing various Services of Class I officers within the Railways and doing away with British Raj institution of ‘Bungalow People’ were also path breaking and cost saving initiatives.
(d) Doing Away With Outdated Laws & Papers
A lot of effort was put in studying, comparing with current legislation and then recommending repeal of 76 outdated laws.These were repealed in December, 2023.Thus, desired freedom from non- approachable officials, misguiding lawyers and an immune Judiciary could become a visible reality. Not only these had outlived their utility but these were also tilted in favour of former colonial masters.
Before ModiJee no one ever thought of remembering, forget about pursuing and getting rid of outdated laws “in operation”. Also a large number of closed files and pieces of correspondence which had no present day relevance were identified and sent for destruction. It created a lot of space for otherwise crammed up Government servants, apart from congenial working atmosphere.
(e) Bullet Train Project
It could be considered a dream project of the P.M. Upon witnessing operation of these trains in Japan (I wish far more faster Chinese Bullet trains were also seen) and the impact they could make on accelerating growth of economy, a Bullet train project was conceived and approved in 2015 between Ahmedabad and Mumbai. It was to have 12 stations over a length of 508 kms. To cruise at a speed of 320 kmph, it was to come up with the assistance of Government of Japan.
Due to non co-operative attitude of the then Maharastra Government, in regard to land acquisition, the project got delayed by four to five years. Finally, it took off in 2021 and is likely to be completed by 2027.
So far, however, barely 360 kms of railway line has been laid. Even on getting full support from top, it is not making the desired progress. Japan has recently gifted two Bullet trains for trial runs on Mumbai-Ahmedabad high speed Rail corridor.
It is felt that other regions of the country too need such superfast & upgraded trains and metro services.
(C) NOTABLE ACHIEVEMENTS
(a) Improvement In Physical Infrastructure
Modi’s unique preference for improving physical infrastructure, such as, high speed trains, improvement as also building of quality roads & bridges, expressways, provision of landing of Air Force aircrafts therein, greenfield airports, brownfield airports, helipads, taking all weather roads upto international border etc, being positive indicators, are going to pay rich dividends in the long run.
A CAUTION
Road building and widening works in Himalayan states shall have to be reviewed on PRIORITY in view of heavy downpour, cloud burst ,floods and land slides since June this year. More frightening have been rains that caused devastation in J & K, Uttarkhand, H.P, N.Bengal & Sikkim in August & September.
(b) Structural Reforms
These reforms of various types are beginning to deliver EFFECTIVELY in terms of Growth Outcomes.
Further, Central Income Tax Simplifiction Bill, Real Estate Regulation effort, Capitalisation & Consolidation of Public Sector Banks, Stable and Low Energy Prices, Bringing Down Cost of Borrowing etc have been path breaking steps of the Government.
(c) Rural Electrification
Altogether 18,000 villages that had no electricity connection for many decades, now have been electrified. Thus living conditions as also level of education, therein, have improved substantially. If there are local faults or trippings, Central Government cannot be held responsible. Panchayat and area officers should be alert and vigilant.
(d) Ujjwala Yojana
This women empowerment yojana, launched in 2016, has a provision for free cooking gas connection to over 10 million households. Thus, not only smoke free kitchens have become a reality but health of women in general is likely to improve. But in reality people want everything free of cost and they donot wish to pay for replacement of original cylinder even.
(e) India, Fourth Largest Economy
The information regarding India becoming fourth largest economy of the world, overtaking Japan , is being rightly examined and discussed. Whatever it may be, projection of IMF that India’s nominal GDP has reached 4.19 Trillion Dollars, should not be undermined.
As learnt, it has been due to strong economic growth & reforms, increase in exports, significant growth in digital transactions, rise in FDI, appropriate fiscal and monetary policies and overall economic stability.
(f) Jan Dhan Yojana
Brainchild of ModiJee, this scheme has been able to record very good outreach, thus far. Idea was to ensure Financial Inclusion. Over 510 million bank accounts have been opened so far, thereby empowering long neglected unbanked population.
For the first time, a poor citizen can not only access a bank, bereft of any hitch but he/ she can also take advantage of available schemes of different Central and State Government Departments.
(g) Direct Benefit Transfer
In a way, linked to above scheme, was the DBT scheme which broke the sackles of over desiring family members and “interested & Inclined” Panchayat members, professional touts and middlemen. It is a different thing that sometimes for access to a bank or operating an ATM card, villagers in general and illiterate urban dwellers & daily wage earners, in particular, still depend on somebody familiar with working of a bank.
Purposely P.M.Awas Yojana and Jal Jeevan Mission (Water supply for uncovered villages) are not being mentioned as these were improvments over old schemes from pre-Modi Era.
(D) SETBACKS / PARTIAL SUCCESS STORIES
(a) Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao: Dismal Performance
Started by Modi Saheb on January 22, 2015 at Panipat, it was launched in 100 “gender critical” Districts. It aims at checking declining child sex ratio, stopping sex based discriminations, encouraging education of girl child and overall empowerment of women.
Scheme is not being implemented effectively as tradition bound people and male chauvinism are posing serious road blocks.
In the “grim” scenario of Haryana, there has been only slight improvement in Male Female ratio. However, in the most developed region of Delhi, it has been recording a fall over the last three years from 929 in 2022 to 922 in 2023 to 920 in 2024. In the same way, Delhi has also seen sharp drop in the number of women employed in service sector. Their percentage of 28.5 in 2020-21came down drastically to 21.3 in 2022-23.
On top of it, only 7.14 % seats in 2025 Delhi Assembly elections were won by women candidates.This was lowest in a decade.
Suggested Remedies
More grass root interventions are, therefore, needed as sex based discriminations are continuing. As child sex ratio is only going up marginally in the country, there Is a need for more focused attention in all the states.While gender bias has to go at once, female infanticide too shall have to be reduced. Besides change in social mindset, financial freedom to women must be also given.
If we have to do welfare of women in general, one has to get rid of all social and cultural impediments.Also instead of three Ministries at present looking after the scheme, only the Ministry of Women and Child would suffice.
(b) NITI Aayog, A White Elephant
P.M.’s sudden decision to disband Planning Commission (P.C.) and replacing the same with NITI Ayog did not pay. Against all expectations and posting of fresh team of members and”experts”, expected delivery is not coming forth. In good old days, P.C. was a vibrant and proactive set up, providing guidance and fabulous learning opportunity to young researchers, statisticians, planners and bureaucrats.
Subsequent to an expenditure review of the previous year vis a vis availability of resources, sector wise, Annual Plan discussion would take place in the old regime. Thereafter, the State team consisting of C.M.and C.S. would hold a final meeting with Dy.Chairman, P.C.
These meetings in the presence of top experts, were very rewarding. Sometimes, sectoral discussions would take place at State Head quarters. Now we carry only faint memories of a vibrant past. Incidentally, I had the privilege of attending 12 Annual Plan meetings.
(c) One Nation One Election
Though, based on a detailed report of a Commitee headed by a former President of India (for the first time) has been cleared by Union Cabinet and both the houses of Parliament, no consensus is emerging nor the desired momentum is picking up.
ModiJee had espoused this cause but neither the ruling alliance of three parties nor opposition is coming forward. Afterall, Ruling alliance and opposition have always gained from reverse scenario or the present system and the crafty players, therein.
(d) Kisan Agitation
I may humbly submit that Modi magic could not work in regard to three vital farmer related issues, which drew world wide attention from instant “sympathizers.” For one year, three entry points of Delhi Border were choked by the activists who were neither farmers nor erstwhile ‘Kulaks’. They were, in reality agricultural managers of the prosperous farmland of three North Indian states, tilled and harvested by hard working Bihari and U.P. labourers.They were provided with all the modern amenities,viz, swanky beds, free wash rooms three meals & free entertainment by moneyed vested interests. Simultaneously, similar blockade took place at Shaheen Bagh. One can imagine the tension level of Delhi Police, their neighbouring State counterparts and residents of Noida, Ghaziabad and Faridabad.
(e) Manipur Blockade of 28 Months
Another setback was failure in breaking 28 months of Manipur blockade which has seen 300 deaths, burning of thousands of houses & displacement of over 60,000 persons of this beautiful border state. Main dispute has been always between Meiteis and Kuki-Zo tribes, former living in Imphal valley while latter occupying nine hills surrounding Imphal. Educational institutions, offices, markets, temples, churches, transport services, hospitals etc. all have been hit. As relatives and friends staying in adjacent Districts are not meeting for two years, an uneasy calm prevails even under President’s Rule(from February 2025). Manipur deserves Peace & Stability and a popular Government.
Anti social elements have gala time in such an atmosphere. Reports regarding hiding of looted arms from state armoury, deep into rice or maize fields too have surfaced.
Situation has worsened after 3 hour visit of the P.M. to the highly disturbed state.Not only restless people resorted to arson and destruction near the Helipad earmarked for the P.M., clashes between two or three groups too were witnessed the following day.
As liberal release of funds has never led to a solution, so, a package of Rs 7,000 crores announced by P.M. a few days ago, may not have any impact. It can not substitute the love and care Manipuris deserve from mainland Indians.
Several other pertinent and burning issues baffling and consistently troubling many other states have not caught the attention of P.M.O. and “obedient and obliging” M.H.A. The I.B.continues to misreport and mislead. So the stalemates continue at the cost of common man.
(f) Foreign Affairs, Gains & Losses
By and large, Indian foreign policy seems to be doing well and we are are having consistent and cordial relations with most of the countries in Asia, Europe, North & South Americas.
Africa normally gets neglected in our scheme of things except when a summit like G-20, BRICS or S.C.O. takes place. During the dreadful days of Covid-19, India under the dynamic leadership of ModiJee had played an outstanding humanitarian role in providing vaccines and other assistances to people of several African, Latin American and Asian nations.On the contrary, low population countries like Canada were hoarding vaccines.
One may, however, mention with regret that all the countries who received free vaccination packs from India or who display their usual warmth and cordiality towards our P.M. at International fora, soon forgot such a gesture.
India had to manage on its own when Pakistanis caused the sacrilege at Pahalgam on April 22, after speeding up sponsoring terrorism into India or when four day war took place between the two countries.
Betrayal By Turkiye
This was the time when true colour of Turkiye became prominent.They, alongwith one Central Asian country openly supported Pakistan.They may remember that India was among the first responders when a massive earthquake jolted Turkiye. Apart from usual R & R, the NDRF and Army Jawans had set up a Hospital in less than a week.
Incorrigible U.S.A.
Taking “credit” for arranging Cease Fire between India and Pakistan or lobbying for Nobel Peace Prize became more important than sympathizing with the families who suffered immensely and those still are struggling in many disturbed areas of the country.
As if such an inhuman attitude was not enough, high rates of Tariff were imposed on Indian goods, such as, diamonds, textiles, marine products,etc. Andhra Pradesh has pegged its Shrimp export losses at Rs 25,000 Crores. It is not 50% Tariff, it is actually 59.72 % including countervailing and dumping duties.
India has been also singled out for importing Crude oil from Russia by payment in Rupee.Only we know it has resulted into saving of Billions of Dollars.
Taunts were also showered on us and foul language was used when multilaterism was stressed at Tianjin in the presence of 27 countries, including China, Russia, India, Iran and North Korea.
S.C.O. & Further Meets
India’s active participation in meetings with Japan on 29th and 30th August and during SCO meet on 1st September in Tinjian have boosted our morale considerably. One to one meeting between Modijee and Xi Jinping and between him and President Putin, apart from Bi-laterals were the redeeming features of Indian Foreign policy. We should perform with more vigour and vitality when Modijee shows his competence and tact at the forthcoming QUAD meeting in India and BRICS meet in Brazil towards 2025 end.
SAARC REVIVAL ?
It would be in fitness of things if Modijee takes steps for reviving SAARC and that his participation in ASEAN and similar such South Asian conclaves gets more prominent than before. Last but not the least, he has to be saluted for taking a bold stand on combatting terrorism during SCO meet at Tianjin and for his steller role in G-20 meets in Delhi in September 2023 and in Brazil recently.
Review of Middle East Policy Needed
While Modijee has to be also appreciated for taking up the cause of suffering people of Balochistan on more than one occasion, his unexpected silence over extreme humanitarian issues in Gaza Strip is surprising at a time when the whole world is supporting the cause of Palestinians. Latest recognition by U.K.,Canada and Australia can not be ignored.
It is therefore, felt that beyond a point, diplomatic/ cordial relations with the Israelis is not called for. We may need only certain category of arms from them as we are not only meeting our own requirement but exporting home produced arms also. One should change with time.
September 17, 2025
This day will be an extra special and memorable day as Modijee has completed 75 years of age. By this time, generally people get tired, take up Sanyas or leave the world.This stage of life is not only important but a crucial turning point for a significant public figure who has completed 23 years of performing public service, first 12 years as C.M.and remainder as the longest serving P.M.of India.
TINA FACTOR: Credits & Discredits
When an individual has to serve a difficult yet vibrant nation, such as, India, there will be success stories as also setbacks, not necessarily failures.
Credit for former should go to leaders having tact , sincerity, control and acumen.While discredit for the latter should be attributable to Road Blockers who may be alert but donot believe either in taking risk OR initiative. They simply donot have the GUTS to strike the iron when it is hot.
In extremely challenging domain of public life in India, speculation will not pay but sincere 18 hour a day action may help in achieving intended targets.
Despite hiccups and setbacks in a few domestic and external settings, Sri Narendra Modi’s service has been for growth and sustenance of nation as a whole with equal emphasis on welfare of the poor, downtrodden, women and minorities.
AND THERE IS NO VISIBLE ALTERNATIVE WITHIN THE RULING PARTY OR IN OPPOSITION.
BUT A RIDER IS : Impact intended public service can be done with scaled down publicity and more of felt action.Virtual inaugarations and foundations pay only in SHORT RUN. In The Long Run We Are All Dead.
TAIL PIECE :
Managing A GRIP & Limelight For 11 years Without Addressing Even One Press Conference, Is Not A Cake Walk.
BUT MODI HAI TO MUMKIN HAI.
(The author is former Chief Secretary, Sikkim)
