Introduction
Five years after the 2014 general elections, questions persist about the fulfillment of the many promises made by Prime Minister Narendra Modi during his campaign. While his tenure brought some positive changes, a closer examination reveals that many of his grand promises turned out to be illusory. This article delves into the most significant pledges made by Mr. Modi and analyzes whether they have been realized.
The Biggest Myth of 2014: Black Money Recovery
One of the most prominent campaign promises of 2014 was the repatriation of black money from Swiss banks within 100 days. The idea was to collect a vast amount of black money and distribute it among Indian citizens, with the specific promise of Rs 15 lakh in every bank account. This promise was unrealistic, to say the least, as it assumed a level of corruption and wealth in Swiss banks that was far from reality.
The reality is that the promise was largely unfulfilled, and the effort resulted in no significant distribution of black money. Instead, it led to significant economic turmoil due to the demonetization process, which hit the economy hard and caused widespread hardship among various sections of society, including business owners and farmers.
Job Creation and Economic Growth
Another key promise was the creation of 2 crore jobs annually. This was a bold claim aimed at addressing India's high unemployment rates and the growing population of job-seekers. Despite several initiatives like the Make-in-India campaign and Skill India programs, the job creation figures have not met the target set by Mr. Modi. In fact, job growth has been slow, and the unemployment rate remains a concern.
Moreover, the economic policies implemented by the government, such as the Goods and Services Tax (GST), have had mixed results. While the GST aimed to simplify the tax structure, it has also caused significant disruptions in the short term, particularly in industries like manufacturing and retail.
Security and National Interest
Another aspect of Mr. Modi's campaign was the emphasis on national security and the Ram Temple issue. His government has made strides in improving the security situation in certain regions, such as Jammu and Kashmir, where operations against terrorists have taken place. However, the overall security landscape has not seen the significant improvements promised.
/Area Development and Social Issues/
On social issues, the promise of improving the conditions for women and ensuring their safety has not been fully realized. Despite efforts, women continue to face safety concerns and gender-based discrimination in various parts of the country.
Conclusion
While the Modi government has implemented several schemes and policies, many of the promises made during the 2014 campaign have not turned into tangible benefits for the Indian populace. The reality highlights a gap between the aspirations and the implementation. Critics argue that many of the pledges were overly ambitious and lacked concrete plans, while supporters point to the government's efforts towards development and security.
As we move forward, it is crucial to examine both the achievements and the shortcomings of the government to understand what is working and what needs to be improved.