Modi’s doing his job

Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s candid admission in an article in the latest Economist that his government had yet to fulfil the great expectations that the government had raised, and reiteration of his resolve to redeem them in the coming year, is heartening. His opponents have capitalised on his election promises, like bringing down prices, while overlooking some of the structural changes he is making to empower people at the bottom of the pyramid and make financial inclusion a reality. Mr Modi mentioned his flagship programmes, like Jan Dhan Yojna, Swachh Bharat (Clean India) campaign and the Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao (Protect your Daughter, Educate your Daughter) movement, and said they are creating attitudinal changes in hygiene and gender equity.”

A State Bank of India study of the Jan Dhan Yojna reveals that the number of zero balance accounts has reduced drastically and there are now 19 crore accounts with a cumulative balance of Rs 27,000 crore. Other bankers also say this could turn into a profitable business. His programmes to create entrepreneurs and finance small and medium industries are also picking up. Mr Modi needs a cadre to take these programmes to the people; in this, his party has failed him. He will have to build an army of activists without losing time.

He has also talked bravely of India’s tradition of pluralism but he will have to find ways of reining in the fanatic fringe elements in his party who, unfortunately, are given larger-than-life prominence in the media.