DNA Edit: BJP’s success hinges on the efficacy of govt schemes

Prime Minister Narendra Modi is already in battle mode for the 2019 Lok Sabha elections. His recent stock-taking of the government’s performance over the last four years is the first step towards firming up goals for the near future.

What can decisively bolster the BJP-led NDA’s fortunes is the success of its welfare schemes aimed at the vast majority of the country’s poor. Little wonder then, that in PM’s meeting with his council of ministers – all 73 of them – the rural sector dominated the proceedings.

Given the rising discontent among farmers, BJP’s success will hinge on getting them on its side. Hence, the dire need to review the seven schemes under the Gram Swaraj Abhiyan (GSA). The Abhiyan intends to, among other things, double farmers’ income and increase livelihood opportunities at a time when agriculture is in need of critical care. Huge swathes in the countryside of north, central and west India have been adversely affected by the unpredictable nature of cultivation and the institutional failures in addressing ills plaguing the farm sector. 

From the start to the finish – sowing, nurturing and harvesting crops, culminating in either poor output or a bumper harvest – the tiller faces formidable challenges. Instead of addressing legacy issues, the Centre and state governments’ response has been limited to farm-loan waivers, putting undue burden on the exchequer.

PM Modi is well aware that a lot would depend on his government’s efforts in improving the quality of life for the rural poor. He emphasises on getting ground reports on whether the rural electrification initiative under the Saubhagya scheme, LPG connections for BPL households under Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana, financial inclusion under Pradhan Mantri Jan-Dhan Yojana have actually reached the beneficiaries. It’s also a strategy to increase the BJP’s grass roots’ connect before the general elections. 

The other important aspect is job creation, following the debilitating effects of demonetization. While Skill India programme has done a fantastic job of training 2.5 crore youths in three years, it needs to tailor its enterprise as per industry demands. The Opposition is meant to hold the government accountable for its lapses. Now is the time for NDA to fix the loopholes. PM’s latest push is borne out of the need to ensure positive outcomes.

Reports from the ground do not paint a rosy picture. That explains why 750 officers from the Centre have been asked to deliver results under GSA in 45,000 villages across India by August 15. At the end of the day, people will vote for a government that genuinely works for their betterment. Their concerns revolve around their daily struggles for roti, kapda and makaan, which can be ensured by creating an atmosphere of financial growth and employment opportunities.

At that level of deprivation, PM Modi’s success in foreign policy matters wouldn’t matter at all. What gives hope to his key support base is the prospect of ‘achhe din’. Can the PM translate this dream into reality?