Modi 3.0: Social measures in focus after election setback

In her speech to the joint session of parliament, President Draupadi Murmu said the government would announce major policy decisions in the upcoming sessions, focusing on public welfare. Some major features are expected to be introduced in the Union Budget and the President has assured that it will be futuristic and reflect the long-term policies of the government. The third term of the Narendra Modi government is likely to focus on four groups: youth, women, poor and farmers, as indicated by President Murmu’s announcement on the policy lines of the newly formed government.

Among the most important expected reforms, agricultural reforms occupy a central place. The government is working on agricultural storage initiatives and has increased the minimum support price for agricultural produce. As the agricultural system undergoes a major overhaul, the government is integrating the supply chain of natural agriculture and related products. Judging by the president’s emphasis on agriculture, it appears that the Modi government continues to exert pressure on the rural economy. The agri-food, dairy and fishing industries may also receive support.

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New strategy for agriculture

President Murmu highlighted the growing global interest in Indian organic food. The government may formulate new strategies for agriculture considering the high demand for organic products in the global market. The government is also running a campaign to popularize the coarse grains, known as Shree Anna, as a food across the world. At the initiative of India, the year 2023 was celebrated around the world as the International Year of Millets.

President Murmu also emphasized the government’s commitment to improving education and skills development. Recognizing the demographic dividend, the government aims to equip youth with the skills they need to thrive in the global economy. Initiatives such as the National Education Policy (NEP) are being implemented, the aim of which is to modernize the education system, making it more comprehensive and flexible. The focus will be on vocational training, digital skills and higher education reforms to ensure Indian students are globally competitive. Additionally, scholarship and financial aid programs will be expanded to support students from economically weaker groups.

Women’s empowerment

Another area of ​​focus for the government is women, who also constitute a significant vote bank for the BJP. Naturally, the government may try to attract these voters through new housing, self-help groups (SHGs) and reservation laws. In her speech, the president said that the construction of three crore new houses for women beneficiaries would be approved. The government will also increase the number of SHGs to fulfill Mr. Modi’s promise of three crore women becoming ‘Lakhpati Didis’.

President Murmu also noted the popularity of Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana, under which girls get higher interest rates on bank deposits. The government can further improve this scheme and increase benefits under other schemes like providing free ration and low-cost gas cylinders. She also announced that all senior citizens above 70 years of age will get free treatment under Ayushman Bharat.

In addition to the above-mentioned policies, the government plans to improve healthcare infrastructure. President Murmu stressed the importance of accessible and affordable health care for all citizens. The Ayushman Bharat program, which has already benefited millions of people, will be expanded to cover more diseases and treatments. The government is also focusing on strengthening primary health centers in rural areas, ensuring that even the most remote villages have access to high-quality health care services. Telemedicine initiatives will be strengthened to bridge the gap between health care in rural and urban areas, using technology to provide consultations and treatment to those in need.

The green economy is a priority

The President’s speech showed a strong focus on building a sustainable future. Prioritizing renewable energy sources and energy efficiency can significantly reduce India’s dependence on imported fossil fuels, improving energy security and reducing the trade deficit. The green economy also offers exciting job creation opportunities, especially for young people. Investments in areas such as solar energy, wind energy and sustainable infrastructure can generate new and skilled jobs.

The president reiterated the government’s commitment to infrastructure development as a cornerstone of economic growth. The National Infrastructure Pipeline (NIP), which aims to invest in roads, railways, airports and ports, will receive significant support. The development of smart cities and urban infrastructure will also be prioritized to improve the quality of life in urban areas. Additionally, initiatives such as the Bharatmala and Sagarmala projects aim to improve connectivity and reduce logistics costs, which will increase the competitiveness of Indian businesses. The focus on infrastructure is not only about economic growth, but also about creating jobs and ensuring sustainable regional development.

Mitigating climate change

President Murmu said that the Government of India, believing in “One Earth, One Family”, is taking initiatives to provide solutions to global problems. Efforts are being made to address issues ranging from climate change to food security, from nutrition to sustainable agriculture.

Digital transformation remains a key area of ​​focus for the government. President Murmu outlined plans to expand the ‘Digital India’ initiative, which aims to reduce the digital divide and provide more citizens with access to the Internet. Efforts will be made to improve digital infrastructure, such as expanding broadband to rural areas and developing a robust 5G network. E-government initiatives will be scaled up to ensure greater accessibility and transparency of government services. The government will also promote digital skills programs to enable citizens to participate in the digital economy, creating opportunities for innovation and entrepreneurship.

To ensure inclusive growth, the government will continue to focus on financial inclusion. The Jan Dhan Yojana, which has brought millions of unbanked people into the formal financial system, will be further strengthened. Efforts will be made to provide microcredit to small and medium enterprises (SMEs) and startups, fostering an environment of entrepreneurship and innovation. Digital payment systems will be promoted to make financial transactions more efficient and transparent. Moreover, the government plans to launch new initiatives to support cooperative banks and microfinance institutions, ensuring that financial services reach every corner of the country.

Despite winning by a narrow margin, Prime Minister Modi’s historic third term sends a strong message of political and economic stability. One of the most anticipated developments is India’s path to becoming the third largest economy and an influential global power. India is expected to lead both the global East and the global South under a stable government.

To this end, India’s manufacturing sector will play a key role. The government needs to deepen the country’s role in global manufacturing networks, especially in emerging sectors such as pharmaceuticals, clean energy and electronics. Existing incentive programmes, such as the Production Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme, need to be refined to attract more companies to manufacture in India. Furthermore, free trade agreements with Oman and other major players are on the horizon, making reducing trade barriers and boosting exports a priority.

The current government’s third term will not be complete without renewed efforts to reform labor law. The 2019 reforms aimed to create a more flexible and business-friendly environment. However, these reforms require significant political capital and cooperation of individual countries. Now that the government faces significant opposition, its success depends on the support of state governments.

The government must ensure continuation of infrastructure programs like Make In India, Digital India, Startup India, Clean India, Sagarmala, Roadways etc. Electricity and development must reach the last tribal village, lifting the entire population of India out of poverty. After all, growth is not complete until it reaches everyone.