Union Home Minister Amit Shah has articulated a powerful narrative of India's transformation over the past 11 years, marking a shift "from despair to optimism." Shah contends that the country has undergone a remarkable journey, fueled by decisive governance and a focus on long-term strategic planning.
Shah points to several key indicators to support his claim. India's rise from the world's 10th largest economy to the 4th largest, surpassing six other nations, is a central achievement. The doubling of the GDP from $2 trillion to $4.2 trillion is another significant milestone. He also highlighted the unprecedented increase in capital expenditure from ₹1.9 lakh crore to ₹10.5 lakh crore as a marker of the nation's substantial growth. Furthermore, the per capita income has nearly doubled, rising from ₹68,572 to ₹133,488, which has significantly improved the lives of many citizens.
The Home Minister also emphasized the country's digital revolution. He stated that the Modi government has democratized technology, empowering the business sector and transforming India into a leading digital economy. India now accounts for approximately 50% of global digital transactions. Over 55 crore bank accounts have been opened in the last 11 years as part of a historic push for financial inclusion, with ₹44 lakh crore disbursed through Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT). Furthermore, 2.18 lakh gram panchayats have been connected via optical fiber. Digital infrastructure has seen massive expansion, with internet users increasing by 285% and mobile subscribers reaching 116 crore. The cost of data has also plummeted, from ₹308 per GB to ₹9.34.
Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) has witnessed a remarkable surge, with a 143% jump reflecting increased international confidence in India's economic policies. India's foreign exchange reserves have more than doubled to $654 billion, and the average inflation rate has been brought down from 10.1% to 4.6%.
Shah also addressed infrastructure development, citing the accelerated pace of highway construction and the four-fold expansion of the Metro rail network to 1,000 km. He noted the turnaround in the banking sector, with non-performing assets reduced from double digits to just 2.3%.
Moreover, significant strides have been made towards self-reliance under the 'Make in India' initiative. The country has manufactured defence products worth ₹1.3 lakh crore and exported ₹21,000 crore worth of defence products, with a target to increase exports to ₹50,000 crore by 2029.
Amit Shah acknowledged that challenges such as poverty, inflation, and unemployment persist but asserted that significant progress has been made in addressing these issues. Over 26 crore people have been moved out of the Below Poverty Line (BPL) category, and more than 80 crore have benefited from welfare schemes.
In conclusion, Amit Shah paints a picture of an India that has moved from a state of despondency to one filled with optimism and confidence. This transformation, he argues, is the result of focused efforts, strategic planning, and a commitment to inclusive development, positioning India as a major global player.
