The Narendra Modi-led NDA government is entering its ninth year. Speaking at a public function in Gujarat two days ago, the Prime Minister said that during his eight years in power, his government had done nothing that puts India or Indians to shame. While political opponents may disagree, this claim embodies the reality that needs to be underlined. As the country celebrates its golden jubilee of independence, the Modi government is going through another year with a golden glow of many achievements that the country can be proud of. The measures taken for the upliftment of the poor and vulnerable and the policies adopted for economic growth are sufficient to build a strong foundation for the country. The government is working to kickstart the action plans by looking ahead to the next quarter-century. The achievements of the last eight years of governance give the government more confidence in its efforts to realize the concept of development that encompasses all sections of the people.

It is not easy for a government to showcase an administration that gives complete satisfaction to all in a country like India, which is full of hunger, poverty and complex social issues. Despite its innumerable limitations, the Modi government has been able to do many good things for the benefit of a large section of the people. Many of the measures taken for the upliftment of the poor have not been tried before in the country. Millions of families have benefited. The government has extended a helping hand in various areas, including electricity, drinking water, cooking gas, foodgrains, health insurance, bank accounts, direct money transfers and housing. The fact that the schemes have been channelled through the bank accounts of beneficiaries to ensure that deserving people receive government assistance is a significant step. The Centre was thus able to completely eliminate the exploitation of the poor by the middlemen.

In the last eight years, the government has been able to solve several problems that have been destroying the peace and tranquillity of the country for decades. News of the riots is no longer heard from the northeastern states. Although terrorist activities are still taking place in Jammu and Kashmir from time to time, the situation has been brought under control on a large scale through measures taken by the Centre. The revocation of the special powers of Jammu and Kashmir, and the effective control of the subsequent situation should be regarded as an achievement of the government. It was an act of governance that convinced not only the people but also foreign countries that there was a strong government in the country. Being able to control Pakistan and China builds self-esteem in every Indian as a citizen of a strong country. The Modi government's foreign policy has also been successful in improving relations with foreign countries.

There is widespread criticism that the government has failed in creating jobs. It is true that the government has not been able to completely fill the loss of jobs caused by the pandemic. At the same time, the measures and reforms being taken by the government in the industrial sector are aimed at significantly increasing the employment opportunities of the youth. The repeal of many of the restrictions on starting new businesses encourages industrial investment. Foreign investment is being encouraged in various key sectors. Accordingly, there will be more employment opportunities. Through the 'Atmanirbhar Bharat' project, the country is making strenuous efforts to achieve self-sufficiency in many areas, including the defence sector. With the decline in arms imports, the defence manufacturing sector will grow significantly. More people will get jobs.

These are times when India has regained its international identity after many years. At present, there are many countries, including superpowers, that are lending ears to what India has to say. The world recognizes Prime Minister Modi as a powerful ruler. This is something that all Indians can be proud of, regardless of political differences.

It was only through the effective intervention of the Modi government that India was able to hold its own without much damage as the Covid pandemic ravaged many parts of the world. No other country in the world has vaccinated so many people in such a short period of time. The Modi government came to the aid of the people by depositing money in the bank accounts of 20 crore poor women in the country and providing free foodgrains to 80 crore people for months.

Inflation and rising prices are the biggest economic challenges facing the country right now. Despite the achievements, the anti-popular fuel policy has provoked strong opposition. Public anger against the government will continue to grow unless it is ready to make a rational change in fuel prices. Commodity prices will continue to rise as long as fuel prices remain at the present level. Low-income earners and the poor suffer the most due to this. The government must recognize this fact.

In a way, it can be said that the opposition parties that stand divided are the Modi government's strength and positive factors. Opposition parties have not been able to put forward adequate policies to keep the people together beyond the need to bring down the Modi government.