Modi — Can Make or Break India?
Needless to say that the above headline is the talk of the country, or has been, since 2014. Supporters go with the former and non supporters with the latter. A typical discussion on this man or his govt revolves around the major policies that have been introduced. Be it the Kashmir issue or NRC, Demonitization or selling PSUs, GST or Farm Laws, each and every law has been contentious. Next in line would be the Population Control bill and I am sure the debate will be even more fierce than now.
So what is the conclusion? What is in store for India in the coming years? Let us ponder on some of the policies from a common citizen’s perspective, without getting into too many details, as most of us are already aware of them:
Kashmir — The revocation of article 370 caused a furore for many, not just in India but outside as well. This state has been the deadlock between India and Pakistan and for many ‘Pakistan supporting or inclined’ people in India. It has been at war since beginning, or from the AFSPA. No govt. has been able to stabilize it or give a solution. Forget that, there is no substantial input by any intellectual, anchor, politician, economist, etc. etc. on the solution. It is easy to bring ‘Kashmiriyat’ in your arguments but difficult to highlight the plight of the Kashmiri Pandits, who were massacred, raped and thrown out in lakhs. Yes, lakhs.
So it is safe to say that people either likes the Kashmir status quo or were just afraid to raise their voices. Here comes Modi who revokes a law that was somehow trying to stop the integration of the state with the mainland. It is and should be accepted to say that Islamic terrorism is more radical than any other form in the world and thus has a greater edge to play with the minds of the demography. Had Kashmir been left the way it is, the state would either have been indirectly controlled by Pakistan or would always have been separated from rest of India (like now).
Modi’s decison could either bring a long term peace and solution as it would bring jobs, reduce brainwashing and integrate the state with the rest of the country. Or on the contrary, it could never win the hearts of the Kashmiris (as one can not clear the mess of decades) and the state would go into shatters by local youths picking up arms. This would have a serious impact on the rest of the country as fellow Muslims will consider it to be another act of anti-Islam or anti-Muslim sentiment.
Let me ask you, the reader, 3 basic questions:
a. What do you think should be the Kashmir solution?
b. Do you think that previous govts. so far had tried to fix the problem?
c. Most importantly — Do you support the fact that Kashmiri Pandits should return home? (Because I see many supporting Palestenians return their homeland!!, let’s see what you say about the Kashmiri Pandits!)
The Great Indian PSU Sale — PSUs, govt jobs have always been cherished in India. Such was the love, that grooms were and till date demand the most beautiful bride along with loads of money only because they possess this jewel in the form of employment.
Today’s situation could be thought as similar to 1991 reforms as far as sentiment is concerned. Back then also, India was introduced to privatisation with the sole purpose of creating jobs and improving the economy. It witnessed its own protests of that time. Difference being that market was open to mostly Consumer related items. PSUs were still there and regularly funded. Jobs were being created, people had money, economy was booming — Who the hell looks into the books of India to check the growing debt due to PSU funding. They indeed are jewels, but unfortunately, the jewel gave more debt to the exchequer over decades.
We all know the operational plight of Air India, BSNL, MTNL, PNB, etc. But there are more than 70 PSUs that are under sever debt amounting to thousands of crores. Don’t you think that this is severely impacting India?
But now, the Modi govt. wants to sell off the PSUs as it thinks the govt should not be int the ‘business of businesses’. Rightly so, the efficiency of govt. or PSUs cannot be changed overnight and only those can understand this who have been a part of it or have seen it very closely. The numerous laws, rules, hundreds of unions, vote bank, strikes, etc. etc. cannot be changed so easily. Mind you, it is easy to revoke 370 than reforming the inefficiencies of a govt. setup, especially in a country like India. We all have seen the satirical comedy “Office Office” and it is 100% accurate.
This decision can be a diamond in India’s future journey. We may see businesses thrive in unchartered sectors with numerous employment opportunities and lesser debt on the exchequer. But, if this doesnt go well down with India (because of probable eventual industry monopoly or inability of the people of India to adapt to the capitalist approach), it could bring disaster.
However, the cons seem unlikely as we Indians are known to adapt very quickly.
Farm Laws — There is some hypocricy with Indian intellectuals and public that we tend to side with the world organizations when they criticise the Modi govt and we also tend to ignore them royally when they praise the same govt. The same goes with the current Farm Laws. This has been probably the largest protest so far. Lakhs of farmers sitting on the roads, which also took an unruly behaviour, wanting for revocation of the laws. Now let us look at it from some perspectives:
- Economists, Agricultural Experts, Trusted Cooperatives, World Organizations like the World Bank and even Biden Administration view it as a positive step to actually reform the Indian Agriculture, which has always been confined to the states of Punjab and the likes. They view these reforms as game changing. But, who cares!
- No govt till date has been able to improve the lives of farmers, and here we talk about the bulk (around 80%). So if some step is being taken to help this issue, why is this outrage? Discussions are on the table, many many demands have been met, but people are inclined to the ‘emotional’ aspect of farmers more than their benefit. It seems that the people supporting the protests are okay to let the farmers be in their existing status forever rather than accepting a change to improve it.
- Govt, on the other hand, as always never consulted with anyone before the introduction of these laws. No doubt they are better, but you still need to take people into confidence. One argument can be that had they proposed this to the farm unions, which comprise of the rich farmers of UP, Haryana and Punjab, the protests would still have happened.
Do you as a reader have any proposition to this alternative? What could be done to improve these lives if not for the new laws? I am afraid you wont be able to think because deep down we all know that “opening up the sector” is the only way forward.
Population Control — Do you have any doubt that this is needed or not? India is crossing 140 cr mark and will be the most populous country in a few years. Any sane person would understand that resources are limited and the crux of any problem in this world is competing for resources — because of growing population. “Hum 2 Hamare 2” has tried its best and also succeded to some level, but reliance on this cant go on forever. One needs strict laws. If we take this very important bill and convert it into ‘Against Muslims’, which I am very sure it will turn out to be, then God save this country!
The above issues, if practiced well, can be a game changer for India in the longer run, just like how it was in 1991. Changing times demand change within. One cannot remain a Socialist forever. Today’s time needs growth to sustain 130+ cr people which cannot be brought by old setups. We aint China and we are also not the US Govt. officers. We are Indians, and by default it is in our genes to be attracted towards corruption and self achievement rather than a larger nation goal.
#modi #privatisation #modiorwho
