NOT content to rest on his laurels, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has firmed up an “actionable, measurable and clearly defined” plan for the first 100 days of his Government the moment it gets a third successive mandate in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections.
The action plan, along with the vision document for Viksit Bharat 2047, formed the principal agenda of the Modi Government’s last meeting of the Union Cabinet before the Election Commission of India announces schedule for the ‘Big Battle’.
Viksit Bharat 2047 (a developed India during the Amrit Kaal) – also referred to as Namo Bharat – is a glimpse of India of the future and exemplifies the transformation of the nation with growing economic muscle.
The day-long marathon meeting – held at the Sushma Swaraj Bhavan in New Delhi on March 3 – was attended by all the members of PM Modi’s Council of Ministers as well as Secretaries to the Government of India.
The timing of the meeting was significant as the Model Code of Conduct (MCC) comes into force when the ECI announces the poll schedule and the Government cannot announce any new policy decision.
PM Modi is reported to have outlined a roadmap towards eradicating total poverty, ensuring full employment for the youth, and implementing 100 per cent welfare schemes.
Key highlights from the meeting include detailed presentations by various departmental Secretaries, emphasising the imperative of diligent preparation for the nation’s future regardless of the electoral phase.
The vision document for Viksit Bharat 2047 – meticulously crafted for over two years – underscores the collective effort of all ministries towards achieving holistic development across sectors. Notably, the blueprint’s formulation involved extensive consultations with state governments, academic experts, industry associations, civil society and scientific institutions.
With over 2700 seminars and workshops conducted, and insights gathered from over 20 lakh women and youth, the document encapsulates objectives such as fostering economic growth, ensuring sustainable development, simplifying life and business processes, advancing infrastructure and bolstering social welfare.
Poll period no vacation
PM Modi was quoted having told the officers to continue their work on Government projects and schemes and not treat the election period as a vacation when the political leadership will be busy with the electoral process.
“Aap chhutti mat samajhiye, kaam par lag jaaiye (Don’t think you are on holiday, get down to work),” he reportedly told the country’s top bureaucrats. Sources indicated that on PM Modi’s instructions, his office had already asked heads of various departments to submit their 100-day plan of action so that the Government can start working on it from June.
Earlier, addressing the last session of Parliament, PM Modi has already expressed confidence about his Government returning to the House of People with a record majority. He has also made it clear that he is not hankering for power but wants to fulfil his dream of making India a developed nation during the ‘Amrit Kaal’ – the period until the centenary of India’s Independence in 2047.
Criticising the lack of policy vision in previous governments, PM Modi expressed commitment to taking India’s capabilities to new heights in his next five-year term.
“In our third term, we have to take India’s potential to new heights. Everyone is saying that India is the future. The coming five years are very crucial for India’s Viksit Bharat journey,” he said.
