AS India entered the election mode with the announcement of a marathon seven-phase poll schedule by the ECI on March 16, Prime Minister Narendra Modi solidified his action plan for Viksit Bharat 2047. In an open letter (See below) to the citizens of the country – a day before the Election Commission press conference – he sought their suggestions to help fulfil the resolve of a developed India. A day after the poll dates were announced, the PM held a Cabinet meeting in which he asked his ministers to work on 100-day and five-year plans for his new government, thereby leaving no one in doubt about his return to power for a third consecutive term. Both the key developments are reported alongside.
Seeks people’s views on Viksit Bharat plan
IN his open letter to citizens, whom he addressed as “my dear family member”, PM Modi listed some of the historic decisions taken by his Government, including the abrogation of Article 370 and the implementation of GST, and expressed his gratitude for the people’s support.
Pointing out that his partnership with the people is “at the threshold of completing a decade” he also sought suggestions to help fulfil the resolve of a Viksit Bharat, or developed India.
Stressing that his Government has made sincere efforts to improve the quality of life of the poor, farmers, youth and women, PM Modi said its biggest achievement is the transformation that has come about in their lives over the past 10 years.
Emphasising on janbhagidari (public participation), PM Modi asked the people, “I need and indeed, look forward to your ideas, suggestions and support as we work to fulfil the resolve of building a Viksit Bharat. I am confident that we will continue to take our nation to great heights together.”
100 days and five-year plans
AT a Cabinet meeting on March 17, PM Modi instructed his ministers to draft two roadmaps – one for the first 100 days of the new government and the second for the next five years of the government.
Confident of a third term, the Prime Minister asked the ministers to meet Secretaries and other officials of their departments to discuss how the agenda for the first 100 days and the next five years can be better implemented. The Cabinet, said media reports, also initiated the process of notifying the dates of the parliamentary elections by sending the ECI recommendation to President Droupadi Murmu. The first notification for the first phase of polling on April 19 was issued on March 20.
Previous meeting
Earlier, on March 3 also, PM Modi and his Council of Ministers had brainstormed over the vision document for Viksit Bharat: 2047 and a detailed action plan for the next five years. Media reports said a 100- day agenda for immediate steps to be taken after the new government is formed was discussed during the meeting.
Reports, quoting sources, had said the roadmap for Viksit Bharat was a result of more than two years of intensive preparation and entailed a “whole-of-Government” approach. This, said the reports, involved all ministries and consultations with state governments, academia, industry bodies, civil society, scientific organisations and mobilisation of youths for inputs.
