Almost 10 months into prime minister Narendra Modi's, it's a common enough question: what has the government actually done so far? Modi was supposed to be transformative. He has promised to alter the economy, to bring all of the country on board and to make this India's century. The expectations for Modi, needless to say, have always been high. As Finance Minister Arun Jaitley put forward the statement of accounts and the 2015 budget, he also got a chance to actually list out what the government counts as its achievements so far.
At the start of his budget speech, Jaitley listed three achievements that the government is particularly proud of having managed in the first 10 months, alongside a quick laundry list of its other initiatives. The three measures mentioned were Modi's ambitious financial inclusion scheme, the Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana; Swachh Bharat, the government-led initiative to spread cleanliness, sanitation and spur the construction of toilets; and the coal auctions that give states a larger portion of the amount earned by the government.
In December, the government's Mid-Year Economic Review attempted to answer this from the bureaucratic point of view, mentioning the deregulation of petrol and diesel prices and disinvestment. The annexures to the budget offer a more openly political response to the question, while also acting as a handy cheat sheet for anyone attempting to ask the question about what Modi has actually done, at least in his own government's words.
National pride
The government claims that it has "brought out India's cultural and spiritual strength" through the United Nation's recognition for yoga, a mission to clean Ganga, heritage programmes and an attempt to make the North Eastern part of the country feel less marginalised.
Women and youth
The Beti Bachao-Beti Padhao campaign aims to push building of toilets in girls' schools. Other skilling projects, including the Make in India manufacturing platform and the creation of a separate ministry for skill development ‒ which the Budget promises is "about to launch a massive programme" and focus on creating job opportunities for youth.
Ease of business
The government claims it has ended "tax terrorism", secured political agreement on the goods and services tax and brought in more foreign direct investment in defence, insurance and railway infrastructure. Of the less-known achievements, the government also claims its programme for Soil Health cards will lead to better productivity in agriculture. Additionally, the government claims it has cut out red tape.
Efficient India
From the direct transfer of cooking gas subsidies to changing labour laws through Shrameva Jayate to bringing in a "culture of efficiency" in government and creating an environment of trust, Modi claims to have build a state that is more productive. The government also insists that the Digital India programme and broadband connectivity makes things more efficient across the board.
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At the start of his budget speech, Jaitley listed three achievements that the government is particularly proud of having managed in the first 10 months, alongside a quick laundry list of its other initiatives. The three measures mentioned were Modi's ambitious financial inclusion scheme, the Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana; Swachh Bharat, the government-led initiative to spread cleanliness, sanitation and spur the construction of toilets; and the coal auctions that give states a larger portion of the amount earned by the government.
In December, the government's Mid-Year Economic Review attempted to answer this from the bureaucratic point of view, mentioning the deregulation of petrol and diesel prices and disinvestment. The annexures to the budget offer a more openly political response to the question, while also acting as a handy cheat sheet for anyone attempting to ask the question about what Modi has actually done, at least in his own government's words.
National pride
The government claims that it has "brought out India's cultural and spiritual strength" through the United Nation's recognition for yoga, a mission to clean Ganga, heritage programmes and an attempt to make the North Eastern part of the country feel less marginalised.
Women and youth
The Beti Bachao-Beti Padhao campaign aims to push building of toilets in girls' schools. Other skilling projects, including the Make in India manufacturing platform and the creation of a separate ministry for skill development ‒ which the Budget promises is "about to launch a massive programme" and focus on creating job opportunities for youth.
Ease of business
The government claims it has ended "tax terrorism", secured political agreement on the goods and services tax and brought in more foreign direct investment in defence, insurance and railway infrastructure. Of the less-known achievements, the government also claims its programme for Soil Health cards will lead to better productivity in agriculture. Additionally, the government claims it has cut out red tape.
Efficient India
From the direct transfer of cooking gas subsidies to changing labour laws through Shrameva Jayate to bringing in a "culture of efficiency" in government and creating an environment of trust, Modi claims to have build a state that is more productive. The government also insists that the Digital India programme and broadband connectivity makes things more efficient across the board.