TOI Rating: With 77.5%, Modi Govt gets Distinction in its First Year

According to the TOI-Ipsos opinion poll we published on May 16, a majority of those surveyed felt expectations from Narendra Modi's new government had been pegged unrealistically high.

A few days later, RBI governor Raghuram Rajan echoed a similar sentiment. Anyone in any position of management - be it a CEO or a coach of a sports team or a school principal - will tell you that far-reaching change cannot be wrought in a year; indeed, it may be inadvisable to try and do so in such a short time.

Now, imagine having to steer the fortunes of the world's largest democracy with 1.2 billion people, which is more like an agglomeration of many nations and nationalities in vastly disparate states of growth and development. The complexity is mind-boggling.

Rating a government at the end of one year - as we have sought to do on the first anniversary of Modi's swearing-in - is, therefore, tricky and open to dispute. There will be people who will accuse us of being over-generous; others who will say we have been mingy with our marking. Some of this divergence may be rooted in ideological prejudices.

What we have tried to do is look at actual changes on the ground together with what is proposed; we have also tried to judge seriousness of purpose/intent. We have given some credit for 'trying hard'; next year's report card will assess whether such effort has translated into tangible results (or 'could have done better'). For instance, the launch of the air quality index is worthy of praise; we'll now have to see if our pollution-choked cities become less hazardous for breathing.

TOI Rating: with 77.5%, Modi govt gets distinction in its firts year

EXCELLENT TO CAN-DO-BETTER

1. Stemming drift, restoring leadership and governance: 9
2. Putting economy back on growth trajectory, creating business-friendly conditions: 7.5
3. Curbing corruption/cronyism and introducing punitive measures against black money: 9
4. Driving foreign policy, burnishing India’s image globally, using NRIs as a force multiplier: 9
5. Focusing on health, education and other social/quality of life indicators such as environment: 6.5
6. Striving for wider fi nancial inclusion and security: 8
7. Fostering a more equitable relationship with states: 8
8. Re-energising defence, fast-tracking clearances: 8
9. Reviving crisis-ridden agriculture: 5.5
10. Cranking up infrastructure: 7

We have tried to be as objective as possible; but this is not a 'Yes/No' exam, so an element of subjectivity is perhaps unavoidable. The TOI-Ipsos poll had given the government 66% approval rating, with 19% saying 'very good' and another 47% saying 'somewhat good'. Our headline for the poll was: "First-year exam: Modi govt gets First Division, but not Distinction."

Our own rating of the Modi government adds up to 77.5 on 100 or 77.5%, which qualifies as 'Distinction' and is a laudable achievement (let's not compare with the stratospheric CBSE/ICSE scores here!) We believe the government has made a good beginning. It now needs to make things happen on the ground. For instance, there's been a lot of talk about skill development, but we need to see a real difference, especially in terms of creation of jobs.

The government has faced its share of criticism: that it is "overly Modi-centric and lacking depth of talent"; that it is not "bold/imaginative/reformist enough"; that it is "too headline/event-driven" and "intolerant of dissent". At the end of the day, none of this may matter if the government can chart a sensible course and not stray from it.

We are happy that the Prime Minister has come out strongly against the intemperate and divisive remarks of Sangh-BJP 'hotheads'; he must do everything in his power to ensure that the social fabric of India is not threatened. No amount of growth will compensate for a nation at war with itself.

The challenges are as great as the opportunities. For the sake of the hundreds of millions living on the margins, we hope that this government can deliver equitable and rapid growth along with justice and happiness for all, irrespective of religion, caste and ideology.
Source: TOI

ABP News Neilson Opinion Poll: 61% Rates PM Modi as ‘Ábove Average'

New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s charisma still casts its magic on people of the country, a nation-wide survey conducted by ABP News-Neilson opinion poll has revealed.

According to the survey, around 61 per cent people across Indian think PM Modi’s performance as the head of the Indian government is above average. States like Bihar, Gujarat, Jharkhand and Odisha have given better ratings to PM Modi.

Not only Modi, his government’s performance in the last 1 year has also been hailed by the masses. 48 per cent people rated NDA government’s performance as above average.

‘Acche Din aa gaye’
This is probably the most popular political phrase in the country these days. The NDA government, the Opposition and the public is grappling to find a definitive answer to this question. However, when we asked this question to the masses, there was a split verdict.

48 per cent people think ‘acche din aa gaye’. Whereas 44 per cent people think good days have not arrived as of now. More than half of the subjects in 5 BJP-ruled states agree, where as other 6 disagree to the statement.

Quality of life:
55 per cent people think their quality of life under Narendra Modi government has remained the same, whereas 35 per
We asked certain general questions to people and got a mixed response.

Corruption:
People have given a mixed response to this question of importance. Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s much-publicized drive to root out corruption seems to have not struck a chord with the people. 49 per cent people have said corruption has come down. 45 per cent say it hasn’t. 6 per cent didn’t have an opinion on this.

Alarmingly for the BJP, the states like Punjab, Chattisgarh, Haryana, where the party rules, highest percentage of people have given a negative feedback on this front.

Inflation:
This is a cause of concern for the BJP government. Despite their claims, only 39 per cent people think inflation has come down. 55 per cent respondents say inflation has not come down and 6 per cent didn’t have an opinion.

Black Money:
Prime Minister Modi during campaign has promised to bring back black money and also that every Indian will get Rs 15 lakh in his back account. Has he done enough to realize the ‘chunavi jumla’? 45 per cent people have said he has done enough. 43 per cent said he hasn’t and 12 per cent have no opinion on it.

Farmers compensation:
While there was a mix opinion on the issue overall, BJP-ruled states gave stunning responses. 87 per cent people in Haryana think the government has not done enough. 63 per cent in Rajasthan, 57 per cent in Madhya Pradesh, 58 per cent in Maharashtra think government has not done enough.

Hate speeches:
Half the respondents think the government has not failed to stop leaders from making hate speeches.

Land acquisition bill:
39 per cent people feel the bill needs amendments.

Bureaucracy:
More than 50 per cent people in Chattisgarh, Haryana, Maharashtra and Punjab think government officials have not become more efficient. More than 50 per cent people in Chattisgarh, Haryana, Maharashtra and Punjab think government officials have not been freed from political influence.
Source: ABP Live

The Forbes India-BMR Advisors Survey: 1-Year of Narendra Modi Government

What do top industry leaders think of the Narendra Modi-led government's performance in the past year? The Forbes India-BMR Advisors survey has some answers:

n one of his first speeches after his appointment as India’s prime minister, Narendra Modi promised to work hard, and said, “When we meet in 2019, I will give you and my countrymen a report card.” The Modi government is poised to complete its first year in office and perhaps this is a good time to test its progress towards that final report card.

Forbes India and BMR Advisors conducted a survey this April among senior industry leaders on the government’s business agenda in the past one year. It included 17 questions on the performance of the government and steps taken to develop the business environment in the country (see Methodology).

The responses indicate an overwhelming belief in the steps taken by the government to usher in economic growth. At least 87 percent respondents believe the government has been pro-business and economic development; 78 percent feel steps taken by the government will lead to a better investment climate/business potential for investors in India. To a question on the performance of key government ministries, the Ministry of Finance (65 percent) and the Ministry of Power (68 percent) were ranked as the better performers.

Measures taken by the key ministries include the e-auction of coal and telecom spectrum (85 percent respondents praised it), efforts to bring back black money from foreign bank accounts, Jan-Dhan Yojana, and the direct transfer of subsidies. Nearly two-thirds of respondents believe that the realignment of ministries with the objective of ‘Minimum Government and Maximum Governance’ has shown positive results. However, 60 percent of respondents have expressed concern that the first budget of the Modi government is yet to fulfil its promise of introducing a non-adversarial and simplified tax regime.

About 55 percent of respondents believe that appropriate steps have been taken to improve the ease of doing business in India. In 2015, India ranked 142 (out of 189 economies) in the World Bank’s index of ease of doing business. Although 71 percent believe the ‘Make in India’ campaign would have the highest long-term impact on the economy, only 29 percent believe sufficient steps have been taken to stimulate the campaign.

Respondents believe that further steps need to be taken to improve the MSME (micro, small and medium enterprises) sector, which is at the core of the campaign. One-fourth of the respondents believe that credit availability through a dedicated SME bank is critical, followed by 23 percent asking for supply chain efficiencies.

Respondents believe India’s growth has been muted by a backlog of stalled projects in the power and infrastructure sectors. A majority of respondents feel a single-window clearance system for projects, the introduction of the Land Acquisition Bill, and faster environmental clearances are imperative for the revival of these projects. They also feel that an effective public-private partnership model, a clear and stable tax regime, and a viable long-term assurance for finance are required to develop infrastructure in the country.

Respondents indicated that the government has set the stage by introducing various initiatives in one year, and believe that it should walk the talk by introducing measures for effective implementation of all its initiatives.

Source: ForbesIndia.com

Modi Government Scores 7 on 10 for 1st-Year's Performance: Assocham

New Delhi: Giving the Modi government 7 out of 10 for its first year's performance, Assocham on Sunday said it still needs to cover some ground on tax issues and a lot more needs to be done on improving ease of doing business.

The industry body said the country's macro-economic situation has improved in the past one year with decline in inflation, stability in currency and attractive financial markets.

"However, the NDA government has to cover some ground in terms of taxation issues, particularly with regard to FIIs' problems on retrospective liabilities and in taking big-ticket infrastructure projects off the ground," the chamber said in a statement.

It also said a lot more needs to be done on improving ease of doing business at the state level.

"The industry and the commentators must realise that an economy of two trillion dollars, well integrated with the world, can't be catapulted into high growth, just with the change of the government.

"However much the government is sincere, policy tweaking, legislative changes and revival of investment appetite need to be followed by increase in consumer demand, and would take time of say, 24-30 months.

"And then, a lot would also depend on the global markets which are subdued," Assocham said.

The government, it said, has made a good beginning, though it now needs to move faster on things like Goods and Services Tax and send a new signal of confidence.

"Seven out of ten, according to Assocham, is the right score for the Narendra Modi government on completion of first year in office," the chamber said.

Assocham President Rana Kapoor said government deserves credit for somehow making Parliament run better with the result that some of the difficult legislations have been cleared, including raising FDI limits in insurance and defence sectors to 49 per cent.

"Likewise, investor confidence and transparency have been achieved with the successful completion of auction of coal blocks and spectrum, raking in over Rs 3 lakh crore for the Centre and states," Kapoor said.

However, the chamber said the focus must remain on further improving ease of doing business, as at the state level, a lot needs to be done.

Besides, the global environment for manufacturing is not conducive, as has been reflected in the downward trends in exports of merchandise goods.

Commenting on industrial output, it said that the growth in industrial production is not only a function of government policies but also a lot of domestic and global macro factors, which do not seem to be very friendly.
Source: IBNLive

1-Year of Modi Government: Pension for Poor, Banking the Unbanked Biggest Achievements

New Delhi: Financial inclusion of the poor through bank accounts and pension for workers in the unorganized sector are among the biggest achievements of the Narendra Modi government in its first year in office, Environment and Forest Minister Prakash Javadekar has said.

In an interview with IANS, Javadekar said the government has taken significant initiatives towards good governance, transparency and cleanliness over the past year.

He dismissed the Congress' criticism that the Bharatiya Janata Party-led government had very little to showcase after one year in office.

"Everything that was a scam during the rule of Congress-led UPA, we have converted to a success story. This is a government with mission and without commission," Javadekar said.

The National Democratic Alliance government will complete its first year in office on May 26 - after Modi led the BJP to its first full-majority in the Lok Sabha.

Javadekar said that the Congress "could have taken a transparent route to the allocation of coal blocks but it did not do so." He said that even the loss of Rs.1.86 lakh crore ($29 billion) mentioned in the Comptroller and Auditor General's report on the allocations "was looking too small (now)".

He said the auction of just 29 coal mines during NDA rule has already earned the exchequer about Rs.2 lakh crore.

Javadekar said allocation of 2G spectrum was "a big scam" during the UPA rule and "we converted it into success through the auction route".

He said that revenue from auctioning spectrum under the BJP-led government was over Rs. 109,874 crore.

Asked about the biggest achievement of the Modi government, Javadekar said: "For the first time, unpensioned is pensioned and unbanked is banked."

Prime Minister Narendra Modi had on Saturday launched three social sector schemes - Atal Pension Yojana (APY), Pradhan Mantri Jeevan Jyoti Bima Yojana (PMJJBY) and Pradhan Mantri Suraksha Bima Yojana (PMSBY) to create a universal social security system for all Indians, specially the poor and the under-privileged.

The schemes are also aimed at encouraging workers in the unorganised sector to voluntarily save for their retirement.

Workers in the unorganised sector constitute 88 percent of the total labour force of 472.90 million, according to the 66th round of the NSSO Survey of 2011-12.

The government had last August launched the Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana (PMJDY) to increase financial inclusion of the poor. A total of 125.4 million accounts were opened under PMJDY till Jan 31 and the scheme holds the Guinness World Record for the most bank accounts opened in a week as part of financial inclusion.

Talking about his ministry's initiatives, Javadekar said he had changed the "road block, negative, speed-breaker mindset".

"We have converted it into an effective, open, transparent ministry which protects the environment and also ensures development. On the one hand, it is environment protection and on the other, there is the agenda of development," the minister said.

Javadekar, who is a former BJP spokesperson and a member of the Rajya Sabha from Madhya Pradesh, said the application process for environment clearance has been made online.

"We have made the process online. It has become a huge success," Javadekar said, adding that the project promoter can easily track movement of a file.

Referring to a bill on a compensatory afforestation fund that was introduced in the Lok Sabha last Friday, Javadekar said the issue had been pending due to "indecision of the Congress-led government."

The bill seeks to provide an institutional mechanism to ensure expeditious utilisation of amounts realised in lieu of forest land diverted for non-forest purpose.

Javadekar said that the government was also taking steps to reduce pollution.

"We have mandated 3,206 critically polluting industries to install 24x7 pollution monitoring devices," he said.

The government has launched a national programme for LED-based home and street lighting to save power and spread the message of energy efficiency, he said.
Source: TheHansIndia

Narendra Modi Government's One Year: Many Hits and Some Misses

On May 26, the Narendra Modi government, which was voted to power last year on the back of a commanding majority, will complete one year in office. As leader of the government, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has certainly showed a marked shift in leadership and style of governance compared to the earlier UPA regime but there are areas such as health and education where the administration is yet to show sustained progress. Electorally, 2014 may have been a successful year with victories in Maharashtra, Haryana, Jharkhand and Jammu and Kashmir, but 2015 gave a rude shock to the ruling BJP with a humiliating defeat in the national capital of Delhi.

INTERACTIVE TIMELINE: Narendra Modi government’s one year in power

As the government completes one year in office, we have designed an interactive timeline that highlights many of the hits and misses of this government. Take a look.

May 26, 2014 – Sworn to Power – After landslide elections, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his cabinet are sworn in at an elaborate function in the forecourt of the Rashtrapati Bhawan.

May 27, 2014 – Hand to Pakistan – The first day of PM Modi in office was marked by a meeting with Pakistan Premier Nawaz Sharif and a handshake that was splashed across next day’s newspapers.

June 14, 2014 – Thrust on Military Might – The Prime Minister dedicated India’s largest warship – INS Vikramaditya — to the nation and pitched for making the country self-reliant on manufacturing defence equipment.

June 15, 2014 – The Bhutanese Bond – As part of his first foreign visit, the Prime Minister chose Bhutan, a land-locked Himalayan country that has always been a great friend of India. In Bhutan, PM Modi stressed that a happy neighbour is integral for India’s progress.

June 21, 2014 – Biting the Bullet – The Modi government got its first taste of public protests after its decision to impose a rail fare hike and increase the import duty on sugar. Both decisions were highly slammed by opposition parties and the public.

July 14, 2014 – BRICS in Brazil – PM Modi’s diplomatic efforts got a boost as he met Chinese President Xi Jinping and Russian President Vladimir Putin as part of the BRICS Summit in Brazil.

July 27, 2014 – Doubts of Distrust – Stray incidents of discrimination against minorities puts spotlight back on whether the Modi administration is serious about maintaining equality for all. One was an incident of a Shiv Sena lawmaker pushing food into the mouth of a Muslim caterer, another indicating that India could become a Hindu nation under Modi.

August 3, 2014 – Road to Kathmandu – The Prime Minister made his first visit to Nepal in August in further indication that SAARC countries remain his focus when it comes to extending India’s foreign policy boundaries.

August 15, 2014 – Invoking the ‘Pradhan Sevak’ – Making his first Independence Day speech after becoming India’s premier, Narendra Modi made a pitch for a ‘Swacch Bharat’ and exhorted countrymen to make efforts to educate the girl child.

August 25, 2014 – Bypoll Setback – In first elections after the Modi government was voted to power, the ruling BJP lost out in a majority of the seats that went for elections in the states of Uttar Pradesh, West Bengal.

August 28, 2014 – Jan Dhan Yojana – PM Modi formally launched a massive financial inclusion programme named ‘Jan Dhan Yojana’ that aims to help provide a bank account for every household in the country.

September 5, 2014 – The Teachers’ Day dilemma – The HRD Ministry’s directive to all schools across the country to live-stream PM Modi’s Teachers’ Day Speech provided discomfiture to a large section of the public. Many were enraged especially on social media as to how students were made to come to school on a day generally regarded as a holiday.

September 25, 2014 – Shiv Sena break-up – The ruling BJP and the Modi government were hit by a huge blow after hectic negotiations with the Shiv Sena, a 25- year-old ally, broke down thus leading to break-up of the alliance ahead of all-important Maharashtra elections.

September 28, 2014 – The Madison Magic – ‘This is India’s century': That’s what PM Modi told a sellout crowd at the Madison Square Garden in New York as part of his historic US visit. The PM’s meeting with President Barack Obama also led to widespread media coverage.

October 2, 2014 – Swacch Bharat Abhiyan – On the birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi, PM Modi announced the initiation of Swacch Bharat Abhiyan — a nationwide mission to clean India’s streets and ensure sanitation. He also called upon celebrities, fellow lawmakers and industrialists to pick up the broom for the cause.

October 19, 2014 – Electoral prowess – Maharashtra’s decisive election results – which gave the BJP the maximum number of seats in the state Assembly and a chance to form the government – was seen as public support for the Modi government. Haryana too, for the first time, gave the BJP the first shot at power. In both states, Modi had campaigned aggressively to woo voters.

November 12, 2014 – Foreign outreach – PM Modi’s foreign outreach continued with his attendance at the ASEAN-India and the East Asia Summits held at NayPyiDaw in Myanmar. He also travelled to Australia to set up meeting with PM Tony Abbott and a rare appearance at the Sydney Cricket Ground.

December 1, 2014 – The Sadhvi Saga – In a major embarrasment for the Modi government, one of its ministers — Sadhvi Niranjan Jyoti — made communal remarks at an election rally in Delhi. Her use of the ‘Haraamzada’ expletive at the rally caused uproar in both houses of Parliament in the winter session.

December 23, 2014 – History in J&K – The BJP created history in Jammu and Kashmir by sweeping the Jammu region and becoming the second-largest party in the state Assembly elections. It also won enough seats to form a government in Jharkhand in an alliance with the AJSU. The verdict in both states were testament to 2014 remaining a highly successful electoral year for the ruling BJP and its leader Narendra Modi.

January 7, 2015 – The 4 kids dilemma – After Sadhvi Niranjan Jyoti, it was the turn of another BJP lawmaker to embarrass the government with foot-in-the-mouth comments. At a gathering of saints, Sakshi Maharaj, a saffron clad MP from Unnao, stated that every Hindu woman must produce at least 4 children to protect the religion. Once again, the remark was widely panned and the PM’s silence over it questioned.

January 23, 2015 – Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao – Reiterating the government’s commitment to end discrimination against the girl child, PM Modi launched a nationwide programme ‘Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao’ exhorting citizens to prevent female foeticide and encourage girl child education.

January 26, 2015 – The Obamas in attendance – India’s Republic Day Celebrations this year had a high-profile guest – US President Barack Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama. As the elephants trumpeted and camels walked on the majestic Rajpath, the Obamas sat under a rain-drenched canopy admiring the parade.

February 10, 2015 – Delhi Debacle – The ruling BJP got a crude shock as they were handed out a humiliating defeat by the Aam Aadmi Party in the Assembly elections in Delhi. The election proved that the Modi effect would indeed be now waning.

February 28, 2015 – Prabhu’s Rail budget – Modi’s techno-minister Suresh Prabhu, the Railways Minister, presented his first budget announcing no increase in passenger fares but at the same time desisting from announcing new services as well.

March 15, 2015 – General Budget – Finance Minister Arun Jaitley presented the full fledged and much-awaited General Budget 2015 that had a bit for every class of society. From abolition of wealth tax to increase in service tax, the budget had both ups and downs.

March 22, 2015 – Man ki baat with Kisaan – As his government battled extreme heat over the controversial land acquisition bill, PM Modi spoke to thousands of farmers over the radio, trying to dispel rumours that his policies are anti-farmer. He assured the farmers that his government would do nothing to upset farmers.

April 14, 2015 – Yemen crisis – External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj announced on Twitter that the Indian embassy in Yemen was being evacuated in light of the war there. The tweet put an end to a massive rescue operation that the government had earlier launched in the war-torn country to save thousands of Indians fleeing Yemen.

April 17, 2015 – Three-nation tour – PM Modi undertook a three-nation tour to France, Germany and Canada exhorting industralists and CEOs to contribute to the ‘Make in India’ programme of the government.

April 25, 2015 – Himalayan earthquake – The Modi government’s swift and quick response to the Nepal earthquake that flattened hundreds of buildings and killed more than 7,000 people was highly praise-worthy. Within forty minutes of the first tremors, Modi had sent out his first tweet responding to the disaster.

May 7, 2015 – Historic land swap – Foreign Minister Sushma Swaraj got a round of applause from all quarters in the Parliament as members across treasury and opposition benches came together to pass a constitution amendment bill for a historic land boundary agreement with Bangladesh.
Source: IndianExpress