2 years of Narendra Modi govt: A look back at key achievements

When it comes to the Narendra Modi government, there is a lot to say and discuss about. Though in the world’s biggest democracy one cannot expect overnight solutions to all problems, it definitely takes time for things to work out. Country’s stake in foreign relations, GDP, economy, basic amenities for common are major enough but we also cannot ignore the fact the manifesto promises are there that a countrymen wish the ruling government to fulfill.

The BJP government is to complete two years after a good start but it cannot be ignored that India’s bilateral ties with China and Pakistan still remain sour. On the other hand, India’s ties with US has warmed significantly, call it Modi’s frequent foreign visits but this has been successful.

During Modi’s Iran visit, the two countries signed 12 agreements including a milestone pact on developing the strategic Chabahar port which is likely to boost the ties between the two countries.

Since May 26, 2014, the day when Narendra Modi took over as Prime Minister of India he started with a diplomatic master stroke by inviting the leaders of SAARC in his swearing-in ceremony. Achievements of the Modi-led government are a mixed bag.

When it comes to India-Sino relations, the Modi government failed to secure Beijing’s support for its efforts to gain membership of the Nuclear Suppliers Group. Beijing also did not back India in the United Nations on banning Pakistan-based anti-India terrorists such as Jaish-e-Mohammed chief Maulana Masood Azhar.

India’s signing of Logistics Exchange and Memorandum of Agreement (LEMOA) with US can also prove to be of immense importance in the coming years. Signing of this agreement is expected to open doors for India’s access to American military technology.

Above was an overview of some of Modi-led government as it completes two years in service. Here are some of the key achievements of the government:

• Jan Dhan Yojana: Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana can be viewed as one of the biggest schemes any country ever had. This Yojana is basically a National Mission to ensure access to financial services such as Banking, savings, deposits, credit, insurance and so on in an affordable manner for the citizens. It was launched by PM Modi on on 28 August 2014 but the scheme was announced on his first Independence Day speech on 15 August 2014. Under this bank scheme most bank accounts were opened  in just one week which makes it to the Guiness Book of Records.
• Swachh Bharat Abhiyan is a national campaign which was officially launced on 2 October 2014 at Rajghat, New Delhi by PM Modi when he himself cleaned the road. SBA is India’s  biggest cleanliness drive.

• Cooking gas now under direct-cash-benefit transfer scheme, with potential saving of $5 billion annually in subsidies, plus Diesel prices de-regulated
• Launch of 'Make-in-India', 'Digital India' and 'Skill India' initiatives with focus on defence and electronics, primarily to create jobs

• Foreign equity in rail infrastructure allowed, without limit.
• Foreign equity cap in defence raised to 49 per cent; 74 per cent in case of technology transfer.
• Fast-tracking of defence purchases: 36 Rafale fighters being bought, orders for several long-pending purchases placed.
• Foreign equity cap in insurance and pension sectors increased to 49 per cent.
• Nod for real estate and infrastructure investment trusts, with tax benefits.
• Cabinet nod for Prime Minister's 100 Smart Cities Project.
• Cabinet nod for Prime Minister's 100 Smart Cities Project.

• Definitive steps forward in introducing pan-India goods and services regime.

• Impasse in mining sector ended with passage of new bill for regulation and development.
• Adoption of 14th Finance Commission recommendation on far-reaching changes in sharing of revenues between the Center and the States.
• Single-window scheme for various clearances to steel, coal and power projects.
• Price stabilisation fund set up for agri-commodities to check inflation.
• Clarity in tax treatment on income of foreign fund whose fund managers are located in India , as also on transfer pricing for resident and non-resident tax payers.
• Panel set up under law commission chairman on issue of minimum alternate tax.