“What Should Be the Indian Government’s Vision for the Future?”

Dreams, Dreams, Dreams Dreams transform into thoughts, and thoughts result in action—Late APJ Abdul Kalam

India is a country known for its Vedas, mythologies, Ramayan, Mahabharat, history, rich heritage, and arts and cultures over 5000 years. Despite these beautiful things, there are additional perspectives and facts that the Indian government ought to address. 

Now, it requires some new direction to establish a powerful vision for global leadership. Yes, India is already setting up a goal by becoming the 4th largest economy while precisely working on better infrastructure and improving the defense sector. Additionally, the present government also did great work on digital sector. 

In the book, India 2020 - A Vision for the New Millennium, the late A.P.J. Abdul Kalam articulates that a developed nation is characterized by its wealth, the prosperity of its citizens, and its position in the global arena. Conversely, he also asserts that technology and agriculture are fundamental strengths of the country. This conveys a clear message that India must continue to focus on its projects like quality. 

Work On Border Areas

You all are well aware of the fact that India shares its territory with seven neighbouring countries: Pakistan shares a border to the northwest, Afghanistan shares a border in the northeast via Pakistan Occupied Kashmir, China shares northern and eastern border, Nepal shares a northern border, Bangladesh shares a border to the east, which is the longest land border with India surrounding it on three sides, Bhutan shares northeastern border with India surrounding it on three sides, and Myanmar shares an eastern border. This is a significant issue that the Indian government must address to ensure the security of the nation as there is a high chance of intruders coming in through the borders, addressing external threats, tackling unlawful activities. 

While keeping all these things in view including economic prosperity, social and demographic stability Indian government has initiated several programs to address the challenges in borders areas as following: - 

Border Area Development Programme (BADP): Launched in the 1980s, the BADP provides funds for infrastructure development, livelihood opportunities, and a sense of security in border areas. 

Vibrant Villages Programme (VVP): A more recent initiative, the VVP focuses on the comprehensive development of villages along the northern border to prevent out-migration and secure the frontier. 

Border Infrastructure and Management (BIM) Scheme: This scheme focuses on critical infrastructure like fences, roads, and floodlights, and deploying technology were physcial barriers are not feasible.  

Comprehensive Integrated Border Management System (CIBMS): A technology-focused initiative that uses sensors, cameras, and command centers to provide integrated electronic surveillance of the borders. 

Border Roads Organisation (BRO): The BRO is dedicated to building roads, bridges, and tunnels in difficult terrains, especially along the India- China border, to enhance military mobility and connectivity. 

Stop Politics Over Hindu-Muslim 

When will people and politicians realise that India does not belong to Hindus and Muslims? This beautiful country has a Hindu majority with other religious as well.  Due to this, Hindu -Muslim India has witnessed an immense number of Communal riots. It is crucial that religious conflicts should come to an end. The core vote bank seems highly dependent on this religious card that is played by almost every political party. However, in between these riots, common and innocent people have paid the price. Some are bound to leave their places, living in fear, going through the traumas, and an innocent one living with the harsh realities.

Nevertheless, the BJP has consistently clarified its position in support of Hindu dharam. Conversely, parties like the TMC seem to favour Muslims. Now, it is important for both political parties and ordinary citizens to recognize that advocating for any religion is a matter of faith; however, when a political party uses the terms Hindu and Muslim, it is merely justifying its actions for the sake of the vote bank. 

https://csss-isla.com/secular-perspective/hegemony-and-demolitions-the-tale-of-communal-riots-in-india-in-2024/ This is a report of CSSS (Centre for Study of Society and Secularism) reveals the number of communal riots that occurred up until 2024. 

Improve Employment 

Employment and the salary of Indian companies are matters of concern in terms of inflation. In every sector the number of jobs needs to improve with better facilities compared to the International companies. As per the PIB reports, there is an increase in employment of nearly 36%, adding around 170 million jobs during 2016-17 and 2022-23.India's economic trajectory demonstrates sustained job creation across key sectors. Furthermore, the data from the Periodic Labour Force Survey (PLFS) spanning 2017 to 2023 indicates that the worker Population Ratio (WPR) has risen by 9 percentage points, which equates to nearly 26 percent over this time frame. 

On the other hand, A significant number of individuals in India exhibit a strong interest in government positions due to the job security that is often lacking in private employment.  As per the StudyIQ.com Center for Monitoring Indian Economy (CMIE), there has been an increase in India's unemployment rate to 8.30%, which represents the highest level in 16 months, rising from 8.00% in November. Additionally, CMIE data revealed that the urban employment rate rose to 10.09% in December, compared to 8.96% in November, while the rural unemployment rate experienced a slight decrease from 7.55% to 7.44%. 

Is Reservation Affecting the employment sector? 

Considering the issue of unemployment, reservation emerges as a primary concern due to the allocation of seats based on caste. This practice may result in injustice to individuals who do not fall within the reservation category, such as Scheduled Tribes (STs), Sheduled Castes (SCs), and Other Backward Classes (OBCs). Subsequently, it has become a significant factor contributing to the trend of today's youth relocating to abroad, thereby causing injustice to talented individuals. For instance, in the context of the UPSC civil services, the reservation percentages are set at 15% for SCs, 7.5% for STs, 27% for OBCs, and 10% for Economically Weaker Sections (EWS). This applies to government jobs and educational institutions. 

Due to this percentage share the talent of the country get crushed, social imbalance, and sometimes misuse of the system by the some individuals like Poorva Chaudhary for misusing the OBC reservation quota.

You can read this news what exactly turned wrong and how Poorva Chaudhary grabs the spotlight  https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/social-media-debate-over-upsc-rank-holder-poorva-chaudhary-allegedly-misusing-obc-quota-101746420272791.html

Paying attention to India's Agriculture sector
Water management, irrigated agriculture, and natural resources management are majorly required to improve. Subsequently, the other side of these challenges are law income of farmers, challenges they encounter during monsoon, soil health management and many more.  https://www.agriwelfare.gov.in/Documents/AR_Eng_2024_25.pdf this is an annual report of agriculture and farmers to understand the better functions and structure that is made to improvise economic statics. This report says that the Provisional Estimates of National Income specified that 2023-24, released by National Statistical Office (NSO), Ministry of Statistics & Programme Implementation, the agriculture and allied sectors contributed approximately 17.7 % of India's Gross Value Added, (GVA) at current prices during 2023- 24. 
In Agriculture department Indian government needs to work as follow: - 

Strengthening Public Extension Services: A more effective approach involves empowering farmers with the knowledge and tools to solve their own problems, through continuous interaction with agricultural scientists.

Promoting Technology Adoption: The use of digital tools like Kisan Call Centers and e-NAM (electronic National Agriculture Market) can help the gap between research and practice, providing farmers with timely information and access to markets.

Encouraging Sustainable Practices: Promoting sustainable agriculture practices, such as precision farming, organic, farming, and integrated farming system are crucial for long-term agricultural sustainability and environmental protection. 

Addressing Challenges in Transfer of Technology (TOT): Improving the effectiveness of TOT models, both in public and private extension systems, is crucial for ensuring that research findings reach farmers and are adopted effectively. The use of digital tools like Kisan Call Centers and e-Nam (electronic National Agriculture Market) can help bridge the gap between research and practice, providing farmers with timely information and access to markets. 

Lack of Job Creation and Job Security

After looking into the rapid growth in population, it becomes increasingly difficult to expand industries in the marketplace. Apart from that, things that are lacking are skill development, slow growth of industries, mismatch between education and job markets needs, and job security. Nowadays, in a competitive environment, individuals are actively seeking employment that offers stability, security, and a competitive salary to ensure their survival. Numerous young people decide not to pursue creative work instead preferring a more secure lifestyle. 

The primary reason that government jobs such as Agniveer face significant criticism as the youth desire permanent positions rather than temporary ones for just a few years. Indian government also needs to look after the work culture and environment so there is no uncertain burden, or any sort of pressure put on employees. 

As per the report in India, an individual's average salary fluctuates based on various factors. These factors encompass the geographic location of residence, age, gender, type of employment, and others. As per the data from Glassdoor, the monthly salary for an Indian citizen in 2024 falls between Rs. 8,000 and Rs 1,43,000, with the annual average base salary estimated at approximately Rs. 9,45,489. 

Subsequently, In India 21% of the workforce receive a consistent, salaried income. This equates to about 118.1 million individuals. The rest of the labour force is split between self-employed person (55.8) and casual workers (22.7%).

Recently, the Prime Minister of India Narendra Modi has announced on 15 August that first time employees registered with the EPFO will receive financial assistance. 

As per the PIB the Key Features of the Scheme:

Part A – Support to First-Time Employees:

Targeting first-time employees registered with EPFO, this Part will offer one-month EPF wage up to Rs 15,000 in two instalments. Employees with salaries up to Rs 1 lakh will be eligible for the incentives. The 1st instalment will be payable after 6 months of service and the 2nd instalment will be payable after 12 months of service and completion of a financial literacy programme by the employee. To encourage the habit of saving, a portion of the incentive will be kept in a savings instrument of deposit account for a fixed period and can be withdrawn by the employee at a later date. The Part A will benefit around 1.92 crore first time employees.

Part B – Incentives for Employers:

This part will encourage generation of additional employment in all sectors, with a special focus on the manufacturing sector. The employers will get incentives in respect of  new employees with salaries up to Rs 1 lakh. The Government will incentivize employers, up to Rs 3000 per month, for two years, for each additional employment, sustained  for at least six months. For the manufacturing sector, incentives will be extended to the 3rd and 4th  years as well.

This part is expected to incentivize employers for the creation of additional employment of nearly 2.60 crore persons.

Incentive Payment Mechanism:  All payments to the First Time Employees under Part A of the Scheme will be made through DBT (Direct Benefit Transfer) mode using Aadhar Bridge Payment System (ABPS). Payments to the Employers under Part B will be made directly into their PAN-linked Accounts. With ELI Scheme, the government intends to catalyse job creation in all sectors, particularly in manufacturing sector, besides incentivizing youth joining the workforce for the first time. An important outcome of the Scheme will also be formalization of the country’s workforce by extending social security coverage for crores of young men and women.

However, what impact will this initiative have? It may provide support to young individuals facing difficulties financially or those who are seeking additional income. Yet, do you think that this could be lead to a sense of irresponsibility among the younger generation? Instead of that Indian government concentrating jobs for the improvement of the country, which is youthful, it will also prevent individuals from migrating abroad and implement changes the market changes of various professions. 

Health Infrastructure

During the pandemic in 2020, the two significant challenges the nation has witnessed are the lack of ambulances and medical equipment in the rural sector. Hence, the primary causes of these issues include inadequate infrastructure, geographical barriers, limited resources, and a shortage of skilled healthcare professionals. Furthermore, it has been observed that in limited infrastructure the challenges encountered are poor road conditions, lack of reliable transportation, and improper communication networks that hinder efficient ambulance operation. Therefore, considering the current situation, the Indian government must focus on training its doctors to reach a larger population. Apart from that, all the junior doctors should be well prepared earlier to encounter situation like pandemic in the future. 

Conversely, the challenge that ordinary individuals encounter is the requirement to pay a substantial sum at a private hospital. The costs can often exceed their financial means, particularly when factoring in the treatments. There are varying fees for separate beds, nursing services, and rooms, and as the treatments progress, the expenses continue to rise. 

It's high time that awareness campaign should run by the health expert especially for the common diseases. 

Relief In Taxation 

India's tax structure imposes a considerable strain on middle-class households, which are subject to income tax as well as taxes on their expenditures. These families continue to seek some form of tax relief; however, the increasing taxation on various products and services is becoming increasingly burdensome for them. The middle class, representing merely about 2% of the population, is shouldering an excessive burden of tax contributions, surpassing that of numerous large corporations. 

Analysts caution that this dependence on a limited group of taxpayers is not viable in the long term. Nevertheless, the government asserts that only 1.6% of the population is genuinely overburdened by taxes, thereby minimizing the significance of the situation for the middle class. Policy circle has specified that due to the increase in both income tax and GST quality of life for middle-class and lower-income families. The increasing burden of taxation, coupled with a reduction in household expenditures and a shift towards future savings, has become a significant factor driving the current young generation to seek opportunities abroad with the intention of permanent settlement. 

On the other side, the taxation issue was highly witnessed in small and medium businesses whose investments are not big as bigger companies, like grocery shops, sweets shops, and many more. The GST was designed to streamline the tax framework; its implementation has resulted in numerous adverse effects for smaller enterprises, which frequently do not process the same resources as their larger counterparts,

However, as per the GST Council, there is a possibility of decreasing the tax on various popular food items like butter, milk, jams, nuts, dry fruits, and namkeens. This will provide advantages to bakeries, sweets shops, and packaged food producers. Further, let's keep an eye on the changes. 

Women Safety 

Every country has some positive and negative aspects; however, one of the most concerning issues in India is the safety of women, particularly in instances of molestation and rape. Furthermore, eve teasing is often not regarded as a crime, which can also lead to discomfort. 

A graph reflects the crime statistics servers as an important tool for comprehending a segment of the intricate problem of women's safety in India. Subsequently, the graph derived from information provided by National Crime Records Rape incidents in India from 2008 to 2023 with notable fluctuations.

A few key points from the data:

• The number of reported cases saw a significant increase between 2012 and 2013, from approximately 24,900 to over 34,700.

• The highest number of reported cases was recorded in 2016, with over 38,900 incidents.

• A decline in cases was observed in 2020, likely due to the COVID-19 pandemic and associated lockdowns.

The figures represent reported crimes, which may not reflect the actual number of incidents. Multiple reports from the search results indicate that a significant number of crimes against women, including harassment and domestic violence, go unreported due to various societal and systemic factors. Therefore, the data should be viewed as an indicator of trends rather than a complete picture of the situation.

you can see in this link the number of rape cases https://www.statista.com/statistics/632493/reported-rape-cases-india/

Every developed nation possesses its own vision, with the foremost priorities consistently being defense, employment, and the empowerment of youth.

Disclaimer:- 

This article is based on personal opinion, analysis, and research through online. It is not intended  to anyone.