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By:

Devendra Fadnavis

9 June 2026 at 5:42:34 pm

Trust, Development and India’s Rise

The story of India’s rise in the last decade has been marked by economic reform, infrastructure expansion and renewed national confidence When a public journey completes twelve years, it is often seen as a significant milestone marked by perseverance, dedication and an unwavering commitment to a larger goal. Therefore, as Prime Minister Narendra Modi completes twelve years of leadership, this period must be assessed through the lens of sustained effort, transformative governance and...

Trust, Development and India’s Rise

The story of India’s rise in the last decade has been marked by economic reform, infrastructure expansion and renewed national confidence When a public journey completes twelve years, it is often seen as a significant milestone marked by perseverance, dedication and an unwavering commitment to a larger goal. Therefore, as Prime Minister Narendra Modi completes twelve years of leadership, this period must be assessed through the lens of sustained effort, transformative governance and measurable outcomes. Viewed from this perspective, these years represent a remarkable era of service, commitment and good governance. Every enduring journey has two dimensions. When it is undertaken for the welfare of society, its benefits ultimately reach society itself and positively impact diverse sections of the population. The outcomes of Prime Minister Modi’s efforts are visible in the unprecedented transformation witnessed in the lives of ordinary citizens. From 2014 to 2026, his twelve-year tenure has emerged as a defining phase in India's contemporary history. It has not merely been a period of political leadership, but a unique confluence of trust, development, good governance, cultural resurgence and public welfare. Global Leader Today marks another significant milestone. As an elected Prime Minister, Narendra Modi has completed 4,399 consecutive days in office, surpassing the record set by Jawaharlal Nehru. Some may argue that comparisons between Nehru and Modi are inappropriate. However, when Nehru assumed office, there was a widespread perception that he had no political alternative. By contrast, when Modi became Prime Minister, Indian democracy had matured considerably. Citizens understood both the power and significance of their vote. They were aware of their aspirations and expectations, and recognised that governments exist to serve public welfare. It was under these circumstances that Modi assumed office in 2014. The electorate entrusted him with responsibilities that successive Congress governments had failed to fulfil over five decades. Accepting that challenge, he articulated the vision of “Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas,” which later evolved into “Sabka Vishwas, Sabka Prayas.” After securing victories in 2014, 2019 and 2024, he today stands at the forefront of India’s emergence as a global leader. The mandate of 2024, following the decisive verdicts of 2014 and 2019, was not merely an electoral victory. It represented a renewed endorsement of development, good governance and stable leadership. Modi became the first leader since 1962 to serve a third consecutive term as Prime Minister. At a time when many democracies across the world are grappling with political instability, India chose continuity, stability and decisive governance. Over the past decade, the country has strengthened its position through economic reforms, social transformation, infrastructure development, national security and an assertive foreign policy. The more than twenty-four highest civilian honours conferred upon him by nations around the world reflect this growing global recognition. This has not been the journey of a single leader alone; it has been a collective national endeavour. As a result, India’s economy has expanded from approximately $2 trillion to $4.18 trillion, making it the world’s fourth-largest economy. Economic prosperity is indispensable for achieving social justice. Modi not only recognised this reality but also worked consistently to realise it. Initiatives such as Make in India and Atmanirbhar Bharat instilled confidence among Indians and enhanced global trust in Indian products. Today, demand for indigenous defence equipment has risen so sharply that projected production for the next decade may struggle to meet requirements. This reflects the true strength of a self-reliant India. Historic Achievements One of the government’s historic achievements has been the substantial reduction of Left-Wing Extremism across twelve affected states. Regions that remained untouched by development for decades are now witnessing tangible progress. Nearly 20 crore people had long lived under the shadow of fear and deprivation. Naxalism stalled development and adversely affected thousands of young lives. Today, the situation is changing. Industrial projects, including steel plants, are being established in areas such as Gadchiroli. Universities, medical colleges and major educational institutions are being set up. The voice of development is gradually replacing the sound of conflict. Over the last twelve years, India has witnessed unprecedented growth in infrastructure development. The national highway network has expanded from approximately 91,000 kilometres to nearly 1.46 lakh kilometres. Highways are being constructed at an average pace of 34 kilometres per day. Under the Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana, millions of kilometres of rural roads have transformed the lives of farmers, students and rural communities. Railway electrification has accelerated significantly, while initiatives such as Vande Bharat Express and the Amrit Bharat Station Scheme have redefined the image of Indian Railways. The country’s metro network has grown from 248 kilometres to more than 1,095 kilometres. The Modi government has placed the farmer at the centre of the development agenda. Through the Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi, direct financial assistance has been extended to more than 11 crore farmers. Significantly, the first file cleared during the government’s third term pertained to farmer welfare, underscoring this priority. Under the Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchai Yojana, the “Per Drop More Crop” initiative has brought millions of hectares under micro-irrigation. Agricultural output has reached record levels, and India has emerged as the world’s largest producer of milk. Through the Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana, free food grains have been provided to 81 crore citizens. More than four crore families have received permanent homes under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana. The Ujjwala scheme has enabled over eleven crore women to access LPG connections. Under Ayushman Bharat, millions of citizens have benefited from free health insurance coverage. The Jal Jeevan Mission has ensured access to clean drinking water for more than sixteen crore households. Women’s empowerment has occupied a central place in government policy. Women account for a significant share of Jan Dhan account holders. The Lakhpati Didi initiative has helped millions of women achieve greater economic independence. Programmes such as Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana, maternity benefits, the strengthening of self-help groups and the growing participation of women in the armed forces have advanced the vision of women-led development. Digital Transformation India has also scripted a new chapter in digital transformation. Through the JAM trinity—Jan Dhan, Aadhaar and Mobile—lakhs of crores of rupees have been transferred directly to beneficiaries. India has emerged as a global leader in UPI transactions. BharatNet has connected lakhs of gram panchayats through optical fibre networks. Digital governance, faceless taxation and the Government e-Marketplace (GeM) have enhanced transparency and efficiency in public administration. India today engages with the world on the basis of equality and mutual respect. The nation seeks trade, investment and technology, but without compromising its dignity or self-respect. During the Russia–Ukraine conflict, India demonstrated its ability to pursue an independent foreign policy, placing national interests above external pressures. Today, India is the world’s fourth-largest economy. Initiatives such as Make in India, Startup India and the Production-Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme have accelerated manufacturing growth. India has become the world’s second-largest mobile phone manufacturer. Electronics production has increased manifold. Significant investments have been attracted for semiconductor manufacturing, and the country is rapidly positioning itself as a global manufacturing hub. Encouraged by policy support, India’s startup ecosystem has grown to more than two lakh startups and hundreds of unicorns. During these twelve years, India has also reaffirmed its cultural identity with renewed confidence. The construction of the Ram Temple in Ayodhya, the Kashi Vishwanath Corridor, Mahakal Lok and the redevelopment of Kedarnath have infused new energy into the nation’s spiritual consciousness. Modi, who began his public life by paying homage to Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, has also advanced initiatives such as the Panchteerth dedicated to Dr B.R. Ambedkar, the observance of Birsa Munda Jayanti as Janjatiya Gaurav Divas, the Statue of Unity honouring Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, commemorative initiatives for Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose, Kartavya Path and the new Parliament building—each symbolising national pride and identity. Maharashtra has been among the principal beneficiaries of this development trajectory. Prime Minister Modi has extended support to the state in addressing its major developmental needs and challenges. From facilitating land for the Indu Mill Memorial to supporting projects such as the Amravati Textile Park, Vadhvan Port, Navi Mumbai International Airport, Samruddhi Mahamarg, Atal Setu, the Coastal Road and metro rail networks, his backing has been instrumental in advancing key infrastructure initiatives. Today, the world no longer views India merely as a large market. It increasingly recognises India as a reliable, responsible nation capable of contributing solutions to global challenges. India stands confidently on the world stage. These twelve years have laid a strong foundation for the vision of Viksit Bharat 2047. The journey of trust, development and people’s participation is poised to gather even greater momentum in the years ahead—a belief shared by millions of Indians. (The writer is the Chief Minister of Maharashtra.)

Full Steam Ahead: Why Education Deserves Its Own Budget Line

If tracks were worth a budget a century ago, classrooms surely deserve one in 2025

Back in 1924, the British Raj, not exactly known for its generosity, did something quite visionary: it carved out a separate budget for the Indian Railways. Why? Because even in the imperial brain, there was a basic understanding: if something runs the country, it probably deserves its own cheque book.


Fast forward a hundred years. We now live in a sovereign, democratic, high-GDP-boasting, space-exploring India. But education? Still playing a supporting act in the big Union Budget drama, tucked under ‘social services’ next to things like sanitation and welfare. Neatly buried, politely acknowledged, conveniently forgotten.


Let's be honest. It's time to do what we have done before: give education its own stage - a separate national education budget, with its own allocation, accountability, ambition and some actual attention.


The railway analogy is not just clever; it is correct. The British gave railways a budget because it kept the country moving. It connected people, moved goods, and enabled trade. It was physical infrastructure. Well, education is people’s infrastructure. It doesn't carry cargo; it holds potential. It doesn't move coal; it moves human capital. So why do we pretend it can be casually managed through bullet points and a slideshow on Budget Day?


Sure, the Railway Budget was merged in 2017 for ‘efficiency.’ Fine. But at least it had 92 years of spotlight before the curtains came down. Education, meanwhile, has been fighting for its rightful place at the grown-up table since independence. Every year, we pretend to be shocked that we have not hit the 6 percent GDP target for education spending. Every year, we wring our hands when learning outcomes plummet, or teachers are asked to double up as booth managers and midday meal accountants.


Here’s a thought: maybe we are not underperforming. Perhaps we are under planning. A separate education budget forces clarity, accountability, and ambition. It compels us to ask the critical questions: How much is going to teachers? How much do digital tools cost? How much is that new teacher training institute promised in 2017? It is harder to dodge these questions when the country watches a document that says ‘EDUCATION’ in big, bold letters.


Moreover, when we finally give education its own purse, we also give it the power to dream.


And no, this isn't just a symbolic move. It's structural. It changes how policy is made, funds are tracked, and performance is reviewed. Education becomes not a department but a mission.


And what will this magical budget cover? Let's start with the person most often taken for granted: the teacher. We have crores of students and lakhs of teachers, and somehow, we are still shocked that learning outcomes are below par. Many teachers are undertrained, under-supported and underpaid.


We need real investment in pre-service training that’s actually useful, continuous professional development because teaching, like medicine, evolves; digital literacy because if the kids are on screens, the teachers better know how to use them, and career paths that don’t look like a bureaucratic maze from a Kafka novel.


And that is just the teaching side. The budget must also cover infrastructure (still missing in many rural schools), curriculum updates, inclusive education, and bridging the tech divide.


And trust me, it cannot possibly be that complicated. This country figured out Aadhaar, built UPI, landed on the Moon, and sent a probe to Mars on a budget smaller than a Hollywood film. Complicated is our love language.


A separate education budget is not more complex than anything we have not already done. It just needs political will which regrettably only shows up the moment someone realizes it is good optics.


Imagine a glossy, standalone Education Budget Day. With numbers. With goals. With applause for ‘education corridors’ and ‘skill superfasts. The same treatment we give to expressways and exports.


And if you are still not convinced, let us ask the question differently: If railways got a separate budget in 1924 because they were essential to national progress, do we want to argue that education is less critical in 2025? That laying track is more important than building minds?That moving freight deserves more strategic planning than moving a child from no-school to first-gen graduate?


Because if that is the argument, we are already off the rails. We have had mission-mode programs - Swachh Bharat, Digital India, Skill India. They all got momentum because they had dedicated plans, targets and money attached.


Education has slogans. Now it needs the spreadsheet. A separate budget allows us to treat education like the nation-building project it is and not a last-minute paragraph written by a junior bureaucrat two days before the Budget speech.


Borrowing an old colonial practice might seem ironic. But let us admit it: The British got this part right. They separated what mattered.


Let us do the same. Let us take this British legacy, dress it in khadi, and make it work for modern India. If we could do it for trains in 1924, surely we can do it for teachers, students, and the future of this country in 2025. Else, the country will keep paying the price if the classroom does not get its own budget.

(The author is a learning and development professional. Views are personal)

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