Published On 10 Dec, 2024
Charting India’s Growth: Milestones on the Path to Viksit Bharat

Development, or Vikas, is the ultimate objective of any nation or humanity at large. The Indian nation-state, intentionally underdeveloped and deindustrialized during centuries of foreign rule, found new opportunities for growth following independence. However, the full potential of these developmental promises remained unfulfilled, largely due to 70 years of dynastic governance. However with the coming of the people centric BJP govt in power since 2014, new developmental aspirations of people have been unleashed with the principles of “Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas, Sabka Vishwas, Sabka Prayas”.

The future of a nation is determined by the vision of its leadership. In his 2021 Independence Day speech, Honorable Prime Minister Narendra Modi outlined Vision 2047, an ambitious plan for India’s centenary year of independence. This vision aims to transform India into a developed and Atmanirbhar nation by fostering a technology-driven, knowledge-based economy and world-class infrastructure. The government seeks inclusive and sustainable growth to achieve these aspirations.

Realizing the Vision:

1. Sanitation and Swachhata:

A key indicator of a developed nation is its level of sanitation. In rural India, access to sanitation has surged from just 7% in 2002 to 75% by 2022, while urban sanitation access increased by 25% during the same period.

In 2014, India accounted for 60% of the global open defecation, leading to widespread health crises. To address this, PM Modi launched the Swachh Bharat Abhiyan under the motto “Swachhta Hi Seva,” aiming to realize Mahatma Gandhi’s vision of a clean India. By 2019, India declared all villages open defecation free (ODF), constructing 110 million toilets for 600 million people in just five years.

The journey continued with higher goals. Since 2014, Nizamabad has become a model for central government efforts to improve citizens’ lives. Under the Swachh Bharat Mission (SBM), Nizamabad and Jagtial have declared 416 and 275 villages as ODF Plus, respectively, reinforcing the commitment to clean and hygienic rural areas. Initiatives like constructing 1.6 lakh individual household toilets, 20 community sanitary complexes, and 456 waste segregation sheds have solidified Nizamabad’s reputation as a leader in sanitation.

2. Health:

Much like sanitation, India’s health sector suffered from inadequate public spending and limited access for decades. In 2014, Honorable PM Modi prioritized health as a precursor to development, tripling per capita healthcare spending. For the first time in 2022, public spending surpassed out-of-pocket expenses, easing the financial burden on citizens.

The Ayushman Bharat – PMJAY scheme has empowered over 4.52 lakh citizens in Nizamabad with Ayushman cards, facilitating over 50,000 hospital admissions as of November 2024. Affordable healthcare has become a reality through the PM Bhartiya Jan Aushadhi Pariyojana, which established 12 Janaushadhi Kendras each in Jagtial and Nizamabad, providing low-cost generic medicines.

3. Housing and Household Amenities:

Owning a pakka house has long been an aspiration for Indian families. Under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (PMAY), 3.2 crore houses have been sanctioned across India. In Nizamabad and Jagtial districts, 4,831 and 5,364 houses have been sanctioned under PMAY (Urban), with 80% of them completed.

Beyond housing, the PM Ujjwala Yojana has revolutionized cooking practices, with 51,329 and 45,595 gas connections distributed in Nizamabad and Jagtial, respectively. This initiative not only improves health outcomes for rural women but also contributes to environmental sustainability.

Furthermore, under the Saubhagya Yojana, an additional 3,520 households have been electrified, achieving 100% electrification in the district—an achievement long overdue due to poor governance in the past.

4. Empowering Farmers and Rural Prosperity:

The agricultural sector, neglected by previous regimes, has been revitalized under the current government with a focus on annadata (farmers). The PM-Kisan scheme has disbursed financial support to over 46 lakh farmers in Telangana by July 2024, boosting rural incomes.

The Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY) has brought financial security and stability to millions of farmers. Establishing the Turmeric Board, as announced by PM Modi, has addressed long-standing neglect in this crucial sector. Additionally, government interventions have uplifted sugarcane production in the region, improving market infrastructure and supporting small and marginal farmers.

5. Conclusion and Way Forward:

Previous regimes used the rhetoric of “Garibi Hatao” to gain power without addressing the roots of poverty. In contrast, the current government has lifted more than 24 crore people out of multidimensional poverty and reduced the poverty headcount ratio by over 18%. Policies centered on the welfare of the aam aadmi extend across sanitation, healthcare, housing, agriculture, financial inclusion, digital transformation, connectivity, and infrastructure.

With the immense efforts of the government, India is advancing toward Viksit Bharat, and Indur is emerging as a forerunner in PM Modi’s Sankalp. To achieve Vision 2047 and realize the dream of a developed Bharat, a collaborative governance approach is crucial. Community-driven initiatives like the Viksit Bharat Sankalp Yatra will ensure that no corner of India is left behind.

As India marches toward its centenary year of independence, the vision of Viksit Bharat represents more than just a goal—it is a collective commitment. Every step, whether in housing, healthcare, or sanitation, reflects a nation determined to uplift its citizens and secure its future. With sustained efforts and collaboration, the dream of a developed India will undoubtedly become a reality.


*Siddhartha is currently engaged as an intern at the Office of Shri Arvind Dharmapuri, MP and is a Masters Student of Political Science at the University of Delhi.

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