Shri Narendra Modi addressed the India Economic Convention 2014, an International Conference on the Indian economy held in Delhi, on the evening of 27th February, 2014.
“We must build an agenda for speedy yet sustainable economic growth that is inclusive of all, is respectful of individuals, responsive to innovation and responsible towards the future generations. We must together build an economic agenda for the India of our dreams that translates into improved standards of living, increased human well being and assured social justice,” said Shri Modi as he shared his idea of an empowered and progressive India.
Addressing the disturbing current-day governance Shri Modi spoke of how the misgovernance of the Central government had not just created fiscal deficit but had also eroded the entire system. “It’s not only fiscal deficit. There is a governance deficit, deficit in institutions, there is trust deficit, moral deficit,” said Shri Modi, even as he added that an additional deficit of the right environment needed for businesses to prosper had also been created. “Not going ahead from where we are is one thing, but we have gone backwards. And once the trust is broken the disappointment spreads and today trust is broken. Now, we need to emerge out of the deficit environment and create a trust so that 125 crore Indians can move ahead,” opined Shri Modi. He further opined that the current day system and governance did not have direction, dedication or determination, and insisted on having good governance along with a policy-driven approach.
Stating that democracy, demography and demand were India’s biggest strengths, Shri Modi emphasized on the need to tap the immense potential in each of these domains. “Forget walking, this nation has the capability to run. We have lost a decade, and we will now have to start from where Atal ji left things,” said Shri Modi. “Development should be a mass movement. We need to integrate the people and make it a mass movement. Vikas ko jan andolan mein parivartit karna padega,” stated Shri Modi.
Citing the importance of ‘Shrameva Jayate’, Shri Modi spoke of adopting a holistic approach so that the youth may live a life of dignity, and also ensure that the lower sections of the society are given the chance to move ahead and prosper. Sharing Gujarat’s growth and development story, Shri Modi spoke of the State’s success in the agricultural sector, its effectiveness in providing 24x7 electricity, and its efficacy in utilizing its water resources and technological prowess towards ensuring better living of its people.
The need for a visionary approach in tackling issues was put forth by Shri Modi when he said that in the healthcare sector, instead of addressing sickness the time had come to address wellness and thereby make a paradigm shift. His foresightedness was aptly reflected in his statement of giving due importance to the teaching fraternity by creating good institutes for teachers’ training, since they had the power to mould the future of the Nation.
Calling for the need to invest in varying domains, Shri Modi urged the decision-makers to provide the youth with the right opportunities in research and innovation, along with laying due emphasis on aspects of IPR and patents. “It is believed that tailor made solutions will work everywhere. This thought is the biggest mistake,” said Shri Modi. Empowerment of women was also a key aspect of Shri Modi’s address, wherein he acknowledged the contribution of women in the Nation’s GDP by involving themselves in activities of agriculture, animal husbandry and handicrafts.
Retaining the Federal structure of the Nation in letter and spirit was also duly emphasized by Shri Modi when he said that the time had come to identify and acknowledge each state for its strength and work out a strategy that harnesses their potential. Aspects of promoting harmony in the overall development module and working towards better global positioning of the Nation were also stressed upon by Shri Modi.
Retorting to the Finance Minister’s statement questioning Shri Modi’s knowledge of economics, Shri Modi said that he only considered himself as a trustee – an aspect put forth by Mahatma Gandhi – and stated that his knowledge of finance through his role as a trustee of the people was enough to run the Nation efficiently.
