Evaluating the Performance of Cabinet Ministers in Modi’s Government
India's cabinet under Prime Minister Narendra Modi has been the subject of much scrutiny. While some members of the cabinet are praised for their contributions, others have faced criticism for their performance. This article will evaluate the ministry's key figures, focusing on their roles and the public perception of their effectiveness.
Transport and Highways Minister - Nitin Gadkari
Nitin Gadkari, despite being relatively vocal, has been a subject of criticism. Unlike other ministers in Modi's cabinet, he seems to be more outspoken, leading to contradictory sentiments among the public. Some see him as a voice of the people, while others find his frequent statements undesirable.
Despite some of the criticisms, Gadkari's role in infrastructure development, particularly in road transport and highways, is significant. However, there is an ongoing debate about his involvement and the adequacy of his actions.
Finance Minister - Nirmala Sitharaman
Often overshadowed by more prominent ministers, Nirmala Sitharaman has been working behind the scenes to address the complex economic challenges faced by India. However, her role is crucial, especially with the economy grappling with issues like inflation and fuel prices.
A R K Singh, the Energy Minister, deserves more recognition. His ministerial tenure has seen significant achievements, including the crossing of 175 GW non-fossil energy targets, which is a remarkable milestone in India's journey towards sustainable energy development. Singh's efforts in making the nation 'One Grid' and connecting 29 million consumers to the electricity grid within two years are commendable.
The author's perspective is that the government needs more competent economists. While some competent economists may be associated with the Opposition, it is not impossible for the government to find qualified individuals. Unfortunately, a lack of competence in economic management has been a notable issue, with significant drawbacks such as high unemployment and underemployment. Additionally, the stringent measures like sudden demonetization have had more negative effects than positive ones in the long run.
Social Sector Ministries - Health, Education, and Economic Challenges
The social sectors like health and education in Modi's government have not met the expectations. The Health Minister's failure in managing the pandemic has led to significant loss of lives due to mismanagement. The unavailability of vaccines in government hospitals and the need to pay extra for private hospitals exacerbate the issue. Furthermore, a reliable healthcare and education system are essential for a developed economy, and the current state of these sectors poses a significant challenge.
On the other hand, the Infrastructure sector, particularly under Nitin Gadkari, has shown competent governance, although more needs to be done to address the overall challenges in these sectors.
For a nation to become a 5 trillion dollar economy, it is imperative to focus on economic transformation, affordable healthcare facilities, and quality education. Without these, achieving such an economic milestone would be immensely difficult.
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