For Narendra Modi, the mandate of 2019 has brought a thicker stability cushion but a heavier load of expectations.
The Domestic Agenda
Ram Temple:The matter is subjudice. RSS and affiliates in early 2019 were eager to announce a time line. But the Modi-Shah duo, in order to avoid a confrontation with the apex court and diluting the 'growth' message image, asked the Sangh to apply the brakes.
Article 35A: BJP's 'Sankalp Patra' has promised annulling the controversial clause that provides special rights to residents of Jammu and Kashmir.
BJP says it was added to the Constitution of India "without Parliament's nod". This is high on RSS's wish list. Government may move with caution depending on the situation in Kashmir.
Infra spending to zoom: The BJP manifesto promises a `£1000 billion investment in infrastructure by 2024. The government plans to kickstart the first tranche of investment from the word go.
Rural development: Under Phase III of the Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojna (PMGSY), 1,25,000 km of link routes.
National urban mission: About 200 urban clusters as hubs around big cities may be cleared, over and above the 300 large urban centres developed so far.
More smart cities: Smart city mission to expand beyond existing 100. Total value of tenders might be pushed to `£15,000 billion by June-end.
Housing & Social Welfare: The Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (Urban), the affordable housing programme for the poor, will see stepped-up efforts in the first 100 days.
Tough on corruption: Vijay Mallya and Nirav Modi managed to escape from India after carrying out economic offences. The government will speed up its efforts to bring back these offenders who have been declared fugitives to showcase its intent. Tougher laws to check black money creation, especially through benami activities, could be coming.
Education for all:The HRD ministry has drafted a nine-point priority list including the launch of a National Education Policy, filling of faculty positions, increase in the number of Institutions of Eminence (IoE), revival of the Higher Education Commission of India and setting up a new accreditation system.
