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ABSTRACT
Narendra Modi, who assumed power at the Centre in May 2014 after making a plethora of promises and who is often eulogized as Vikash Purush (the man for development) by the Indian media, has undoubtedly started his innings on an upbeat note and continues to impress the public with his charisma and deft moves. It has been proclaimed that his government’s social policy is premised on the principle of Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas (collective efforts, inclusive growth), whereby each and every person becomes an important stakeholder in India’s developmental journey. That is, his government seeks to bring collective growth by ensuring collective participation of each individual, group, community and region in the development process. True to its vision of social welfare, this programme has been proactive in its pursuit and has launched a heap of programmes in support of its vision. But a gamut of problems still remains. The reported cases of atrocities on women, unemployment, farmer suicides are only the tip of the iceberg. While optimists commend Modi for all his moves, sceptics tend to question his ability. The moot question remains, how will Modi conquer obstacles to social welfare and succeed in converting rhetoric into reality?
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Notes
1. The aim of social welfare is to ensure collective good. For a comprehensive understanding, see Dubey, Citation1973.
2. For an informative comprehension, see https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pradhan_Mantri_Jan_Dhan_Yojana.
3. For a lucid discussion, see Jayashree, Citation2015.
4. http://unicef.in/Whatwedo/11/Eliminate-Open-Defecation (accessed on 25 February 2016)
5. For detailed delineation, statistics and analysis, see http://tsc.gov.in/tsc/NBA/AboutSBM.aspx?id=NBA, https://swachhbharaturban.gov.in/writereaddata/Statewise_status_of_implementation.pdf, http://sbm.gov.in/TSC/Report_NBA/Physical/RptIHHLProgressWithMGNREGA.aspx, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Swachh_Bharat_Abhiyan, http://www.dailymail.co.uk/indiahome/indianews/article-3196966/Modi-s-Swachh-Bharat-mission-built-80-lakh-new-toilets-people-using-them.html.
6. Collective well-being constitutes the hallmark of social welfare policies. It is meant for the masses and not for the classes. While launching such policies, the government must ensure that social welfare does not result in the enrichment of aristocracy; it must translate into social, economic welfare of the average citizen. For a refreshing dialogue, see AuClaire, Citation1984.
7. For a comprehensive discussion of Modi’s social security policies, see http://pmindia.gov.in/en/news_updates/pm-expresses-joy-on-crossing-of-10-crore-mark-in-the-number-of-enrollments-under-the-recently-launched-3-social-security-schemes/?comment=disable.
8. For a detailed demographic and quantitative analysis of the issue under discussion, see https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Homelessness_in_India
10. For details, see http://www.arthapedia.in/index.php?title=Sansad_Adarsh_Gram_Yojana_(SAGY).
11. For a thorough elaboration of the scheme, see http://powermin.nic.in/upload/pdf/Deendayal_Upadhyaya_Gram_Jyoti_Yojana.pdf.
12. For an elaborate discussion of the programme, see http://smartcities.gov.in/
13. For a thorough delineation of the programme, see http://amrut.gov.in/
14. For a detailed analysis of the scheme, see http://mhupa.gov.in/. Also see http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/housing-for-all-by-2022-government-plans-20-million-houses-for-urban-poor/article7326997.ece.
15. For an informative grasp, see http://www.financialexpress.com/article/industry/banking-finance/1-8-lakh-acs-opened-under-sukanya-scheme-in-2-mths-of-launch/53857/.
16. The National Crimes Records Bureau (NCRB), Government of India, New Delhi contains a detailed information about the atrocities on women. For details, see http://ncrb.nic.in/CD-CII2012/cii-2012/Chapter%205.pdf.
17. A study conducted in 2014 by an NGO Breakthrough reveals the grim reality in India. Half of the girls are subject to various forms of sexual harassment like leering, pinching and groping while travelling to and from school. See, Dhawan, H. 2016. Fifty-per cent girls sexually harassed on way to school: Study. The times of India. 26 February. P.1.
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Notes on contributors
Bikram Keshari Mishra
Dr. Bikram Keshari Mishra, Reader in Sociology, has completed his MA, M.Phil and Ph.D. from Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi, India. His research, publication and conference presentations relate to theories, development, education, sociology of gender, Dalit studies, environment and contemporary socio-political issues. Apart from university teaching, he publishes research papers in journals (national and international) and edited volumes, apart from wider conference presentations. Currently, Dr. Mishra is serving as the Head, Department of Sociology, Ravenshaw University, Cuttack.