Spectrum Summary: The NDA Government (2014 Onwards) | History for UPSC CSE PDF Download

Narendra Modi and his party, the BJP, won the 2014 elections with a majority. Even though they could have ruled alone, they chose to form a government with their allies, known as the NDA. Modi became the prime minister on May 26, 2014, in a ceremony at Rashtrapati Bhavan in Delhi, where the President, Pranab Mukherjee, administered the oath of office. This event was significant as leaders from SAARC countries were invited.

The government, led by Modi, focused on a development plan called "Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas" (meaning 'together with all, development for all'). They wanted to include everyone socially and financially, make the government more accountable and transparent, and shift towards better governance with less bureaucracy. Their goals included promoting cooperative federalism, boosting the economy, and improving India's global image.

In simpler terms, Modi and his government, despite having enough seats to rule alone, chose to work with allies to form the NDA government in 2014. They aimed for inclusive development, transparency, and better governance, focusing on cooperative federalism and economic growth.

Digital India Campaign

1. The Digital India Campaign, initiated by the Modi government within three months of taking office on August 14, aimed to encourage electronic governance and reduce paperwork, seen as a significant step in combating corruption.
   
2. The primary objective was to empower Indian citizens and the economy through electronic means. This involved connecting government departments and people digitally or electronically, with a focus on improving governance.
3. The government also sought to enhance and improve connectivity for all villages and rural areas through internet networks.
4. To achieve these goals, the government implemented various initiatives, including setting up digital infrastructure, promoting e-participation, and providing government services online.
   
5. Additionally, the government introduced the Unified Payments Interface (UPI) for mobile-enabled money transfers between bank accounts and the Bharat Interface for Money (BHIM) for a cashless economy.

Socio-Economic Policies and Programs

The NDA government, led by Narendra Modi, implemented several significant policies and programs to address economic challenges in India.

Disbanding Planning Commission and Setting up NITI Aayog

In 2014, the Planning Commission was replaced by the NITI Aayog to enhance cooperative federalism and involve state governments in economic policymaking. Unlike its predecessor, NITI Aayog focuses on being a policy think tank rather than allocating funds. It comprises the Prime Minister as the chairperson and a governing council with chief ministers and lieutenant governors.

JAM ‘Trinity: Jan Dhan-Aadhaar-Mobile

The NDA government introduced a transformative initiative known as the JAM Trinity, combining Jan Dhan Yojana, Aadhaar, and mobile numbers. Launched with the goal of streamlining subsidy transfers, this integrated approach aimed to enhance the efficiency of service delivery to citizens.

1. One key component of this initiative was the Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana (PMJDY), announced on Independence Day and officially launched on August 24, 2014. PMJDY focused on financial inclusion, allowing individuals without a bank account to open one without the burden of a minimum balance requirement. The result was a significant increase in the number of bank accounts, and deposits, and the integration of unbanked individuals into the formal banking system.
2. A crucial element of the JAM Trinity was the reinforcement and institutionalization of Aadhaar, initially launched in 2009. The Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) was established to collect biometric and demographic data, assigning a unique 12-digit identity number (Aadhaar) to residents. This strengthened Aadhaar's role as a vital tool for improving service delivery.
3. The Aadhaar Act, enacted in March 2016, further empowered the government to use Aadhaar for the targeted delivery of financial benefits and services. Aadhaar became instrumental in identifying recipients of subsidies, notably in the case of LPG subsidies, where linking gas connections and bank accounts to Aadhaar helped streamline the process.
4. While the Supreme Court limited Aadhaar's use to welfare schemes, its implementation significantly reduced wastage and corruption in benefit transfers. Various subsidy schemes, designed to support the minimum standard of living for the poor, faced leakages and inefficiencies, prompting the JAM Trinity to address these challenges.
5. The JAM Trinity aimed to minimize leakages by eliminating intermediaries in the subsidy delivery process. Aadhaar ensured foolproof identification, Jan Dhan bank accounts facilitated direct fund transfers, and mobile phones enabled quick, secure, and convenient transactions through mobile payment technology.

Health Policy

1. In 2015, the government introduced a new National Health Policy without increasing spending. Unlike the previous government, the focus shifted towards emphasizing the role of private healthcare organizations. Various national health programs, including those targeting tobacco control and elderly healthcare, were merged with the National Health Mission. In 2018, the government launched the Ayushman Bharat program, a health insurance scheme.
2. Swachh Bharat Mission: Launched on October 2, 2014, this nationwide campaign aimed to promote sanitation for better health. It focused on cleaning streets, roads, and infrastructure, eliminating manual scavenging, and encouraging toilet construction. By 2018, the World Health Organization credited the mission with averting thousands of deaths from diarrhoea in rural India.
3. Legal Reforms: Several legal reforms were enacted, such as amendments to the Arbitration and Conciliation Act in 1996 to expedite commercial dispute resolution. The Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code of 2016 simplified insolvency resolution, promoting efficient loan recovery and entrepreneurship. The Benami Transactions (Prohibition) Amendment Act of 2016 targeted the use of unaccounted, tax-evaded money in property transactions.
4. Demonetization:
   A controversial move on November 8, 2016, involved declaring Rs 500 and Rs 1,000 currency notes as illegal tender. The aim was to combat corruption, fake currency, and terror financing. While facing mixed impacts, including disruptions and hardship, the move brought most cash into the formal system. Positive outcomes included widened tax bases, increased use of digital payments, and enhanced adaptability to change.
5. Goods and Services Tax (GST):
   Considered a significant reform, the GST was launched in 2016, overhauling Centre-state financial relations. Despite opposition in the past, the NDA government successfully collaborated with states to introduce the GST. The tax, administered by the GST Council, replaced several central and state taxes, transforming the taxation system for goods and services. However, some items, like petroleum products and alcohol for human consumption, remained outside its scope.
6. Banking and Hydrocarbon Policies: Efforts were made to address non-productive assets of public sector banks. The Hydrocarbon Exploration and Licensing Policy (HELP) in 2016 aimed to enhance domestic oil and gas production, attract investment, generate employment, ensure transparency.

Farmers

Agriculture in India faced increasing problems despite many years of independence, relying heavily on unpredictable monsoons. The Narendra Modi government aimed to double farmers' income by 2022, focusing on improving actual earnings rather than just increasing production.

1. Measures were introduced to tackle risks, including a new crop insurance scheme and increased funding for irrigation.
2. Various plans were launched to support the agriculture sector and bring about marketing reforms.
3. Initiatives like neem-coated urea, soil health cards, and crop insurance were introduced, but challenges in the farming sector persisted.
4. Efforts were made to create a unified market for agriculture, allowing farmers to sell online. However, reforms faced challenges as agriculture is primarily managed by state governments.
5. In 2019, the 'Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi (PM-KISAN)' scheme was introduced, providing financial support to farmers with less than five acres of land.
6. Despite India's self-sufficiency in food grains, many farmers continued to face issues such as poverty and suicides due to debt and crop losses.
7. Persistent challenges included farmers leaving agriculture for urban opportunities and the need for comprehensive solutions to address underlying issues in the sector.

Infrastructure

The Modi government achieved success in improving the country's infrastructure. Here are some key accomplishments:

• Highway Construction: Roads were built faster, making it easier for people to travel.
• Bharatmala and Sagarmala Projects: These were new initiatives to enhance road and port connectivity, helping with transportation and trade.
• Regional Airports and Udaan Scheme: Airports in different regions were either built or renovated and the Udaan scheme aimed to improve air connectivity, making it easier for people to fly.
• Modernizing Railways: Efforts were made to upgrade and expand the railway system, making train travel more efficient.
• UJALA Scheme: This program, started earlier, was expanded by the Modi government. It focused on providing affordable LED bulbs to people, with the cost of each bulb reduced by half.

Welfare Schemes

The NDA government, led by Prime Minister Modi, successfully implemented various public welfare schemes, building on previous initiatives and improving their efficiency. Here are some key points in simple language:

1. Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana: Many rural houses were built under this program, providing homes to those in need.
2. Rural Electrification: The government worked on ensuring that every village had electricity by 2018 through the Deen Dayal Upadhyaya Gram Jyoti Yojana.
3. Ujjwala Yojana: This initiative aimed to give LPG connections to below-poverty-line households, replacing traditional cooking fuels with cleaner and more efficient liquefied petroleum gas.
4. Beti Bachao Beti Padhao: 
   Launched in 2015, this scheme focused on reducing female infanticide by promoting the education and welfare of girl children.
   
5. Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana: Also launched in 2015, this scheme aimed to support and implement welfare programs for the well-being of girl children.
6. MGNREGS (Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme):
   Initially criticized, the Modi government improved this scheme by focusing on productive work, introducing geo-tagging for transparent monitoring, and preventing leaks.
7. Pension Schemes: Various pension schemes from previous governments were continued with modifications, and new ones were introduced.

Security 

Tackling Maoists

1. In the Bastar region of Chhattisgarh, Maoist violence posed a persistent challenge, warranting strategic interventions by the government. Acknowledging the gravity of the situation, concerted efforts were made to curtail the influence of Maoist insurgents through multifaceted approaches.
2. One notable aspect of this initiative was the emphasis on infrastructural development. The government worked on improving the existing road network in the region, recognizing that enhanced connectivity could play a crucial role in not only facilitating the movement of security forces but also in promoting overall development.
3. Additionally, bolstering the capabilities of security forces was a key component of the strategy. Recognizing that a well-equipped and trained force is essential for combating insurgency, investments were made to enhance the resources available to the security personnel operating in the Maoist-affected areas. 
4. In 2015, a significant step was taken with the launch of the National Policy and Action Plan. This comprehensive framework outlined a strategic roadmap for addressing both the security and developmental aspects of areas affected by Naxalite/Maoist insurgency. 
5. The plan aimed not only to counteract immediate security concerns but also to foster long-term development, ensuring that affected regions could break free from the clutches of insurgency through sustained progress.

Kashmir Situation and the Pakistani Involvement

The security situation in Kashmir is complicated due to various factors, including Pakistan's involvement in supporting terrorism and unresolved political issues within the state. Here is a detailed overview:

1. Political Developments (2014-2016):
   • Elections held in November–December 2014 resulted in the PDP emerging as the largest party but unable to form a government independently.
   • In March 2015, the BJP joined the PDP, forming a coalition government with Mufti Mohammed Sayeed as the Chief Minister.
2. Turbulence and Protests (2016):
   • Street protests erupted in July 2016 following the killing of Hizbul Mujahideen commander Burhan Wani by security forces.
   • The use of pellet guns during protests caused permanent eye damage, escalating tensions.
   • In August 2017, the killing of Lashkar-e-Taiba commander Abu Dujana led to violent protests.
3. Coalition Breakdown (2018):
   • The coalition government faced differences, leading to its dissolution in June 2018 when the BJP withdrew.
   • Disagreements over the Ramzan ceasefire and counter-terrorism strategies contributed to the breakup.
4. Continued Terrorism (2016-2019):
   • Terrorist attacks, such as the Pathankot Air Force Station attack (2016) and the Uri attack (2016), heightened tensions.
   • Surgical strikes were conducted by India in September 2016 across the Line of Control.
   • Despite these measures, terrorist activities persisted, including the Pulwama attack in February 2019.
5. Balakot Airstrike and Escalation (2019):
   • In response to the Pulwama attack, India conducted an airstrike in Balakot in February 2019.
   • This led to increased tensions, with both countries engaging in military actions, including a dogfight in the skies over Jammu and Kashmir.
   • The closure of airspace between India and Pakistan resulted in significant losses for airlines.
6. Resolution (July 2019): The airspace between India and Pakistan was reopened in July 2019.

The security situation in Kashmir has been marked by political instability, protests, and ongoing terrorist activities, exacerbated by the involvement of Pakistan. The region has experienced periods of heightened tension and military actions.

Foreign Relations

India's foreign policy under the NDA government, led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, displayed subtle changes, as noted by the Foreign Secretary Vijay Gokhale. Unlike the non-aligned stance of the past, India now aligns itself based on specific issues.

Sushma Swaraj, a senior BJP leader, became the first woman to independently handle the Ministry of External Affairs in 2014.

• A significant aspect of Modi's foreign policy was to improve relations with neighboring nations. The 'neighborhood diplomacy' proved successful in improving relations with countries like Bangladesh, Nepal, and Sri Lanka. Notably, a land exchange deal with Bangladesh, initiated by the previous UPA government, was improved by the Indian parliament in 2015. However, relations with Pakistan faced challenges, as discussed earlier.
• In 2017, a major standoff occurred between India and China over Doklam, a region at the junction of India, Bhutan, and China. Tensions arose when Chinese forces attempted road construction in the area, leading to a standoff. Additionally, India expressed concerns about the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), part of China's Belt and Road Initiative (BRI).
• Relations with the United States had already improved in previous governments, and Modi further strengthened the partnership. Agreements like the Logistics Exchange Memorandum of Agreement (LEMOA) in 2016 and the Communications Compatibility and Security Agreement (COMCASA) in 2018 enhanced military cooperation.
• Despite shifts in US trade policies under President Donald Trump, Indo-US relations remained intact. India joined the quadrilateral alliance with the US, Japan, and Australia.
• The 'Look East Policy' was transformed into the 'Act East Policy,' emphasizing the expansion of Indian influence in East and Southeast Asia. In West Asia, India maintained a balanced approach between Palestine and Israel, engaging with nations like Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates.
• India's participation in international groups like the Australia Group, aimed at preventing the proliferation of biological and chemical weapons, showcased its commitment to global security. Membership in various nuclear export control regimes, including the Missile Technology Control Regime (MTCR) and the Wassenaar Arrangement (WA), highlighted India's standing in non-proliferation efforts.
• India played a leading role in establishing the International Solar Alliance with France to address global warming and climate change. The Modi government redefined 'strategic autonomy' by emphasizing strengthened partnerships instead of avoiding them.

Social Situation in India Under NDA Government

During the Modi government, there were hardly any major communal riots, but there was a perception that certain right-wing Hindu nationalist groups gained prominence. They initiated programs like "Ghar Wapasi" for Hindu religious reconversion, campaigned against "love jihad," and occasionally praised Nathuram Godse. These activities negatively impacted social harmony. Campaigns against "love jihad" were seen as restricting freedom of choice.

Some incidents involved violent attacks on individual Muslims, primarily for alleged cow slaughter, but also for other reasons. Non-Muslims were also attacked based on suspicions of crimes. Some fringe right-wing elements believed they had tacit support from the government. However, comprehensive historical research is needed to confirm if lynching increased during the Modi government.

• The rise of internet use coincided with the BJP's rise to power. Lynchings were often recorded and live-streamed on social media, particularly WhatsApp, leading to quick mobilization and the spread of "fake news." The Supreme Court intervened, urging the government to take firm action against lynching and hold officials accountable.
• While incidents of violence against women persisted despite stricter laws and awareness campaigns, the government introduced the death penalty for the rape of minors below 12 years. Socially significant legislations, such as those on juvenile justice, child and adolescent labor, and mental health, were passed.
• A landmark decision by the Supreme Court decriminalized homosexuality by overturning Article 377. This marked a positive step for the LGBTQ+ community's struggle for social legitimacy. 
• The Supreme Court's decision allowing women of all ages to enter the Sabarimala Temple received mixed reactions, supporting equality but challenging age-old traditions. The court also ruled against the practice of triple talaq among Muslims, a decision welcomed by women but opposed by conservative elements.
• In terms of job creation, there was limited progress, with a significant portion of the labor force remaining unskilled and poor. Efforts to rejuvenate the manufacturing sector and create jobs through initiatives like "Make in India" faced challenges due to low skills, low-paying jobs, poor infrastructure, and outdated labor laws.

General Elections of 2019 Simplified

In April-May 2019, people in India voted to choose their leaders for the 17th Lok Sabha.

The NDA, a political alliance, won big with 353 seats. The BJP, a major party in the alliance, alone got 303 seats, which is more than enough for a majority. The BJP even made significant progress in West Bengal and states where people had recently chosen Congress over BJP in local elections. This showed that voters knew who they wanted at the state and national levels.

The Congress, another major party, did better than the previous election in 2014, winning 52 seats. Other parties supporting Congress (UPA allies) won 33 seats.

A noteworthy achievement in 2019 was that the elections saw the highest number of female candidates, and the highest number of women actually winning seats.

NDA Back in Government

In May 2019, the NDA formed the government again, making it the first time a non-Congress government completed a full term and returned to power for a second consecutive term with a majority in the Lok Sabha. Narendra Modi, the leader of the BJP, became the prime minister again, following in the footsteps of Congress leaders Jawaharlal Nehru and Indira Gandhi.

During the swearing-in ceremony on May 30, 2019, Narendra Modi took the oath of office as the prime minister. Even though the BJP had enough seats to run the government alone, it chose to include its allies in the council of ministers.

In his speech to the new MPs, Modi emphasized the importance of working in the government without discrimination and gaining the trust of minorities. He acknowledged that minorities had lived in fear for a long time and stressed the need to change this, expressing the goal of winning the trust of Muslims with the slogan "Sabka Vishwas" alongside "Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas." This showed Modi's confidence in steering his party and government without being strictly bound by the ideological constraints of the Sangh Parivar. 

Factors behind the NDA Victory

1. The NDA won again because of the hard work of BJP members following Amit Shah's plan. Despite some disagreements, the BJP brought its allies together.
2. Narendra Modi was the clear leader of the BJP, and the opposition parties couldn't unite or find a credible leader against him.
3. The campaign was aggressive and sometimes abusive. The Congress' slogan, 'Chowkidar chor hai' (the watchman is a thief), didn't sit well with the public. It seemed disrespectful to the prime minister and worked against the Congress.
4. The efficient implementation of welfare schemes by the Modi government played a significant role in securing a second term for the NDA.
5. Many believed that other parties merely sought minority votes without genuine concern, labeling it as 'appeasement.' The BJP gained support not only through its Hindutva stance but also by transcending caste divisions.

The strong actions against Pakistan, like surgical strikes and the air force strike in Balakot in February 2019, significantly favored the NDA. The opposition's questioning of these actions seemed like doubting the army's capability, working against them.

Key Events during NDA’s Second Term Explained

The Modi government's second term had a lot of actions and new laws.

1. Triple Talaq Criminalized: 
   In July 2019, a law was passed making instant triple talaq a crime. This practice was already declared unconstitutional by the Supreme Court in 2017.
2. Rights for Transgender People: A law to protect the rights of transgender people was enacted in January 2020.
3. Changes in Child Protection Laws: Amendments to the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act were made in 2019, focusing on stricter punishment and measures against child pornography.
4. Road Safety Laws: The Motor Vehicles (Amendment) Act was passed in September 2019 to enhance road safety.
5. Amendment to UAPA: In July 2019, changes were made to the Unlawful Activities Prevention Act, allowing the government to label an individual as a terrorist without trial.
6. Article 370 Revoked: In August 2019, Article 370, giving special status to Jammu and Kashmir, was revoked. The state was bifurcated into two Union Territories.
7. Citizenship (Amendment) Act: This law, passed in 2019, faced opposition for its approach to fast-tracking citizenship for some persecuted minorities, excluding certain Muslim sects.
8. Farm Reforms: In 2020, three farm laws were enacted, but protests by farmers led to a Supreme Court intervention and later withdrawal of the laws.
9. Bodo Accord: An agreement for peace and development was signed with Bodo groups in January 2020.
10. Bank Mergers: In August 2019, 10 public sector banks were merged into four, aiming to create stronger banks.
11. Ayodhya Verdict: In November 2019, the Supreme Court gave a unanimous verdict on the Ayodhya land dispute, allowing the construction of a Ram temple and allocating land for a mosque.
12. India-China Standoff: A serious standoff occurred between India and China, mainly in Ladakh, due to China's encroachment into Indian territory.

The Country Reels under a Pandemic

COVID-19 Pandemic Impact:

 The NDA government faced a significant challenge in 2019-2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus. A nationwide lockdown was imposed for the first time in history, leading to the suspension of non-essential activities and transport between states.

1. Healthcare System Shortcomings: India's healthcare system revealed severe shortcomings, including a shortage of hospital beds, ambulances, medical personnel, and a lack of specific medicine for the infection. Vaccines became the primary hope for dealing with the pandemic.
2. Economic Fallout: The lockdown, while effective in containing the virus, had a disastrous impact on the economy. Many small businesses closed, individuals lost jobs, and migrant laborers faced hardships.
3. Education Disruption: Schools and educational institutions closed, leading to a shift to digital teaching methods. This highlighted the gap between the privileged and underprivileged in terms of access to infrastructure for online education.
4. Federal Structure Strains: Strains were observed in the federal structure, with states critical of the central government's handling of the situation. Cooperative federalism took a back seat as blame games prevailed.
5. Vaccination Drive: The government initiated the production of vaccines, with the Oxford-AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine (Covishield) and the indigenous Covaxin. A massive countrywide vaccination drive was undertaken.
6. Delta Variant Impact: In 2020-21, the emergence of the Delta variant caused greater havoc, leading to a higher number of deaths and a shortage of oxygen cylinders.
7. Citizen Response: Despite challenges, some citizens demonstrated kindness in helping others, while others took advantage of the situation for hoarding and fraudulent actions.
8. Aatmanirbhar Bharat Abhiyaan: In May 2020, Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched the Aatmanirbhar Bharat Abhiyaan to make the country self-reliant and help those most affected by the pandemic. The campaign focused on the economy, infrastructure, systems, vibrant demography, and demand.
9. One Nation, One Ration Card Scheme: Introduced to enable migrant laborers and others access to food grains from any fair price shop across states.Utilized electronic point of sale (e-PoS) devices for inter-state portability of ration access.

75th Year of Independence 2021-22

India celebrated its 75th Independence Day on August 15, 2021, marking the start of the Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav. The festivities began on March 12, 2021, with a 75-week countdown leading up to August 15, 2022, and will continue until August 15, 2023.

In 2022, India welcomed its 15th president, Droupadi Murmu, who took the oath on July 25. She is the second woman and the first tribal person to become President. Notably, Murmu is also the first president born in independent India, hailing from Mayurbhanj in Odisha and belonging to the Santhal community. Her story represents the potential for individuals to rise from poverty in underdeveloped areas and build successful careers in teaching and politics.

Despite challenges, India has achieved much in the seven decades of independence. Political democracy is thriving, as seen in the 2022 state assembly elections in Punjab where the Aam Aadmi Party achieved a significant majority. The Supreme Court raised doubts about the need for a sedition law, a colonial remnant, questioning its relevance many years after independence. Concerns have been raised about the misuse of this law against political opponents, despite low conviction rates. Questions also surround the use of institutions for political purposes, leading to their decline. Much more needs to be done, especially in the areas of human rights, social equality, and improving access to health and education for all.