As an Indian I do believe that in the next ten years India will be a super power. The progress that the country has made in the past ten years indicates its rapid development in near future. Being the youngest population and the largest democracy we can definitely guarantee that in the next ten years India will be a superpower.
Here are some of the latest developments that the country has made in the last few years in various sectors:
Agriculture: Indian agriculture has undergone rapid transformation in the past two decades. India has emerged as a major player in the global agriculture market. In the last five years, the country’s agriculture exports have tripled from around Rs 80,000 crore to Rs 2.32 trillion. About 65% of India population is dependent on agriculture and so to develop this majority, our ministers tried to increase the then 2% agricultural growth to 4% in the 11th five yr plan. Eventually this target was achieved in June-09. To maintain it in 2009-10, the 1st general budget of 15th Lok Sabha, our F.M. Mr. P. Mukherjee announced an increased budgetary. Allocation of Rs 3, 25,000 crores as against Rs 2, 87,000 crores in the previous budget, also 500 mobile soil testing laboratory, Cartostat satellite especially for agriculture to boost agricultural growth. Agricultural contributes to 19% of India’s GDP and also boosts of being the second largest granary. SAARC and BIMSTEC countries urged India to establish food banks for them. This will develop India’s relations with these countries. Also improving the financial stability of our farmers. Indian government has also started a plethora of flagship schemes. In the general budget 2009-10, the flagship schemes have been allotted humongous amount of money.
Literacy: The Literacy rate of India was 65.38% in 2001 which shooted up by 9% in 2011. The Right to Education Bill which was passed in 2009 has boosted the literacy rate tremendously. To improve the literacy percent, H&D minister Mr. Kapil Sibal tried to standardize the entire education system. In the general budget of 2009-10, Rs 2800 crore per year for 14 proposed national universities for research and development was allotted. In the 11th five year plan, 30 new universities in which 16 with broad band connectivity, 370 new colleges for rural areas, 08 new IITs, 07 IIMs, 05 IIS, 44,000 primary schools, 1500 I.T.I and 1100 polytechnic schools were planned. India’s lead in IT sector is unmatchable.
Privatisation: Private investors have invested in various sectors of telecommunication, power generation, airport, ports, roads and railways. Increase in privatisation resultantly increases employment. It also encourages businessmen to invest in and earn more.
Space technology: India has entered the elite group of nations when it launched modern missiles and satellites. ISRO has been constantly developing modern air craft’s and fighter planes.
Policies to curb poverty: To boost the rural infrastructure, construction of roads, provide electricity & clean drinking water, houses for B.P.L and create slum free cities. In the general budget of 2009-10, Rs 27,800 Crore for Bharat Nirman comprising of Rs 12,000 Crore for P.M.G.S.Y (Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana), Rs 7,000 crore for R.G.G.V.Y (Rajiv Gandhi Gramin Vidutikaran Yojana), Rs 8,800 crore for I.A.Y (Indira Gandhi Awas Yojana) have been allotted for the development of urban areas and to create a slum free area, Rs 12,887 Crore has been allotted under J.N.U.R.M. (Jawahar Lal Nehru Urban Renewal Mission).
Foreign relations: In Services sector, we have established bilateral trade ties with 13 countries amounting of $ 300 Billion in 2008, which was completed in 2010. India also signed the civil nuclear co-operation with 4 countries (USA, France, Australia, and Kazakhstan). Geographically India is situated at centre of BIMSTEC and SAARC countries and controlling 18 countries through SAARC, BIMSTEC and ASEAN countries, also controlling ¼ part of world market. India has also signed many agreements with its neighbouring countries. Though there are some neighbouring countries that do not want India to progress, however, it is important to build relations with them. During his second presidential term, Mr. Barack Obama said that India will be a part of his plans for America. This means that India has started creating a global impact and status for its own.
Though there are some short comings, but we must remember that no country is perfect. We have to work hard to bring India to near perfect. The fourth pillar of democracy, ‘media’ is keeping a close watch on the three pillars, the legislative, executive and judiciary. The increasing power of media can be used as a weapon to empower India to become a super power in the next ten years.
