With the state of Gujrat being rated as the best e-governed state in the country, Mr. Narendra Modi’s model of good governance has proved that ‘Good governance is also good politics’.

A state which had witnessed successive droughts, devastating cyclones followed by disastrous earthquake in 2001 leading to infrastructure in shambles and slowing down of economy with a cascading effect of growth in various sectors stagnant was back on the road to spectacular progress and prosperity. Had there been no Chief Minister like Mr. Narendra Modi, development of the state at such a pace would have never been possible. It is he who resuscitated the economy, revived the livelihoods and reconstructed the infrastructure, re-oriented and reorganized government’s administrative structure, undertook a massive exercise for rehabilitation of people of the earthquake affected areas, recreated the business environment and rejuvenated the entrepreneurial spirit of the state and ultimately turned Gujrat into a vibrant state.

His model of development through people’s participation has worked wonders. A large number of water harvesting structures like check dams, farm ponds and initiatives such as agricultural festival and girl child education drive are its examples. Agriculture production increased manifold and so did energy production at an astronomical pace facilitating supply of round the clock electricity to all the villages of the state.  The rural economy is now vibrant and the villages have turned into production centers. The state has ushered in a water revolution. Gujarat is the only state where all the villages are being provided broadband connectivity.

Qualitative changes are noticeable in health services and health infrastructure along with schemes to ensure a healthy mother and child. The trend of high illiteracy rate from Gujarat has been reversed. To ensure all round, all inclusive and uniform development, well conceived packages for tribal welfare, development of coastal dwellers, upliftment of urban poor are being implemented.

His focus on infrastructure involving private sector led to rapid and qualitative development of ports, roads, railways, LNG terminals, gas distribution and water distribution networks and other infrastructure facilities which are best examples for emulation by other states. Establishment of Statewide Gas Grid and Water Grid are exemplary. Infrastructure created at tourist and religious places is laudable. Urban sector has been buoyed by up-gradation of civic amenities. The state of Gujarat is now a preferred investment destination among global investors and has attracted investments worth billions of USD and simultaneously created plethora of employment opportunities in the state.

His strategy of “Harnessing of Water Resources”, “Quality and coverage in Education”, “Development of Human Resources”, “Power of energy sources” and “Security and well being of people” helped Gujarat register a GDP growth of over 10% over past five years – the highest growth rate among all the states in India so far – leading to transformation of a revenue deficit state into a revenue surplus state.

His initiatives like evening courts, interlinking of rivers, grievance redressal mechanisms are models for replication by other states. With his focus on computerization of the villages and emphasis on quick disposal of people’s grievances, the state is now all set to usher into village level e-governance.

The international awards received for his achievements on several fronts, such as, agriculture, energy and water management, IT and BT and e-governance themselves reveal development in all sectors.

With the launch of an ambitious training program for the 500,000 government employees in Gujarat, a history of sorts has been created by Mr. Modi.

These strides of developments in Gujrat without Mr. Narendra Modi at the helm would not have been possible. He has really put Gujrat on the global map. 

An able and visionary leader, an astute politician, a skilled orator, a dexterous negotiator, an outstanding innovator, a master strategist, Mr. Narendra Modi is a superb planner and an administrator par excellence. He richly deserves to be the Prime Minister of India. Given a chance, he will definitely change the face of our entire country as he has done for the state of Gujrat.