On 15th August 2024, India will celebrate her 78th Independence Day, a proud day for every Indian to commemorate the end of the 200-year-old British colonial period. This year’s Independence Day theme is “Vikasit Bharat,” which highlights the government’s goal of making India a developed nation by 2047, the centenary of our independence.
Since 1947, India has seen a total of 15 prime ministers and they have taken various revolutionary policies that have shaped what India is now. From the establishment of prestigious institutions and groundbreaking economic reforms to transformative social initiatives and strategic advancements, these revolutionary policies have significantly influenced India’s growth. Today we will explore some significant policies by various Indian prime ministers that structured the nation’s trajectory and contributed to its global stature.
- Establishment of IITs and ISRO
In the early 1960s, under India’s first Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru, the Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs) were established to foster high-quality engineering and technological education. Nehru’s vision also laid the foundation for the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) in 1969, which is now counted as one of the most successful space agencies in the world after NASA.
- White Revolution
Initiated by Prime Minister Lal Bahadur Shastri in the 1970s, the White Revolution aimed to make India self-sufficient in milk production. The National Dairy Development Board (NDDB) and Operation Flood significantly improved dairy farming practices, leading to India becoming one of the largest milk producers globally and enhancing rural incomes.
- Green Revolution
In the 1960s and 1970s, under Prime Minister Lal Bahadur Shastri’s leadership, the Green Revolution was launched to enhance agricultural productivity. This policy was also continued by subsequent leaders and focused on agricultural modernization, high-yield crop varieties, and irrigation. During this period only Shastri ji came up with the slogan “Jai Jawan, Jai Kisan”. This revolution transformed India from a food-deficient nation to a self-sufficient one.
- IT Initiative and Modernization of the Telecom Industry
In the 1980s and 1990s, under Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi, India embarked on significant reforms in the IT and telecom sectors. His vision led to the establishment of a robust telecommunications infrastructure and promoted the growth of the IT industry. This laid the foundation for India to become a global IT powerhouse and greatly expanded telecommunications access across the country.
- Dismantling the License Raj
In 1991, Prime Minister P.V. Narasimha Rao, along with Finance Minister Manmohan Singh, began dismantling the License Raj. This economic policy overhaul removed restrictive regulations, encouraged private enterprise, and spurred economic growth, leading to significant increases in industrial output and foreign investment.
- Economic Liberalization
Prime Minister P.V. Narasimha Rao and Finance Minister Manmohan Singh spearheaded the 1991 economic liberalization reforms. By opening up the economy to global markets, reducing import tariffs, and promoting privatization, these reforms rejuvenated the Indian economy and set the stage for rapid growth.
- Nuclear Test
In 1998, Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee’s government conducted nuclear tests at Pokhran. This bold decision established India as a nuclear power, enhancing its strategic position on the global stage and ensuring its security interests were addressed. Today India has around 172 nuclear warheads and can launch a nuclear attack from land, sea, and air.
- U.S.–India Civil Nuclear Agreement
In 2008, under Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, India signed the U.S.-India Civil Nuclear Agreement, which ended decades of isolation from the global nuclear market. This agreement facilitated the growth of India’s nuclear power sector and strengthened strategic ties between the two nations.
- Make in India
Launched in 2014 by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the Make in India initiative aimed to transform India into a global manufacturing hub. By promoting ease of doing business, encouraging foreign direct investment, and boosting domestic production, the program has aimed to create jobs and enhance industrial output.
- Swachh Bharat Abhiyan
Initiated in 2014 by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the Swachh Bharat Abhiyan (Clean India Mission) is a nationwide cleanliness campaign. Its objectives include improving sanitation, reducing open defecation, and promoting cleanliness and hygiene across urban and rural areas, significantly impacting public health and the environment.
- Digital India
Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Digital India campaign, launched in 2015, focuses on enhancing digital infrastructure, promoting digital literacy, and expanding e-governance. This initiative aims to make government services more accessible and transparent, fostering a digital ecosystem across the country.
Wrapping Up
In conclusion, we have discussed some of the most iconic policies by Indian prime ministers that put our country on the trajectory of growth. Each initiative has addressed critical needs, fostered development, and positioned India as a significant player on the world stage, setting the stage for future progress and innovation. Apart from the above policies, there are various other decisions taken by them that have positively impacted India. This Independence Day it is our duty to pay tribute to all our freedom fighters and leaders who have fought for the betterment of our India.
