Swachhata and governance reforms will shape Modi's legacy: Hardeep Singh Puri

Published By : Admin | October 17, 2021 | 11:25 IST

On October 7, 2021, Prime Minister Narendra Modi completed 20 successful years in high public office. First, as chief minister of Gujarat, and then as Prime Minister, his two tenures as chief executive have redefined leadership. Nowhere is this more visible than in the historic Swachhata campaign.

The first accomplishment is the massive rejuvenation of water bodies in Gujarat. From acute scarcity to water adequacy in a mere two decades, the turnaround for a state that was perennially short of water is astounding. Not only did Modi as CM oversee the construction of the Narmada canal, he also led the augmentation of all canal systems and water sources in the state. It led to the state government spending more than Rs 1 lakh crore in the last two decades to build 184,000 check dams and 327,000 farm ponds while deepening 31,500 ponds and reviving 1,000 abandoned step-wells. These measures have resulted in a 77% increase in irrigable area and 55% increase in ground water recharge today.

As PM, his focus on rejuvenating water systems-especially in our cities-is now bearing fruit. His aim: to make the country 'water secure' through the Atal Mission for Rejuvenation and Urban Transformation 2.0 (AMRUT 2.0) and Jal Jeevan Mission.

The guiding philosophy is based on the Gandhian principles of Sarvodaya and self-sufficiency. Gandhiji was the first proponent of Swachhata - he highlighted the importance of cleanliness, saying "sanitation is more important than Independence" at the Banaras Hindu University in 1916.

On October 2, 2005, Modi launched the Gujarat Urban Development Year-the 'Nirmal Gujarat' programme was the thread that connected Gandhiji's unfulfilled dream to Modi's belief that universal sanitation was the fulcrum on which development would stand. The programme introduced many innovative features such as community involvement, women-led implementation, and focus on behavioural change, demand-driven approach, and financial incentives.

The strides made in Gujarat informed his idea of the Swachh Bharat Mission to convert Gandhiji's dream into a reality. A few cynics thought it would be impossible to become an Open Defecation Free (ODF) country. We have gone from a meagre 38% ODF status in 2014 to almost 100% today, the notable exception being the state of West Bengal.

Under the Swachh Bharat Mission - Urban (SBM-U), this government has built more than 73 lakh toilets and increased the solid waste management processing capability of urban areas from 18% in 2014 to more than 70% today. Taking it to the next level, the Centre launched the SBM-U 2.0 to capitalise on this momentum, and go from being an 'ODF India' to a 'Garbage-free India'.

The PM is reimagining cities by undertaking the most comprehensive planned urbanisation exercise in the world. We have unlocked the trapped potential of our cities by making a quantum leap in urban investments. In the last six years alone, the Modi government has spent Rs 11.83 lakh crore-a seven-fold increase over the Rs 1.57 lakh crores that was spent between 2004 and 2014-on upgrading critical urban infrastructure while mainstreaming climate change, gender, heritage, and equity.

Under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana - Urban (PMAY-U) - this government has sanctioned almost 1.14 crore houses, with beneficiaries already moving into more than 51 lakh housing units. The AMRUT Mission has addressed the needs of basic civic infrastructure in 500 cities with populations of more than 1 lakh. This has now been followed by AMRUT 2.0 which envisages universal water supply with tap connection in all statutory towns in the country. The Smart Cities Mission has embedded a culture of innovation in urban development that all the 4,378 urban centres can replicate.

These initiatives reflect PM's coherent vision for the pyramid of urban development in India - right from the basic needs of sanitation and housing to advanced digital solutions and mobility.

I firmly believe that he has done more to reform governance than any past administration. One only needs to look at the sheer scope of reforms that he has effected: be it toilets, bank accounts, digital services, drinking water, electricity, defence, or cities, he has stamped his vision on the country.

Author Name: Hardeep Singh Puri

Disclaimer:

This article was first published in The Economic Times

It is part of an endeavour to collect stories which narrate or recount people’s anecdotes/opinion/analysis on Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi & his impact on lives of people.

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Cricket legend K. Srikkanth reveals what makes PM Modi a true leader!
March 26, 2025

Former Indian cricketer Krishnamachari Srikkanth shares his heartfelt admiration for PM Modi, recounting moments that reflect the PM’s humility, warmth and unwavering ability to inspire.

Reminiscing his meeting with PM Modi, Srikkanth says, “Greatest thing about PM Modi is… when you go talk to him and meet him, you feel so comfortable, you don’t feel overpowered that he is the Prime Minister. He will be very casual and if you want to discuss anything and have any thoughts, he will make you feel very very comfortable, so you won’t feel scared.”

The cricket legend recalls how he once sent a text message addressed to the PM to his Secretary congratulating PM Modi for victories in 2019 and 2024 Lok Sabha elections and was taken aback when he received a personal reply from the PM himself!

“The biggest quality PM Modi has is his ability to talk to you, make you feel comfortable and make you feel important,” Srikkanth adds recalling a programme he had attended in Chennai. He notes how Shri Modi, even as a Prime Ministerial candidate in 2014, remained approachable and humble. He fondly recalls the event where the PM personally called him on stage. “I was standing in the crowd and suddenly, he called me up. The entire auditorium was clapping. That is the greatness of this man,” he shares.

PM Modi’s passion for cricket is another aspect that deeply resonates with Srikkanth. Reminiscing a memorable instance, he shares how PM Modi watched an entire match in Ahmedabad with great enthusiasm like a true cricket aficionado.

Even in challenging moments, PM Modi’s leadership shines through. Srikkanth highlights how after Team India lost the World Cup in November 2023, PM Modi personally visited the Indian dressing room to boost the team’s morale. “PM Modi went and spoke to each and every cricketer and spoke to them personally. That matters a lot as a cricketer after losing the final. Words of encouragement from the Prime Minister has probably boosted India to win the Champions Trophy and the T20 World Cup,” he says.

Beyond cricket, the former Indian cricketer is in awe of PM Modi’s incredible energy and fitness, attributing it to his disciplined routine of yoga and meditation. “Because PM Modi is physically very fit, he is mentally very sharp. Despite his hectic international schedule, he always looks fresh,” he adds.

For Krishnamachari Srikkanth, PM Modi is more than just a leader he is an inspiration. His words and actions continue to uplift India’s sporting spirit, leaving an indelible impact on athletes and citizens alike.