Commemorating Atal Bihari Vajpayee’s Legacy: PM Modi’s Citizen-Centric Governance

Tarun Chugh

As India marked the 100th birth anniversary of former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee it is an opportune moment to reflect on his monumental contributions to the nation. A towering figure in Indian politics, Vajpayee epitomized integrity and vision, earning him the title of the ‘Ajatashatru’ of Indian politics. His illustrious six-decade-long career as a poet, journalist, parliamentarian and statesman remains a guiding light for the ideals of governance and public service.
Vajpayee’s tenure as Prime Minister was defined by his unwavering commitment to good governance. Under his leadership, transformative initiatives like the Antyodaya scheme, Pradhan Mantri Gramin Sadak Yojana (PMGSY), the Golden Quadrilateral Project, and Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan (SSA) laid the foundation for India’s socio-economic progress. These programmes prioritized inclusive development, focusing on the welfare of the most marginalized sections of society and ensuring equitable access to resources and opportunities.
One of Vajpayee’s most defining moments was India’s nuclear tests in 1998, which marked a bold assertion of strategic autonomy and showcased India’s scientific and defense capabilities to the world. These tests firmly established India as a responsible nuclear power, elevating its stature on the global stage. Equally noteworthy were his economic reforms, including liberalization, disinvestment, and measures to attract foreign investment, which catalyzed India’s economic growth and set the stage for its emergence as a global economic powerhouse.
Between 1998 and 2004, the Vajpayee-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) government consistently emphasized the ideals of good governance. Its 2004 election manifesto, “An Agenda for Development, Good Governance, Peace, and Harmony,” exemplified this commitment. Vajpayee believed that governance should be transparent, efficient, and people-centric, with an emphasis on addressing the grievances of the common citizen.
Recognizing Vajpayee’s unparalleled contributions, December 25 was designated as Good Governance Day in 2015. This annual observance is both a tribute to his legacy and a reaffirmation of the government’s commitment to ensuring efficient and transparent administration across the nation. Under the visionary leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, this commitment has been taken to unprecedented heights. The recent Good Governance Week 2024, observed from December 19 to 24, demonstrated this resolve through the nationwide campaign, ‘Prashasan Gaon Ki Ore’ (Administration Towards Villages).
This campaign, spanning over 700 districts, was designed to address public grievances and improve service delivery at the grassroots level. It exemplified PM Modi’s philosophy of bringing governance closer to the people. PM Modi aptly described ‘Prashasan Gaon Ki Ore’ as a transformational initiative that embodies the essence of democracy, ensuring that development directly benefits rural communities. The campaign featured workshops and capacity-building sessions on best practices in governance, emphasizing transparency, accountability, and collective participation.
The principle of “Citizen First” has been central to PM Modi’s governance model, as evidenced by initiatives like Digital India, Swachh Bharat Abhiyan, Ayushman Bharat, and the Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana. These programs have revolutionized public service delivery, making it more accessible, inclusive, and efficient. Digitization, in particular, has bridged the rural-urban divide, enabling even the remotest communities to access essential services.
The roots of this transformative governance model can be traced back to the Gujarat Model, which PM Modi pioneered during his tenure as Chief Minister from 2001 to 2014. This model emphasized holistic development across agriculture, industry, and services while fostering public participation and accountability. Initiatives like the Vibrant Gujarat Summits and Krishi Mahotsav set new benchmarks for governance, prioritizing ease of doing business, infrastructure development, and inclusivity. The success of this model laid the foundation for PM Modi’s national governance philosophy of “Minimum Government, Maximum Governance.”
India’s governance journey, however, is not a modern phenomenon. The principles of good governance have been deeply embedded in its civilizational ethos. Ancient texts like the Vedas, Mahabharata, and Kautilya’s Arthashastra articulate governance as a means to ensure public welfare and justice. Raj Dharma, the righteous duty of rulers, emphasized accountability, inclusivity, and the welfare of all citizens. As Kautilya famously noted, “In the welfare of the people lies the welfare of the king.”
This historical perspective resonates with PM Modi’s governance approach, which prioritizes the welfare of the people above all else. His mantra of “Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas, Sabka Vishwas, Sabka Prayas” underscores the importance of collective participation in driving India’s progress. Good governance, in this context, is not merely about administrative efficiency but about fostering a sense of belonging among citizens and ensuring that they are active stakeholders in the nation’s development.
One of the key aspects of good governance under PM Modi has been the focus on participatory governance. Campaigns like Swachh Bharat Abhiyan have succeeded because of active citizen engagement, transforming cleanliness into a national movement. Similarly, initiatives like E-Panchayat and E-Choupal have empowered rural communities by leveraging technology to improve access to information and services. These efforts have not only improved living standards but also strengthened the democratic fabric of the nation.
The digitization of governance has been another game-changer. By reducing bureaucratic red tape and enhancing transparency, digital platforms have streamlined service delivery and curbed corruption. Initiatives like Aadhaar-linked direct benefit transfers have ensured that subsidies and benefits reach the intended beneficiaries, eliminating leakages and inefficiencies. This focus on transparency and accountability has significantly boosted public trust in government institutions.
As India looks toward Viksit Bharat 2047, the vision of a developed and self-reliant nation, good governance will remain the cornerstone of this journey. PM Modi’s leadership has demonstrated that perseverance, innovation, and inclusivity can overcome even the most daunting challenges. Whether it was managing the COVID-19 pandemic or navigating geopolitical tensions, his governance model has consistently prioritized the welfare of citizens and the nation’s long-term interests.
The international community has also recognized India’s governance transformation under PM Modi. From being acknowledged as a global leader in climate action to championing self-reliance through initiatives like Aatmanirbhar Bharat, India has emerged as a beacon of hope and resilience. This global recognition is a testament to the success of PM Modi’s governance philosophy and his unwavering commitment to the principles of good governance.
As we celebrate the centenary of Atal Bihari Vajpayee, it is essential to acknowledge the enduring relevance of his ideals in contemporary India. His vision of good governance, rooted in transparency, accountability, and inclusivity, continues to inspire the nation. PM Modi’s transformative initiatives are a testament to the lasting impact of Vajpayee’s legacy, as they build on the foundation he laid for a prosperous and harmonious India.
Good governance is not an endpoint; it is a continuous journey of improving outcomes and enhancing the quality of life for all citizens. It is about creating a system where every citizen feels included, empowered, and valued. As PM Modi often says, “The success of democracy is not possible without the participation of people.” This participatory approach to governance is what makes India’s democracy vibrant and dynamic.
Today, as we reflect on Vajpayee’s contributions and celebrate PM Modi’s achievements, we are reminded of the collective responsibility to build a better India. The vision of Viksit Bharat 2047 is not just a government initiative; it is a national mission that requires the active participation of every citizen. By embracing the principles of good governance, we can ensure that this vision becomes a reality, leaving a legacy of progress, prosperity, and inclusivity for future generations.
(The writer is National General Secretary of Bharatiya Janata Party and author of the book Modi’s Governance Triumph – Reshaping India’s Path to Prosperity)