Pandemic Woes to People’s Power: Modi Paints India’s Vibrant Future

Dubai [UAE], Feb 14: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday emphasised that his biggest principle has been “minimum government, maximum governance” and noted that it is the government’s job to ensure minimal government interference in people’s lives.

Addressing the World Governments Summit 2024 in Dubai, PM Modi called for reform in the Global Governance Institutions and said there is a need to promote the concerns of the developing world and the participation of the Global South in global decision-making.

“My biggest principle has been ‘Minimum government, maximum governance’. I have always emphasised creating an environment in which a sense of enterprise and energy in citizens grows. I believe that it is the job of the government to ensure that government interference in people’s lives is minimal,” he said.

PM Modi also referred to challenges which were posed by COVID-19.

“We have been hearing a lot from the experts that, after COVID, people have been not trusting governments. However, in India, we have seen the complete opposite. In the past years, it has been seen that people’s trust has strengthened in the Indian government,” he said.

The Prime Minister said people have trust in his government’s intent and commitment.

“This happened because we have given priority to people’s aspirations. We are sensitive to people’s needs. We have focused on fulfilling people’s needs and dreams. Along with the top-down and bottom-up approaches, we have also moved with the whole of society approach,” he said.

         Noting that challenges of the previous century, including food, health, water and energy security, are increasing despite the progress in technology, he said that the world needs governments that are inclusive and take everyone along.

He highlighted India’s transformative reforms based on the mantra of "Minimum Government, Maximum Governance”. Sharing Indian experience on how the country had leveraged digital technology to further welfare, inclusivity and sustainability, he called for a human- centric approach to governance.

         He also underlined India’s focus on people’s participation, last-mile-delivery and women-led development to achieve an inclusive society.

Prime Minister emphasised that given the inter-connected nature of the world, governments must collaborate and learn from each other to address future challenges.

         He highlighted that it was the need of the hour for governance to be Inclusive, Tech- smart, Clean and Transparent, and Green. In this context, he further emphasised that governments must prioritise – Ease of Living, Ease of Justice, Ease of Mobility, Ease of Innovation and Ease of Doing Business in their approach to public service.

Elaborating on India’s steadfast commitment to Climate Change action, he called for people to join Mission LiFE (Lifestyle for Environment) to create a sustainable world.

Prime Minister elaborated on the leadership role played by India as the chair of G-20 last year, on a wide range of issues and challenges facing the world. In this context, he highlighted the efforts made by India to bring development concerns facing the Global South to the centre-stage of global discourse.

Calling for reform of multilateral institutions, he pushed for greater voice for the Global South in its decision making. India, he stressed, will continue to contribute to global progress based on its role as a "Vishwa Bandhu”.

At the invitation of Sheikh Mohamed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister, Defence Minister, and the Ruler of Dubai, Prime Minister Narendra Modi participated in the World Governments Summit in Dubai as Guest of Honour, on Wednesday.

Earlier he delivered the special keynote address on the theme of the Summit – "Shaping the Future Governments”. Prime Minister had attended the World Governments Summit in 2018, also as Guest of Honour.

The Summit this time saw participation of 20 world leaders, including 10 Presidents and 10 Prime Ministers. Governments and delegates from over 120countries were represented at the global gathering.

In his address, Prime Minister shared his thoughts on the changing nature of governance.

PM Modi arrived in UAE on Tuesday on the first leg of his two-day visit. Later in the day, he will inaugurate the BAPS temple in Abu Dhabi. (With inputs from KNO)