Daijiworld Media Network - New Delhi
New Delhi, Aug 21: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday said true national progress is driven by decisions whose impact is felt on the ground and which balance present needs with the interests of future generations, rather than short-term announcements aimed at electoral gains.
Addressing the World Leaders Forum organised by The Economic Times, Modi said political headlines often focus on decisions whose impact lasts only a day or two.
He said previous governments frequently made announcements ahead of elections that risked dividing society, whereas lasting change comes from policies that produce visible results while safeguarding the country’s long-term interests.
Highlighting two flagship initiatives of his government, the Prime Minister cited the PM-KUSUM Yojana and PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana as examples of programmes designed to create sustained benefits.
Under PM-KUSUM, farmers have been relieved of the recurring concern over electricity availability for irrigation, Modi said.
He said the PM Surya Ghar scheme has similarly benefited the middle class by turning household rooftops into sources of solar power.
“We had planned to place a sun on the roof of every house,” the Prime Minister said, adding that more than 50 lakh families are now associated with the scheme.
The government has provided over Rs 22,000 crore to these households for installing solar systems, he said.
According to Modi, beneficiaries are using the electricity generated through rooftop solar for household requirements, including running washing machines and televisions, while also earning income by selling surplus power to the grid.
As a result, he said, many households have seen their electricity bills reduced to zero while gaining an additional source of income.
The Prime Minister said the scheme has helped fulfil aspirations of ordinary citizens by addressing problems associated with power cuts, which in the past could lead to milk getting spoiled and disrupt the studies of schoolchildren.
He said access to free or affordable electricity and household appliances has become a reality for many families.
Modi underlined that the benefits of rooftop solar would continue to expand opportunities for businesses and improve quality of life regardless of electoral cycles.
Reaffirming his government’s commitment to development, the Prime Minister said work would continue with full dedication to take the country forward at a faster pace.
Expressing confidence in India’s growing role in shaping the future of the world, he said a stronger, safer and more capable India would emerge as a meaningful contributor on the global stage.
The address concluded with an emphasis on sustained development driven by long-term vision rather than temporary political gains.