India’s New Govt MUST Do These 48 Things to Save the Nation (Number 47 Will Surprise You!)

Come June 2024, any government that comes to power in India should be pro-poor and pro-development. But it’s not just about the manifesto mentioned by the Congress or the BJP, or any of the regional parties. Here is our wishlist of what the new central government should do to resolve many of the issues in India. 

The 49-Point Plan of Residents Watch For New India

1. Electoral Reforms for Inclusive Representation:

• Introduce electoral reforms to facilitate participation of economically disadvantaged individuals in the electoral process.
• Implement the concept of “One Nation, One Election” to reduce election costs and streamline the electoral calendar, enabling greater participation from all segments of society.

2. Pro-Poor Financial Policies:

• Provide low-interest loans without collateral to deserving individuals from economically weaker sections to encourage entrepreneurship and economic empowerment.
• Ensure that banks prioritize lending to the poor and implement stringent measures for corporate borrowers to promote equitable access to financial resources.

3. Support for Startup Ventures:

• Offer loan write-offs for startups initiated by economically disadvantaged entrepreneurs, providing a safety net in case of business failure.

4. Enhanced Access to Education and Healthcare:

• Establish world-class public schools and hospitals to offer free basic education and healthcare services, ensuring equal access for all citizens irrespective of their socio-economic status.

5. Empowerment of Independent Institutions:

• Strengthen the Election Commission of India (ECI) and other key institutions like the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), Enforcement Directorate (ED), and judiciary to ensure their independence and accountability.
• Enable public scrutiny and accountability mechanisms to prevent misuse of authority and ensure responsiveness to citizen concerns.

6. Preservation of Press Freedom:

• Safeguard the independence of the press from external pressures, ensuring freedom of speech within the legal framework.
• Implement measures to protect journalists and media organizations from undue influence or intimidation.

7. Reform of Criminal Justice System:

• Reform criminal laws to prevent arbitrary arrests and ensure fair treatment of all individuals, regardless of their socio-economic background.
• Establish fast-track courts to expedite cases involving wrongful arrests of the poor and marginalized communities, promoting access to swift justice.

8. Protection of Executive Leadership:

• Introduce measures to insulate sitting Chief Ministers (CMs) and Prime Ministers (PMs) from unwarranted arrests, safeguarding the stability of governance and preventing misuse of legal processes for political ends.

9. Investment in Rural Infrastructure and Agri-Tech:

• Develop rural infrastructure to enhance connectivity, access to markets, and basic amenities like water and electricity. This would not only empower rural communities but also create employment opportunities locally.
• Allocate resources for the development of rural infrastructure, including roads, irrigation systems, and market linkages, alongside the promotion of agricultural technology (Agri-Tech) to enhance productivity, reduce post-harvest losses, and improve farmers’ incomes.

10. Skill Development Programs:

• Implement comprehensive skill development programs targeting youth, especially in rural and underprivileged areas. This would enable them to acquire the necessary skills for employment in various sectors, fostering economic growth and reducing unemployment.

11. Women’s Empowerment Initiatives:

• Launch targeted initiatives to empower women economically, socially, and politically. This could include providing access to microfinance, promoting women entrepreneurship, and ensuring equal representation in decision-making bodies.

12. Nutrition and Health Campaigns:

• Implement nationwide campaigns to raise awareness about nutrition, maternal health, and child care. This would help prevent malnourishment and improve overall health outcomes, especially among vulnerable populations.
  
  

13. Police Reforms for Accountability:

• Introduce comprehensive police reforms to enhance accountability, transparency, and efficiency in law enforcement. This would help prevent unlawful arrests and ensure that the police force serves the interests of all citizens, regardless of their socio-economic status.

14. Legal Aid and Awareness Programs Across India:

• Expand access to legal aid and awareness programs, particularly targeting marginalized communities. This would empower individuals to understand their rights and seek legal recourse when necessary, thereby promoting social justice and equality before the law.

15. Promotion of Sustainable Agriculture in India:

• Encourage sustainable agriculture practices and provide support to smallholder farmers, including access to credit, technology, and markets. This would not only enhance food security but also contribute to environmental conservation and rural development.

16. Transparency and Accountability in Government:

• Strengthen mechanisms for transparency and accountability in government functioning, including robust anti-corruption measures and effective grievance redressal mechanisms. This would foster public trust in institutions and ensure that government policies and programs benefit the intended beneficiaries.

17. Universal Basic Income (UBI) Pilot Programs:

• Initiate pilot programs for Universal Basic Income (UBI) to provide a guaranteed minimum income to all citizens, especially those living below the poverty line, ensuring financial security and reducing income inequality.

18. Affordable Housing Initiatives:

• Launch affordable housing schemes targeting low-income families and migrant workers, providing access to safe and dignified housing options, thereby addressing homelessness and urban poverty.

19. Expansion of Social Protection Programs:

• Expand social protection programs such as pension schemes, disability benefits, and maternity support to cover more vulnerable populations, ensuring social security and reducing economic disparities.

20. Promotion of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs):

• Align government policies and programs with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) to address poverty, hunger, gender inequality, and other socio-economic challenges, fostering sustainable and inclusive development.

21. Investment in Renewable Energy and Green Jobs:

• Invest in renewable energy infrastructure and promote the creation of green jobs, particularly in rural areas, to mitigate climate change, create employment opportunities, and reduce dependence on fossil fuels.

22. Expansion of Vocational Training Programs:

• Expand vocational training programs to equip youth with practical skills and certifications for employment in emerging sectors such as renewable energy, healthcare, and information technology, fostering economic growth and innovation.

23. Community-Based Development Projects:

• Implement community-based development projects that empower local communities to identify their needs and priorities, fostering participatory decision-making and inclusive development.

24. Promotion of Digital Literacy and Access to Technology:

• Promote digital literacy programs and expand access to technology, especially in rural and underserved areas, to bridge the digital divide and enable marginalized communities to participate in the digital economy.

25. Enhanced Support for Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs):

• Provide enhanced support, including access to credit, technology, and market linkages, to micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) owned by marginalized groups, stimulating entrepreneurship and job creation.

26. Strengthening of Local Governance Institutions:

• Strengthen local governance institutions such as Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs) and Urban Local Bodies (ULBs) to decentralize decision-making, promote grassroots democracy, and ensure effective delivery of services at the local level.

27. Promotion of Gender Equality and Women’s Empowerment:

• Implement gender-sensitive policies and initiatives to promote gender equality, eliminate discrimination, and empower women economically, socially, and politically, thereby fostering inclusive development and social cohesion.

28. Promotion of Inclusive Financial Services:

• Expand access to inclusive financial services such as savings accounts, insurance, and remittance facilities for marginalized communities, including migrant workers, refugees, and persons with disabilities, enhancing their financial resilience and social inclusion.

29. Integration of Traditional Medicine with Modern Healthcare:

• Integrate traditional medicine systems such as Ayurveda, Unani, and traditional Chinese medicine with modern healthcare services, promoting holistic health practices and preserving indigenous knowledge for the benefit of all communities.

30. Creation of Green Public Spaces and Urban Parks:

• Develop green public spaces, urban parks, and recreational areas in cities and towns to improve air quality, mitigate urban heat island effects, and enhance the overall quality of life for residents, promoting physical and mental well-being.
  
  

31. Expansion of Accessible Transportation Infrastructure:

• Invest in accessible transportation infrastructure, including public transit systems, pedestrian walkways, and cycling lanes, to improve mobility and connectivity for persons with disabilities, elderly individuals, and other vulnerable groups.

32. Promotion of Ethical and Sustainable Consumption:

• Promote ethical and sustainable consumption patterns through consumer education campaigns, eco-labeling initiatives, and incentives for environmentally-friendly products and practices, fostering responsible consumption and production habits.

33. Investment in Clean Water and Sanitation Facilities:

• Invest in clean water and sanitation infrastructure, including safe drinking water supply systems, sewage treatment plants, and public toilet facilities, to improve public health outcomes and reduce waterborne diseases in underserved communities.

34. Empowerment of Indigenous Communities and Tribal Rights:

• Recognize and protect the rights of indigenous communities and tribal groups to their ancestral lands, natural resources, and cultural heritage, promoting their self-determination, cultural autonomy, and sustainable development.

35. Promotion of Gender-Responsive Budgeting:

• Implement gender-responsive budgeting mechanisms to ensure that government expenditures and policies address the specific needs and priorities of women and girls, promoting gender equality and women’s empowerment across all sectors.

36. Creation of Community-Based Disaster Preparedness Plans:

• Develop community-based disaster preparedness plans and early warning systems that involve local stakeholders, including women, youth, and marginalized groups, enhancing community resilience and response capacity to natural disasters and emergencies.

37. Promotion of Ethical Supply Chains and Fair Trade Practices:

• Promote ethical supply chains and fair trade practices across industries, ensuring fair wages, safe working conditions, and environmental sustainability throughout the production and distribution process, fostering social justice and responsible business practices.

38. Expansion of Mental Health Services:

• Expand access to mental health services, including counseling, therapy, and psychiatric care, particularly in rural and underserved areas, to address the growing mental health crisis and reduce stigma associated with mental illness.

39. Integration of Environmental Education into School Curriculum:

• Integrate environmental education into school curricula at all levels to raise awareness about sustainability, biodiversity conservation, and climate change mitigation, empowering future generations to become stewards of the environment.
  
  

40. Promotion of Urban Farming and Community Gardens:

• Encourage urban farming initiatives and community gardens in cities and towns to promote food security, sustainable agriculture practices, and community engagement, while also beautifying urban landscapes and reducing food miles.

41. Implementation of Universal Healthcare Coverage:

• Implement universal healthcare coverage to ensure access to quality healthcare services for all citizens, regardless of their socio-economic status, through a combination of public financing, health insurance schemes, and public-private partnerships.

42. Establishment of Cultural Exchange Programs:

• Facilitate cultural exchange programs between diverse communities, regions, and countries to promote cross-cultural understanding, appreciation of diversity, and global citizenship, fostering peace, harmony, and mutual respect.

43. Expansion of Access to Legal Identity Documents:

• Expand access to legal identity documents such as birth certificates, identity cards, and property titles for marginalized populations, including women, children, and migrants, to ensure their recognition and protection under the law.

44. Promotion of Lifelong Learning and Continuing Education:

• Promote lifelong learning opportunities and continuing education programs for adults, including vocational training, skill upgrading, and retraining initiatives, to enhance employability, career advancement, and personal development.

45. Support for Indigenous Language Preservation:

• Support efforts to preserve and promote indigenous languages through language revitalization programs, bilingual education initiatives, and cultural preservation projects, safeguarding linguistic diversity and cultural heritage.

46. Investment in Renewable Energy Research and Innovation:

• Invest in research and innovation in renewable energy technologies, including solar, wind, and hydroelectric power, to drive down costs, increase efficiency, and accelerate the transition towards a sustainable energy future.

47. Promote hyper-local journalism:

• The lifeblood of local news is drying up.
• Just like India thrives in its villages, a healthy democracy relies on strong hyper-local journalism.
• These outlets, often underfunded and struggling, provide crucial grassroots reporting that mainstream media misses.
• Imagine a solution that empowers these hyper-local watchdogs.
• Government grants could provide essential financial support, allowing them to continue their vital work.
• This wouldn’t just be about “noble pursuits.”
• It would ensure access to unfiltered, ground-level reporting that goes beyond the spin of political parties.
• By strengthening these local voices, we can create a more balanced media landscape.
• No longer would national narratives dominate the conversation.
• Regional news would gain influence, fostering a more informed and engaged citizenry.

48. Promotion of Intergenerational Solidarity and Active Aging:

• Promote intergenerational solidarity and active aging initiatives that foster meaningful engagement and social inclusion of older adults in community life, while also recognizing their valuable contributions to society.
  
  

Conclusion

The 48-point plan outlined by Residents Watch for New India presents a comprehensive roadmap for the future government, emphasizing pro-poor and pro-development policies. Beyond political manifestos, we advocate for tangible actions across various sectors, from electoral reforms to journalism revitalization. As India heads into a new era, the implementation of these measures could herald significant progress and inclusivity. It’s a call not just for governmental change but for societal transformation, envisioning a more equitable, empowered, and informed India for all its citizens.