India no longer sees itself as a western-style democracy

INTERVIEW Bhupender Yadav, Union minister for environment, forest and climate change, and labour and employment

- PRATUL SHARMA

Q How do you assess the past nine years under Prime Minister Narendra Modi? What has been the transformation in the country's polity?

A When Narendra Modi took over as prime minister, India was stuck in policy paralysis and corruption. Appeasement politics prevented inclusive development.

The most significant thing that has happened in the past nine years is that Modi has set India firmly on course for realising Amrit Kaal. India is today making great strides in all spheres of development. We are now the world's fifth-largest economy and the fastest-growing major economy. The government is working with consistency and continuity to ensure ease of doing business and ease of living.

Regarding the transformation that has happened, I see a shift in approach. From 'how will this be done' we have moved to 'how can it not be done! The nation of 130 crore people is working with a 'can do' approach. Most significantly, India is taking pride in following Indian growth models. Culturally, we have ushered in a process of 'returning to the roots. India no longer sees itself as a democracy cast in the model of the west. Modi has instilled confidence in the nation to believe that India is the cradle of democracy.

Q What are the major achievements in the field of environment?

A India's aggressive policies towards rapid deployment of renewables and robust framework for energy efficiency programmes have shown considerable impact. India has been ranked among top five countries in the world, and the best among G20 countries, based on its climate change performance.