Hindutva economics? 12% decline in manufacturing enterprises, 22.5% fall in employment

By Bhabani Shankar Nayak*

The messiah of Hindutva politics, Narendra Modi, assumed office as the Prime Minister of India on May 26, 2014. He pledged to transform the Indian economy and deliver a developed nation with prosperous citizens. However, despite Modi's continued tenure as the Prime Minister, his ambitious electoral promises seem increasingly elusive.

When Modi took office, there was widespread optimism among the corporate class and upper middle class about the future of India. He even managed to manipulate even the working masses with his relentless propaganda to get their votes.

His claimed to boost economic growth, improve infrastructure, and promote innovation and entrepreneurship. He guaranteed to create millions of jobs, enhance the quality of life for all citizens, and position India as a global economic powerhouse.

However, more than one decade into his administration, the reality reveals that the Hindutva myth of economic growth and development. The glaring failure of the Modi-led BJP government is visible in every sector of the Indian economy, which does not work for the masses. While Hindutva politics has kept its promises for the large corporates, it has failed to deliver for the common people.

Under Modi's leadership, initial promises were made to uplift the entire nation, bringing prosperity and growth to all. Yet, as time passed, it became evident that the benefits of his policies were largely skewed in favour of large corporations and wealthy individuals.

The agricultural sector, which supports a significant portion of India's population, has struggled, and many farmers continue to face economic hardship despite promises of better support and fair prices for their produce. Farmers suicide is everyday reality that reveals agrarian crisis in the country.

Similarly, the manufacturing and small business sectors have not seen the anticipated growth. The implementation of policies such as the Goods and Services Tax (GST) and demonetisation created additional challenges for small and medium-sized enterprises, leading to disruptions and financial strain.

The Indian manufacturing sector is declining on a massive scale, causing significant job losses and contributing to the growth of unemployment. The NSSO surveys reveal that there has been a 12% decline in manufacturing enterprises in the informal sector from 2015-16 to 2021-22. Additionally, there has been a nearly 22.50% decline in employment during the same period.

This decline in the manufacturing sector is alarming, given its critical role in providing employment to a large segment of the Indian workforce, especially in the informal sector. The contraction of manufacturing enterprises not only affects those directly employed in these businesses but also has a ripple effect on ancillary industries and services.

The reduction in employment opportunities in manufacturing is a significant concern for the Indian economy. With fewer jobs available, many workers are forced to seek employment in other sectors, often with lower wages and less job security. This shift exacerbates the issue of underemployment and leads to a decline in the overall standard of living for many families.

Several factors contribute to this decline, including inadequate infrastructure and lack of investment and government supports. Moreover, the COVID-19 pandemic has further strained the manufacturing sector, leading to disruptions in supply chains and reduced consumer demand. Modi led BJP government did nothing to address the concerns of people.

Social sectors, including healthcare and education, have also seen insufficient progress. Public healthcare facilities remain underfunded and overburdened, and the quality of education in rural and economically disadvantaged areas has not improved significantly.

The gap between the rich and the poor continues to widen, with wealth and resources increasingly concentrated in the hands of a few. This economic disparity has led to growing discontent among the population, who feel neglected and marginalised by a government that prioritises corporate interests over their welfare.

Modi-led BJP government has largely failed to address the needs and aspirations of the broader population. The myth of widespread economic growth and development propagated by the Hindutva narrative stands exposed, highlighting the need for more inclusive and equitable policies that truly benefit all segments of society.

The promise of a "developed India" by Mr Modi is still a work in progress as Hindutva model of alternative economic development is a myth. The achievement of such a goal looks elusive like salvation after death.

The new narratives and election propaganda of Hindutva politics obscure old elusive promises by making new ones. In the ever-evolving landscape of Hindutva politics, new narratives and election propaganda often serve to obscure the unfulfilled promises of the past.

Modi frequently adopts fresh slogans and pledges to garner support, diverting attention from the commitments they failed to deliver in previous terms. Transparency and accountability are alien words in Hindutva political praxis of governance. Modi guarantee means poverty, underdevelopment, unemployment, homelessness, food insecurity and Hindutva unreason.

Hindutva politics of arrogance and ignorance is pushing India in a direction of backwardness where poor people live in a rich country.

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