Why Modi’s austerity call should become long-term national policy

By Sandeep Pandey* 

Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s suggestions to buy less gold, avoid foreign travel, reduce the use of petrol and diesel, consume less edible oil, cut down on fertilizer use, use the metro, and work from home have triggered debate across Indian society. Political opponents argue that these remarks amount to an admission of the failure of government policies, while some economists claim that such measures could adversely affect the Indian economy.

Today, most people recognize carbon emissions and climate change as threats to humanity’s very existence. Countries across the world are pledging to reduce emissions and move toward carbon neutrality. Rising carbon emissions are closely linked to consumerist lifestyles. If the use of private vehicles powered by fossil fuels — including petrol, diesel, coal-generated electricity, and even batteries charged through such electricity — is reduced and public transport is promoted, carbon emissions will certainly decline. Taxis may still be needed for emergencies and for elderly, disabled, or sick people, but public transport should become the norm. Even government departments, except essential services such as health and police, can reduce vehicle dependence. Ministers, public representatives, officers, and employees should increasingly rely on public transport or bicycles.

Air travel contributes significantly to pollution. Greta Thunberg of Sweden, who has become a global symbol of climate activism, has pledged not to travel by airplane. Therefore, not only foreign trips but even domestic air travel should be minimized. Flights for distances under 1,000 kilometres could gradually be discouraged, with air travel reserved mainly for emergencies or unavoidable situations.

The affluent and upper middle classes have become deeply dependent on air-conditioned lifestyles, yet the Prime Minister said nothing about this. Air conditioners are also major contributors to pollution and energy consumption. Sooner or later, society will have to rethink excessive dependence on them. Railway travel, too, should become more equitable. Comfortable travel should not be determined solely by the ability to pay more. All passengers deserve dignified facilities. If trains become overcrowded, additional coaches or trains should be introduced promptly with the help of modern technology. Human beings should not be forced to travel in inhuman conditions.

It is now widely accepted that excessive use of chemical fertilizers and pesticides harms human health, animals, soil, and the environment. Their use should therefore be steadily phased out. Those employed in fertilizer and pesticide industries can instead contribute to the production of organic manure, organic pesticides, and natural farming inputs.

In the homes of the indigenous Adi community in Arunachal Pradesh, visitors are often served simple boiled food without heavy spices or even salt. Consuming less oil and processed food is not only environmentally beneficial but also healthier.

Narendra Modi also spoke about buying less gold. In reality, the larger issue is the need to move away from consumerist lifestyles altogether. Limits could be placed on extravagant spending and the number of guests at weddings, much like expenditure limits imposed during elections. However, while individual candidates face spending restrictions, political parties often spend without limits, allowing candidates to bypass regulations through party-funded helicopters and aircraft. The use of helicopters and airplanes during election campaigns should also be curtailed.

To reduce consumerism, both natural and human-made resources must be used more responsibly. The production of disposable plastic items should be banned, while reusable and recyclable products should be promoted. Cement production, which contributes heavily to pollution, should also be restricted wherever possible, and more eco-friendly local alternatives should be explored.

Work that can be done from home should continue to be done from home. Classes and meetings that can effectively take place online should remain online where practical. This would reduce travel expenses, lower pollution from commuting, and cut wastage associated with large-scale food preparation at institutions and events. At the same time, governments must ensure that those who lack access to technology are provided with the necessary facilities so that everyone can participate equally in online education and meetings.

Therefore, what Narendra Modi has suggested should not merely be viewed as a temporary response to rising oil prices or economic pressures. These ideas should instead be considered as part of a long-term policy framework. The COVID-19 pandemic demonstrated that many such changes are indeed possible. Yet once the crisis passed, society quickly returned to consumerist habits encouraged by market-driven economies. The time has come to think beyond the short-term impact on markets and profits and focus instead on the long-term survival of humanity. Ultimately, the real choice before us is between short-term economic gains and sustainable long-term policies.

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*Associated with the Green Party linked to the Socialist Party (India)