Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday said genuine national progress depends on political decisions that create a visible impact on the ground while balancing the needs of both the present and the future, rather than short-term announcements aimed at electoral gains.
Addressing the World Leaders Forum organised by The Economic Times, PM Modi said political headlines often focus on decisions whose impact lasts only briefly. He said previous governments had frequently made announcements ahead of elections that risked dividing society, while lasting change required policies that delivered tangible results and protected the country’s long-term interests.
Highlighting the PM-KUSUM Yojana and PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana as examples, Modi said the two schemes had sought to address everyday challenges faced by farmers and households.
Under PM-KUSUM, farmers have been relieved of the uncertainty surrounding electricity supply for irrigation, he said. The PM Surya Ghar scheme, meanwhile, has provided significant benefits to middle-class households by enabling them to generate electricity through rooftop solar systems.
“We had planned to place a sun on the roof of every house,” the Prime Minister said, noting that more than 50 lakh families are now associated with the scheme.
The government has provided more than ₹22,000 crore to these households for installing solar systems, he said. Beneficiaries are generating electricity for their own needs, including running household appliances, while also earning income by selling surplus power to the grid.
As a result, many households have been able to bring down their electricity bills to zero while generating additional income, PM Modi said.
The Prime Minister said the scheme was helping fulfil the aspirations of ordinary families by addressing problems associated with power cuts, which in the past had affected household activities, spoiled milk and disrupted children’s studies.
He said the benefits of rooftop solar would continue to support households and businesses and improve quality of life beyond electoral cycles.
Reiterating his government’s commitment to development, PM Modi said efforts would continue with full dedication to accelerate the country’s progress. Expressing confidence in India’s growing role in shaping the global future, he said a stronger, safer and more capable India would contribute meaningfully on the world stage.
The Prime Minister’s address emphasised the need for sustained development based on long-term vision rather than temporary political considerations.
(With inputs from IANS)
