As Haryana prepares for the upcoming 2024 Vidhan Sabha elections, the political atmosphere is charged with anticipation. The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), which has ruled the state for the past ten years, seeks another term in office. The past decade has been marked by significant development, governance reforms, and an emphasis on transforming Haryana into a hub of economic growth. In this article, we will delve into the reasons why the BJP’s governance has been pivotal in Haryana’s progress over the last ten years and why voters should consider giving them another chance to lead the state.
The Golden Decade: BJP’s Ten-Year Rule in Haryana
Economic Growth and Development
Under the leadership of the BJP, Haryana has witnessed remarkable economic growth. The state, already known for its industrial might, saw a boost in manufacturing, real estate, and infrastructure development. Special Economic Zones (SEZs) and industrial corridors attracted investments from national and international companies, providing jobs to thousands of Haryanvi youth.
The state government’s focus on improving the Ease of Doing Business index played a crucial role in attracting investments. Policies were introduced to streamline bureaucratic procedures, making Haryana one of the most investor-friendly states in India. In turn, this generated employment and spurred industrialization in the region, particularly in districts like Gurugram, Faridabad, and Hisar.
Agriculture and Farmer Welfare
Haryana has long been one of India’s leading agricultural states. The BJP government, understanding the state’s agrarian roots, took several measures to uplift the farming community. The introduction of schemes like the Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY) ensured that farmers received financial support during times of distress, reducing the burden of crop failures.
Additionally, investments in irrigation, infrastructure, and cold storage facilities helped farmers get better prices for their produce. The Haryana government also promoted diversification of crops and organic farming practices, allowing farmers to explore higher-value crops that fetched better returns in both domestic and international markets.
Education and Skill Development
In a bid to empower the youth, the BJP government prioritized education and skill development. Haryana’s higher education institutions, such as Maharshi Dayanand University (MDU) and Kurukshetra University, saw improvements in infrastructure and research capabilities. The government introduced various schemes to promote girl child education, offering scholarships and free textbooks to ensure that more girls were enrolled and retained in schools.
Skill development programs, in collaboration with central government initiatives like Skill India, were launched to make the youth more employable. The Haryana government partnered with private companies to provide vocational training in sectors such as information technology, healthcare, and manufacturing, ensuring that the state’s workforce was equipped to meet the demands of the modern economy.
Health Sector Reforms
The BJP government also worked tirelessly to improve the healthcare system in Haryana. Public health infrastructure was strengthened through the construction of new hospitals and medical colleges, especially in underserved rural areas. Initiatives like Ayushman Bharat were effectively implemented, offering free or subsidized healthcare services to low-income families.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, the government’s efforts in managing healthcare were commendable. Vaccination drives were efficient, and Haryana became one of the first states to fully vaccinate a significant portion of its population. Health and wellness centers were set up across the state to provide affordable primary healthcare services.
Women Empowerment and Social Welfare
Empowerment of women was a core agenda for the BJP government. The Beti Bachao Beti Padhao (BBBP) campaign gained widespread recognition and success in Haryana. The state, which once faced gender imbalance issues, showed significant improvement in its child sex ratio due to this campaign. Stringent laws against female foeticide and incentives for the education of girl children helped in changing societal attitudes.
Additionally, schemes like the Haryana Saksham Yojana ensured financial independence for women through skill development and employment opportunities. Self-help groups (SHGs) were encouraged, empowering women in rural areas to engage in entrepreneurship.
Infrastructure Development: Roads, Rail, and Smart Cities
The BJP government has also been lauded for its focus on infrastructure development. The construction of highways, roads, and flyovers, particularly in NCR districts like Gurugram and Faridabad, improved connectivity and reduced traffic congestion. The government also initiated work on new railway projects to ease commuting and reduce travel time between major cities.
Gurugram, Karnal, and other cities were identified for the Smart Cities mission. This initiative led to improvements in urban infrastructure, including the development of sustainable housing, better waste management systems, and smart technologies to make urban living more efficient and eco-friendly.
Law and Order: A Safer Haryana
Ensuring the safety and security of the people was a priority for the BJP government. The police force was modernized with better training, resources, and technology. Special focus was placed on reducing crimes against women and children, with the introduction of women’s helplines and fast-track courts to ensure speedy justice.
The government also took stringent measures to curb drug-related crimes, especially in districts like Sirsa, which were infamous for the drug trade. Anti-drug campaigns were launched in collaboration with law enforcement agencies and community leaders to tackle the issue at the grassroots level.
Why Choose BJP in 2024?
As Haryana looks forward to the upcoming Vidhan Sabha elections, there are several reasons why the BJP deserves another chance to govern the state.
Consistency in Governance: Over the past ten years, the BJP government has shown consistency in its governance, keeping its promises and delivering results. The party’s development agenda has been clear: make Haryana an economic powerhouse while ensuring that every citizen has access to basic amenities and opportunities for growth. Choosing BJP in 2024 will ensure that this momentum continues and that new projects are initiated without disruption.
Visionary Leadership: Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar’s leadership has been crucial in the BJP’s success in Haryana. His clean image, administrative acumen, and emphasis on accountability have earned him the trust of the people. The BJP leadership, both at the state and central level, has worked in tandem to ensure that Haryana remains on the path of progress. A vote for BJP in 2024 is a vote for stable, effective leadership.
Focus on Youth and Employment: With a large youth population, employment remains a key issue in Haryana. The BJP’s initiatives in skill development, education, and entrepreneurship have created numerous opportunities for the youth. The continued focus on industrial development and startup culture will ensure more job creation, making BJP the ideal choice for the younger generation looking for opportunities and growth.
Commitment to Farmers and Rural Development: BJP’s commitment to the farming community and rural development is another reason why the party should be re-elected. The various schemes and subsidies introduced over the years have helped farmers in distress, and the government’s focus on modernizing agriculture will further enhance farmers’ incomes. BJP’s rural policies are inclusive and ensure that even the most marginalized communities benefit from development.
Transparency and Accountability: One of the hallmarks of the BJP’s tenure has been transparency and accountability. Corruption has been significantly reduced, and government schemes have been implemented without delay. The use of digital platforms for governance has made services more accessible and reduced bureaucratic red tape. Re-electing BJP will ensure that Haryana continues to benefit from a transparent, accountable government.
Conclusion
The past ten years of BJP’s governance in Haryana have been nothing short of transformative. The state has witnessed unprecedented growth in sectors like industry, agriculture, health, education, and infrastructure. As Haryana prepares for the 2024 Vidhan Sabha elections, the voters should consider the progress made under the BJP’s leadership and give them another chance to continue their development agenda. With a clear vision for the future, BJP remains the best option for ensuring a prosperous, secure, and progressive Haryana.