In a virtual launch event for Arvind Panagariya's book on the Nehru Development Model, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar expressed his concerns about the model's repercussions on both domestic and foreign affairs in India. He argued that the beliefs propagated by this model still hold weight in influential sectors of the country, despite efforts towards reform. He also quoted an American policymaker's infamous misinterpretation of India's interim Hindu government in 1947, and suggested that it may not have been entirely wrong.
India's Nehru Development Model: A Critical Reassessment
India's first Prime Minister, Jawaharlal Nehru, played a pivotal role in shaping the country's economic and foreign policies during the post-independence era. Nehru's ideas and beliefs came to be known as the "Nehru Development Model." However, in recent years, this model has come under scrutiny for its perceived limitations and its influence on India's current affairs.
External Affairs Minister's Concerns
In a recent virtual launch event for Arvind Panagariya's book on the Nehru Development Model, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar expressed concerns about the model's impact on India's domestic and foreign affairs. He argued that the ideas promoted by this model continue to hold sway in influential circles, despite efforts towards reform.
Jaishankar pointed to the example of an American policymaker's misinterpretation of India's interim Hindu government in 1947 as a lack of understanding of the country's complex political landscape. He suggested that this misinterpretation may not have been entirely inaccurate.
Criticisms of the Nehru Development Model
Critics of the Nehru Development Model argue that it:
Calls for Reform
In response to these criticisms, there have been calls for reforms to India's economic and foreign policies. Supporters of reform argue that:
Top 5 FAQs and Answers
1. What is the Nehru Development Model? A: A set of economic and foreign policy ideas espoused by India's first Prime Minister, Jawaharlal Nehru.
2. What are the main criticisms of the model? A: Centralized planning, protectionism, neglect of agriculture, and non-aligned foreign policy.
3. What are the calls for reform? A: Economic liberalization, trade promotion, agricultural development, and a more active foreign policy.
4. What is the significance of the American policymaker's misinterpretation of India's interim Hindu government in 1947? A: It highlights the potential for misunderstandings and the need for accurate assessments of India's political landscape.
5. What are the concerns raised by External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar? A: That the ideas of the Nehru Development Model continue to influence influential sectors in India, despite efforts towards reform.
Over 50 students from Jammu and Kashmir pursuing B.Sc Nursing at Mewar University in Rajasthan are facing academic and physical challenges due to the university's failure to obtain necessary approvals for the course. The convenor of Jammu and Kashmir Students Association has sought the intervention of Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, alleging that the university has been misleading students with false promises and infringing on their right to seek justice. The students have been protesting for months and their future remains uncertain as the university has failed to provide a resolution. The association has also accused the university of pressurizing the students to abandon their protests and threatening suspension and fee reimbursements under the Jammu and Kashmir Student Scholarship Scheme.
Speaking out against his ally's stance on Electronic Voting Machines, newly elected Chief Minister of Jammu and Kashmir Omar Abdullah criticized the Congress for changing its tune on EVMs after their loss in recent elections. He called for consistency in opinions about the voting mechanism and emphasized that parties should not blame machines for their defeat. Abdullah also expressed his support for the controversial Central Vista project in Delhi, which has further strained relations between the NC and Congress.
The National Students' Union of India (NSUI) President has accused elected representatives of BJP in Goa of being involved in a cash-for-jobs scam. The party has demanded the resignation of Chief Minister Pramod Sawant for failing to protect Goa's image from being tarnished by various scams. NSUI also highlighted the high unemployment figures in Goa and criticized the state government for misplaced priorities such as implementing mandatory uniforms in colleges while corruption continues to prevail.
With the Delhi Assembly polls only a couple of months away, the AAP has released its fourth list of 38 candidates, including incumbent CM Arvind Kejriwal and Atishi from Kalkaji. In a post on X, Kejriwal took a dig at the BJP's lack of vision and only aim of removing him from power. Meanwhile, the BJP is yet to announce its list of candidates for the Delhi polls.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah's appeal to Naxals during the Bastar Olympics marks a significant move towards ending a long-standing insurgency. His call for militants to reintegrate into society with government-backed support highlights the government's commitment to conflict resolution and regional development. This ambitious aim aims to eliminate the Maoist presence by March 2026 and foster a more harmonious national environment.
Goa CM Pramod Sawant has refuted allegations of his involvement in a cash-for-jobs scam and warned the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) of filing a defamation case against them. Several persons have been arrested in connection with the fraud, with many government job aspirants alleging they were duped by paying lakhs of rupees. However, the AAP has demanded a judicial inquiry into the scam and accused the BJP of being involved in it.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah reiterated the government's determination to eradicate Left-wing extremism in Chhattisgarh by March 31, 2026. Speaking at an event to commemorate the Chhattisgarh Police receiving the President's Colour Award, Shah praised the state police for their efforts in battling Maoist insurgency. He also urged Maoists to surrender and take advantage of the state government's surrender policy, while highlighting the significant decrease in fatalities among security forces and citizens due to the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
The father of Atul Subhash, who died by suicide, is concerned about the whereabouts of his 4-year-old grandson after his estranged wife and in-laws were arrested for allegedly abetting his suicide. He thanks the police for their actions and appeals to top government officials to help him get custody of his grandson. Atul's brother also expresses concern for the child and thanks the police for their arrests. In his suicide note, Atul accused his wife and in-laws of harassment and extortion and criticized the justice system for being biased towards women.
On the 72nd death anniversary of Potti Sriramulu, Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu honored the legendary leader's sacrifices and struggle for a separate state for Telugus from the united Madras State. Naidu urged people to take inspiration and guidance from Potti Sriramulu's values and called for collective progress. He also paid tribute to Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel's role in unifying the nation and emphasized the need for unity in diversity. Naidu's commemoration serves as a reminder of these leaders' enduring legacy and the importance of unity for societal progress.