The UN Human Development Index rankings have said that, because of an improvement in life expectancy and gross national income, India has moved up five slots to the 130th position.
The fact is that despite improved rankings, the Modi Government scores poorly. Presenting his first Budget, Union Finance Minister Arun Jaitley had slashed allocations for education and health by 16 per cent and 15 per cent respectively. Worse, both the Ministries did not fully utilise the allocated funds.
Mr Jaitley had also promised to enhance the allocation for the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act by another `5,000 crore “if there is tax buoyancy”. Despite a windfall from oil and tax hikes, the Modi Government has not kept on the promises. India should set its priorities right.