PM welcomes ‘constructive criticism’ of three-year rule

NEW DELHI: A couple of days after celebrating his third year in power, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday welcomed constructive criticism of his government’s performance because such an action “strengthens democracy”.

“I am also influenced by good and bad things like the aam aadmi (common man),” Modi said during his monthly radio show, Mann Ki Baat. “Constructive criticism strengthens democracy. For an aware nation, an awakened nation, this churning is very important.”

This was a possible indication that his government would strive to plug possible shortcomings in his administration before facing the next Lok Sabha test.

The Prime Minister’s remarks come amid rising concerns over growing unemployment and alleged intolerance in the country. Employment generation was a key promise of the Modi government. However, economists claim that even if six-to-eight million youths were to get jobs each year, there would still be a backlog of 117 million.

Attacks on Muslims by selfstyled gau rakshaks have also become a matter of concern for the Centre.

“Audits and assessments of the government’s performance in the last three years have been happening on all TV channels, social media platforms and newspapers for 15 days now. Three years ago, you vested me with the responsibility of Pradhan Sewak (chief servant of the people). There have been many surveys and opinion polls in this regard. I see this entire process as a very healthy sign,” Modi said.

Brushing aside allegations of authoritarianism by political rivals, the Prime Minister said his government proves its accountability to the people by providing them with regular report cards on duties performed. “The work done in these years was tested on every touch stone. It was analysed by every segment of the society,” he added.

Modi said he treats praises and criticism with equal importance. “I thank the people who provided me with critical feedback. The mistakes... once highlighted, can be rectified.”

Addressing his first Mann Ki Baat in his fourth year of power, Modi spoke at length on the plurality of India in the backdrop of the holy month of Ramzan.

The works done during these years were tested on every touch stone... And this is a great process in democracy NARENDRA MODI, Prime Minister