Embracing Responsible Criticism in India in 2026
As we embark on a new year, it is crucial for public discourse in India to start with a dose of New Year discipline. While welcoming scrutiny and constructive criticism, it is equally important to emphasize that arguments should come with a sense of responsibility. Transforming a republic with a population of over 1.4 billion requires more than just cynicism. Achieving goals like job creation, increased productivity, higher exports, and enhanced inclusion demands dedication to the meticulous process of design, implementation, correction, and scaling. It is imperative to differentiate between skepticism and pessimism as we enter the new year.
Friedrich Nietzsche, in his work Beyond Good and Evil (§211), highlighted the importance of philosophers being creators of values rather than mere critics or bystanders. This same principle applies to public policy, where critique should be grounded in evidence and an understanding of the complexities of governing a diverse democracy. When skepticism turns into a default stance, it erodes confidence in the institutions essential for driving reform.
In recent times, a trend has emerged where doubt is marketed as sophistication in commentary. This approach oversimplifies the challenges of reform, portraying every transitional phase as a permanent failure and promoting the narrative that India is doomed by its own policymakers. Such attitudes have detrimental effects, undermining trust in data and markets, fostering a sense of fatalism among entrepreneurs and investors, and providing external actors with ammunition to pressure India in negotiations. It is essential for expertise to remain accountable to facts.
It is concerning to observe that some commentators, with strong professional and academic backgrounds, have adopted this posturing. Individuals who previously held a credible stance on India are now resorting to disparaging the country, possibly for attention or relevance, especially after moving away from governmental roles.
The claim that India’s data sets are inherently unreliable contradicts the progress made in recent years. Initiatives like the Goods and Services Tax (GST) have established a national invoice trail and a culture of compliance that was nonexistent a decade ago. The significant collections through GST and the rise of digital payments have created robust audit trails, enhancing the scope for measurement, verification, and necessary corrections.
Evidence of progress in welfare and poverty reduction further debunks the narrative of inevitable failure. The National Multidimensional Poverty Index by NITI Aayog indicates a substantial reduction in multidimensional poverty, with millions of Indians lifted out of poverty between 2013-14 and 2022-23. Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) mechanisms have improved delivery efficiency, resulting in significant savings through reduced leakages. The financial inclusion drive has led to over 56 crore Jan Dhan accounts, establishing a framework for mass financial access.
Reforms in the financial sector have yielded visible outcomes, as seen in the decline of gross nonperforming assets in commercial banks. This transformation is a result of diligent efforts to clean up balance sheets, strengthen supervision, and minimize risky lending practices. The quiet but impactful turnaround in the banking sector serves as a testament to the state’s ability to drive reform.
Contrary to claims that India cannot scale up its manufacturing capabilities, evidence from Production Linked Incentive programs showcases substantial investments, increased production, and job creation across various sectors. The success in electronics production and exports underscores India’s capacity to compete in challenging markets.
India’s trade performance reflects a strategy based on consistent delivery and performance rather than performative despair. Record-high exports in goods and services demonstrate the country’s ability to engage globally and offer diversified supply in critical sectors. Building resilience through domestic reforms and external partnerships enhances India’s leverage in international trade negotiations.
Competitiveness is a culmination of efforts across infrastructure, logistics, and administrative reforms, rather than reliance on individual schemes or ministries. The visible improvements in industrial corridors, port connectivity, and planning platforms highlight the state’s commitment to streamlining processes and enhancing efficiency over time.
In the realm of agriculture and rural development, targeted support, asset creation, and improved services have contributed to higher productivity and enhanced livelihoods. Initiatives like the Jal Jeevan Mission have significantly improved access to clean water for rural households, reducing health risks and improving quality of life.
Similar success stories are evident in health, housing, and energy access, with programs like Ayushman Bharat, PM Awas, and PM Ujjwala Yojana making substantial impacts on public welfare. These initiatives have provided financial protection against health emergencies, facilitated affordable housing solutions, and delivered clean cooking energy to millions of households, transforming lives and fostering economic empowerment.
Despite prevailing pessimism about state governance, India’s federal structure has proven to be adaptable and conducive to innovation. States like Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Madhya Pradesh, and Rajasthan have attracted investments and created formal job opportunities through improved governance, infrastructure development, and efficient clearance processes. The central government’s support for competitive federalism through national platforms and transparent performance metrics has incentivized states to pursue reforms and deliver tangible results.
India’s narrative of progress is ongoing, inviting diverse perspectives and debates. As we enter 2026, it is essential to prioritize constructive criticism that enhances policy outcomes rather than indulging in commentary that undermines confidence and progress. Upholding Nietzsche’s philosophy, serious thinkers and policymakers must focus on creating values that drive societal improvement. India’s commitment to execution and tangible results, reflected in auditable metrics and real-life impacts, will endure beyond transient narratives of despair. In the new year, India should demand critical discourse that enriches policymaking, sustains investor confidence, and upholds democratic principles.
(The author is the Union Minister for Petroleum & Natural Gas, Government of India)
