New year and the government's promises

The sun of 2025 has risen with new hopes. Everywhere there is talk of New Year resolutions - some are talking about improving their health, some about controlling expenses. But has our government ever taken any such resolution? If it had, perhaps we would not be discussing these issues today. Still, it is a new year and hopes are alive. So let us suggest some resolutions for the government as well.

The sun of 2025 has risen with new hopes. Everywhere there is talk of New Year resolutions - some are talking about improving their health, some about controlling expenses. But has our government ever taken any such resolution? If it had, perhaps we would not be discussing these issues today. Still, it is a new year and hopes are alive. So let us suggest some resolutions for the government as well.

1. 'Make in India'—from dream to reality
The slogan of 'Make in India' has been heard for the last several years. But in reality, everything from our mobiles to scooters bears the mark of 'Made in China'. The slogan of self-reliance will be meaningful only when our products are able to make a strong place in the world markets. This year the government will have to make this dream come true not just with slogans but with concrete policies.

2. Air—Make it breathable
Every year, Delhi's winters are covered in a blanket of toxic smoke and smog. Everyone welcomes the New Year wearing a mask, as if the mask has become a part of their daily life. Instead of blaming farmers, firecrackers and neighboring states, it would be better if the government takes concrete steps to curb pollution. Clean air is the right of every Indian.

3. Simplify government work
We all know how confusing government work is. It takes days to fill a form and weeks to understand it. This year the government should pledge to simplify the processes so much that people can complete their work without any problem. And yes, this reform should be implemented in Parliament as well. Less noise and more work – this is real development.

4. Data protection—every citizen’s right
Nowadays every mobile app is collecting our information—name, address, phone number and maybe even blood group! But there seems to be no seriousness on data security. Will 2025 be the year when the personal information of Indian citizens will remain theirs and not be sold to big tech companies?

5. Local Train—Bullet Train for Common Man
The dream of bullet train has been shown for years. But if the condition of local trains is improved for the common man, then it will be no less than a bullet train. This year the government should focus on ground level issues, because this is the measure of real development.

6. Budget—Expectations of the Middle Class
Every year the budget comes, and corporate houses rejoice. But the common man's pocket remains empty. This time we hope that a budget comes that brings relief to the middle class and the poor. The prices of onion, petrol and gas should come down, and employment opportunities should increase - these are our needs.

New Year's hopes and current achievements
It is also important to say that in the last few years, the government has done excellent work in some areas. The improvements made in the roads and infrastructure of the country under the leadership of Union Minister Nitin Gadkari are commendable. Traveling on highways has not only become easier today, but time is also being saved.

Also, Dr. S. Jaishankar's astute and strategic leadership on the foreign policy front has given India a new identity. Whether it is the safe return of Indian students during the Russia-Ukraine conflict, the success of the G20, or India's strong participation in international forums like the Quad—all these achievements show that India now stands strong on the world stage. India's foreign policy is now not only a symbol of self-respect, but also aims to protect the interests of every Indian.

May the year 2025 become a symbol of new achievements and a better lifestyle for us. Together we will make it a success. And even if there are some shortcomings, the biggest strength of Indians—our cricket, our memes and our cheerfulness—will always remain with us.

Best wishes for the New Year!

- Chandan Sharma