Reforms not compulsion but commitment and conviction for us: PM Modi

New Delhi [India], August 21 (ANI): Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday said reforms were not a "compulsion" but a "commitment" and "conviction" for his government and its policies are "pro-people, pro-growth and pro-development".
Addressing the Economic Times World Leaders Forum 2026, PM Modi said his government had created a clear roadmap for reforms.
"Earlier in the country, those who spoke about reforms would make announcements, but later they would forget about them. We created a clear roadmap for reforms. The primary direction of this roadmap has been reforms at the governance level," he said.
"We are not just changing regulations; we are changing the entire philosophy of regulations. Earlier, the approach to regulations was -- 'Prohibited unless permitted.' We are transforming this approach and moving towards 'Permitted unless prohibited'. India is carrying out next-generation reforms at the policy level today so that our future remains secure. It is implementing reforms in governance and ease of living. Reform is not a compulsion for us; it is our commitment, it is our conviction," he added.
PM Modi said the International Monetary Fund (IMF) forecast that India would remain the world's fastest-growing major economy.
"The IMF forecast says India will remain the world's fastest-growing major economy. India is taking steps that are giving momentum to our development," he said.
The Prime Minister referred to his Independence Day address from the Red Fort, where he spoke about the "seven strengths of the seven streams", with emphasis on manufacturing, agriculture and food processing, technology and innovation, the green economy and the blue economy.
PM Modi also spoke about the global economic environment, saying the weaponisation of resources and growing mistrust were creating new challenges.
"Resources are being weaponised, and an environment of mistrust is creating new challenges for the world. Today, there are many concerns globally regarding growth. Yet, even during such times, the world continues to see India as a bright spot of hope and growth," he said.
The Prime Minister said India had lifted 25 crore people out of poverty over the last 12 years.
"India has lifted 25 crore people out of poverty in the last 12 years," PM Modi said.
He also stressed that recent global developments had demonstrated the interconnectedness of countries and economies.
"Over the past few years, the world has seen many ups and downs, making it clear that whether anyone likes it or not, the future of every country is interconnected. Nothing is possible in isolation, which makes the theme of a shared future even more relevant," he said.
PM Modi said India had always moved forward with the spirit of collective progress and recalled the country's G20 Presidency mantra -- "One Earth, One Family, One Future."
He said the government was formulating policies keeping the needs of citizens and the country's development priorities at the centre.
"Today, we are formulating policies that are pro-people, pro-growth, and pro-development. Policies should be designed according to the needs of the country and its people, rather than forcing the nation to bend and adapt to rigid policy frameworks," he said.
Highlighting the government's efforts to ease regulations, PM Modi cited the example of mapping and satellite technology.
"Until a few years ago, making a map of our own country was actually illegal. You could not even undertake mapping work in India without prior permission. While foreign satellite technology could map any corner of India, Indians themselves were prohibited from mapping their own country in India," he said.
The Prime Minister also highlighted improvements in railway safety and sanitation, comparing the situation with that of 12 years ago.
He said the government had also significantly increased the number of bio-toilets in trains.
Highlighting the government's approach to welfare schemes, PM Modi said decisions that transform the country are those whose impact is visible on the ground and which take both the present and future into account.
"I know that if I had made this announcement that from today electricity is free for millions of families, then the entire media would have run the news with big headlines saying that Modi ji has made this announcement today. But we took a different approach. We resolved to bring the sun to the roof of every home," he said.
He said more than 50 lakh families across the country were now connected to the PM Surya Ghar Free Electricity Scheme.
"Decisions that change the country are those whose impact is visible on the ground. They should be taken keeping both the present and the future in mind. The PM KUSUM scheme and the PM Surya Ghar Free Electricity scheme are a unique example of this," PM Modi said.
"The PM KUSUM scheme has freed farmers from the worry of electricity, and the Surya Ghar scheme has greatly benefited the middle class," he added. (ANI)