New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led government’s approval ratings have risen to the highest since the start of the Covid-19 pandemic, the latest survey on Monday showed, Bloomberg reported. There are, however, lingering concerns over the surging prices of essential items and unemployment, as per the survey that was published as Prime Minister Modi completed eight years in office on May 30.
As per 67 percent of the 64,000 people polled by LocalCircles, Prime Minister Modi’s government has met or exceeded expectations in the second term, which is a jump from 51 percent last year when the second wave of Covid-19 infections overwhelmed hospitals and crematoriums and 62 percent in 2020 when the pandemic began.
The government, according to the people surveyed, was better prepared to handle a third wave of Covid-19 infections and had effectively managed the Indian economy.
Nonetheless, there were concerns over unemployment staying around seven percent since the start of the year with 47 percent of those polled stating the ruling dispensation has not been able to address the issue.
Despite this, there is also been an increase in confidence in the government’s handling of joblessness with 37 percent showing approval.
This marks a rise from 27 percent in 2021 and 29 percent in 2020 where there were drastic lockdowns that witnessed migrant workers lose their jobs in cities though a rural jobs guarantee programme helped.
The growing approval comes as India’s retail inflation is tracking an eight-year high, a politically sensitive issue that has seen the Centre institute a series of measures to restrict exports of wheat and sugar and rein in any further price increases.
The survey reflected this issue with 73 percent of the Indians stating the price of essential commodities and living costs have not fallen in the past three years, a key flash point for Prime Minister Modi who is eyeing a third term in power in 2024.
Below are some of the other findings from the survey:
- 73 percent appeared optimistic about their future and that of their families
- 44 percent said the government did not take enough measures to improve air quality and reduce pollution.
- 60 percent of those surveyed said the ruling dispensation has been effective in improving communal harmony while 33 percent differed.
- Over 50 percent said doing business in India has become easier in Prime Minister Modi’s regime.