Heralding the ending of India's diplomatic isolation, Lord Dholakia welcomed the timeliness of the debate on the challenges facing the government of India on the issues of poverty and caste discrimination. Putting "the issue of poverty in the context of the challenges facing India," Lord Dholakia stated: "Sixty per cent of India’s population is below the age of 35. It is estimated that 10 million to 15 million young people enter the labour market each year. India needs to create about 1 million jobs per month to absorb new entrants to the workforce."
Acknowledging that "a substantial population still lives below the poverty line," Lord Dholakia opined that "The industrial sector is crying out for investment and reform, securing income for farmers and rebuilding outdated infrastructure”. Affirming that "Despite these challenges, most observers expect India to become the world’s third largest economy by 2030," Lord Dholakia pointed out that:".. we now have a champion in Mr Modi, who has risen from a humble beginning, from a lower caste, to the top of the political structure in India." Emphasising that the new prime minister recognised inequality in India and was determined to tackle this problem Lord Dholakia reiterated Mr Modi's words that “[Economic resources of the country should be utilised for the wellbeing of the poor”.
Whilst noting that "[People's expectations are great," Lord Dholakia was of the opinion that "Mr Modi has not disappointed them." "We have seen clarity in his vision on domestic matters," he said. Discussing Prime Minister Modi’s Independence Day speech on 15 August Lord Dholakia was keen to point out that Prime Minister Modi was not afraid to shy away from contentious issues such as "rape, equality and the safety of women and girls," as the new prime minister "set out his vision on governance which included a plea for a united, selfless, skilled and peaceful India."
Lord Dholakia demonstrated the 'new broom sweeps clean' attitude of the new prime minister, not only from Mr Modi's actual aims to clean the country in the literal sense but also, by "the devolution of power and control which would result in more economic liberalisation and less central control;" and including the " .... flagship programme aimed at tackling poverty by ending financial untouchability."
Addressing the objectionable and "unacceptable" issue of caste discrimination Lord Dholakia stressed: "[We abhor discrimination of any kind based on race, colour or national or ethnic origin. This equally applies to gender discrimination or discrimination based on sexual orientation and disability."
Commending India's approach to human rights through its commission, which Lord Dholakia has observed first-hand Lord Dholakia said: "The right of minorities are protected under India’s constitution. Let me remind noble Lords that this was well before this country [Britain] even thought of race relations or equality legislation;" adding, "India also has a powerful judiciary which, unlike in any other country in the world, often challenges the lack of action by the legislators, which is a remarkable achievement." Lord Dholakia stated: "The barriers of caste are breaking down in the new generations of Indians emerging with better education and social responsibility."
Lord Dholakia was sure that "concerted efforts by the new Government, the judiciary, the human rights commission and the new generation of the young educated class will challenge centuries-old traditions in India." Lord Dholakia acknowledged that "whether [legislation] is effective is something we should be looking at," but reiterated the new prime ministers encouraging stance when Mr Modi declared “Even after Independence, we have had to face the poison of casteism and communalism. How long these evils will continue? Whom does it benefit? We have had enough of fights, many have been killed. Friends, look behind you and you will find that nobody has benefited from it. Except casting a slur on Mother India, we have done nothing. Therefore, I appeal to all those people that whether it is the poison of casteism, communalism, regionalism, discrimination on social and economic basis, all these are obstacles in our way forward.”
Lord Dholakia pointing out Britain's "long-standing interest in India," and the many ties that have "replaced the excesses of colonial empire" stated: "[w]ith an Indian diaspora of 1.5 million, the link between the world’s oldest and the world’s largest democracy will continue to flourish." Finishing off Lord Dholakia declared: "In Britain, we have moved away from the old values of compartmentalising communities based on caste. Generations have grown up over the years who see no obstacles to crossing the caste divide," adding cogently, "[w]e must remember that any time we deny anyone equality of opportunity based on any grounds, we weaken our own claims to have a fair and just society."
