Govt has trust of 69.36 pc residents of India, Gujarat & UP rank highest: IIM study

Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Pic/AFP

A comprehensive survey conducted by top professors from several IIM centres across India found that more than 69 per cent of citizens had confidence and trust in the Central government's services. The study identified Gujarat and Uttar Pradesh as states having the highest levels of trust in government services, demonstrating public confidence.

Analysis of citizen experiences over the last five years revealed significant improvements in a variety of industries. Notably, there was a 72 per cent reduction in electrical outages, as well as significant infrastructural improvements in states such as Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, Maharashtra, Gujarat, and Chhattisgarh, particularly in water and power delivery. The survey also found an increase in agricultural income, increasing youth optimism, and a jump in OTT video consumption reported IANS.

According to the report, the study stated, "Average trust in the Government of India across the nation is at 69.36 per cent. Gujarat and Uttar Pradesh recorded the highest level of trust in government services, signalling public confidence."

"The years 2019-2024 saw an average 72 per cent reduction in electricity cuts. Significant infrastructure improvements were observed in states like Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, Maharashtra, Gujarat, and Chhattisgarh, particularly in water and electricity supply. Gujarat and Maharashtra led in fostering youth optimism and reducing drug consumption," the study found.

According to the report, furthermore, there was a significant increase in mobile usage, which reflected socioeconomic changes in urban and rural areas. The job market also improved, with casual workers reporting higher incomes. Overall satisfaction with public services has grown, with high levels of trust observed in areas such as Uttar Pradesh, Gujarat, and Madhya Pradesh.

"A little over three-fifths (66.02 per cent) of the respondents reported that youth was more hopeful & optimistic than before in India's development and growth. Farmers in Punjab, Haryana, and Kerala reported that there is a notable increase in agricultural income. The highest agricultural income increase was witnessed in Kerala, Haryana, and Punjab which is 49 per cent, 47 per cent and 45 per cent, respectively," it said.

"Overall, an increased satisfaction (68.59 per cent) with public services was noted. The states like Uttar Pradesh, Gujarat, and Madhya Pradesh reported high level of trust in the government. The increase in savings across the nation owing to increased access to cooking gas, better healthcare, and sanitation was reported to be Rs 12,096 per year. States including Haryana and Uttar Pradesh saw significant increases in annual savings and reductions in sick days," it said.

The study, which polled over 85,000 people in 22 Indian regions and states, focused on substantial improvements in sanitation, road and rail transport, electricity availability, and digital connectivity. The project, led by IIM Rohtak professors and supported by academic collaborators, gives unique insights into citizen opinions and experiences, thereby contributing to a better knowledge of the country's socioeconomic patterns, the report added.

It was discovered that 69.1 per cent of respondents believed that road travel had improved during the last five years. 62.2 per cent of respondents said train travel has improved in the last five years, while 70.7 per cent said air travel had improved in the same time period.