When PM Narendra Modi assumed office in 2014, the government brought with it a vision that was all about inclusive development and comprehensive welfare for every Indian.
Eleven years later, the impact of this governance approach has become evident, not through policy documents or statistical reports, but through the transformed lives of ordinary people across the nation.
To celebrate 11 years, the government launched a campaign to celebrate and showcase the remarkable work done over the past decade. The tagline is fitting “Viksit Bharat ka Amrit Kaal: Seva, Sushasan, Garib Kalyan ke 11 Saal”. This initiative highlights the amount of effort invested by the government to ensure the welfare and wellbeing of every citizen, particularly those from marginalized communities.
Let’s take a look at real accounts of how targeted government schemes have fundamentally changed the trajectory of countless lives, and understand how hope has been restored and opportunities have been democratized throughout the nation.
Jal Jeevan Mission Ensured No More Walking Miles for Water
Jeetram Sharma, Babita Sharma and Geetaram Sharma, residents of the Tipou village in Uttarakhand, shared how limited access to water was creating problems for them. Even when it was cold and snowing, the women had to travel long distances to fetch water. They had to fetch water to bathe their kids, to wash clothes and even for the oxen.
Under the Jal Jeevan Mission, a water tank was built for their village, providing every village household with water. Besides the Tipou Village, there are over 15.6 Crore rural households which receive tap water under the Jal Jeevan Mission.
PM Awas Yojana Turned Leaky Roofs Into Dignified Home
In Gujrat, India – Ishrama village resident Kundan Singh shared the story of how his family used to live in a tin roofed house. His family had to stay up all night because of leakages that seeped through and ruined blankets and food supplies.
Kundan’s family finally found relief when their house was approved under the PM Awas Yojana, which helped in solving all the problems. The PM Awas Yojana has been a blessing for countless families, with over 4 Crore pucca houses built.
PM Mudra Yojana Is Empowering Dreams Through Financial Inclusion
In the city of Puri, Akhaya Jaisingh was in need of money to be able to manage a sustainable livelihood. With the help of the PM Mudra Yojana, he was provided 40,000 rupees – which helped him set up shop. Through this, he was able to build a house for himself and also send his daughter to school, significantly improving his life.
So far, 33 lakh crore worth of collateral-free Mudra loans have been provided to promote and help small businesses and entrepreneurs.
Self Help Groups are Giving Women A Fresh Start & A Livelihood
In Pune, several women decided to become a part of the Shri Krishna Mahila Self Help Group (SHG) to improve their lives, and to generate a source of income for themselves and their family.
Surekha Doddamani decided to join to move out of a tight financial situation, where her son was the sole bread earner of the house. Mangala Gnaneshwar Wadkar, who lives in a rented house, also decided to join.
The group goes door to door everyday, collecting garbage – and then they sit down in a garden to convert it into manure.
Healthcare Revolution for Every Citizen Through Ayushman Bharat
Shivraj Singh Bhati, who suffers from sciatica – a condition which leads to severe body aches, shared how he was only able to afford treatments occasionally, as private hospitals were too expensive for him.
However, things took a positive turn for Shivraj when he found out about the government’s Ayushman Yojana – under which, he was able to access free consultations as well as free medication. Showing his gratitude, he stated how the government has taken very good care of the poor and needy throughout the past 11 years.
Under Ayushman Bharat Jan Arogya Yojana, 1.3 lakh crore worth of free treatments have been provided to over 9 crore people like Bhati.
Accessible Medicine Prices through Jan Aushadhi Kendras
Another beneficiary, an ex-soldier, Gopu Ramana Reddy – also gave his salute to PM Modi, and shared how the medicines which are available at the rate of 220 in the market, are available for as little as 20 rupees at Jan Aushadhi Kendras – 50-90% lesser.
Today, 16,000 Jan Aushadhi Kendra exist throughout the country, greatly benefiting people like Reddy who can’t afford expensive medicines.
Fasal Bima Yojana Provides Farmers Much Needed Confidence
C Durai Raj, a South Indian farmer from Ussoor Village in Tamil Nadu, claims that before 2014, the central government failed to provide any support to farmers like him.
But after 2014, the government’s Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana finally provided relief and much needed support to farmers like C Durai Raj. He shared that today, whether it’s raining or it’s extremely hot – his confidence doesn’t waver. He keeps working hard with hope and with joy, even singing songs with happiness.
Over 1.76 lakh crore has been provided to support farmers like him under PMFBY.
MSP Ensures Farmers Get Timely, Fair Compensation For Their Produce
The story narrated by a farmer from Punjab’s Dandian Village was also similar. Avtar Singh, highlighted how the condition before 2014 was so bad that massive amounts of crops would float and waste away in water, which meant their hard work would go to waste – and they would suffer massive losses.
Amidst such difficult situations, on top of the Fasal Bima – MSP was a huge support as well. Avatar stated that farmers have been receiving fair price and timely compensation, directly to their accounts.
18 lakh crore was given to farmers in the past decade as MSP for wheat and paddy, ensuring consistent and fair support.
Aatmanirbhar Bharat is Supporting Local Production
Nandeesh B. an organic jaggery producer from Karnataka struggled in his work because of shortage of labour and poor quality of crops.
Under the Prime Minister’s vision of Aatmanirbhar Bharat – which encouraged indigenous production, Nandeesh was not only able to continue his work, but today he’s able to sell his locally made products both nationally & internationally.
Startup India Scheme Turns Entrepreneurial Dreams Into Reality
Kumar Ashutosh, a fiber products entrepreneur from Bihar was always a bright individual with great ideas, but his attempts were always cut short due to one problem or the other.
He highlighted the bitter truth through his words ‘There were dreams, but no path’. However, the government came to his aid – keeping the flame of hope burning bright, with its Startup India Scheme.
Kumar was also able to change his life after finding out about the Startup India Scheme, because under it – he didn’t have to pay any mortgage – and he received support of up to 50 lakhs to turn his ideas into a reality.
The Comprehensive Impact of Eleven Years
From its election win in 2014 to now, the Modi Government has proven one thing – that when you combine proper support and structure provided from the government with the spirits of the Indian citizens, growth is surely to follow.
The policies, schemes and initiatives introduced by the government did not just address problems of individuals, but helped re-shape societal structures and norms in a way that creates equal opportunity for all.
Whether it’s access to tap water, a roof over head, access to medical care or even a desire of running a business – the government has made India’s dreams come true in every way possible.
Today, it’s safe to say that Aatmanirbhar Bharat and Vikisit Bharat are not just promises or dreams, but the reality of India and all its citizens due to 11 Years of work done by the Modi Government.