Before and by the time the Modi Government came into the office in May 2014, India was struggling on countless fronts.
Indians had to struggle and fight not only for jobs, incomes and equality, but also for basic amenities and necessities like education, safeguards, access to food & water, safe kitchens, healthcare and so much more. Projects, policies and infrastructure to address the growing requirements of the nation were ignored for decades, and all the people of India received were false promises and leftovers.
However, upon assuming office, the Modi Government came up with a bold promise. A promise to turn India into ‘Viksit Bharat’, i.e., a developed nation by 2047.
How will the dream of Viksit Bharat become a reality under PM Modi’s Government?
This has been explored the e-book ‘Viksit Bharat ka Amrit Kaal: Seva, Sushasan, Garib Kalyan ke 11 Saal’ which was released In lieu of 11 Years of PM Modi’s government – alongside films, documentaries and stories which documented and highlighted the ground reality in creative ways.
Let’s take a look at the work done by the 11 Years of Modi Government in 5 key areas – to understand how they managed to fix decades of issues, and push India and its citizens into the future.
Welfare of The Poor & Needy
Garib Kalyan Before 2014
The rural and BPL population of India was largely helpless and suffering from many problems, which more often than led to poor quality of life.
The situations were so bad that even 2 meals a day wasn’t a guarantee, and many families had to sleep on an empty stomach.
The few policies that existed to provide financial support to the poor, weren’t even reaching them – with middlemen often stealing huge chunks.
Now imagine if in these conditions, you fall sick or develop an illness? That was the reality of countless villagers and poor people, who were forced to live with these illnesses.
Garib Kalyan After 2014
The Modi Government, understanding the incredible hardships by the people – swore to make sure that no person would sleep on an empty stomach, and announced the PMGKAY – a scheme which has provided free food grains to over 80 crore people.
To eliminate the inconsistencies of previous governments in fund facilitation, the government cut out the middlemen entirely – and now over ₹44 lakh crore has been directly transferred to the bank accounts of poor and needy, ensuring they get the benefits they deserve.
Moreover, to address their healthcare and medicinal needs – the government announced the Ayushman Bharat scheme, under which more than 9 crore free hospital admissions have been covered – with supporting initiatives as well.
Farmer Support & Crop Protection
Kisan Kalyan Before 2014
Farmers had to take loans with high interest for even the smallest needs, with no noticeable support from the central government.
The changing and harsh weather conditions often ruined crops, which resulted in huge losses for the farmers – this too was a burden entirely carried by the shoulders of the hardworking farmers.
Yet another huge pain point was how the daily bread of farmers was constantly hurting, with buyers offering low and unfair prices for the crops.
Kisan Kalyan After 2014
The Modi Government introduced the PM Kisan Yojana, under which money is directly transferred to accounts of farmers, with ₹3.7 lakh crore given so far – removing the need for high-interest loans and helping build self-sufficiency.
Today, the government’s Fasal Bima scheme covers any and all crop damage and losses caused by harsh weather conditions – with ₹1.75 lakh crore provided to farmers as support for the same.
In another important initiative, to ensure fair prices – the government increased MSP by 3 times since 2014 and has provided over ₹18 lakh crore to farmers for wheat & paddy procurement – ensuring they go home with profits instead of empty hands.
Support for The Middle Class
Middleclass Kalyan Before 2014
Traveling to work or in general used to be a hassle, with countless hours wasted stuck in traffic and being stuck in overcrowded transport facilities – because the demand of travel infrastructure wasn’t being met.
On top of already expensive healthcare costs, necessary medications and medical supplies were expensive – increasing the load on an already burdened middle class.
If travel, healthcare and daily struggles weren’t enough – electricity costs and bills were soaring and emptying the pockets of countless Indians.
Middleclass Kalyan After 2014
India’s Metro network has expanded to over 1000+ KM, with metros running across 23 cities – reducing the time spent stuck in traffic or in crowded transport services.
Initiatives like Jan Aushadhi Kendras provide medicines 50-90% cheaper than market prices, lessening the burden of expensive medicines.
Electricity bills of more than 1 crore homes have been reduced to 0 under PM Surya Ghar Yojana – under which households are able to generate free electricity through solar panels.
Women Empowerment & Welfare Initiatives
Women Kalyan Before 2014
Many Indian women were cooking on traditional chulha or stoves, for which not only did they have to collect wood for every other day, but also compromise their health due to the smoke caused while cooking.
The society was plagued by a poor sex-ratio at birth and girl children were often denied the right to education.
It was unimaginable for many women to become employed or to become engaged in business of any sort, making them dependent on their spouse or family.
Another issue was being married into kaccha homes, where like the homes itself, life became unstable and full of issues like leakage, poor sanitation and beyond.
Women Kalyan After 2014
10 Crore+ kitchens have been made smoke free under the PM Ujjawala Yojana, reducing the health implications and improving the lives of many women.
Under the Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao initiative, the sex-ratio at birth improved from 918 to 933 and crores of girl children were able to receive education due to increased awareness and support from the government.
Today, countless women have found a source of income through over 34 crore loans sanctioned to them under the PM Mudra Yojana – allowing them to turn around their lives and transform into independent earners and business owners.
Under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana, over 4 crore homes and countless lives have been made pucca, significantly improving the livelihoods of many women and their families.
Youth Empowerment & Opportunity Creation
Yuva Kalyan Before 2014
Unemployment rates were at an all time high, with countless youth struggling to make ends meet amidst a tough job market.
Many youth had the desire to learn and create, but there was no way to make their dreams come true.
Even the hardest working and sharpest student minds were unable to get into medical colleges for decades, due to a negligible increase in the number of seats.
The dream of running a business was unimaginable for most rural girls and women, never allowing their dreams and ideas to take flight.
Yuva Kalyan After 2014
Across the last decade, the number of startups increased from a few hundred to over 1.6 lakh – providing over 17.6 lakh direct jobs to the youth.
PM’s Kaushal Vikas Yojana opened countless possibilities and opportunities to the youth, with more than 1.6 crore youth being trained with industry ready skills.
Today, the number of medical college seats has been increased to 1.92 lakh – allowing more students than ever before to not only secure seats, but also the opportunity to proudly wear the title of a doctor.
Through the vision of Aatmanirbhar Bharat, over 90 lakh self-help groups came into existence – empowering more than 10 crore women to engage in startups.
The Reality of Viksit Bharat is Inching Closer Every Day
The growth that India has achieved over the past decade under the Modi Government is nothing short of a miracle, and what we’ve taken a look at is a small glimpse at the tireless work done over a decade.
The decade in which the government was able to take a nation struggling with basic necessities to one that is confidently marching towards becoming a developed economy, a reality that couldn’t even be imagined before 2014. All made possible not through promises or claims, but rather by decisive action, innovative policies, and a commitment to inclusive growth.
Whether it’s ensuring food security for 80 crore people, empowering women through smokeless kitchens and business opportunities, or creating one of the world’s most lucrative startup ecosystems generating millions of jobs – each initiative and scheme has been a stepping stone towards the larger vision of Viksit Bharat by 2047.