‘Trust, Progress, and Welfare’: PM Modi Completes 12 Years in Office, Advancing the Vision of Viksit Bharat

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has completed 12 years in office, a significant milestone that positions him as India’s longest continuously serving democratically elected Prime Minister. Sworn in on May 26, 2014, and beginning his third consecutive term on June 9, 2024, following the National Democratic Alliance’s success in the Lok Sabha elections, PM Modi reflected on this journey through a message emphasizing dedication to trust, development, and public welfare under the guiding spirit of “Nation First.”

In his address shared on social media, the Prime Minister highlighted the government’s sustained efforts to empower every section of society, from youth and women to farmers and the underprivileged, while strengthening India’s global presence and laying a robust foundation for future progress.

PM Modi first took office in May 2014 and began his third consecutive term on June 9, 2024, following the National Democratic Alliance's (NDA) victory in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections. Photo: File/Reuters | Firstpost

A Decade of Inclusive Welfare and Empowerment

Over the past 12 years, the government has placed the upliftment of the poorest and most marginalized citizens at the heart of its governance, guided by the principle of Antyodaya. This approach has delivered tangible benefits through technology-enabled direct transfers, minimizing leakages and ensuring schemes reach their intended recipients effectively.

Initiatives such as the Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana have opened over 58 crore bank accounts, bringing millions into the formal financial system and accumulating substantial deposits that enhance economic participation. Complementary programs have provided free food grains monthly to more than 81 crore beneficiaries, constructed over 4 crore houses under the PM Awas Yojana, and built more than 12 crore toilets as part of the Swachh Bharat Mission. The Ujjwala scheme has distributed over 10.5 crore LPG connections, while the Jal Jeevan Mission has extended tap water to numerous rural households, improving health and dignity in daily life.

In healthcare, the Ayushman Bharat scheme offers up to ₹5 lakh in coverage to around 80 crore people, with additional free treatment extended to senior citizens aged 70 and above. These measures, alongside widespread vaccination drives and affordable medicine access through Jan Aushadhi centres, have contributed to lifting millions out of multidimensional poverty and enhancing overall well-being.

Women’s Empowerment and Youth Development

Women’s empowerment has emerged as a cornerstone of the government’s agenda. Over 32 crore women have been linked to banking through Jan Dhan accounts, while the Lakhpati Didi initiative has connected more than 10 crore rural women via 91 lakh self-help groups, fostering economic independence and community leadership. The granting of permanent commissions to women in the armed forces further reflects this inclusive progress.

For the youth, comprehensive skill development programs have trained over 2 crore individuals, Mudra loans totaling ₹40 lakh crore have supported entrepreneurship, and India’s startup ecosystem has expanded dramatically to more than 2.2 lakh ventures. These efforts, combined with growth in sectors like electronics manufacturing—from ₹2 lakh crore to over ₹12 lakh crore—have generated opportunities and fueled innovation across the country.

Infrastructure Transformation and Digital Revolution

The period has witnessed an extraordinary expansion of infrastructure that connects and modernizes the nation. The metro network now spans over 1,100 kilometres across 26 cities, supported by 164 Vande Bharat trains and landmark projects including the Atal Setu, Sudarshan Setu, and Chenab Rail Bridge. The number of airports has more than doubled from 74 to over 164, while highways, railways, and renewable energy capacity—particularly solar, which has grown from 2.6 GW to over 110 GW—have seen substantial advancement.

Digitally, the Unified Payments Interface (UPI) has revolutionized transactions, achieving over 22 billion payments worth ₹29 lakh crore in a single month. Complementary reforms such as the Goods and Services Tax (GST) have streamlined taxation, while broader economic measures have contributed to India’s nominal GDP rising to approximately $4.15 trillion, reinforcing its position as one of the world’s fastest-growing major economies.

Support for Agriculture, Security, and Cultural Heritage

Farmers have benefited from consistent support, including ₹4.3 lakh crore transferred under the PM-Kisan Samman Nidhi, crop insurance coverage worth ₹2 lakh crore, and procurement at Minimum Support Price totaling significant volumes. The issuance of Kisan Credit Cards to around 8 crore farmers has further strengthened the agricultural sector.

On national security, defence exports have reached record highs, alongside advancements in indigenization such as INS Vikrant and enhanced platforms. Efforts to combat terrorism and Naxalism have yielded positive outcomes. Culturally, initiatives like the Ram Mandir in Ayodhya, the redevelopment of revered sites at Kashi Vishwanath, Mahakal, and Kedarnath, and symbolic changes such as renaming Rajpath to Kartavya Path celebrate India’s rich heritage while promoting national pride.

The MGMM Outlook 

Prime Minister Narendra Modi completing 12 years in office marks a significant chapter in India's democratic journey and reflects a sustained emphasis on trust, development, and welfare-oriented governance. Over the years, several initiatives aimed at financial inclusion, healthcare, housing, sanitation, and social security have expanded their reach to millions of citizens. Programs such as Jan Dhan Yojana, Ayushman Bharat, PM Awas Yojana, Ujjwala Yojana, and the Jal Jeevan Mission have strengthened support for vulnerable sections while promoting greater economic participation and improving quality of life across the country.

The period has also witnessed major progress in women’s empowerment, youth development, infrastructure, digital transformation, agriculture, and national security. Expansion of the startup ecosystem, growth in manufacturing, rapid adoption of UPI, and large-scale infrastructure projects have contributed to India's economic momentum and enhanced its global standing. Continued support for farmers, advances in defence self-reliance, and efforts to preserve cultural heritage highlight a broader vision focused on building a stronger, more self-reliant, and developed India in the years ahead.

(Sources: Firstpost, Times of India, NDTV)