Prime Minister Modi has been a powerful figure since he stormed into power in 2014 by winning Lok Sabha election with a massive mandate. In all these years he has clearly delivered a strong message: “We are not here for any positions but for a responsibility”. From bureaucrats to MPs, everyone started falling in line. Be it strengthening foreign policy or launching welfare schemes for low-income groups, team Modi has been working day and night to fulfil people’s expectations.
The Modi-led government has completed its one tenure and is now serving its second tenure. Let us look at 10 major things that the Modi government has achieved in these 8 years:
1. Make in India
To facilitate investment, boost research & development (R&D), ensure product originality and create skill-based jobs by establishing industrial sector; a major national programme was started by Narendra Modi. Modi has reached out to the world with his idea of ‘Make in India’ and it has generated a positive response from foreign companies. Key Labour Law reform in the pipeline will boost the manufacturing industry and foreign investment in India.
2. Swachh Bharat Abhiyan (Clean India Campaign)
Swachh Bharat Abhiyan was launched on October 2, 2014, by Modi. Filth is considered one of the major problems in India and Modi gave the issue its due importance by launching a nationwide campaign. Many called it a masterstroke from Modi as it put him at par with Mahatma Gandhi in public perception and also gave people the message to act on hygiene and civic sense. Modi nominated notable personalities from film industry, sports, media, business, and other celebrities to promote the initiative.
3. Jan Dhan Yojana
On 15 August 2014, Modi announced Jan Dhan Yojana. Its main focus has been on reaching every household to provide credit facility, pension, and insurance to account holders. As per the data of the Finance Ministry, a total of 44.23 Jan Dhan accounts have been opened till December 2021.
4. Economic Reforms and Policy Implementation
Modi-led NDA government’s primary focus is on reviving the Indian economy through major reforms in the manufacturing and export sector. The government has not only increased the limits of FDI in Railways, Insurance, and Defence but also encouraged privatisation of loss-making public sector companies.
Without being bogged down by coalition partners, Modi persisted with his focus on transformation. On the infrastructure front, government has already begun work on connecting major metros under the Diamond Quadrilateral rail corridor project. Major reforms and developments are under process for Modi’s dream projects: 100 Smart Cities and Clean Ganga Mission.
5. Foreign Policy Put on Fast-track Mode
Modi’s foreign policy is currently focused on improving relations with neighbouring countries and getting the world to invest in India. In the US, he met several American business leaders and invited them to be a part of Make in India programme. During his visit to France, he urged Airbus, the aerospace giant, to explore manufacturing opportunities in India. While in Germany, he made a strong pitch for the Make in India initiative. He has been trying to send across the message of a more “competitive, confident, and secure” India.
6. Confidence-building Measures in Kashmir
Kashmir is an integral part of India but has a long list of complaints against previous governments – both Centre and state. When the flood created devastations in the valley, the response from the Modi government was immediate and genuine. Modi dedicated constant monitoring system for flood-affected areas and the people of Kashmir. He also decided to spend Deepawali with Kashmir flood survivors. Even his critics praised his move. After a long time, an Indian politician managed to establish a connect with the Kashmiri people.
Even after the abrogation of Article 370 and the conversion of Jammu and Kashmir into two union territories, constant efforts have been made to build confidence among the residents.
7. Mann ki Baat
Mann ki Baat is another big initiative by PM Modi to interact with the general public. It is a radio talk show where the PM talks about a current issue and shares his idea on the same. It is aired officially on All India Radio. From there it is aired and telecasted on various radio and TV channels. Its first episode was aired on October 8, 2014. Till today, a total of 88 episodes have been broadcasted.
8. Ayushman Bharat
Ayushman Bharat is a health insurance scheme launched by PM Modi on September 23, 2018. Under this scheme, every year health coverage of a sum of 5 lakh rupees each will be given to all the beneficiary families. This scheme will cover over 10 crore families who are poor. Till April 2021, 75,532 Ayushman Bharat Health and Wellness Centres were made operational, and 44.24 crore people got treated there. By December 2022, the government is aiming to set up 1.5 lakh Ayushman Bharat Health and Wellness Centres in India.
9. Digital India
Digital India was another big initiative by PM Modi that helped in the development of India. With an increase in internet users every day due to the availability of more data at low prices led to the launch of the Digital India Programme. Through this programme many websites were launched for the ease of the citizens. United Payment Interface (UPI) was also a part of this initiative.
10. Atmanirbhar Bharat- Vocal for Local
PM Modi looked at COVID-19 as a way to create an opportunity for the local products. That’s when he emphasized the importance of being ‘Atmanirbhar’ and urged people to be Vocal for Local. It was done with the aim to promote the local vendors so that they can survive during the economic crisis created due to the pandemic.
