For more than sixty years following India’s independence, a significant portion of the population, exceeding a billion individuals, endured a State of deprivation concerning basic socio-economic necessities. This prolonged deprivation hindered any meaningful advancement in their quality of life. Despite periodic political promises of poverty eradication and ensuring essentials like food, clothing, and shelter, progress remained stagnant until 2014, primarily due to bureaucratic inertia and policy paralysis.
The arrival of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Government in 2014 marked a turning point in India’s socio-economic landscape. Under his leadership, a series of ambitious welfare programs were introduced, designed to address the multifaceted challenges faced by the populace. Unlike the short-sighted approach of doling out freebies commonly observed during election seasons by various State Governments, PM Modi’s administration opted for a more sustainable path. These welfare initiatives were carefully crafted to deliver not just immediate relief but also to catalyse long-term economic empowerment for households across the nation.
The hallmark of Modi’s governance strategy has been the emphasis on fostering self-reliance, or “Aatmanirbharta,” among the Indian populace. Instead of perpetuating a culture of dependency on the State, the Government has endeavoured to unleash the latent potential within individuals and communities. By providing targeted support through welfare programs, households have been empowered to break free from the shackles of prolonged reliance on governmental assistance, thereby fostering a sense of self-sufficiency and dignity among the citizens.
PM Awas Yojana
Under the PM Awas Yojana, the Government has embarked on a monumental task of securing homes for four crore families across the nation. This ambitious initiative aims to provide affordable housing solutions, ensuring that millions of families have access to safe and secure shelter. By addressing the housing needs of such a vast number of households, the program not only uplifts the living standards of individuals but also contributes significantly to the overall socio-economic development of the country. Through strategic planning and implementation, PM Awas Yojana stands as a beacon of hope, promising a brighter and more secure future for countless families in India.
Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana
The Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana (PMGKAY) has been instrumental in ensuring that 80 crore people across India do not sleep hungry. This scheme, initiated to alleviate the impact of the COVID 19 pandemic, has provided essential food grains to those in need, thereby addressing food insecurity for millions. By prioritising the welfare of vulnerable communities, PMGKAY has demonstrated the Government’s commitment to ensuring no one goes without basic sustenance, particularly during times of crisis. Through its comprehensive reach and effective implementation, PMGKAY has significantly contributed to mitigating hunger and promoting food security throughout the nation.
Uplifted from multidimensional poverty
Since 2014, an impressive 25 crore people have been uplifted from multidimensional poverty, marking a significant milestone in India’s development journey. This achievement reflects the commitment of various governmental initiatives and policies aimed at addressing the root causes of poverty and promoting inclusive growth. Through targeted interventions in sectors such as education, healthcare, infrastructure, and social welfare, millions of individuals and families have been provided with opportunities to improve their livelihoods and break free from the cycle of deprivation. This remarkable progress underscores the collective effort and determination of the nation towards building a more equitable and prosperous society for all its citizens.
The Jal Jeevan Mission
The Jal Jeevan Mission has brought significant benefits to over 14 crore rural families across India. By providing access to clean and potable water, the mission has not only improved health outcomes but also enhanced livelihood opportunities and promoted overall socio-economic development in rural areas. Access to clean water is fundamental to human well-being, and the mission’s reach has been pivotal in ensuring that communities have a sustainable and reliable source of safe drinking water, empowering them to thrive and prosper.
The Swachh Bharat Mission
The Swachh Bharat Mission, launched in India, aims to ensure better hygiene by constructing 12 crore toilets across the country. This ambitious initiative recognises the fundamental importance of sanitation in improving public health and quality of life. By providing access to clean and safe toilets, the mission not only addresses a basic human need but also tackles issues such as open defecation, which can lead to the spread of diseases. Through concerted efforts and community involvement, Swachh Bharat endeavours to create a cleaner and healthier environment for all citizens.
Direct Benefit Transfers
Since 2014, India has witnessed a significant implementation of secularism in action through the disbursement of Direct Benefit Transfers (DBTs), amounting to a staggering Rs 34 lakh crore. This strategic initiative aims to ensure the equitable distribution of resources and opportunities across the diverse socio-economic landscape of the nation. By directly transferring subsidies and welfare benefits to the bank accounts of eligible beneficiaries, irrespective of their religious or caste affiliations, the Government endeavours to foster inclusivity and mitigate disparities. Such a comprehensive approach underscores the commitment to secular governance, emphasising equal treatment and opportunities for all citizens, regardless of their background or beliefs. Through the effective execution of DBTs, India strides towards a more just and inclusive society, realising the principles of secularism in tangible actions that positively impact the lives of millions.
The Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana
The Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB-PMJAY) has emerged as a crucial lifeline for millions of impoverished individuals across India, providing them with access to quality healthcare services without the burden of financial strain. With an estimated savings of Rs 77,000 crore, this initiative has not only alleviated the economic burden on the poor but has also significantly contributed to their overall well-being. By covering a wide range of medical treatments and procedures, AB-PMJAY has ensured that families living below the poverty line can receive timely and adequate healthcare, thus preventing catastrophic health expenses and empowering them to lead healthier lives. This substantial saving underscores the transformative impact of AB-PMJAY in safeguarding the health and financial stability of vulnerable populations, marking a significant stride towards achieving universal healthcare coverage in India.
The SAUBHAGYA Yojana
The SAUBHAGYA (Pradhan Mantri Sahaj Bijli Har Ghar Yojana) initiative in India aims to achieve 100 per cent rural electrification. Launched in 2017, this ambitious program strives to bring electricity to every household in rural areas, ensuring access to power for cooking, lighting, and other essential needs. Through extensive infrastructure development and electrification efforts, SAUBHAGYA Yojana aims to enhance the quality of life for millions of rural inhabitants, fostering economic growth and social development across the country. This initiative underscores the Government’s commitment to bridging the urban-rural divide and promoting inclusive progress by providing electricity to every corner of rural India.
DBT on Subsidised LPG
Direct Benefit Transfers (DBT) on subsidised LPG were introduced in 2014 with the aim of streamlining the distribution process. However, due to insufficient banking penetration, the initiative was discontinued in 2022. Despite this setback, significant savings of Rs 73,000 crore were achieved through DBTs, demonstrating the potential effectiveness of such programs in optimising subsidy distribution and fiscal management.
The PM Gram Sadak Yojana
The Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY) has proven to be a cornerstone in the infrastructural development of rural India. Since its inception in 2000, it has made remarkable strides, with significant progress observed over the years. In 2014, only 55 per cent of villages were connected by roads, highlighting the glaring gap in rural connectivity. However, as of 2023, an impressive 99 per cent of villages have been linked by roads, showcasing the program’s effectiveness and commitment to bridging the rural-urban divide. This monumental achievement not only signifies improved access to essential services and markets for rural communities but also heralds a new era of socio-economic development and empowerment. The PMGSY’s success underscores the Government’s dedication to fostering inclusive growth and transforming the landscape of rural India through robust infrastructure, paving the way for prosperity and progress in every corner of the country.
Jan Aushadhi Kendra
Since its inception in 2014, the Jan Aushadhi Kendras initiative has been pivotal in providing affordable and high-quality medicines to all sections of society. Initially launched with just 80 stores, the program experienced remarkable growth, with the number of stores soaring to 10,000 by 2022. This exponential expansion signifies the widespread acceptance and success of the initiative, ensuring accessibility to essential medications for millions across the country. By offering generic alternatives at lower prices, Jan Aushadhi Kendras have played a crucial role in making healthcare more accessible and affordable, thereby significantly impacting the well-being of citizens nationwide.
Over the past decade, there has been a significant improvement in the average per-day power supply in rural areas. In 2014, the average supply stood at 12.30 hours per day, a figure that has seen a remarkable increase by 2024, reaching 22.30 hours per day. This surge indicates a commendable effort in bolstering infrastructure and enhancing access to electricity, contributing to the socio-economic development and improved living standards of rural communities. Such progress underscores the importance of ongoing initiatives aimed at ensuring reliable and sustainable power supply across rural regions, thereby bridging the gap between urban and rural areas in terms of access to essential services and opportunities.
● India’s journey towards holistic development is exemplified by its commitment to achieving 100 per cent saturation and satisfaction across various sectors. From the ambitious goal of providing access to clean water from toilets to taps to ensuring financial inclusion through over 51 crore Jan Dhan accounts, the nation is steadfast in its march towards progress. This transformation is not just about numbers but about uplifting the lives of over 80 crore people, paving the way for a developed India, a vision encapsulated in the concept of ‘Sankalp Se Siddhi’.
● In a testament to the Government’s resolve to minimise monetary leakages, the contrast between 15 paise and a staggering Rs 34 lakh crore underscores the efficiency of India’s economic systems. This zero tolerance for financial irregularities has empowered billions of Indians, ensuring that resources are utilised effectively for the nation’s advancement.
● The Tribal Cooperative Marketing Development Federation of India (TRIFED) stands as a beacon of empowerment for over 3 lakh tribal artisan families. With a robust retail sales network reaching 44 crore, TRIFED not only promotes indigenous crafts but also ensures sustainable livelihoods. The substantial outlay of Rs 24,104 crore under the Prime Minister’s Jan Man Dhan Yojana further fortifies this commitment to uplift tribal communities.
● With the introduction of Prime Minister Vishwakarma, India’s artisan community is poised for greater prominence on the global stage. Supporting 84 lakh artisans and facilitating 18 additional traditional trades through improved access to finance, the Government aims to bolster India’s position in the global handicraft bazaars. This initiative not only preserves heritage crafts but also fosters economic growth at the grassroots level.
● India’s economic landscape is witnessing a remarkable shift as more individuals ascend the income ladder. With the number of people in the higher-income category (over US$ 10,000) projected to reach ten crore by 2027, compared to 6 crore presently, the nation is witnessing unprecedented socio-economic mobility. This upward trajectory reflects the fruits of India’s sustained efforts towards economic empowerment and inclusive growth.
● The implementation of the One Nation One Ration Card (ONORC) service marks a significant stride towards ensuring food security for all citizens. With over 2.5 crore portability transactions recorded monthly under the Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana (PMGKAY), seamless access to subsidised ration is guaranteed across the nation. This initiative not only addresses food insecurity but also promotes social cohesion and inclusivity.
Through strategic and sustainable welfare initiatives, Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Government has ushered in a new era of socio-economic empowerment in India. From providing affordable housing and ensuring food security to improving healthcare access and enhancing infrastructure, these initiatives have uplifted millions from poverty and deprivation. With a focus on self-reliance and inclusive growth, India is on a trajectory towards holistic development, promising a brighter and more prosperous future for all its citizens.
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