As Prime Minister Narendra Modi enters the 11th year of his government that began in 2014, India stands transformed by a series of bold and far-reaching reforms. In the span of these 11 years, the Modi government has reshaped India’s development trajectory with decisive governance. From manufacturing to national security, digital transformation to cultural revival, these landmark initiatives reflect a vision of self-reliance, empowerment, and unity. This chronicle captures eleven defining moves that have left a lasting imprint on India’s growth story.
Make in India – Boost to Manufacturing and Investment
Launched in 2014, Make in India aims to transform India into a global manufacturing hub by attracting FDI, promoting indigenous production, and generating employment. It has streamlined regulations, fostered innovation, and elevated India as the world’s second most attractive manufacturing destination. In sectors like electronics, manufacturing has surged, exports have increased, and new jobs have been created. The initiative’s shift from ‘Make in India’ to ‘Made in India’ highlights growing self-reliance and global industrial credibility.
PM Mudra Yojana – Financial Inclusion for the Underserved
Launched in 2015, the PM Mudra Yojana (PMMY) provides collateral-free loans up to ₹10 lakh to micro and small enterprises. By early 2025, it disbursed over ₹32.4 lakh crore through 52 crore loans. Women constituted 68% of beneficiaries, and nearly half the loans supported SC, ST, and OBC communities. With an increase in average loan size, the scheme reflects growing micro-business aspirations. Tamil Nadu, Uttar Pradesh, and Karnataka reported the highest disbursements.
Demonetisation – Path to Financial Transparency
On November 8, 2016, India demonetised Rs 500 and Rs 1000 notes to combat black money, fake currency, terror funding, and to push digital payments. It led to a 24.7 per cent rise in income tax returns and 41.8 per cent growth in advance tax collections. ‘Operation Clean Money’ identified 18 lakh suspect accounts, uncovering Rs17,526 crore in undisclosed income. The move spurred digital payment adoption; debit card transactions rose from Rs 1.6 to Rs 2.4 lakh crore in a year, aided by the BHIM app and UPI.
Goods and Services Tax (GST) – A Unified Tax Regime
Introduced on July 1, 2017, GST replaced multiple indirect taxes with a unified system. It removed tax barriers, enabled input credit, and improved interstate trade. In FY 2023–24, GST collections hit Rs 20.18 lakh crore, an 11.7 per cent rise from the previous year, driven by a 14.2 per cent surge in domestic transactions. The reform streamlined compliance, improved transparency, and strengthened the economic fabric.
Digital India & UPI – Transforming Transactions
Initiatives like BHIM, Aadhaar, and UPI revolutionised India’s payment ecosystem. In FY 2024–25, UPI processed 173.6 billion transactions worth over Rs 22 lakh crore monthly, with January 2025 setting a record at 16.99 billion transactions. UPI’s share in digital payments surged from 34 per cent in 2019 to 83 per cent in 2024. Its ease of use, real-time settlement, and broad integration—from transport to insurance—have driven financial inclusion and made India a global leader in digital finance.
Ayushman Bharat – World’s Largest Health Assurance Scheme
Launched in 2018, Ayushman Bharat PM-JAY offers Rs 5 lakh health coverage per family for secondary and tertiary care. By March 2025, over 36.9 crore Ayushman cards had been issued. From 2015 to 2022, public health expenditure rose from 29 per cent to 48 per cent, while out-of-pocket spending fell to 39.4 per cent, saving over Rs 1.25 lakh crore. The scheme now includes all citizens aged 70+ and frontline workers, broadening access and strengthening healthcare equity.
Abrogation of Article 370 – Reinforcing National Integration
On August 5, 2019, Article 370 was abrogated, ending Jammu and Kashmir’s special status and integrating it fully with the Indian Union. This move removed a longstanding vulnerability, reduced international interference, and allowed the application of central laws and welfare schemes in the region. It fostered equal citizenship, strengthened governance, and advanced national unity.
Uri, Balakot, Operation Sindoor & Black Forest – A Bold Security Doctrine
The Modi government adopted an assertive defence stance with the 2016 Surgical Strikes after the Uri attack, and the 2019 Balakot Airstrike after Pulwama, targeting terrorist camps across the LoC in Pakistan. Operation Sindoor in 2024 retaliated against the Pahalgam attack, destroying nine camps in PoK and Pakistan. It showcased indigenous military capability and the involvement of women officers in defence leadership, reflecting self-reliance and empowerment.
Operation Black Forest, launched on April 21, 2025, was a major 21-day joint offensive by over 10,000 personnel from India’s Central Armed Police Forces and state police, targeting Maoist insurgents in the Karreguttalu Hills on the Chhattisgarh–Telangana border. The operation aimed to dismantle Maoist strongholds and leadership networks, resulting in the elimination of 31 Maoists, including top leaders such as Nambala Keshav Rao (Basavaraju), the General Secretary of the CPI (Maoist). Security forces recovered around 450 IEDs, two tonnes of explosives, and a large cache of weapons and ammunition. Union Home Minister Amit Shah described the operation as a landmark success in India’s efforts to eliminate Naxalism by 2026.
Aatma Nirbhar Bharat – Mission for Self-Reliance
Launched post-COVID, Aatma Nirbhar Bharat aims to reduce import dependence and boost local manufacturing, especially for MSMEs. It has proved a major success for example, the Defence exports rose from Rs 686 crore in 2013–14 to Rs 21,083 crore in 2023–24—a 30-fold increase. Over 2014–24, defence exports grew from Rs 4,312 crore to ₹88,319 crore. Key exports include bulletproof jackets, Do-228 aircraft, and torpedoes, establishing India’s global presence in defence manufacturing.
Agnipath Scheme – Youth Empowerment Through Military Service
Introduced in June 2022, the Agnipath Scheme recruits youth aged 17.5 to 21 as Agniveers for four years, with 25 per cent retained based on merit. The scheme fosters discipline and offers a Rs 4.76 lakh annual salary Rs 11.71 lakh Seva Nidhi exit package, and ₹48 lakh life insurance. Beyond defence service, it equips youth with valuable skills for future careers, making it a platform for empowerment and nation-building.
Cultural Renaissance – Ram Mandir, Kashi & Mahakal Corridors
The government revived India’s spiritual heritage through monumental projects. The Ayodhya Ram Mandir, consecrated in 2024, fulfilled a long-awaited cultural aspiration. The Kashi Vishwanath Dham transformed Varanasi’s temple precinct, while the Mahakal Lok Corridor revitalised Ujjain’s Mahakaleshwar shrine. These efforts blend tradition with modern infrastructure, boosting religious tourism and civilisational pride.
Apart from these path breaking accomplishments, PM Narendra Modi-led government made its mark in the international arena as well as in the field of foreign policy. One such accomplishment was successfully holding the G-20 summit in India. Also, India has been at the forefront at extending humanitarian aid to various countries in time of need, thereby winning accolades from leaders from across the world.
Over the past 11 years, the Modi government has implemented transformative policies across diverse sectors, economy, defence, health, digital infrastructure, and culture, reflecting a blend of ambition, assertiveness, and grassroots focus. From boosting indigenous manufacturing and financial inclusion to reshaping national security and reviving India’s civilisational heritage, these initiatives have redefined governance and citizen engagement. Schemes like Ayushman Bharat, UPI, and Aatma Nirbhar Bharat have empowered millions, while bold moves like the abrogation of Article 370 and Operation Black Forest underscore a new strategic doctrine. Together, these pathbreaking decisions chart a decisive roadmap for a stronger, self-reliant, and aspirational India, poised for global leadership and inclusive growth in the years ahead.
Comments