Popularity, policy, and impact: The Narendra Modi model after 11 years

Time of India

8 hours ago

File photo: PM Modi (Photo: ANI)
By: Durgesh Upadhyay
From 2014 to 2025, Prime Minister
Narendra Modi
's government has undertaken several major policy decisions, developmental initiatives, and impactful global engagements.
Let us reflect on some of the key highlights from these 11 years.
Economic reforms and infrastructure development
One of the most significant reforms was the implementation of the
Goods and Services Tax
(GST) in 2017, establishing a unified tax regime under the concept of One Nation, One Tax. This was a revolutionary change that streamlined the taxation system and strengthened the working dynamics of businesses across the country.
To boost industrial investment and position India as a global manufacturing hub, the
Make in India
campaign was launched.
This initiative quickly gained nationwide momentum and engaged citizens across all strata. Although some criticized the execution process, its impact was widely recognized.
Simultaneously, the
Digital India
initiative built a comprehensive digital infrastructure aimed at expanding internet access, promoting digital payments, and bringing government services online. This ambitious project transformed the way citizens interact with technology, and today, even street vendors and rickshaw pullers are commonly seen using platforms like Paytm and PhonePe.
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In terms of infrastructure, the Modi government has significantly advanced India's core sectors. Noteworthy developments include the bullet train project, the Delhi-Mumbai Expressway, and modernization of the railway network. The number of expressways in India has increased substantially, transforming national connectivity.
Social welfare and public schemes
On the social front, the Ujjwala Yojana provided free LPG connections to millions of underprivileged women, improving household health and hygiene.
This initiative brought transformative changes to the lives of countless families. In the healthcare domain, the Ayushman Bharat scheme emerged as the world's largest government-funded health insurance program, providing free medical treatment to millions.
This marked a significant step toward improving healthcare access for the underprivileged.
Modi's vision has earned praise particularly for its focus on the poor, farmers, youth, and women empowerment.
While political criticism is inevitable, it is clear that many of the government's schemes were designed with the common citizen at the center.
A key example is the PM-KISAN Samman Nidhi, under which ₹6,000 is transferred annually to farmers' bank accounts. This scheme not only provided direct financial support but also eliminated middlemen through Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT), ensuring transparency.
Another landmark initiative is the
Swachh Bharat Mission
, under which millions of toilets were built across the country, significantly reducing open defecation and fostering a national mindset shift toward cleanliness.
Foreign policy and national security
India's global stature also saw a major rise under Modi's leadership. India has played an influential role in global forums such as G20, BRICS, and the QUAD. Prime Minister Modi has earned respect on the international stage, and the perception of India and Indians has notably improved worldwide.
In terms of national security, India demonstrated its capability to respond decisively to threats. The 2016 surgical strike and the 2019 Balakot airstrike reflected a bold shift in defense strategy. Under the
Atmanirbhar Bharat
initiative, self-reliance in defense production has been prioritized.
Indigenous manufacturing of weapons and equipment, such as the supersonic BrahMos missile now being produced in Lucknow, is a testament to this progress.
Constitutional and political reforms
The government has enacted several historic constitutional and political changes over the last 11 years. The most prominent was the abrogation of Article 370 in 2019, which revoked Jammu & Kashmir's special status and reorganized it into two Union Territories — a move widely regarded as historic.
By criminalizing triple talaq, the Modi government upheld gender equality and offered significant relief to Muslim women, a decision that sparked much discussion and praise.
Another controversial but impactful move was the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA), which was introduced to provide citizenship to persecuted minorities from neighboring countries. Despite the political debates it stirred, the policy marked a major shift in India's approach to citizenship.
Environment, energy, and global humanitarianism
In the fields of energy and the environment, the Modi government has made substantial strides. It led the establishment of the International Solar Alliance (ISA), positioning India as a global leader in renewable energy. Additionally, the widespread distribution of LED bulbs under government schemes has significantly reduced electricity consumption.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, India launched the world's largest vaccination campaign, effectively managing vaccine distribution through the digital platform CoWIN.
India also supplied vaccines to various countries, reflecting a commitment to global humanitarian efforts.
Conclusion
Over the past 11 years, Prime Minister Narendra Modi's government has sought to redefine India's path across economic, technological, social, and global spheres. While these policies have attracted both support and criticism, it is undeniable that the Modi era has brought about a significant transformation in India's political landscape and governance style.
(The writer is a Lucknow-based journalist and political commentator )
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