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A decade of transformation: PM Modi's 11-year impact on India
From revoking Article 370 to boost Jammu and Kashmir's integration and tourism, to launching Operation Sindoor against cross-border terrorism, Modi's bold policies have redefined India's security and economic landscape read more
On the evening of May 26, 2014, Narendra Modi, took oath as the 15th Prime Minister of India at a grand ceremony held in the forecourt of Rashtrapati Bhavan. PTI
Over the past eleven years, Prime Minister Narendra Modi's leadership has reshaped India's trajectory, driving transformative change across multiple domains. From revoking Article 370 to boost Jammu and Kashmir's integration and tourism, to launching Operation Sindoor against cross-border terrorism, Modi's bold policies have redefined India's security and economic landscape. His government's focus on income tax relief, modernised criminal justice through laws like the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, and military integration via theaterisation reflect a commitment to progress. With unprecedented success in curbing Maoist insurgency and fostering infrastructure growth, Modi's vision has positioned India as a stronger, more cohesive nation on the global stage.
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New Income tax law: The Narendra Modi government 3.0 continued the focus since 2014 on providing income tax relief for salaried individuals, moving away from the approach of minimal tax savings for the middle class. In the Union Budget 2025-26, presented by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, no income tax is payable on a total income up to Rs 12 lakh (equivalent to an average monthly income of Rs 1 lakh, excluding special rate income like capital gains) under the new tax regime. For salaried taxpayers, this limit rises to Rs 12.75 lakh due to a standard deduction of Rs 75,000. The increase in the income tax exemption limit under the new regime, from Rs 7 lakh to Rs 12 lakh annually, marked the largest jump since 2005 during the UPA era.
New currency: In a sweeping move, the Indian government announced demonetisation drive in 2016 and discontinued old currency notes of Rs 500 and 1,000. The government said it was aimed at curbing black money circulation in the Indian economy. Additionally, the move spurred growth in India's digital economy. It led to increase in digital transactions through UPI (Unified Payment Interface), which is often cited as a milestone that even developed nations couldn't reach.
New penal code: The Modi government last year overhauled the country's criminal justice system with the introduction of new penal code, called Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita 2023 (BNS). It was a groundbreaking initiative aimed at reforming and modernising India's antiquated criminal justice system. It was thoroughly reviewed by the Standing Committee on Home Affairs to ensure thorough examination and effective implementation.
New criminal procedure code: The Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023, replaced the 1898 Criminal Procedure Code (CrPC), introducing major reforms to improve the criminal justice system's processes. It modernised investigation and trial procedures, boosts law enforcement efficiency and transparency, and aims for quicker justice delivery. The new law formalised and expanded the Zero FIR concept, allowing complaints to be filed at any police station, regardless of jurisdiction, with the case then transferred to the relevant station.
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New banking code: The Indian government in 2018 issued a new 'Code of Bank's Commitment to Customers' to make sure the consumers' rights in the dynamic banking environment are well preserved and protected. Banking Codes and Standards Board of India (BCSBI) said the new code was aimed at protecting interests of consumers embracing digital transactions. 'The banks and customers are adopting measures to provide a secure banking environment, in spite of all the precautions taken by various stakeholders as there are instances of unauthorised electronic transactions,' the institution said in a statement.
Insolvency law: The Modi government enacted the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code (IBC) in 2016, providing a streamlined framework for resolving insolvency and bankruptcy proceedings in the country. The code developed a unified process for companies, individuals, and partnership firms in the matters related to insolvency, liquidation, and bankruptcy. The law also attempted to balance the interests of various stakeholders, including creditors, debtors, and the government, especially regarding the order of priority for government dues.
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Kashmir integration: From the unrest in Srinagar to a record-breaking influx of tourists in Gulmarg, and from surgical strikes to improved highway connectivity, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has transformed Jammu and Kashmir's trajectory in the last 11 years. On August 5, 2019, Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah revoked Article 370 and 35A, ending J&K's special status and reorganising the state into two Union Territories: Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh. Since then, investment proposals worth over Rs 56,000 crore have poured in, and J&K saw an all-time high of 2 crore tourists in 2023.
New counter-terror deterrence: India has adopted a firm stance against cross-border terrorism from Pakistan, ensuring that perpetrators face consequences. India's new anti-terror doctrine, as specified under Operation Sindoor, stresses that that no one in Pakistan can assume they can attack Indian citizens without repercussions. There will be a price to pay, and that price has been going up systematically. This reflects India's evolved strategy to decisively counter terrorism, moving beyond diplomacy to direct action. The operation marked a shift in India's counter-terrorism strategy, building on earlier actions like the 2016 Uri surgical strikes and 2019 Balakot airstrike. Unlike those, Sindoor was broader, targeting sites deep in Pakistan's Punjab province and PoK, signalling India's readiness to conduct pre-emptive strikes.
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Rise of economic rank: PM Modi last month announced that India now had become the world's fourth-largest economy, surpassing Japan. The Prime Minister's remark came days after NITI Aayog CEO BVR Subrahmanyam announced that India's economy had reached the $4 trillion mark. In 2014, India was the world's 11th largest economy. PM Modi said that his government was now under pressure to touch the third spot.
Moon landing: In a historic moment for India, the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO)'s Vikram lander successfully soft-landed on Moon's south pole in August 2023. India scripted history by becoming the first country to land the ISRO's Chandrayaan-3 spacecraft on the Moon's south pole. 'Every Indian is celebrating today. Every home is celebrating. I am also connected to the people of my country at this proud moment. It is the dawn of a new era,' PM Modi said back then.
Theaterisation in Indian armed forces: Starting January 1, the heads of the Indian Army, Air Force, and Navy have embraced a new practice, signalling their commitment to theaterisation. Though it may appear symbolic, defence experts view this as a key step, showing the military's readiness to integrate under joint theatre commands and move toward a more unified and strengthened force.
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Fight against Maoist insurgency: India has made remarkable progress in its fight against the long-standing Maoist insurgency, achieving significant success in curbing Left-Wing Extremism (LWE) through the determined and strategic leadership of the government. These achievements stem from a relentless and well-coordinated campaign initiated under Modi's government. Supported by accurate intelligence and elite units like the District Reserve Guard (DRG), Special Task Force (STF), and CoBRA (Commando Battalion for Resolute Action), security forces have executed precise operations in Maoist strongholds, such as the Indravati Tiger Reserve.