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As the Narendra Modi-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) government marks 11 years in power on 9 June 2025, it celebrates a transformative era defined by ambitious schemes, economic growth, and global prominence.
Guided by the vision / mantra of Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas (Together with All, Development for All), the government claims to have prioritised inclusive development, good governance, and social upliftment.
Meanwhile, opposition parties argue that the period has been marred by unfulfilled promises and socio-economic challenges, overshadowing over the NDA’s achievements.
The Modi government’s flagship initiatives have undeniably reshaped India’s socio-economic landscape.
Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana
The Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (PMAY) has delivered nearly 4 cr houses, with over 92.72 lakh urban homes and 2.77 cr rural homes, 60 pc of which have been allocated to Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes.
Notably, 25.29 pc of rural houses are registered in women’s names, advancing gender equity.
Jal Jeevan Mission
The Jal Jeevan Mission has connected over 15.59 cr rural households to tap water, while the Swachh Bharat Mission has constructed over 12 cr household toilets, with 5.64 lakh villages declared Open Defecation Free.
Ujjwala Yojana
The Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana has empowered 10.33 cr women with LPG connections, reducing health risks from traditional cooking fuels.
The Rise of Economy
Economic achievements have been equally significant. India has surpassed Japan to become the world’s fourth-largest economy, with a nominal GDP of USD 4 trillion, as per the International Monetary Fund (IMF).
The IMF projects India’s economy to grow by 6.2 pc in 2025 and 6.3 pc in 2026, outpacing global peers. Rural living standards have improved, with the World Bank noting that extreme poverty (living on less than $2.15 per day) dropped from 16.2 pc in 2011-12 to 2.3 pc in 2022-23.
Monthly per capita consumption expenditure in rural areas has nearly tripled, from ₹1,430 to ₹4,122 over the same period.
Ayushman Bharat
Social welfare schemes have expanded access to essential services. The Ayushman Bharat scheme, the world’s largest health assurance programme, provides free health insurance to 55 cr Indians, with the Ayushman Vay Vandana extension covering all citizens above 70.
Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana
The Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana has delivered free rations to 81 cr people since April 2020, mitigating economic distress post-Covid. Financial inclusion has surged through the PM Jan Dhan Yojana, with 55.17 cr bank accounts, 30.80 cr held by women. The PM Vishwakarma Scheme has supported 2.37 million artisans, preserving traditional crafts.
Make In India
Under the Modi government, India has bolstered its defence capabilities and emerged as a significant player in global exports. The Make in India initiative has driven indigenous defence production, with projects like the Tejas fighter jet and Arjun tank gaining prominence.
Defence exports have surged from ₹2,000 cr in 2014 to over ₹21,000 cr in 2024, with India exporting to over 85 countries, including BrahMos missiles and patrol vessels, per the Ministry of Defence.
Atmanirbhar Bharat
The Atmanirbhar Bharat campaign has fostered self-reliance, with over 2,000 defence items now produced domestically. Additionally, non-defence exports have grown, with India’s total merchandise and services exports reaching USD 776 billion in 2023-24, a 70% increase since 2014, driven by sectors like electronics and pharmaceuticals, positioning India as a global trade powerhouse.
The government’s e-book, released to commemorate 11 years, underscores its commitment to Vikasvaad (politics of development), positioning India as a global leader in climate action and digital innovation.
Prime Minister Modi, in a post on X, described the era as one of “speed, scale, and sensitivity,” driven by the collective participation of 140 cr Indians. NITI Aayog CEO BVR Subrahmanyam predicted that India could become the third-largest economy within 2-3 years, trailing only the United States and China.
India’s Vikas Yatra, showcased through interesting videos, infographics, articles and more on the NaMo App... Do explore. https://t.co/VdFMHo1pNH#11YearsOfSeva
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) June 9, 2025
Yet, the opposition paints a starkly different picture. The Congress party, led by figures like Jairam Ramesh, has labelled the past 11 years a “decade of broken promises.”
They argue that unemployment remains a pressing issue, with the Centre for Monitoring Indian Economy reporting a 7.8 pc unemployment rate in urban areas in early 2025.
Inflation, particularly in house essential commodities, has strained household budgets, with food inflation hovering around 8 pc in mid-2024, per government data.
Critics also point to declining per capita income relative to India’s GDP growth, highlighting inequality. “While the government boasts of a USD 4 trillion economy, the benefits are concentrated among the elite,” Ramesh stated in a recent press conference.
The opposition further accuses the government of undermining democratic institutions, citing alleged misuse of agencies like the Enforcement Directorate against political rivals. Farmer protests over agricultural reforms and concerns over freedom of expression remain flashpoints.
“The NDA’s governance model prioritises optics over substance,” said Aam Aadmi Party leader Arvind Kejriwal, pointing to gaps in rural job creation and education funding.
As India reflects on 11 years of Modi’s leadership, the narrative is one of contrasts. The government’s achievements in infrastructure, welfare, and global standing are undeniable, yet challenges like unemployment, inequality, and democratic concerns persist.
With an eye on Viksit Bharat (Developed India) by 2047, the path forward will require balancing ambition with inclusivity, ensuring that growth reaches every corner of this diverse nation.