Modi government

The Modi Government refers to the administration led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who assumed office on 26 May 2014 following a decisive victory of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in the 16th Lok Sabha elections. His leadership marked a significant political and economic transformation in India, characterised by emphasis on governance reforms, economic modernisation, digital empowerment, and a vision of national self-reliance. The government has since served two consecutive terms — the first from 2014 to 2019 and the second from 2019 onwards — shaping India’s domestic and international policies in profound ways.

Background and Rise to Power

Before becoming Prime Minister, Narendra Modi served as the Chief Minister of Gujarat (2001–2014), where his governance model focused on industrialisation, infrastructure development, and efficient administration. His image as a strong, development-oriented leader appealed to a wide electorate seeking economic revival and corruption-free governance following a decade of coalition politics.
The 2014 general election marked a watershed moment in Indian politics:

• The BJP secured an absolute majority with 282 out of 543 Lok Sabha seats, the first single-party majority in three decades.
• The campaign slogan “Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas” (Together with all, Development for all) resonated widely.
• The Modi Government replaced the United Progressive Alliance (UPA) led by the Indian National Congress.

In 2019, the Modi-led BJP won a stronger mandate with 303 seats, reaffirming public support for his leadership and policy direction.

Core Ideology and Vision

The Modi Government’s philosophy combines nationalism, economic reform, governance efficiency, and social welfare. It seeks to position India as a self-reliant, globally competitive, and culturally confident nation through policies that blend tradition with modernity.
The core ideological pillars include:

• Good Governance (Minimum Government, Maximum Governance)
• Economic Growth and Self-Reliance (Atmanirbhar Bharat)
• Digital Transformation and Technological Empowerment
• National Security and Border Strengthening
• Cultural Renaissance and Social Unity
• Inclusive Development and Social Justice

Major Policy Initiatives and Reforms

1. Economic and Financial Reforms

• Goods and Services Tax (GST): Introduced in 2017 as a unified indirect tax system, replacing multiple state and central taxes, thereby creating a single national market.
• Demonetisation (2016): Withdrawal of ₹500 and ₹1000 notes to curb black money, counterfeit currency, and promote digital transactions.
• Make in India (2014): Initiative to promote manufacturing, attract foreign investment, and enhance India’s industrial base.
• Atmanirbhar Bharat Abhiyan (2020): A post-pandemic self-reliance campaign to boost domestic production, innovation, and local entrepreneurship.
• Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code (IBC, 2016): Framework for resolving corporate insolvencies efficiently.
• Jan Dhan Yojana: Massive financial inclusion programme to open zero-balance bank accounts for the unbanked population.

2. Infrastructure and Development

• Smart Cities Mission: Development of modern urban infrastructure through technology and sustainability.
• AMRUT Scheme: Improvement of urban water supply and sewerage networks.
• Bharatmala and Sagarmala Projects: Expansion of road and port connectivity across India.
• Ujjwala Yojana: Distribution of LPG connections to poor households to reduce dependence on biomass fuels.
• PM Awas Yojana: Affordable housing for all, targeting urban and rural poor.
• PM Gati Shakti Plan: Integrated infrastructure development using digital coordination.

3. Digital and Technological Transformation

• Digital India: Launched in 2015 to improve online governance, digital literacy, and e-services.
• Unified Payments Interface (UPI): Revolutionised digital payments, enabling secure, real-time transactions.
• Startup India and Stand-Up India: Encouragement of innovation, entrepreneurship, and job creation.
• Aadhaar Integration: Expansion of biometric-based identification for welfare delivery and financial inclusion.

4. Social Welfare and Health

• Ayushman Bharat – Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (PM-JAY): World’s largest government-funded health insurance scheme, offering coverage of ₹5 lakh per family per year.
• Swachh Bharat Abhiyan: Nationwide cleanliness and sanitation campaign (2014–2019), achieving Open Defecation Free (ODF) status.
• Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao: Promoting gender equality, education, and protection of the girl child.
• PM-Kisan Samman Nidhi: Direct income support scheme for farmers.
• National Education Policy (2020): Overhaul of India’s education system to emphasise flexibility, innovation, and skill development.
• Skill India Mission: Training initiatives to develop a skilled workforce for modern industries.

5. Governance and Institutional Reforms

• Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT): Integration of welfare schemes with Aadhaar and Jan Dhan accounts to eliminate middlemen and leakages.
• Abolition of Planning Commission: Replaced by NITI Aayog, promoting cooperative federalism and data-driven policy formulation.
• Civil Service Reforms: Focus on performance evaluation, mission-mode training, and e-governance for transparency.
• Digital Governance Platforms: Expansion of portals like e-NAM (for farmers), UMANG, and MyGov.

6. Foreign Policy and Global Engagement

The Modi Government pursued an active foreign policy with emphasis on national security, diaspora outreach, and regional cooperation:

• Strengthened strategic partnerships with major powers such as the United States, Japan, and France.
• Promoted Neighbourhood First Policy and engagement with South Asian countries.
• Enhanced participation in global forums like G20, BRICS, and Quad.
• Assertive diplomacy on issues like cross-border terrorism and climate change.
• Improved defence capabilities through initiatives like Make in India in Defence and acquisition of advanced weapon systems.

7. Environmental and Rural Development

• Namami Gange Mission: Clean-up and rejuvenation of the River Ganga.
• International Solar Alliance (ISA): Global initiative to promote solar energy, co-founded by India.
• Jal Jeevan Mission: Provision of piped drinking water to rural households.
• Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchai Yojana: Expansion of irrigation coverage through “Har Khet Ko Pani.”

Second Term (2019–Present): Consolidation and Expansion

The Modi Government’s second term continued major reforms and introduced new policy measures. Key highlights include:

• Abrogation of Article 370 (2019): Revoked Jammu and Kashmir’s special status, integrating it fully into the Indian Union.
• Citizenship Amendment Act (2019): Provided a pathway to citizenship for persecuted minorities from neighbouring countries.
• Farm Laws (2020): Introduced agricultural market reforms (later repealed after nationwide protests).
• COVID-19 Management and Vaccination Drive: World’s largest vaccination campaign, with over 2 billion doses administered.
• PM Gati Shakti and National Infrastructure Pipeline: Accelerated infrastructure investments.
• Vocal for Local: Promotion of indigenous industries and local products.

Achievements

• Strong macroeconomic fundamentals, with India emerging as one of the fastest-growing major economies.
• Expansion of welfare reach, ensuring direct benefits to millions through digital platforms.
• Improved ease of doing business, ranking India among the top global reformers.
• Enhanced global standing, portraying India as a confident and assertive global player.
• Infrastructural transformation, especially in transport, power, and digital connectivity.

Criticisms and Challenges

While widely credited for efficiency and scale of reforms, the Modi Government has also faced criticism on certain fronts:

• Economic concerns: Slowdown in job creation and rural distress despite high GDP growth.
• Social polarisation: Accusations of divisive politics and erosion of secular values.
• Centralisation of power: Concerns over weakening of institutional autonomy and federal balance.
• Environmental issues: Rapid industrialisation and infrastructure expansion raising sustainability concerns.
• Civil liberties: Allegations of media control and shrinking space for dissent.