Since coming to power in 2014, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has implemented a wide range of policies and initiatives aimed at transforming India's socio-economic landscape. As the country prepares for the 2024 general elections, it is essential to evaluate the achievements of the BJP government over the past decade. This article provides a data-backed overview of some of the key accomplishments in various sectors.
Economic Growth and Reforms
1. GDP Growth: From 2014 to 2019, India's GDP growth averaged around 7%, making it one of the fastest-growing major economies in the world. Although the COVID-19 pandemic caused a contraction in 2020, the economy has shown signs of recovery with a growth rate of 9.2% in 2021-22.
2. Goods and Services Tax (GST): Introduced in July 2017, GST replaced a complex web of taxes with a single, streamlined tax system. This reform has simplified compliance for businesses and increased the ease of doing business in India. According to government data, GST collections have consistently surpassed ₹1 lakh crore per month, indicating robust economic activity.
3. Digital Economy: The Digital India initiative has significantly expanded internet access and digital services. By 2023, India had over 825 million internet users, a massive increase from 250 million in 2014. The Unified Payments Interface (UPI), launched in 2016, has revolutionized digital payments, with transactions crossing ₹10 trillion monthly by 2022.
Infrastructure Development
1. Highway Construction: Under the Bharatmala Pariyojana, the BJP government has focused on expanding and upgrading the national highway network. Between 2014 and 2021, the average annual construction of national highways increased from 4,410 km to 13,327 km.
2. Rural Roads: The Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY) has provided all-weather road connectivity to thousands of rural habitations. By 2022, more than 630,000 km of rural roads had been constructed, benefiting millions of rural residents.
3. Urban Development: The Smart Cities Mission, launched in 2015, aims to develop 100 smart cities across India. These cities are being equipped with modern infrastructure, efficient public services, and sustainable development practices. As of 2023, projects worth ₹1.8 lakh crore have been completed under this mission.
Social Welfare Programs
1. Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (PMAY): Launched in 2015, PMAY aims to provide affordable housing for all. By 2023, over 31 million houses had been sanctioned under PMAY-Gramin and PMAY-Urban, with millions already completed and occupied.
2. Ayushman Bharat: The Ayushman Bharat scheme, launched in 2018, provides health coverage of up to ₹5 lakh per family per year for secondary and tertiary care hospitalization. As of 2023, more than 200 million health cards had been issued, and over 27 million hospital admissions had been covered under the scheme.
3. Swachh Bharat Mission: Launched in 2014, this mission aimed to make India open defecation free (ODF) and improve solid waste management. By 2019, India declared itself ODF, with over 110 million toilets constructed in rural and urban areas.
Agriculture and Rural Development
1. PM-Kisan Scheme: Launched in 2019, the Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi (PM-Kisan) provides income support of ₹6,000 per year to small and marginal farmers. By 2023, over ₹2 lakh crore had been disbursed to more than 110 million farmers.
2. Soil Health Card Scheme: Since its launch in 2015, over 230 million soil health cards have been issued to farmers. This initiative helps farmers understand the nutrient status of their soil and adopt appropriate farming practices, leading to increased productivity.
3. Micro Irrigation: The Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchai Yojana (PMKSY) aims to enhance water use efficiency in agriculture. By 2022, over 1.5 million hectares had been brought under micro-irrigation, improving crop yields and water conservation.
Energy and Environment
1. Renewable Energy: India has made significant strides in renewable energy, with installed renewable energy capacity increasing from 36 GW in 2014 to over 150 GW in 2023. The International Solar Alliance, initiated by India, aims to promote solar energy globally.
2. Electricity Access: The Saubhagya scheme, launched in 2017, aimed to provide electricity connections to all households. By 2019, nearly 26 million households had been electrified, achieving near-universal electricity access.
3. Clean Cooking Fuel: The Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana (PMUY) has provided over 90 million LPG connections to women from low-income households, reducing indoor air pollution and improving health outcomes.
Governance and Digital India
1. Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT): The DBT system has streamlined the delivery of subsidies and benefits, reducing leakage and ensuring that benefits reach the intended recipients. By 2023, over ₹14 lakh crore had been disbursed through DBT.
2. Aadhaar: With over 1.3 billion Aadhaar enrollments, India’s biometric identification system has revolutionized service delivery and financial inclusion. Aadhaar authentication is now widely used for various services, including banking, pensions, and subsidies.
3. E-Governance: The Digital India initiative has promoted e-governance through projects like the Government e-Marketplace (GeM), DigiLocker, and the Common Services Centers (CSCs). These platforms have enhanced transparency, efficiency, and accessibility of government services.
Conclusion
Since 2014, the BJP government has undertaken numerous initiatives aimed at transforming India's economic, social, and infrastructural landscape. Through comprehensive reforms and innovative programs, significant progress has been made in various sectors. As the 2024 general elections approach, these achievements will undoubtedly play a crucial role in shaping voter perceptions and influencing the electoral outcome. While challenges remain, the data-backed successes of the past decade provide a robust foundation for future growth and development.
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