12 years of Jan Kalyan: The legacy of India’s longest serving elected Prime Minister

10th June 2026 was not just another date in India’s political calendar. It marked the successful completion of 12 years of the Narendra Modi Government and a historic milestone for Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who has become India’s longest-serving elected Prime Minister. Yet, the significance of these 12 years goes far beyond electoral success. They tell the story of a nation that has steadily moved from aspiration to achievement, from entitlement to empowerment, and from incremental change to transformative progress.

When Narendra Modi took office in May 2014, India was a country with immense potential but also many persistent challenges. Millions of families lacked basic amenities. Women spent hours collecting firewood and fetching water. Poor households often had no bank account, no toilet, no health insurance, and no permanent roof over their heads. Farmers struggled with uncertainty, youth searched for opportunities, and welfare benefits frequently failed to reach intended beneficiaries.

Today, the story is remarkably different. Across villages, towns, and cities, the signs of change are visible. A poor family that once lived in a kutcha house now owns a pucca house. A woman who cooked in a smoke-filled kitchen now has an LPG connection. A farmer receives financial assistance directly into his bank account. A street vendor has access to institutional credit. A young entrepreneur can launch a startup with government support. A poor patient can receive quality treatment without fearing financial ruin. These changes are not isolated success stories. They are part of a larger transformation that has touched millions of lives across every corner of India.

From VIP Culture to People’s Participation

One of the most visible changes of the last 12 years has been the transformation in India’s political culture. For decades, politics often appeared distant from ordinary citizens. Power was concentrated in government offices and elite circles, while common people frequently felt disconnected from governance.

Prime Minister Modi sought to change this relationship. The removal of red beacon vehicles became a symbol of a larger message that governance should be citizen-centric rather than privilege-centric. The focus shifted from VIP culture to public participation.  Programmes like Mann Ki Baat, direct interaction with beneficiaries, digital governance platforms, and citizen-driven campaigns have strengthened the connection between government and people.

Fighting Poverty at an Unprecedented Scale

Perhaps no achievement better reflects the transformation of the last 12 years than the progress made in reducing poverty and improving living standards. According to official estimates, more than 25 crore Indians have moved out of multidimensional poverty. This is one of the largest poverty reduction efforts witnessed anywhere in the world.  More than 81 crore citizens today receive free food grains under the Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana. During the Covid pandemic, this programme became a lifeline for millions of families and ensured food security during one of the most challenging periods in modern history.

More than 4 crore poor families have received pucca houses under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana. For many beneficiaries, owning a permanent house was a dream that had remained unfulfilled for generations. Today, that dream stands fulfilled.  The transformation is visible in every State.

Financial Inclusion for Every Citizen

A decade ago, millions of Indians had never entered a bank. Welfare benefits often failed to reach intended beneficiaries due to leakages and middlemen.  The launch of Jan Dhan Yojana changed that reality forever. Today, more than 58 crore Jan Dhan accounts have been opened, making it one of the largest financial inclusion programmes in the world.

The JAM — Trinity of Jan Dhan, Aadhaar, and Mobile has revolutionized governance. Direct Benefit Transfers now ensure that assistance reaches beneficiaries directly and transparently.

Crores of rupees that once leaked through inefficiencies are now reaching those who need them most. For millions of poor families, financial inclusion has meant more than access to banking. It has meant dignity, security, and opportunity.

Dignity and Empowerment for Women

The story of India’s development over the last 12 years cannot be told without acknowledging the central role played by women. For generations, rural women spent hours collecting firewood and cooking in smoke-filled kitchens. Nearly 11 crore LPG connections under Ujjwala Yojana have transformed their daily lives now.

More than 32 crore Jan Dhan accounts belong to women. Over 3 crore women have emerged as Lakhpati Didis, demonstrating how economic empowerment can transform families and communities. More than 4.5 crore Sukanya Samriddhi accounts have been opened for young girls, strengthening financial security and encouraging education.  The extension of maternity leave from 12 weeks to 26 weeks and the growing participation of women in Self Help Groups, entrepreneurship, and leadership positions reflect a broader shift toward women-led development.

Transforming Rural India

The true measure of development is often visible in villages. For decades, rural India faced challenges relating to sanitation, drinking water, roads, and connectivity. The last 12 years have witnessed a significant change. More than 12 crore toilets have been constructed under the Swachh Bharat Mission, improving sanitation and public health. Nearly 16 crore households have received tap water connections through the Jal Jeevan Mission.  Roads, electricity, internet connectivity, and welfare services have expanded rapidly. For rural families, development is no longer a distant promise. It is increasingly becoming a lived reality.

Supporting Farmers and Strengthening Agriculture

Farmers remain the backbone of India’s economy, and supporting them has been a key priority.  More than Rs 4.3 lakh crore has been transferred directly to farmers through PM Kisan Samman Nidhi. Around 8 crore farmers are covered under Kisan Credit Cards, while crop insurance claims worth nearly Rs 2 lakh crore have benefited over 4 crore farmers.  The government has also promoted irrigation, agricultural infrastructure, natural farming, and technology adoption. The objective has been not merely to support farmers but to improve their incomes and strengthen rural prosperity.

Youth, Startups and New Opportunities

India’s greatest strength is its young population. The challenge has always been creating opportunities equal to their aspirations.  Around 2 crore young Indians have received skill training. More than 57 crore Mudra loans have supported entrepreneurship and self-employment. India today has over 2.2 lakh recognized startups and is among the world’s leading startup ecosystems. The National Education Policy, investments in semiconductors, digital technologies, and manufacturing are preparing India’s youth for the future.

Healthcare for Every Family

For many families, healthcare expenses once represented a major financial risk. Ayushman Bharat and other health reforms have sought to change that bitter reality. In past 12 years, the Government has significantly strengthened India’s health system. It has insured over 55 crore individuals and operationalised over 1.86 lakh primary care centres. Generic medicines are now available at rates 50-90% below market price through over 18,000 Jan Aushadhi Kendras. Over 47 crore telemedicine consultations have been delivered. Medical colleges in India have more than doubled. 12 new AIIMS are functional since 2014. Traditional medicine has been formally integrated into the public health system. Maternal and child mortality rates have dropped significantly since 2014. TB incidence has fallen and malaria mortality is down 78%. Prevalence of various other diseases is also declining. Taken together, these gains reflect India’s steady progress towards improved public health and universal health coverage. India’s vaccination drive, which achieved more than 90 percent coverage, demonstrated the country’s ability to deliver healthcare at an unprecedented scale.

Infrastructure Creating New India

The transformation of India’s infrastructure has been one of the defining achievements of the Modi era. The number of airports has increased from 74 to 164. Highways, railways, metro networks, ports, and logistics corridors have expanded at record pace. Projects such as the Atal Setu, Chenab Rail Bridge, Dedicated Freight Corridors, Vande Bharat trains, and the New Parliament Building symbolize a nation preparing for the future. Infrastructure is not merely about construction. It is about connecting people, reducing distances, generating employment, and creating economic opportunities.

India’s Digital Revolution

Few countries have experienced a digital transformation as rapid and inclusive as India. UPI has transformed digital payments and made India the global leader in real-time digital transactions. More than 8 crore citizens have become digitally literate. Common services are increasingly available online, making governance more transparent and accessible. A vegetable vendor in a small village today can receive digital payments with the same ease as a large retailer in a metropolitan city. That is the true success of Digital India.

India’s Rising Global Standing

The India of 2026 is very different from the India the world saw in 2014. The successful G20 Presidency showcased India’s growing leadership. The country has expanded its diplomatic presence through 39 new missions abroad. Defence exports have reached a record Rs 38,400 crore. Foreign investment has crossed Rs 70 lakh crore, while remittances from Indian diaspora abroad have exceeded Rs 13 lakh crore.

India’s Vaccine Maitri initiative supplied vaccines to more than 100 countries, demonstrating the country’s commitment to global welfare. International Yoga Day, supported by 177 countries, has become a symbol of India’s cultural influence.

Heritage and Development Together

One of the unique aspects of Prime Minister Modi’s vision has been the belief that development and heritage must move together. The Ram Mandir in Ayodhya, Kashi Vishwanath Corridor, Mahakal Lok, and the development of pilgrimage circuits have revived India’s cultural confidence. India now has 44 UNESCO World Heritage Sites, while 668 stolen artifacts have been brought back home. This cultural renaissance has strengthened national pride while generating economic opportunities through tourism and heritage conservation.

Towards Viksit Bharat 2047

Under the visionary and dynamic leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, India is steadily advancing towards the goal of Viksit Bharat 2047. The last 12 years have laid a strong foundation of good governance, inclusive development, self-reliance, technological progress, and national confidence. From empowering the poor and strengthening farmers to creating opportunities for youth and elevating India’s global stature, the journey has demonstrated what collective determination can achieve.

The dream of a developed India cannot be fulfilled by the government alone. It requires the participation and commitment of every citizen. As proud Indians, it is our responsibility to contribute towards nation-building, support positive change, uphold our civic duties, and work together to realize the vision of a prosperous, strong, and self-reliant India.

The writer is National Coordinator, Digital Library, Library & Documentation, BJP; Views presented are personal.