11 Years of Modi Government: Key Achievements and Failure
Key Achievements of 11 Years of Modi Government (2014–2025)
1. Economic Growth and Stability
India’s GDP has grown significantly, reaching $4.2 trillion, making it the world’s fifth-largest economy and on track to soon become the third-largest.
Average GDP growth since 2014 has been 6.4%, with recent quarters showing acceleration to 7.4%.
Inflation has been brought down from 9.4% in 2013-14 to 4.6% in 2025, providing greater economic stability.
2. Infrastructure Expansion
National highways expanded from 91,287 km in 2014 to 1,46,204 km in 2024, with construction speed rising from 12 km/day to 34 km/day.
Nearly 400,000 km of rural roads have been built, connecting 99% of rural India to the national network, supporting rural mobility and economic inclusion.
3. Social Welfare and Direct Benefit Schemes
Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana (PMJDY) enabled over 125 million families to open bank accounts, fostering financial inclusion.
Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana (PMUY) distributed over 80 million LPG connections to women in poor households, improving health and reducing indoor pollution.
Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) and Aadhaar integration have curbed leakages in welfare delivery and improved subsidy targeting.
4. Digital and Technological Advancements
Massive digital public goods rollout, including Aadhaar, UPI, and expansion of internet access, has transformed service delivery and financial inclusion.
The “Smart Cities” and “Smart Villages” initiatives have aimed to modernize urban and rural infrastructure, with a focus on sustainability and connectivity.
5. Handling of COVID-19
The government achieved rapid vaccination coverage and managed large-scale relief and recovery efforts during the pandemic.
6. Empowerment and Inclusivity
Initiatives for marginalized groups, such as 10% reservation for economically weaker sections and increased focus on gender inclusiveness, have been implemented.
Significant efforts in rural electrification and providing drinking water to households.
7. Global Standing
India’s diplomatic and strategic profile has risen, with a focus on “India First” in foreign policy and enhanced international engagement.
Key Failures and Criticisms
1. Job Creation and Unemployment
Despite economic growth, job creation has lagged. Unemployment reached its highest level in 45 years in 2017, partly due to the effects of demonetization and the Goods and Services Tax (GST) rollout.
2. Income Inequality
Income inequality has increased significantly, with benefits of growth not evenly distributed across all sections of society.
3. Demonetization and GST Implementation
The 2016 demonetization disrupted the informal sector and led to short-term economic distress, while GST implementation, though a landmark reform, initially caused confusion and compliance challenges for small businesses.
4. Education and Health Spending
Public expenditure on education as a percentage of GDP saw fluctuations and remains below global benchmarks.
Health sector improvements have not kept pace with the needs of a growing population.
5. Labour Reforms and Worker Rights
Labour reforms, though supported by international institutions, faced strong opposition from unions and worker rights groups, leading to major strikes and concerns over worker protections.
6. Environmental Concerns
While there has been increased budget allocation for green initiatives, critics argue that environmental protection has not always kept pace with rapid industrialization and infrastructure expansion.
| Area | Achievements | Failures/Criticisms |
|---|---|---|
| Economic Growth | Rapid GDP growth, inflation control | Uneven job creation, rising inequality |
| Infrastructure | Highways, rural roads, electrification, digital infrastructure | Environmental trade-offs |
| Social Welfare | Jan Dhan, Ujjwala, DBT, Aadhaar integration | Welfare delivery gaps in some areas |
| COVID-19 Response | Fast vaccination, relief measures | Economic distress for informal sector |
| Inclusivity | Reservations, gender initiatives, rural focus | Marginalized groups still face challenges |
| Reforms | GST, labour laws, FDI liberalization | Disruption from demonetization, GST rollout issues |
| Global Standing | Enhanced diplomatic profile, “India First” policy | Some foreign policy challenges persist |
The Modi government’s 11-year tenure has been marked by robust economic growth, major infrastructure expansion, and ambitious social welfare schemes, transforming India’s development trajectory and global standing. However, significant challenges remain in job creation, inequality, and the implementation of some reforms, highlighting the complex balance between rapid development and inclusive, sustainable growth.
