Independence Day 2024: 8 things that transformed in Modi’s India

Modi’s India: As India celebrates its 78th Independence Day, the nation reflects on the decades of growth and development that enabled us to become the centre of global focus in the 21st century. With India’s rich culture to unparalleled growth prospects, India is not only celebrating its 78th Independence Day but also a sustained momentum of growth under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. 

From economic milestones to technological advancements, here are eight transformative shifts that define 'Modi's India.'

Redefined ambitions of economic growth

India's economic aspirations have undergone a substantial transformation over the past decade. The country has already surpassed the United Kingdom to become the world's fifth-largest economy. The government's vision to make India the third-largest economy by 2028 is ambitious yet within reach. 

Image credit: X.com

"The government has, however, set a higher goal of becoming a 'developed country' by 2047. With the journey of reforms continuing, this goal is achievable," said the Finance Ministry in January 2024. 

A major part of this vision includes achieving a $5 trillion economy. Despite global economic uncertainties, India has managed to maintain a steady GDP growth rate, supported by strong domestic consumption and a burgeoning middle class. The government’s focus on infrastructure, digitalisation, and manufacturing has laid a solid foundation for sustained growth. 

Building in India Became Cool

The 'Make in India' and 'Startup India' initiatives have changed the entrepreneurial space in the country. From just a handful of startups in the early 2010s, India now boasts over 100,000 startups, with 111 unicorns as of 2024. These initiatives have made entrepreneurship a viable and attractive career path, encouraging innovation and investment across sectors.

Image credit: X.com

The country has witnessed a surge in venture capital investments, with 2023 alone seeing over $35 billion in funding across various stages of startup growth. The focus on manufacturing, particularly with incentives like the Production Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme, has also driven foreign investments, making India a global hub for manufacturing and innovation. 

Holistic development with a regional focus

The Modi administration has prioritised balanced regional development, with a special focus on the historically neglected North-East and Eastern states of India. Initiatives like the North East Special Infrastructure Development Scheme (NESIDS) and the East Coast Economic Corridor (ECEC) have catalysed growth in these regions. 

Image credit: Unsplash.com 

The North East, once plagued by insurgency and underdevelopment, has seen a new wave of investments in infrastructure, tourism, and education. The completion of long-pending projects, like the Bogibeel Bridge in Assam and the expansion of air connectivity, has brought the region closer to the rest of India. Similarly, states like Odisha and West Bengal have benefitted from enhanced industrial investments, improving economic indicators and contributing to overall national growth. This regional focus is crucial in ensuring that development is inclusive and reaches all corners of the country.

Gadkari’s Infra Push

Under the leadership of Nitin Gadkari, the pace of highway construction has more than doubled, with the daily road construction rate increasing from 12 km in 2014 to over 37 km in 2023. 

Flagship projects like the Bharatmala Pariyojana have led to the development of over 34,800 km of highways, reducing travel time across states and boosting economic activities. The completion of the Delhi-Mumbai Expressway, India's longest at 1,386 km, has cut travel time between the two cities by half.

Image credit: Unsplash

Additionally, the introduction of eco-friendly measures, such as the use of plastic waste in road construction, has set new standards in sustainable development. Gadkari's emphasis on reducing logistic costs through better road infrastructure is expected to make Indian goods more competitive globally.

Railways Regains Lost Reputation

Indian Railways, once criticised for its inefficiencies, has made a remarkable comeback under Modi government. The introduction of modern trains like Vande Bharat Express, with its state-of-the-art facilities and reduced travel time, has redefined passenger experiences. 

Image credit: X.com

The national transporter has improved its punctuality rate to over 90 per cent, a significant leap from the previous years. Investments in rail infrastructure, including the electrification of 85 per cent of routes and the introduction of semi-high-speed trains, have enhanced both safety and efficiency. 

Image credit: X.com

The government's push towards station modernisation has also changed the face of Indian Railways, with stations like Habibganj and Gandhinagar setting new benchmarks in passenger amenities. The developments are part of a broader strategy to position Indian Railways as a world-class transport service, crucial for the country's economic and social progress.

Digital India

The Digital India initiative has been one of the most impactful campaigns, fundamentally transforming how Indians interact with technology and finance. The widespread adoption of Aadhaar, covering over 99 per cent of the population, has streamlined various government services, ensuring direct benefit transfers (DBTs) to millions of beneficiaries. 

Image credit: X.com

The Unified Payments Interface (UPI), a cornerstone of the digital payment revolution, processed over 74 billion transactions in 2023 alone, amounting to $1.5 trillion. The digital shift has brought financial services to the doorstep of millions, particularly in rural areas, drastically reducing the unbanked population. 

Moreover, initiatives like the National Optical Fibre Network (NOFN) aim to connect over 250,000 Gram Panchayats, bringing high-speed internet to rural India and bridging the urban-rural divide. Digital India has not only improved governance but has also empowered citizens, making services more accessible and transparent.

Education Reforms

The Modi government has implemented significant reforms in education, aiming to create a knowledge-based economy. The National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 is a landmark shift, focusing on holistic, multidisciplinary, and skill-based education. 

Image credit: Republic Bharat

The emphasis on mother tongue instruction in early schooling, alongside the flexibility to choose subjects, has made education more inclusive and relevant. The introduction of digital learning platforms, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic, has expanded access to quality education. 

Image credit: X.com

Initiatives like SWAYAM and Diksha have made learning resources accessible to students and teachers across the country. The government's push towards vocational training and skill development, through programs like Skill India, is also preparing the youth for the demands of a rapidly changing job market. These reforms are laying the foundation for an educated, skilled, and innovative workforce, essential for India's future growth.

Stronger and safer India

India's defence capabilities have seen a major boost under the Modi government, with a focus on self-reliance and modernisation. The introduction of the 'Aatmanirbhar Bharat' initiative in defence has led to the indigenisation of several key military platforms, reducing dependency on imports.

Image credit: Indian Military Review

The successful development and induction of indigenous systems like the Tejas fighter jet, INS Vikrant aircraft carrier, and the Agni-V missile have strengthened India's defence posture. The defence budget has consistently increased, crossing the $72 billion mark in 2023. 

Additionally, the establishment of theatre commands and the push towards jointness among the three services aim to make the armed forces more agile and effective in responding to contemporary threats. These efforts ensure that India remains prepared to protect its sovereignty and maintain regional stability.

As India looks ahead, these eight pillars of change will continue to shape its journey towards becoming a global powerhouse, driven by innovation, resilience, and a renewed sense of purpose.

Source: Republicbiz