In 11 years, the Modi govt’s has uplifted over 25 crore people from poverty through transformative schemes like DBT, Ayushman Bharat, Jan Dhan, and Ujjwala. Inclusive development, rural empowerment, and digital governance have turned ‘Garib Kalyan’ from a slogan into a nationwide mission for progress.
As the Narendra Modi-led government completes 11 years in power, a defining narrative has emerged—Garib Kalyan (welfare of the poor) is no longer just a political slogan. It has been transformed into a tangible reality through a series of focused, long-term, and bold policy interventions. These years have been marked by strategic reforms that empowered the underprivileged, ensured inclusive growth, and lifted over 25 crore people out of multidimensional poverty.
The Modi government, which first assumed office in 2014, has consistently emphasized the welfare of the poor and marginalised as its central theme. From financial inclusion and housing to healthcare and clean energy, the focus has been on bridging the gap between privilege and poverty.
In a recent post on social media platform X, Prime Minister Narendra Modi reiterated this commitment by stating, “Over the past decade, the NDA Government has taken pathbreaking steps to uplift several people from the clutches of poverty, focusing on empowerment, infrastructure and inclusion.”
1. Swachh Bharat Abhiyan – Sanitation for All
The Swachh Bharat Mission transformed public health and hygiene by making over 4,576 cities Open Defecation Free (ODF). In rural India, 12 crore toilets were constructed, achieving 100% sanitation coverage. These initiatives restored dignity, particularly for rural women, and significantly reduced disease burden.
2. Housing Empowerment through PM Awas Yojana
Under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana, more than 4 crore houses were constructed, with 73% owned or co-owned by women. This shift not only provided shelter but also redefined gender roles, turning housewives into homeowners and decision-makers.
3. Power to the People – PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana
The free solar electricity scheme, PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana, now benefits over 10 lakh homes, delivering up to 300 units of free electricity per month. This green initiative is both eco-friendly and economically beneficial for millions.
4. Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) – Ending Middlemen
Perhaps the most transformative in governance has been DBT, eliminating corruption and leakages. Over 1,200 schemes now use DBT, touching more than 44 crore people and saving Rs 3.48 lakh crore in government expenditure.
5. Ayushman Bharat – World’s Largest Health Assurance
With more than 9.3 crore free treatments delivered, Ayushman Bharat provides every eligible family with Rs 5 lakh health coverage annually. All citizens above 70 are now automatically covered, making healthcare accessible and affordable for the poor.
6. Clean Energy for Kitchens – PM Ujjwala Yojana
Over 10 crore LPG connections have been distributed under Ujjwala Yojana, enabling clean cooking in rural and urban poor households. This has drastically reduced indoor air pollution and drudgery for women.
7. Jan Dhan Yojana – Financial Inclusion at Scale
The world’s largest financial inclusion scheme, Jan Dhan Yojana, has seen over 55.44 crore bank accounts opened, 55.7% of them owned by women. This has laid the foundation for DBT and promoted savings, insurance, and digital banking.
8. Jal Jeevan Mission – Tap Water to Every Home
The Jal Jeevan Mission brought tap water connections to millions of rural homes, ensuring clean drinking water and significantly reducing the burden on women and children who once had to walk miles.
9. LED Revolution – Ujala Yojana
The Ujala Yojana distributed over 36 crore LED bulbs, saving Rs 19,153 crore annually for Indian families. This initiative also cut CO₂ emissions by 3.87 crore tonnes per year, pushing India towards a greener future.
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10. Rural Electrification – Deen Dayal Upadhyaya Gram Jyoti Yojana
Under this scheme, over 19,000 remote villages were electrified, achieving 100% village electrification. It illuminated lives, boosted education, and powered small-scale rural industries.
Over the past 11 years, the Modi government’s focus on Garib Kalyan has not only improved the lives of the poor but also changed the governance paradigm. With a blend of technology, transparency, and targeted welfare, schemes like PM Awas Yojana, Ujjwala, Ayushman Bharat, and Jan Dhan have made inclusive growth a reality rather than rhetoric.
As PM Modi rightly summed up, “All our key schemes have transformed the lives of the poor… Over 25 crore people have defeated poverty.”
This marks a new chapter in India’s growth story—one where the poorest of the poor are no longer left behind but are partners in progress.
