Marking eleven years of transformative governance under the banner of “Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas, Sabka Vishwas, Sabka Prayas,” the Government of India has unveiled an extensive account of its welfare-driven initiatives that have reshaped the socio-economic landscape of the nation. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, in a statement released by the Press Information Bureau (PIB), said, “Bharat is changing, and it is changing rapidly. People’s self-confidence, their trust in the government, and the commitment to build a new Bharat is visible everywhere.”
Over the past decade, the government has focused on complete saturation of welfare schemes, ensuring no eligible citizen is left behind. This approach has led to the expansion of access to essential services such as clean water, housing, electricity, sanitation, healthcare, and social security, significantly improving the lives of millions across the country.
The Jal Jeevan Mission has brought tap water to over 15.59 crore rural households, achieving full coverage in eight states and three union territories. In the housing sector, nearly 4 crore homes have been completed under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (PMAY), with over 90 lakh homes under the urban component now owned by women. Rural electrification has also seen remarkable progress, with 2.86 crore homes electrified under the SAUBHAGYA scheme. As a result, the average daily electricity supply in rural areas has risen from 12.5 hours in 2014 to 22.6 hours in 2025.
The Swachh Bharat Mission has transformed sanitation across India, resulting in the construction of 12 crore household toilets and the declaration of over 5.64 lakh villages as Open Defecation Free (ODF) Plus. In the realm of healthcare, the Ayushman Bharat scheme now covers 55 crore individuals, while the Ayushman Vay Vandana scheme provides additional support for all citizens aged 70 and above. Free ration distribution through the Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana (PMGKAY) has benefited 81 crore citizens since its launch during the COVID-19 pandemic, with a financial commitment of ₹11.80 lakh crore until 2028.
Efforts to ensure clean cooking fuel have reached a milestone with 10.33 crore LPG connections distributed under the Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana. Additionally, the PM SVANidhi scheme has extended loans to 68 lakh street vendors, helping formalize 76.28 lakh vendors into the economic mainstream. In the field of entrepreneurship, India now boasts 1.57 lakh recognized startups and 118 unicorns, reflecting the vibrancy of its innovation ecosystem. Worker welfare has also been strengthened, with more than 30.86 crore unorganised workers registered on the eShram portal, of whom over half are women.
India’s anti-poverty efforts have been globally recognized. The World Bank’s Spring 2025 Poverty and Equity Brief reports that 171 million people have been lifted out of extreme poverty, with the rate falling from 16.2 percent in 2011–12 to just 2.3 percent in 2022–23. The UNDP’s Multidimensional Poverty Index also shows a dramatic decline from 53.8 percent in 2005–06 to 16.4 percent in 2019–21, underscoring gains in health, education, and living standards.
Rural consumption indicators further reflect these improvements. The average monthly per capita expenditure in rural areas has nearly tripled, increasing from ₹1,430 in 2011–12 to ₹4,122 in 2023–24. Urban spending has shown similar growth, rising from ₹2,630 to ₹6,996 in the same period.
The government’s empowerment initiatives have particularly benefitted women, artisans, and marginalized communities. The Pradhan Mantri Mudra Yojana has disbursed ₹33.33 lakh crore in loans to over 52 crore accounts, with 68 percent allocated to women. The Stand-Up India scheme continues to support SC/ST and women entrepreneurs through substantial bank financing. The PM Vishwakarma Yojana has provided toolkits, collateral-free loans, and training support to 2.37 million artisans. Meanwhile, the Lakhpati Didi initiative, aiming to make three crore rural women economically self-reliant, builds on the success of over 10 crore women joining self-help groups nationwide.
Social security has expanded through schemes like the Pradhan Mantri Shram Yogi Maandhan (PM-SYM), which now offers assured monthly pensions to 51.35 lakh unorganised workers. Insurance schemes PMJJBY and PMSBY cover over 75 crore citizens, offering low-cost life and accident insurance.
Inclusivity remains a central pillar of the government’s approach. Sixty percent of current Union Ministers hail from minority communities. Nearly 44 percent of rural homes built under PMAY-G have been allotted to SC/ST households. More than half of all scholarship recipients come from SC/ST/OBC backgrounds. In education, the number of Eklavya Model Residential Schools sanctioned for tribal students has grown fourfold since 2014, now totaling 477. Eleven Tribal Freedom Fighter Museums are being developed to honor the contributions of tribal leaders, while Janjatiya Gaurav Diwas is celebrated annually to commemorate the legacy of Bhagwan Birsa Munda.
To improve last-mile delivery, the Viksit Bharat Sankalp Yatra has reached 2.6 lakh gram panchayats and over 4,000 urban bodies across the country, promoting the saturation of welfare schemes. The Aspirational Districts Programme (ADP), focused on 112 of India’s most backward districts, has already shown measurable improvements in key sectors like health, education, and basic infrastructure.
As Bharat approaches its centenary of independence, the government reiterates its commitment to building a developed, inclusive, and self-reliant nation. The results of the past eleven years, driven by policy innovation, data-driven governance, and community participation, represent not only progress but a vision of Viksit Bharat that is within reach.
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