12 Years, 12 Schemes: How PM Modi’s Flagship Welfare Policies Reshaped India
12 Years, 12 Schemes: How PM Modi’s Flagship Welfare Policies Reshaped India Written By, Last Updated: June 10, 2026, 21:34 IST The Modi government has
12 Years, 12 Schemes: How PM Modi’s Flagship Welfare Policies Reshaped India Written By, Last Updated: June 10, 2026, 21:34 IST The Modi government has rolled out a series of flagship schemes aimed at ensuring welfare benefits reach every eligible citizen. Rapid Read From opening bank accounts for the unbanked and building toilets in villages to providing free healthcare, housing and tap water connections, these initiatives have become the cornerstone of the government's governance model. (Photo: X/PMO) Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday surpassed Jawaharlal Nehru to become India’s longest-serving elected Prime Minister, completing 12 consecutive years in office. His tenure has been defined by an expansive welfare agenda, financial inclusion initiatives and large-scale infrastructure development. Addressing a meeting of NDA leaders in New Delhi, PM Modi said, “‘Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas, Sabka Vishwas’ and ‘Sabka Prayas’ have been our guiding principles." “The journey of the past twelve years has been marked by achievements. The years ahead will bring even newer and greater milestones," he said. Over the past 12 years, the Modi government has rolled out a series of flagship schemes aimed at ensuring welfare benefits reach every eligible citizen through digital infrastructure, direct benefit transfers and targeted social programmes. From opening bank accounts for the unbanked and building toilets in villages to providing free healthcare, housing and tap water connections, these initiatives have become the cornerstone of the government’s governance model. Here’s a look at 12 key initiatives that have defined the Modi era. 1. Jan Dhan Yojana: The Foundation Of Direct Welfare Launched on August 28, 2014, the Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana (PMJDY) created the foundation for India’s digital welfare architecture by bringing the unbanked into the formal financial system. More than 56 crore bank accounts have been opened under the scheme. Equipped with RuPay debit cards and accident insurance, these accounts became the primary channel for direct benefit transfers, ensuring government subsidies reach beneficiaries without middlemen or leakages.
2. Swachh Bharat: India’s Sanitation Revolution Launched on October 2, 2014, Swachh Bharat Mission sought to eliminate open defecation and improve sanitation standards across the country. Over 12 crore household toilets have been constructed under the programme. Beyond infrastructure, the campaign triggered a behavioural shift and significantly improved sanitation access, particularly for women in rural India. 3. PM Awas Yojana: Housing The Poor The urban component of PM Awas Yojana was launched in June 2015, followed by the rural version in April 2016. The scheme focuses on replacing temporary houses with permanent pucca homes equipped with basic amenities. More than 4 crore houses have been constructed under the scheme. A key feature is that ownership is often registered in the name of women, enhancing financial security and asset ownership among female beneficiaries. 4. Jal Jeevan Mission: Water At The Doorstep Launched on August 15, 2019, Jal Jeevan Mission aims to provide tap water to every rural household. Rural tap water coverage has increased from 3.2 crore households in 2019 to over 15.8 crore households today. The scheme has reduced the burden on women who traditionally spent hours fetching water from distant sources. 5. Ujjwala Yojana: Smoke-Free Kitchens Introduced on May 1, 2016, the Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana provides free LPG connections to women from poor households. More than 10 crore LPG connections have been distributed. By replacing firewood and traditional cooking fuels, the scheme has helped reduce indoor air pollution and improved the health of millions of women and children. 5. Ayushman Bharat: Healthcare For The Poor Launched in September 2018, Ayushman Bharat-Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (PM-JAY) is the world’s largest government-funded health insurance programme. The scheme provides cashless health coverage of up to Rs 5 lakh per family annually. More than 44 crore Ayushman cards have been generated. The programme was recently expanded to cover all citizens aged 70 and above, irrespective of income.
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