Narendra Modi Journey from 2014 to 2024
Narendra Modi’s tenure as the Prime Minister of India, starting from his first term in 2014 to the present day in 2024, has been a period marked by significant transformations, policy shifts, and a dynamic approach to governance. This article chronicles Modi’s journey over the past decade, highlighting key milestones, achievements, and challenges.
2014: The Rise to Power
In May 2014, Narendra Modi, the then Chief Minister of Gujarat, led the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) to a historic victory in the general elections. The BJP secured a majority on its own, a feat not achieved in Indian politics for three decades. Modi’s campaign, centered around development, governance, and his promise of “Achhe Din” (good days), resonated with millions of Indians.
Economic Reforms and Initiatives
1. **Make in India**
One of Modi’s flagship initiatives launched in 2014 aimed at transforming India into a global manufacturing hub. The campaign focused on encouraging domestic and international companies to manufacture their products in India, thereby boosting employment and economic growth.
2. **Digital India**
Launched in 2015, the Digital India campaign aimed at improving online infrastructure, increasing internet connectivity, and making India digitally empowered. This initiative has significantly transformed the digital landscape of the country, with widespread adoption of digital services and e-governance.
3. **GST Implementation**
In 2017, the Modi government successfully implemented the Goods and Services Tax (GST), unifying India into a single market. Despite initial teething problems, GST has streamlined the indirect tax structure, making it simpler and more transparent.
Narendra Modi Journey from 2014 to 2024
Social and Welfare Schemes
1. **Swachh Bharat Abhiyan**
Launched in 2014, the Swachh Bharat (Clean India) mission aimed at eliminating open defecation and improving solid waste management. This campaign led to significant improvements in sanitation across the country.
2. **Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana**
This financial inclusion program, initiated in 2014, aimed at providing affordable access to financial services, including bank accounts, credit, insurance, and pensions. It has been instrumental in bringing millions of unbanked Indians into the formal banking system.
3. **Ayushman Bharat**
Launched in 2018, this national health protection scheme aimed to provide free healthcare services to over 500 million people. It is considered the world’s largest government-funded healthcare program.
Foreign Policy and International Relations
Modi’s tenure has been marked by proactive diplomacy and efforts to enhance India’s global standing. His numerous foreign visits and bilateral meetings have strengthened India’s ties with major global powers.
Narendra Modi Journey from 2014 to 2024
1. **Act East Policy**
Building on the previous “Look East Policy,” Modi’s Act East Policy focused on strengthening economic and strategic relations with Southeast Asian nations. This included enhancing trade, connectivity, and security cooperation.
2. **Neighborhood First Policy**
Modi emphasized improving relations with India’s immediate neighbors. Initiatives like inviting SAARC leaders to his swearing-in ceremony and focusing on regional cooperation have been central to this policy.
Narendra Modi Journey from 2014 to 2024 Challenges and Controversies
Modi’s tenure has not been without its share of challenges and controversies.
1. **Demonetization**
In November 2016, Modi announced the sudden demonetization of ₹500 and ₹1,000 currency notes to combat black money, counterfeit currency, and corruption. While it aimed at digitizing the economy, the move faced criticism for causing economic disruption and hardship to common people.
2. **Economic Slowdown**
Despite various economic reforms, India faced periods of economic slowdown during Modi’s tenure, exacerbated by global factors and domestic challenges. Critics have pointed to job creation and agrarian distress as areas needing more attention.
3. **Social and Political Tensions**
Modi’s tenure has seen increased social and political polarization. Issues such as the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA), and the revocation of Article 370 in Jammu and Kashmir, have led to widespread protests and debates about secularism, federalism, and human rights in India.
Narendra Modi Journey from 2014 to 2024 The COVID-19 Pandemic
The COVID-19 pandemic posed an unprecedented challenge for the Modi government. The initial lockdown in March 2020 aimed to curb the virus’s spread, but it also led to significant economic hardship, especially for migrant workers. The government’s efforts in ramping up healthcare infrastructure, initiating the world’s largest vaccination drive, and providing economic relief packages were critical during this period.
Vision for the Future
As Narendra Modi continues his leadership into 2024, his vision for India remains focused on economic growth, technological advancement, and strengthening India’s global position. Initiatives like the Atmanirbhar Bharat (Self-Reliant India) campaign aim to make India more self-sufficient and resilient in the global economy.
Conclusion
Narendra Modi’s journey as Prime Minister from 2014 to 2024 has been transformative for India. His leadership has brought about significant changes in economic policies, social welfare, and international relations. Despite facing numerous challenges and controversies, Modi’s vision for a New India continues to drive his policies and actions. As India moves forward, the impact of his decade-long tenure will shape the country’s future trajectory.
