Daijiworld Media Network – New Delhi
New Delhi, Jun 8: A day after the NDA government completed 12 years in office, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday highlighted the government's achievements, saying the welfare of the poor and underprivileged had remained at the centre of its development agenda.
Reflecting on the journey since 2014, Modi said India had witnessed significant transformation over the past 12 years, guided by the principle of Antyodaya and a commitment to ensuring that the benefits of development reached those who had remained on the margins for decades.
“Over the last 12 years, India has witnessed remarkable change, and at the core of these developments has been the welfare of the poor and the underprivileged. Inspired by the principle of Antyodaya, our constant endeavour has been to ensure that the benefits of development reach those who had been left behind for decades,” the Prime Minister said.
He noted that flagship initiatives such as the Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana, Direct Benefit Transfer programme, Swachh Bharat Mission, Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana, Jal Jeevan Mission and Ayushman Bharat were launched to provide dignity, opportunity and a better quality of life to citizens.
In a post on social media platform X, Modi said technology had played a crucial role in improving the delivery of welfare benefits.
“It is also gladdening that technology has played a vital role in ensuring a better quality of life for the poor. Through Direct Benefit Transfer and digital platforms, support is reaching people directly and transparently. This has reduced leakages, improved efficiency and strengthened trust in governance,” he said.
The Prime Minister added that the government's efforts towards Garib Kalyan had evolved into a broader movement focused on human empowerment and the vision of a developed India.
The BJP and its NDA allies marked the completion of 12 years of the Modi government under the theme “Garib Kalyan”, using the hashtag #12YearsOfGaribKalyan on social media.
A government publication released on the occasion stated that welfare of the poor had remained a key priority of the Centre over the past 12 years and described the approach as one based on genuine empowerment rather than appeasement.
The publication highlighted the PM Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana as a major social protection measure that had benefited a large section of the population.
It further claimed that several welfare schemes launched since 2014 had brought transformative changes to the lives of villagers and economically weaker sections across the country.
Citing international assessments, the publication also asserted that poverty levels in India had declined significantly, attributing the improvement to policies focused on welfare, empowerment and the Antyodaya philosophy.
The Modi-led NDA government completed 12 years in office on June 7, making it one of the longest-serving governments in independent India.