BJP Government’s Key Policy Decisions Under PM Modi (2014-2025): Ram Mandir, Article 370, GST & More

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The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) central government, in power since 2014 under Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, has undertaken numerous significant policy decisions and initiatives across various sectors. These decisions have often been driven by the party’s core ideology and its vision for India’s economic and social development, alongside responding to national and global challenges.

1. Ayodhya Ram Mandir (Construction & Consecration)

• Decision: Construction of the Ram Temple at the disputed site in Ayodhya following a landmark Supreme Court verdict.
• Supreme Court Verdict Date: November 9, 2019. The Supreme Court ordered the disputed land (2.77 acres) to be handed over to a trust (to be created by the government of India) for the construction of the Ram Janmabhoomi temple. An alternative 5 acres of land was to be allocated to the Uttar Pradesh Sunni Central Waqf Board for a mosque.
• Foundation Stone Laying: August 5, 2020, by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
• “Pran Pratishtha” (Consecration Ceremony): January 22, 2024. This grand ceremony, attended by PM Modi and numerous dignitaries, marked the formal inauguration of the temple.
• Key Facts:
  • This decision, and its subsequent execution, represents the fulfillment of a core ideological promise of the BJP, which had been a central plank of its political agenda for decades.
  • The Supreme Court’s unanimous verdict resolved a long-standing and highly contentious socio-political and religious dispute.
  • The construction and inauguration of the temple have been presented by the government as a cultural and spiritual revival, strengthening national pride and civilizational heritage.

2. Abrogation of Article 370 (Jammu & Kashmir)

• Decision: The Indian government abrogated Article 370 of the Constitution, which granted special status to Jammu and Kashmir (J&K). This effectively removed J&K’s autonomy, allowing the full application of the Indian Constitution to the region.
• Date: August 5, 2019.
• Key Facts:
  • Constitutional Basis: Article 370 was a “temporary provision” that gave special powers to J&K, allowing it to have its own constitution.
  • Process: A Presidential Order (C.O. 272) superseded the 1954 order, making all provisions of the Indian Constitution applicable to J&K. This was followed by the Jammu and Kashmir Reorganisation Act, 2019, which bifurcated the state into two Union Territories: Jammu and Kashmir (with a legislature) and Ladakh (without a legislature).
  • Objectives: The government stated that the move was aimed at integrating J&K fully with India, promoting development, combating terrorism, and ensuring greater transparency and accountability.
  • Supreme Court Verdict: On December 11, 2023, the Supreme Court of India unanimously upheld the President’s power to abrogate Article 370, stating it was a temporary provision. The court also directed steps to be taken to conduct elections in the J&K assembly by September 30, 2024.
  • Impact: This decision was highly controversial, leading to widespread protests and detentions in J&K, and strong reactions internationally, particularly from Pakistan. The long-term impact on the region’s security, economy, and political landscape is still unfolding.

3. Goods and Services Tax (GST) Implementation

• Decision: Introduction of a unified indirect tax system across India, subsuming multiple central and state taxes like excise duty, service tax, VAT, etc.
• Date: July 1, 2017.
• Key Facts:
  • One Hundred and First Amendment: The GST was implemented through the One Hundred and First Amendment to the Constitution of India.
  • “One Nation, One Tax” Vision: The primary objective was to simplify the complex indirect tax structure, reduce cascading effects of taxes, and create a common national market.
  • Structure: GST has multiple tax slabs (e.g., 5%, 12%, 18%, 28%) for different goods and services, along with a zero-rated category for essential items.
  • GST Council: A constitutional body, the GST Council, comprising the Union Finance Minister and state finance ministers, governs the GST.
  • Impact: While it faced initial challenges and disruptions for businesses, GST has significantly formalized the economy, improved tax compliance, and increased government revenue over time. It has been a landmark reform aimed at improving ease of doing business in India.

4. Demonetisation of Currency Notes

• Decision: Withdrawal of Rs. 500 and Rs. 1000 denomination banknotes as legal tender.
• Date: November 8, 2016.
• Key Facts:
  • Objectives: The stated goals were to curb black money, counter fake currency, stop terror financing, and promote a cashless economy.
  • Process: Citizens were given a deadline to deposit old notes in banks and exchange them for new Rs. 500 and Rs. 2000 notes.
  • Impact: The decision led to a significant cash crunch, disruption of economic activity, and debates about its effectiveness in achieving its stated goals. While it did lead to a temporary increase in digital transactions and a formalization of some economic activities, the extent of black money recovered was debated. The Reserve Bank of India reported that a significant portion of the demonetized currency returned to the banking system. It also led to a substantial increase in income tax returns filed and a rise in advance tax collections.

5. COVID-19 Response and Decisions

• Decision: Implementation of various measures to control the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic, including nationwide lockdowns, economic relief packages, and a massive vaccination drive.
• Key Facts (Timeline & Decisions):
  • Janata Curfew: On March 22, 2020, PM Modi called for a one-day “Janata Curfew” (people’s curfew) as an initial measure to encourage social distancing.
  • Nationwide Lockdowns: A stringent nationwide lockdown was imposed on March 25, 2020, initially for 21 days, and subsequently extended in phases. This was one of the longest lockdowns globally.
  • Economic Packages: The government announced several economic relief packages, including the Atmanirbhar Bharat Abhiyan, to support individuals and businesses affected by the pandemic.
  • Vaccination Drive: India launched one of the world’s largest vaccination drives in January 2021, developing its own vaccines (Covishield, Covaxin) and manufacturing others. The drive focused on widespread immunization to achieve herd immunity.
  • Healthcare Infrastructure: Efforts were made to ramp up healthcare infrastructure, including increasing testing facilities, hospital beds, oxygen supply, and medical equipment.
  • Challenges: India faced severe challenges during the second wave in April-May 2021, with a surge in cases and a strain on healthcare resources.
  • Impact: The government’s response involved a combination of restrictive measures, economic support, and public health campaigns. The vaccination drive was a significant achievement, contributing to a decline in cases and deaths.

6. Privatisation and Disinvestment of Public Sector Companies

• Decision: A renewed push for privatization and strategic disinvestment of Public Sector Undertakings (PSUs) and government-owned entities.
• Key Facts:
  • Shift in Policy: While disinvestment has been a part of Indian economic policy since the early 1990s, the BJP government has adopted a more aggressive stance, emphasizing strategic sale (transfer of management control) and complete privatization.
  • Objectives: To raise revenue for the government, improve efficiency and competitiveness of PSUs, reduce the government’s presence in non-strategic sectors, and attract private investment.
  • Notable Disinvestments/Privatizations:
    • Air India: After several attempts, Air India was successfully privatized and handed over to the Tata Group in January 2022. This was a landmark privatization for the government.
    • Life Insurance Corporation of India (LIC): While not a full privatization, the government undertook the largest Initial Public Offering (IPO) in India’s history for LIC in May 2022, divesting a minority stake.
    • Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited (BPCL): Attempts to privatize BPCL have been made, though faced challenges and are still in process as of 2025.
    • Container Corporation of India (Concor): Efforts for strategic disinvestment have been ongoing.
    • Strategic Sectors Policy (May 2020): The government announced a new policy to limit the number of PSUs in strategic sectors to a bare minimum (typically four), with remaining PSUs in these sectors to be privatized, merged, or brought under holding companies. In non-strategic sectors, PSUs are to be privatized.
  • Defence Sector Liberalization: The government has also significantly opened up the defense sector to private participation and FDI, aiming for greater self-reliance (“Atmanirbhar Bharat”) in defense manufacturing. This includes the corporatization of Ordnance Factories.
  • Impact: Privatization efforts have faced resistance from unions and political opposition, but the government has largely stayed the course, viewing it as crucial for economic efficiency and resource generation.

7. New Criminal Laws (Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, etc.)

• Decision: Enactment of three new criminal laws to replace the colonial-era Indian Penal Code (IPC), Code of Criminal Procedure (CrPC), and the Indian Evidence Act.
• Enactment Dates: The Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), and Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam (BSA) were passed by Parliament in December 2023.
• Implementation Date: July 1, 2024.
• Key Facts:
  • Objectives: To overhaul India’s criminal justice system, make it more citizen-centric, victim-centric, and efficient, and replace outdated colonial legislation. The government emphasized a shift from “punishment” to “justice.”
  • Key Changes:
    • BNS (replacing IPC): Introduces new offenses like organized crime, terrorism, and abetment outside India. Modifies existing provisions for offenses like sedition (now “acts endangering sovereignty, unity and integrity of India”) and murder. Community service is introduced as a punishment for petty offenses.
    • BNSS (replacing CrPC): Focuses on digitizing the criminal justice process, including electronic FIRs, digital records, and electronic summons. It also includes provisions for forensic examination to be mandatory for offenses punishable with seven years or more imprisonment. Time limits are set for various stages of investigation and trial.
    • BSA (replacing Indian Evidence Act): Recognizes electronic and digital records as primary evidence, streamlines the admissibility of evidence, and introduces new forms of evidence like audio-video recordings.
  • Impact: This is a monumental reform of the criminal justice system, aiming to modernize legal processes, expedite trials, and improve the conviction rate. Its long-term effectiveness will depend on infrastructure development, training of police and judiciary, and adaptation by legal professionals.

8. Direct Tax Code (In Process) / New Income Tax Bill

• Decision: A proposed comprehensive overhaul of India’s direct tax laws, aiming to simplify the existing Income Tax Act, 1961. While previously referred to as the Direct Tax Code, recent reports indicate a “New Income Tax Bill.”
• Status: In process. As of July 2025, the New Income Tax Bill is expected to be discussed in the monsoon session of Parliament (July-August 2025), with potential implementation from FY 2026-27.
• Key Facts:
  • Objectives: To simplify and rationalize direct tax laws, reduce complexities, minimize litigation, broaden the tax base, and enhance ease of compliance for taxpayers.
  • Key Proposed Changes (as per available information for the DTC/New Bill):
    • Simplification of the tax structure by reducing the number of sections (reportedly by 30-60%).
    • Rationalization of tax rates and potentially new income tax slabs, aiming for relief for middle-income taxpayers.
    • Consolidation and review of exemptions and deductions to create a more straightforward regime.
    • Introduction of digital compliance mechanisms to enhance transparency and reduce paperwork.
    • Streamlining of capital gains tax rules and potentially unified corporate tax rates.
    • Expansion of audit roles to include Company Secretaries and Cost Accountants.
  • Background: The need for a comprehensive direct tax reform has been discussed for a long time to make India’s tax system more contemporary and efficient.

9. Uniform Civil Code (UCC) (In Process)

• Decision: A proposal to formulate and implement personal laws that would apply equally to all citizens, irrespective of their religion, replacing existing religious personal laws.
• Status: In process at the national level. While the central government has advocated for it, a nationwide UCC bill is yet to be introduced. Uttarakhand, a BJP-ruled state, passed its own UCC bill in February 2025 and implemented it from January 2025, becoming the first state in independent India to do so.
• Key Facts:
  • Constitutional Mandate: Article 44 of the Indian Constitution states that “The State shall endeavour to secure for the citizens a Uniform Civil Code throughout the territory of India.”
  • Objective: To achieve gender justice, promote equality, and foster national integration by having a common set of laws governing matters like marriage, divorce, inheritance, adoption, etc.
  • Debate: The UCC is a highly debated topic in India, with proponents arguing for equality and secularism, while opponents raise concerns about religious freedom and diversity.
  • Uttarakhand’s Bill: Uttarakhand’s legislation on UCC is seen as a significant step, potentially paving the way for similar laws in other states or a central UCC, especially as the BJP frequently brings it up as a core agenda item.

10. Trade Deals

The BJP government has actively pursued various trade deals to boost India’s economic integration and export potential.

• Key Trade Deals/Negotiations (Examples):
  • India-UAE Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA): Signed in February 2022, came into effect in May 2022. Aims to boost bilateral trade to $100 billion.
  • India-Australia Economic Cooperation and Trade Agreement (ECTA): Signed in April 2022, came into effect in December 2022. Facilitates trade in goods and services.
  • UK-India Free Trade Agreement (FTA): Negotiations have been ongoing, and an agreement was reached in May 2025, aiming for a significant increase in bilateral trade. The full text is awaited, and implementation will follow governmental requirements and parliamentary procedures.
  • Other Engagements: India has been involved in discussions for FTAs with the EU, Canada, and other blocs, aiming to diversify its trade relationships and reduce dependence on specific markets.
  • Approach: The government has generally adopted a cautious approach to large multilateral agreements like RCEP (Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership), prioritizing bilateral deals that align with India’s specific economic interests.

11. UPI (Unified Payments Interface) Implementation

• Decision: Development and widespread adoption of a real-time payment system that facilitates instant inter-bank transactions through mobile devices.
• Pilot Launch Date: April 11, 2016 (by RBI Governor Raghuram Rajan).
• Apps on Play Store: Banks started uploading UPI-enabled apps from August 25, 2016, onwards.
• Key Facts:
  • Developer: National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI).
  • Objectives: To promote digital payments, financial inclusion, and a cashless economy by providing a simple, secure, and instant payment mechanism.
  • Impact: UPI has revolutionized digital payments in India, making it one of the leading countries in real-time digital transactions. Its ease of use and interoperability have led to massive adoption by individuals and businesses, contributing significantly to India’s digital economy growth. As of March 2025, UPI transactions continue to break records, demonstrating its pervasive reach.

12. Discontinuation/Repeal of Laws (e.g., Farm Laws)

• Decision: The government enacted three controversial farm laws in September 2020. Due to widespread protests by farmers, the government later decided to repeal them.
• Farm Laws Enactment Date: September 2020.
• Farm Laws Repeal Date: November 22, 2021 (The Farm Laws Repeal Bill, 2021, was introduced in Lok Sabha and later received Presidential assent on November 30, 2021).
• Key Facts:
  • The Three Laws: Farmers’ Produce Trade and Commerce (Promotion and Facilitation) Act, 2020; Farmers (Empowerment and Protection) Agreement on Price Assurance and Farm Services Act, 2020; Essential Commodities (Amendment) Act, 2020.
  • Objectives (Stated by Govt.): To liberalize agricultural markets, enable farmers to sell their produce outside regulated mandis, and encourage corporate investment in agriculture.
  • Protests: Farmers, primarily from Punjab, Haryana, and Uttar Pradesh, protested for over a year, demanding the repeal of the laws, fearing they would weaken the Minimum Support Price (MSP) system and make them vulnerable to large corporations.
  • Government’s Stance: Initially firm, the government eventually conceded to the farmers’ demands and repealed the laws in a significant political U-turn.
  • Impact: The repeal highlighted the power of sustained public protest and raised questions about consultation processes for major reforms.

13. “One Nation, One Election” (In Process)

• Decision: A proposal to hold simultaneous elections for the Lok Sabha (Parliament) and all State Legislative Assemblies.
• Status: In process. A high-level committee chaired by former President Ram Nath Kovind submitted its report in March 2024. While the government is keen on its implementation, it is unlikely to happen before 2034 due to complex constitutional and logistical challenges.
• Key Facts:
  • Objectives: To save public money, reduce the burden on administrative machinery and security forces, ensure policy continuity, and avoid disruption due to frequent elections.
  • Challenges: Requires significant constitutional amendments (potentially requiring ratification by states), overcoming logistical hurdles like EVM availability and deployment of security forces, and achieving broad political consensus among all parties.
  • Proposed Mechanism (as per reports): The Constitution (129th Amendment) Bill, 2024, seeks to enable the system. State assemblies elected after a specified “appointed date” (possibly after the 2029 general elections) might have their terms shortened to synchronize with the Lok Sabha’s five-year cycle.
  • Debate: Proponents highlight efficiency, while opponents raise concerns about federalism, accountability of state governments, and the potential for national issues to overshadow regional ones during simultaneous polls.

14. Strategic Use of Deputy Chief Minister Post

• Development: The increased frequency and strategic appointment of Deputy Chief Ministers in states, often by the BJP, to manage alliances, accommodate regional leaders, or balance caste/community equations.
• Key Facts:
  • Constitutional Status: The post of Deputy Chief Minister is not constitutionally defined but is a political one, similar to that of a Deputy Prime Minister at the Centre.
  • Reasons for Appointment:
    • Coalition Management: To ensure stability and power-sharing in coalition governments.
    • Regional/Caste Balance: To give representation to different regions or influential caste groups within a state.
    • Succession Planning/Leadership Management: To groom future leaders or accommodate senior party leaders.
    • Conflict Resolution: To resolve internal dissent or power struggles within the ruling party or alliance.
  • Examples under BJP Rule (since 2014): Many BJP-ruled states or states where BJP is part of a coalition have appointed multiple Deputy Chief Ministers (e.g., Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Rajasthan, Chhattisgarh, Nagaland, Meghalaya, etc.). This trend reflects a pragmatic political strategy to strengthen the party’s base and manage complex state-level politics.

15. Repeal of Obsolete Laws

• Decision: A systematic effort to repeal thousands of outdated and redundant laws from the statute books, many of which were colonial-era legislations.
• Timeline: This has been an ongoing process since 2014. The government, in its first term (2014-2019), repealed over 1,428 “old and archaic Acts.” This drive continued in the second term with more Repealing and Amending Acts. As of 2025, several more such bills have been passed, continually streamlining the legal framework.
• Key Facts:
  • Objectives: To simplify the legal framework, reduce legal complexities, improve ease of doing business, and eliminate laws that were no longer relevant or had become anachronistic.
  • Process: The Ministry of Law and Justice, along with the NITI Aayog, identified laws that needed to be repealed. Parliament then passed “Repealing and Amending Acts” to formally remove them.
  • Impact: This initiative has significantly streamlined India’s legal landscape, making it more modern and adaptable to contemporary needs. It is seen as a commitment to reducing red tape and improving governance.

16. Triple Talaq Ban

• Decision: Enactment of a law to criminalize instant triple talaq (talaq-e-biddat), making it an offense punishable by imprisonment.
• Supreme Court Ruling: August 22, 2017, the Supreme Court of India declared instant triple talaq unconstitutional.
• Law Enactment Date: The Muslim Women (Protection of Rights on Marriage) Act, 2019, was passed by Parliament on July 30, 2019, and came into effect on August 1, 2019.
• Key Facts:
  • Objectives: To protect the rights of Muslim women, ensure gender equality, and end the discriminatory practice of instant triple talaq, which allowed a Muslim man to divorce his wife by simply uttering “talaq” three times.
  • Provisions: The law makes instant triple talaq illegal and void, and provides for a jail term of up to three years for the husband.
  • Impact: This was a significant legal reform, hailed by proponents as a major step towards gender justice for Muslim women in India. It faced opposition from some conservative groups but was strongly advocated by the government as a matter of fundamental rights.

17. MyGov Initiative

• Decision: Launch of a citizen engagement platform to enable active participation of citizens in governance and policy formulation.
• Launch Date: July 26, 2014, by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
• Key Facts:
  • Objectives: To foster “Jan Bhagidari” (people’s participation) in governance, solicit ideas, feedback, and creative solutions from citizens on various government initiatives and policy issues.
  • Functionality: MyGov hosts discussions, tasks, polls, surveys, and contests, allowing citizens to contribute directly. It also serves as a platform for disseminating information about government schemes and programs.
  • Achievements: MyGov has over 30 million registered users as of May 2021 (and continues to grow, exceeding 35 million by July 2025). It has been instrumental in crowdsourcing logos (e.g., Swachh Bharat, National Education Policy), taglines, and inputs for draft policies (e.g., National Education Policy, Data Protection Policy). It also played a crucial role in disseminating information during the COVID-19 pandemic through dedicated portals and chatbots.
  • Impact: MyGov has established itself as a significant digital platform for participatory governance, enhancing transparency and accountability, and bridging the gap between the government and its citizens.

18. Skill India Mission

• Decision: Launch of a comprehensive mission to provide skill development training and promote entrepreneurship among the youth.
• Launch Date: July 15, 2015 (on World Youth Skills Day), by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
• Key Facts:
  • Objectives: To rapidly scale up skill development in India to meet the demands of the industry, enhance employability, and create a skilled workforce for both domestic and international markets. A target was set to train over 40 crore (400 million) people in various skills by 2022.
  • Key Initiatives:
    • National Skill Development Mission: The overarching framework.
    • National Policy for Skill Development and Entrepreneurship, 2015: The guiding policy document.
    • Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana (PMKVY): A flagship scheme for skill training and certification, focusing on fresh entrants to the workforce and those seeking to upgrade their skills. PMKVY has seen multiple phases and as of July 2025, continues to be a central pillar of skilling efforts.
    • Skill Loan Scheme: To provide financial assistance for skill development.
    • Industrial Training Institutes (ITIs): Modernization and expansion of ITIs.
    • India International Skills Centres: To provide advanced courses and prepare youth for overseas jobs.
  • Impact: Skill India aims to address the skill gap in the country, boost employment, and contribute to India’s demographic dividend. It has trained millions of individuals across various sectors, though challenges related to quality, industry linkage, and formal sector job creation persist. The focus remains on making Indian youth globally competitive.

19. Road Making & Highway Infrastructure Development

• Decision: A massive push for the development and expansion of India’s road and highway network, focusing on National Highways, expressways, and rural connectivity.
• Key Facts (Achievements & Initiatives):
  • Exponential Growth: India’s National Highway network has witnessed significant growth. The length of National Highways has surged by 60% in the last 10 years, from 91,287 km in 2014 to 146,195 km in June 2025, making it the second largest road network globally.
  • Increased Construction Pace: The pace of National Highway construction has dramatically increased from about 11.6 km/day in 2013-14 to approximately 34 km/day in 2024-25.
  • Bharatmala Pariyojana (Approved 2017): A flagship umbrella program for highway development, aiming to optimize the efficiency of freight and passenger movement.
    • Components: Includes development of Economic Corridors, Inter-corridor & Feeder Routes, National Corridor Efficiency Improvement, Border & International Connectivity Roads, Coastal & Port Connectivity Roads, and Green-field Expressways.
    • Progress: As of February 2025, projects covering a total length of 26,425 km have been awarded under Bharatmala, and 19,826 km have already been constructed.
    • Objectives: To raise the number of economic corridors from 6 to 50, connect 550 districts by at least 4-lane highways (from 300), and increase freight traffic on National Highways from 40% to 80%.
  • PM Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY): Continued and enhanced focus on rural road connectivity. Over 7.8 lakh km of rural roads have been completed between 2014-2025.
  • Asset Monetization: Use of the Toll Operate and Transfer (TOT) model to monetize existing highway assets and generate funds for new projects.
  • Key Projects: Development of numerous expressways (e.g., Delhi-Mumbai Expressway, Purvanchal Expressway, Nagpur-Mumbai Samruddhi Mahamarg), strategically important border roads, and iconic bridges like the Sudarshan Setu Bridge (Okha-Beyt Dwarka Signature bridge).
  • Impact: Improved connectivity, reduced travel times, enhanced logistics efficiency, and a boost to economic activity and regional development across the country.

20. New Trains & Railway Modernization (Vande Bharat, Bullet Train, etc.)

• Decision: A multi-pronged approach to modernize Indian Railways, including the introduction of semi-high-speed trains, high-speed rail corridors, and significant infrastructure upgrades.
• Key Facts (Achievements & Initiatives):
  • Vande Bharat Express (First Service: February 15, 2019): India’s first indigenously designed and manufactured semi-high-speed train.
    • Features: Equipped with modern amenities like automatic doors, reclining seats, GPS-based information systems, Wi-Fi, KAVACH anti-collision system, and enhanced safety features.
    • Expansion: As of July 2025, over 100 Vande Bharat Express train services are operational across various routes, connecting major cities and significantly reducing travel times. The aim is to roll out more such trains regularly.
  • Mumbai-Ahmedabad High-Speed Rail Corridor (Bullet Train): India’s first high-speed rail project, inspired by Japan’s Shinkansen.
    • Foundation Stone: September 14, 2017, by PM Modi and then Japanese PM Shinzo Abe.
    • Status: Under construction. While initially slated for completion by 2022, it faced land acquisition challenges, particularly in Maharashtra. Significant progress has been made, especially in Gujarat, with over 300 km of viaducts completed as of May 2025. An initial section in Gujarat is expected to be operational by late 2027, with the full corridor by 2028.
    • Key Feature: Will connect Mumbai and Ahmedabad with a top speed of 320 kmph, traversing 508 km. Includes India’s first undersea rail tunnel.
    • Funding: Largely financed by a low-interest loan from Japan.
  • Railway Electrification: Accelerated electrification of railway tracks. Over 45,000 Rkm (route kilometers) of rail electrification completed since 2014.
  • Track Laying and Renewal: More than 31,000 km of new tracks laid and over 45,000 km of tracks renewed since 2014.
  • Safety (KAVACH): Deployment of the indigenous Automatic Train Protection system ‘KAVACH’ on key routes to prevent collisions.
  • Accessibility: Installation of thousands of lifts and escalators at railway stations, and provision of Wi-Fi at over 6,000 stations.
  • Elimination of Unmanned Level Crossings (ULCs): Construction of over 12,000 Road Over Bridges (ROBs) and Road Under Bridges (RUBs) to enhance safety and reduce traffic congestion.
  • Capital Expenditure: Total capital allocation for Indian Railways has increased significantly since 2014.
  • Impact: Aims to provide faster, safer, more comfortable, and efficient rail travel, improving connectivity and logistics across the country.

21. Sagarmala Pariyojana

• Decision: A national program aimed at port-led development to transform India’s logistics sector and maritime economy.
• Launch Date: March 2015.
• Key Facts:
  • Objectives: To reduce logistics costs for EXIM and domestic trade, enhance port capacity and efficiency, promote port-led industrialization, develop coastal communities, and enhance coastal shipping and inland waterways.
  • Five Pillars: Port Modernization & New Port Development; Port Connectivity Enhancement; Port-led Industrialization; Coastal Community Development; Coastal Shipping & Inland Water Transport.
  • Achievements: As of March 2025, 839 projects worth ₹5.79 lakh crore were identified, with 272 projects completed (investing ₹1.41 lakh crore). Coastal shipping has grown by 118% and inland waterway cargo movement by 700% over the last decade. Nine Indian ports are now among the world’s top 100.
  • Impact: Aims to harness India’s vast coastline and navigable waterways to boost trade, create jobs, and improve logistics efficiency, contributing to the “blue economy.”

22. National Infrastructure Pipeline (NIP)

• Decision: A comprehensive plan for infrastructure projects across various sectors to boost economic growth and attract investments.
• Announcement: Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced NIP during his Independence Day speech in 2019.
• Duration: 2020-2025 (initial phase).
• Key Facts:
  • Total Investment: Initially projected at ₹102 lakh crore, later expanded to ₹111 lakh crore (approx. $1.5 trillion) over five years (2020-2025).
  • Sectoral Focus: Energy, Roads, Railways, Urban Development, and Irrigation account for the bulk of projects (around 70%).
  • Funding Split: Expected to be shared between the Centre (39%), States (40%), and the private sector (21%).
  • Implementation: Monitored through the India Investment Grid (IIG) platform, which provides real-time updates.
  • National Monetisation Pipeline (NMP): Launched in 2021, NMP is a framework for monetizing core infrastructure assets (roads, railways, power, etc.) to generate funds for new infrastructure development under NIP.
  • Impact: NIP aims to provide a clear roadmap for infrastructure development, attract both domestic and foreign investment, stimulate economic activity, and create jobs, laying the foundation for India’s long-term growth.

23. India’s Economic Growth and Global Standing

• Decision/Trend: A consistent focus on economic growth and reforms to enhance India’s global economic position.
• Key Facts:
  • GDP Growth: India has maintained its position as one of the fastest-growing major economies globally. Real GDP growth has consistently been robust, with nominal GDP tripling from ₹106.57 lakh crore (2014–15) to ₹331.03 lakh crore (2024–25). Projections for FY 2025-26 indicate growth in the range of 6.4% to 6.7%.
  • Global Ranking: India surpassed the UK in 2022 to become the 5th largest economy in the world by nominal GDP. Projections often indicate it becoming the 3rd largest by 2027-2030.
  • Ease of Doing Business: Significant improvements in India’s ranking in the World Bank’s Ease of Doing Business Index, moving from 142nd in 2014 to 63rd in 2019 (the last year the report was published in this format). The government continues to focus on improving the business environment through various reforms.
  • FDI Inflows: India has attracted record Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) inflows, reflecting increased investor confidence.
  • Impact: These trends reflect the government’s economic policies aimed at liberalization, fiscal discipline, and boosting manufacturing and services sectors.

24. Foreign Policy and Geopolitical Engagements

• Decision/Shift: A more proactive and multi-aligned foreign policy approach, focusing on “Neighbourhood First,” “Act East,” and strengthening relations with major global powers while engaging with multilateral forums.
• Key Facts:
  • Neighbourhood First: Emphasis on improving ties with immediate neighbours in South Asia.
  • Act East Policy: Upgrading the “Look East Policy” to “Act East” for more proactive engagement with Southeast Asian and East Asian countries.
  • Engagement with Major Powers: Deepening strategic partnerships with the US, Russia, EU, Japan, and Middle Eastern countries.
  • Multilateralism: Active participation in forums like G20 (India held the presidency in 2023), BRICS (India hosted the 13th Summit in 2021 and saw BRICS expansion in 2024 and 2025), and Quad (Quadrilateral Security Dialogue) to enhance regional security and cooperation.
  • Global South Leadership: India has increasingly positioned itself as a voice for the Global South on issues like climate change and equitable development.
  • Proactive Diplomacy: Notable diplomatic efforts during crises, including evacuation operations and humanitarian assistance.
  • Impact: India’s foreign policy has become more assertive, seeking to balance its strategic interests with economic imperatives, and establishing itself as a significant global player.

25. Defense Modernization and Indigenization

• Decision: A strong focus on modernizing the armed forces, increasing defense spending, and achieving self-reliance (Atmanirbhar Bharat) in defense production.
• Key Facts:
  • Increased Budget: Defence budget has steadily increased, from ₹2.53 lakh crore in 2013–14 to ₹6.81 lakh crore in 2025–26, with a significant rise in capital outlay for modernization.
  • Indigenization Push: Over 75% of the 2023–24 acquisition budget was earmarked for domestic industry. Multiple “Positive Indigenisation Lists” have been issued, banning the import of various defense items.
  • “Make in India” in Defense: Initiatives like Innovation for Defence Excellence (iDEX) and the Defence Industrial Corridors (UP and Tamil Nadu) are fostering a domestic defense manufacturing ecosystem.
  • Key Indigenous Platforms:
    • LCA Tejas: Production ramped up, with new variants like Tejas Mark 1A being inducted.
    • INS Vikrant: India’s first indigenously designed and built aircraft carrier, commissioned on September 2, 2022.
    • Missile Systems: Continued development and deployment of indigenous missile systems (e.g., Agni, BrahMos, Akash).
    • KAVACH: Indigenous Automatic Train Protection system for railways, now being widely deployed.
  • Surgical Strikes (September 2016) & Balakot Airstrike (February 2019): Significant military responses to cross-border terrorism, signaling a more assertive national security posture.
  • Impact: Aims to reduce import dependence, create jobs, boost technological capabilities, and strengthen India’s strategic autonomy.

26. Space Program Achievements and Future Plans

• Decision: Continued support and expansion of India’s space program (ISRO), focusing on planetary exploration, human spaceflight, and commercial space.
• Key Facts:
  • Chandrayaan-2 (Launched July 22, 2019): While the lander soft-landing was unsuccessful, the orbiter successfully completed its mission and continues to provide valuable data.
  • Chandrayaan-3 (Launched July 14, 2023; Landed August 23, 2023): Historic successful soft landing on the lunar South Pole, making India the fourth country to achieve a soft landing on the Moon and the first to land near the South Pole. The rover “Pragyan” conducted in-situ experiments.
  • Aditya-L1 (Launched September 2, 2023): India’s first solar observatory mission to study the Sun, successfully placed in a halo orbit around the L1 point in January 2024.
  • Gaganyaan Mission: India’s human spaceflight program. The first uncrewed test flight (Gaganyaan 1) is planned for Q4 2025, with a crewed mission expected no earlier than 2026.
  • Commercial Space: Encouraging private sector participation in the space industry through reforms and policies.
  • Impact: These missions showcase India’s growing scientific and technological prowess, enhance its global standing in space exploration, and contribute to scientific knowledge.

27. Renewable Energy and Climate Change Commitments

• Decision: Aggressive targets and policies to boost renewable energy capacity and address climate change.
• Key Facts:
  • Capacity Growth: Installed Renewable Energy (RE) capacity has grown significantly from 76.37 GW in March 2014 to 226.79 GW in June 2025, an increase of nearly 3 times.
  • Global Ranking: India ranks 4th globally in Renewable Energy Installed Capacity, 4th in Wind Power, and 3rd in Solar Power capacity (IRENA RE Statistics 2025). Solar capacity alone increased more than 39 times (from 2.82 GW in 2014 to 110.9 GW in 2025).
  • Panchamrit Commitments (COP26, 2021): Prime Minister Modi announced five key climate targets:
    1. Achieve 500 GW of non-fossil energy capacity by 2030.
    2. Meet 50% of energy requirements from renewable energy by 2030.
    3. Reduce total projected carbon emissions by one billion tonnes by 2030.
    4. Reduce the carbon intensity of its economy by 45% by 2030.
    5. Achieve Net Zero emissions by 2070.
  • International Solar Alliance (ISA): Co-founded by India and France in 2015, with headquarters in India, the ISA promotes solar energy deployment globally.
  • Ethanol Blending: Significant increase in ethanol blending in petrol (from 1.53% in 2014 to 18.5% in 2025), aiming for 20% by 2025-26.
  • Impact: Demonstrates India’s commitment to sustainable development and its leadership role in global climate action, while also enhancing energy security.

28. Agricultural Reforms and Farmer Welfare

• Decision: A focus on increasing farmers’ income and modernizing agriculture through various schemes and reforms (beyond the repealed farm laws).
• Key Facts:
  • PM-KISAN (Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi – Launched February 24, 2019): Provides income support of ₹6,000 per year in three equal installments to eligible farmer families. This has provided significant direct financial assistance to millions of farmers.
  • PM Fasal Bima Yojana (Launched February 18, 2016): A crop insurance scheme to provide financial support to farmers suffering crop loss/damage arising out of unforeseen events.
  • E-NAM (e-National Agriculture Market – Launched April 14, 2016): An online trading platform for agricultural commodities, linking APMC mandis across states to facilitate better price discovery for farmers.
  • Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana (PMKSY – Launched July 1, 2015): Aims to provide assured irrigation to every field (“Har Khet Ko Pani”).
  • Soil Health Card Scheme (Launched February 19, 2015): Provides farmers with soil health cards to promote judicious use of fertilizers and improve soil fertility.
  • Promoting Organic Farming: Schemes like Paramparagat Krishi Vikas Yojana (PKVY) promote organic farming.
  • Impact: Aims to double farmers’ income, reduce agrarian distress, improve agricultural productivity, and integrate farmers with modern markets.

29. Education Reforms

• Decision: Comprehensive reforms in the education sector to make it more holistic, flexible, and aligned with global standards.
• Key Facts:
  • National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 (Approved July 29, 2020): A transformative policy replacing the 1986 policy.
    • Key Features: Introduces a 5+3+3+4 curricular structure, emphasizes foundational literacy and numeracy, multidisciplinary education, vocational education integration, flexible learning pathways, and increased public investment in education.
    • Implementation: Various initiatives are underway for its phased implementation across school and higher education, including curriculum framework development, teacher training (NIPUN Bharat Mission to ensure foundational literacy and numeracy by 2026-27), and digital learning platforms.
  • PM SHRI Schools (Launched September 5, 2022): More than 14,500 PM ScHools for Rising India (PM SHRI) are being set up by strengthening existing central/state/local body run schools as model schools.
  • Expansion of Institutions: Significant increase in the number of Higher Education Institutions (HEIs), Universities, Colleges, IITs (from 16 to 23), IIMs (from 13 to 21), and AIIMS (from 7 to 20) since 2014.
  • Digital Education: Promotion of digital learning platforms (e.g., SWAYAM, DIKSHA) to enhance access and quality of education.
  • Impact: Aims to create a future-ready workforce, promote research and innovation, and establish India as a global knowledge superpower.

30. Healthcare System Strengthening

• Decision: Significant investment and policy focus on strengthening healthcare infrastructure and accessibility.
• Key Facts:
  • Ayushman Bharat (Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana – PMJAY – Launched September 23, 2018): World’s largest government-funded health assurance scheme, providing a health cover of Rs. 5 lakh per family per year for secondary and tertiary care hospitalization to over 50 crore (500 million) beneficiaries.
  • Ayushman Bharat Health and Wellness Centres (AB-HWCs): Transforming existing primary health facilities into AB-HWCs to provide comprehensive primary healthcare services closer to the community. Over 1.6 lakh HWCs operational by 2025.
  • PM National Dialysis Programme: Providing free dialysis services.
  • Mission Indradhanush: Intensified immunization program to ensure full immunization coverage for children and pregnant women.
  • Increased Medical Colleges and Seats: Significant increase in the number of MBBS and PG medical seats, and establishment of new medical colleges, to address the shortage of healthcare professionals.
  • Digital Health Mission: Creation of a national digital health ecosystem to improve healthcare access and efficiency through digital records.
  • Impact: Aims to move towards universal health coverage, reduce out-of-pocket health expenditures, and improve the overall health outcomes for the population.

31. Jal Jeevan Mission

• Decision: A massive mission to provide safe and adequate drinking water through individual household tap connections to all rural households in India.
• Launch Date: August 15, 2019, by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
• Key Facts:
  • Objectives: To provide Functional Household Tap Connections (FHTC) to every rural household by 2024.
  • Progress: As of July 2025, over 75% of rural households have FHTCs, a significant leap from around 17% in 2019. The mission has connected millions of households to piped water supply.
  • Impact: Aims to improve public health, reduce drudgery for women and girls who traditionally fetch water, and enhance the quality of life in rural areas.

32. Digital Infrastructure and Governance

• Decision: Transform India into a digitally empowered society and knowledge economy through robust digital infrastructure and services.
• Key Facts:
  • Digital India Programme (Launched July 1, 2015): The overarching initiative for digital transformation.
  • BharatNet Project: Connecting Gram Panchayats with high-speed optical fiber. As of January 2025, 2.14 lakh gram panchayats have been connected.
  • 5G Rollout: India has seen one of the fastest 5G rollouts globally since its launch in October 2022. As of February 2025, 5G services are available in 99.6% of districts, with 4.69 lakh 5G Base Transceiver Stations (BTSs) installed.
  • Mobile and Internet Penetration: Total telephone connections increased from 933 million in March 2014 to 1188.70 million in October 2024. Internet subscribers exceeded 970 million by September 2024. Average monthly data consumption per wireless subscriber increased by 353 times from March 2014 to June 2024.
  • Aadhaar: Continued widespread use of Aadhaar for identity authentication and service delivery. Aadhaar face authentication crossed 100 crore milestone in January 2025.
  • UMANG (Unified Mobile Application for New-age Governance): Launched in 2017, provides access to various government services on a single mobile app.
  • GeM (Government e-Marketplace): An online platform for public procurement. As of January 2025, GeM has clocked a Gross Merchandise Value (GMV) of ₹4.09 lakh crore in FY 2024-25.
  • Impact: Significant improvements in digital literacy, online service delivery, financial inclusion, and overall governance efficiency.

33. Startup India Initiative

• Decision: A flagship initiative to build a strong ecosystem for nurturing innovation and startups in the country.
• Launch Date: January 16, 2016.
• Key Facts:
  • Objectives: To foster entrepreneurship, promote innovation, and create a conducive environment for startups to thrive.
  • Growth of Ecosystem: India has emerged as the third-largest startup ecosystem globally. The number of DPIIT-recognized startups has grown from around 500 in 2016 to over 1.59 lakh as of January 15, 2025.
  • Unicorns: Over 100 unicorns (startups valued at over $1 billion) by 2025.
  • Job Creation: Recognized startups have reportedly created over 16.6 lakh direct jobs as of October 2024.
  • Support Mechanisms: Provides tax benefits, easier compliance, funding support (e.g., Fund of Funds for Startups, Startup India Seed Fund Scheme), mentorship, and incubation support.
  • Impact: Has transformed India from a nation of “job seekers” to “job creators,” driving innovation and contributing significantly to economic growth and employment.

34. Environmental Protection and Conservation

• Decision: Increased focus on environmental protection, pollution control, and biodiversity conservation.
• Key Facts:
  • National Clean Air Programme (NCAP – Launched January 2019): A long-term, time-bound, national-level strategy to tackle the air pollution problem across the country in a comprehensive manner. Aims for 20-30% reduction in PM2.5 and PM10 concentrations by 2024 (with 2017 as the base year).
  • Forest Cover: Consistent increase in India’s forest and tree cover, as per the India State of Forest Report (ISFR).
  • Swachh Bharat Abhiyan (Phase 2): Continued focus on solid and liquid waste management in rural areas and sustainable sanitation practices.
  • Plastic Waste Management Rules: Stricter regulations for managing plastic waste, including a ban on single-use plastics from July 2022.
  • Wetlands and Biodiversity Conservation: Enhanced efforts for the protection of wetlands (Ramsar Sites) and various wildlife conservation projects (e.g., Project Tiger, Project Lion).
  • Impact: Aims to achieve environmental sustainability while balancing economic development, improving public health, and conserving natural resources.

Other Significant Social Welfare and Governance Schemes:

• Atal Pension Yojana (APY – Launched June 1, 2015): A pension scheme for workers in the unorganized sector, providing a guaranteed minimum pension.
• Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana (PMUY – Launched May 1, 2016): Provides LPG connections to women from BPL households, aiming to provide clean cooking fuel.
• Saubhagya Scheme (Pradhan Mantri Sahaj Bijli Har Ghar Yojana – Launched October 11, 2017): Achieved 100% household electrification across India.
• Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission (Launched September 27, 2021): Building a digital healthcare ecosystem.
• PM Gati Shakti National Master Plan (Launched October 13, 2021): A digital platform to bring 16 ministries together for integrated planning and coordinated implementation of infrastructure connectivity projects.
• Atal Innovation Mission (AIM – Launched 2016): To promote a culture of innovation and entrepreneurship, including Atal Tinkering Labs (ATLs) in schools.
• Viksit Bharat @2047: The overarching vision for India to become a developed nation by 2047, encompassing various sectoral goals and long-term planning.

This comprehensive overview highlights the breadth and depth of policy changes and initiatives undertaken by the BJP central government in India since 2014, reflecting its commitment to economic reforms, social welfare, national security, infrastructure development, digital governance, and the fulfillment of its core ideological promises. Many of these decisions have had a profound impact on the country’s trajectory and continue to shape its future.