Modi Government's 12-Year Benchmarks: A Comprehensive Review
Modi government's 12-year tenure marked by economic reforms, digital push, and welfare initiatives.
Photo by Marek Studzinski
Editorial Analysis
The author presents a highly positive assessment of the Modi government's 12-year tenure, highlighting its transformative impact across various sectors. The perspective is that the government has successfully implemented significant reforms and set new benchmarks for governance and development.
Main Arguments:
- The government has driven significant economic reforms, including the implementation of GST and efforts towards fiscal consolidation, leading to a more stable and predictable economic environment.
- Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) initiatives like Jan Dhan, Aadhaar, and UPI have revolutionized financial inclusion and service delivery, making India a leader in digital transformation.
- Social welfare schemes such as Ayushman Bharat and direct benefit transfers have significantly improved the lives of millions, ensuring access to healthcare and reducing poverty.
- Major investments in physical infrastructure (roads, railways, ports) and a robust foreign policy have enhanced India's global standing and economic competitiveness.
- Defense modernization and a focus on internal security have strengthened national capabilities and ensured stability.
Conclusion
Policy Implications
Here's what matters: The Modi government, in its 12th year, has set new benchmarks across various sectors, as highlighted by Akshay Mathur. The article details achievements in economic reforms, digital public infrastructure, social welfare, infrastructure development, foreign policy, and defense. For instance, the implementation of GST and the rollout of Jan Dhan-UPI are cited as transformative.
The surprising fact is the sheer scale of digital adoption, with UPI transactions reaching 100 billion annually, showcasing a rapid shift towards a cashless economy. Think of it like building a new digital highway for the nation. For a UPSC aspirant, this is crucial for GS2 (Governance, Social Justice) and GS3 (Economy, Internal Security) as it covers major policy initiatives and their impact.
This topic often appears in Mains questions on government policies and their effectiveness.
Key Facts
GST implemented
Jan Dhan-UPI rolled out
UPI transactions reached 100 billion annually
Ayushman Bharat covers 500 million people
Make in India initiative
G20 presidency
UPSC Exam Angles
Impact of economic reforms (GST) on federalism and revenue collection.
Role of Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) in financial inclusion, governance, and economic growth (GS2, GS3).
Challenges and opportunities presented by a rapidly digitizing economy (GS3).
Government policies and interventions for development in various sectors (GS2, GS3).
India's foreign policy shifts and defense modernization efforts (GS2, GS3).
Visual Insights
Modi Government's 12-Year Benchmarks: Key Economic & Digital Achievements (Dec 2025)
This dashboard provides a snapshot of key achievements across economic reforms (GST), digital public infrastructure (UPI), and social welfare (PMJDY), reflecting the government's focus areas and their impact as of December 2025.
- Annual UPI Transactions
- ~210 Billion+27% (YoY est.)
- PMJDY Accounts Opened
- Over 54 Crore+4 Crore (since Aug 2023)
- Average Monthly GST Collection
- ₹1.80 Lakh Crore+7.8% (YoY est.)
- GST Council Meetings
- Over 55 Meetings
Demonstrates massive digital adoption and the success of India's digital public infrastructure, far exceeding the initial 100 billion milestone.
Highlights significant progress in financial inclusion, bringing a vast unbanked population into the formal financial system.
Reflects improved tax compliance, economic formalization, and robust economic activity under the 'One Nation, One Tax' regime.
Signifies continuous policy evolution, rationalization, and adaptive governance in India's indirect tax system.
More Information
Background
Latest Developments
Practice Questions (MCQs)
1. Consider the following statements regarding key policy initiatives in India: 1. The Goods and Services Tax (GST) is a destination-based consumption tax that subsumed various indirect taxes at both central and state levels. 2. The Jan Dhan-Aadhaar-Mobile (JAM) Trinity is considered a foundational element for India's Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) strategy, aiming for financial inclusion. 3. The Goods and Services Tax Council is a constitutional body chaired by the Union Finance Minister, with all State Finance Ministers as members. 4. The Unified Payments Interface (UPI) is regulated and operated directly by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI). Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
- A.1, 2 and 3 only
- B.2 and 4 only
- C.1, 3 and 4 only
- D.1, 2, 3 and 4
Show Answer
Answer: A
Statement 1 is correct. GST is indeed a destination-based consumption tax that replaced multiple indirect taxes. Statement 2 is correct. The JAM Trinity has been crucial in leveraging digital identity, bank accounts, and mobile connectivity for financial inclusion and Direct Benefit Transfers. Statement 3 is correct. Article 279A of the Constitution establishes the GST Council, chaired by the Union Finance Minister, and includes state finance ministers. Statement 4 is incorrect. While RBI regulates the payment ecosystem, UPI is developed and operated by the National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI), an initiative of RBI and Indian Banks' Association (IBA) under the provisions of the Payment and Settlement Systems Act, 2007.
2. In the context of India's Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) and its impact, which of the following statements is/are correct? 1. DPI primarily encompasses digital identity, payment, and data exchange systems, designed to be open, interoperable, and consent-based. 2. The rapid adoption of UPI transactions, reaching 100 billion annually, signifies a significant formalization of the economy and a reduction in the informal sector. 3. While DPI has enhanced financial inclusion, it has not yet significantly impacted the efficiency of public service delivery due to persistent last-mile connectivity issues. 4. The 'Open Network for Digital Commerce' (ONDC) is an initiative aimed at democratizing e-commerce by building an open network protocol, leveraging the principles of DPI. Select the correct answer using the code given below:
- A.1 and 2 only
- B.1, 2 and 4 only
- C.3 and 4 only
- D.1, 2, 3 and 4
Show Answer
Answer: B
Statement 1 is correct. DPI is characterized by these core components and principles, facilitating various digital services. Statement 2 is correct. The massive scale of digital transactions through UPI brings more economic activities into the formal financial system, reducing reliance on cash and informal channels, thereby contributing to economic formalization. Statement 3 is incorrect. DPI, particularly through Aadhaar and Jan Dhan accounts, has significantly enhanced the efficiency of public service delivery, especially through Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT), reducing leakages and improving targeting, despite existing last-mile challenges. Statement 4 is correct. ONDC is a significant DPI initiative aiming to create an open and inclusive e-commerce ecosystem, moving away from platform-centric models.
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Source Articles
In its 12th year, Modi government set new benchmarks | The Indian Express
11 years of Modi government: The transformation and the road ahead | The Indian Express
New council of ministers: 11 are 12th pass, 57 are graduate or above | Delhi News - The Indian Express
How the rupee has ‘strengthened’ under Modi government | Explained News - The Indian Express
Budget 2025 Important Points, highlights, explained: Income Tax Slabs & Rates for 2025-26 Explained, India Union Budget 2025-26