India economic reforms highlighted as Narendra Modi marks 12 years and record tenure

The Centre on Wednesday listed major policy changes and welfare steps during Narendra Modi’s 12 years in office. Narendra Modi became India’s longest-serving elected prime minister after crossing Jawaharlal Nehru’s record of 4,398 days. The government said these years included tax reforms, a digital push, and measures to improve ease of doing business.

Representative image

In booklets released for the occasion, the government said reforms helped shift India’s position in the global economy. It said India moved from being tagged among the "Fragile Five\" in 2013. The document added that India now ranks as the world’s fastest-growing major economy after what it called decisive policy actions.

Modi government reforms and tax changes

A Centre booklet said lower income tax burden over 12 years reflected a vision of \"Ramrajya\". It linked changes like GST, faceless tax, and Digital India with improved trust. It said higher taxpayer confidence supported spending on roads, hospitals, infrastructure, and other projects. The document also connected this trust with the goal of a USD 5-trillion economy.

The booklet said inflation was brought under control during this period. It added that GST helped turn India into a single market. The government also cited banking reforms that reduced non-performing assets, or NPAs. These steps, it said, helped change investor and public confidence in the system across sectors.

\"Twelve years of reforms have become twelve years of trust. Whether it is GST, faceless tax, or Digital India, every step has made citizens feel that they too are nation-builders. India is moving towards a 5-trillion-dollar economy. This is not just a figure, it is the flight of every Indians dream,\" the booklet said.

Modi government digital push and connectivity

An official document highlighted changes in data costs and access. It said the price of 1 GB of data fell by 97 per cent. The cost dropped to around Rs 8-10 from Rs 269 in 2014. The document linked this fall with higher rural internet use and more opportunities.

The document said internet users rose about four times in 12 years. It placed users at 103 crore up to December 2025, from around 25 crore in 2014. It also reported a sharp rise in broadband connections. Broadband links increased about 17 times to nearly 100 crore, from 6 crore earlier.

Modi government farmer welfare and PM-KISAN

A booklet titled Public Service is the Resolve outlined steps for farmers. It said the agriculture ministry’s annual budget rose fivefold in 12 years. The allocation reached Rs 1.4 lakh crore for the current fiscal. The document said the aim was to boost the farm sector and raise farmers’ income.

The Centre said it paid Rs 4.3 lakh crore to farmers under PM-KISAN. The scheme started in February 2019. It provides Rs 6,000 each year to eligible farmers. The support is paid in three equal instalments, the booklet said, as part of direct benefit measures.

Modi government and industry response on reforms

Industry leaders welcomed the reforms and policy direction. They said India became a stronger global voice under Modi’s leadership. They also pointed to efforts on ease of doing business. Leaders said investor confidence improved, and India Inc supported the Vision of Viksit Bharat by 2047 as a long-term national goal.

Confederation of Indian Industry President R Mukundan said the growing confidence in Indias capabilities is reflected in its resilience, ambition, and continued progress towards becoming a leading global economic powerhouse. \"As India moves towards its vision of Viksit Bharat 2047, industry remains committed to working closely with the government to accelerate investment, strengthen competitiveness, create quality employment, and ensure that growth remains inclusive, sustainable, and future-ready,\" he added.

Ficci President Anant Goenka said, \"Congratulations to Prime Minister Narendra Modi on completing this landmark chapter in Indias democratic journey. The past twelve years have been characterised by the steady consolidation of Indias economic fundamentals. Landmark reforms, enhanced ease of doing business, record infrastructure investments, expanding trade partnerships, stronger financial institutions and the rise of globally competitive manufacturing ecosystems have altered the trajectory of the Indian economy.\"

The government’s booklets placed tax changes, digital expansion, farm support, and business reforms at the centre of the 12-year account. They also tied these steps to wider goals, including a USD 5-trillion economy and Viksit Bharat 2047. Industry groups echoed the focus on investment, jobs, competitiveness, and stable economic fundamentals.

With inputs from PTI