Posted On:
15 JUN 2026 6:15PM by PIB Bengaluru
Shri V. Somanna, Hon'ble Minister of State for Railways and Jal Shakti, Government of India, and Member of Parliament from Tumakuru, addressed the media today, detailing the monumental achievements of the Government of India over the past 12 years (2014–2026) under the visionary leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi.
Summarizing the 12-year journey, MoS Shri V. Somanna stated, "The Middle Class in India is no longer just aspirational; it is on the rise. Flagship schemes like PM Awas, Ujjwala, Ayushman Bharat, and Jan Dhan have provided our citizens with dignity, security, and savings. Today, MSMEs and Startups are the new economic engines for our districts. The vision of 'Viksit Bharat @ 2047' is dedicated to fulfilling the dreams of those aspiring for their first car, their first flat, and higher education for their children."
Highlighting a decade-plus of inclusive growth, infrastructure development, and cultural renaissance, Shri Somanna emphasized how these transformative policies have elevated the lives of every citizen, particularly farmers, women, youth, and the marginalized.
World's Largest Social Transformation and Poverty Eradication
The Minister noted that over 25 crore people have been lifted above the poverty line, forming India's new rising Middle Class. The government has ensured food security through the PM Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana, providing free food grains to over 81 crore Indians. Housing and financial inclusion have seen massive strides, with 4+ crore pucca houses constructed under PM Awas Yojana and a banking revolution sparked by the opening of over 58 crore Jan Dhan bank accounts.
Sanitation, Water, and Basic Infrastructure
Detailing the focus on dignity and health, Shri Somanna highlighted the construction of over 12 crore toilets, leading to 5 lakh villages being declared Open Defecation Free (ODF). The Jal Jeevan Mission has successfully delivered tap water connections to more than 16 crore households. Furthermore, the PM Ujjwala Yojana has created "smoke-free kitchens" by providing 11 crore LPG connections to women.
Empowering Entrepreneurs & The Rising Middle Class
To boost self-employment, the MUDRA Yojana has sanctioned loans to 57 crore beneficiaries. Special initiatives like PM SVANidhi (loans to 74 lakh street vendors), Stand-Up India (₹15,000 crore loans for SC/ST entrepreneurs), and PM Vishwakarma (supporting 30 lakh traditional artisans) have empowered millions at the grassroots. Additionally, the ambitious Rooftop Solar initiative targets 1+ crore installations to provide free electricity to households.
Farmers’ Welfare and Agricultural Boom
Reaffirming the government's commitment to Annadatas, Shri Somanna stated that ₹4.3 lakh crore has been directly transferred to farmers' accounts under PM-KISAN. The agricultural sector has been bolstered by providing a 90% subsidy on Urea (priced at ₹262 per bag), the PM Fasal Bima Yojana (where 63% of beneficiaries are SC/ST/OBC), and a 71% increase in food production, reaching a record 12,000+ Lakh Metric Tonnes. With global recognition for Millets, India now ranks among the top 10 agricultural exporters globally, supported by the e-NAM and Agri Infra Fund empowering farmers from seed to market.
Healthcare Revolution & Nari Shakti (Women Empowerment)
Under Ayushman Bharat, 60 crore beneficiaries are receiving free medical treatment up to ₹5 lakh. Healthcare infrastructure has expanded with 15 new AIIMS and an addition of over 10,000 medical seats. The PM Jeevan Jyoti Bima covers citizens for ₹2 lakh at an annual premium of just ₹436. Women's empowerment has reached unprecedented levels with 32 crore female Jan Dhan accounts, 3+ crore Lakhpati Didis, 91 lakh SHGs mobilizing 10+ crore rural women, 4+ crore Sukanya Samriddhi accounts, and an increase in maternity leave from 12 to 26 weeks.
Youth Power & Digital India
The National Education Policy (NEP) is reshaping the future, while the ₹1.60 lakh crore Semiconductor Mission places India on the global tech map. India's startup ecosystem has seen investments of ₹33.5 lakh crore, with an impressive 48% of these startups being women-led. India continues to lead the world in UPI digital payments, backed by training 6+ crore rural citizens in digital literacy. This economic formalization is reflected in record GST collections, which hit ₹22 lakh crore in 2024-25.
Inclusive Growth for SC/ST/OBC & Tribal Welfare
The Tribal Budget has witnessed a staggering 243% increase since 2014-15, reaching ₹15,000 crore. Landmark initiatives like the ₹79,000 crore Dharti Aaba Janjatiya Gram Utkarsh Abhiyan and the PM JANMAN Yojana are ensuring essential services reach 12+ lakh tribal households.
Nation Building & World-Class Infrastructure
Capital expenditure has been increased from ₹2 lakh crore to ₹12 lakh crore, transforming India's landscape. The railway sector has been modernized with 164 Vande Bharat trains and 99.6% Broad Gauge electrification, achieving 100% electrification in Arunachal Pradesh, Meghalaya, Nagaland, Tripura, and Mizoram. Metro rail services are now active in 26 cities, and 12 semiconductor projects have been approved with an investment of ₹1.6 lakh crore under Semicon India.
National Pride & Cultural Heritage
Highlighting India's elevated global standing, the Minister noted the successful G20 Presidency, record FDI inflows of $70 lakh crore in 2024-25, and record defence exports worth ₹38,400 crore. The government has prioritized cultural heritage by bringing back 668 antiquities to India, alongside the historic consecration of the Ram Mandir in Ayodhya and the redevelopment of Kashi Vishwanath Dham and Kedarnath. A conscious push towards de-colonization is evident in renaming Rajpath to Kartavya Path, Race Course Road to Lok Kalyan Marg, and Mughal Gardens to Amrit Udyan.
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