Narendra Modi’s political career began in 2001 when he took office as Chief Minister of Gujarat. His tenure as Gujarat CM laid the foundation for many national-level programs during his time as Prime Minister. From economic reforms to environmental conservation, his “Gujarat Model” inspired initiatives that were later scaled up across the country. As India’s Prime Minister, Modi has maintained a focus on development (Vikas) while preserving heritage (Virasat).
The Gujarat Model: A Blueprint for National Programs
Several welfare programs, such as water conservation through the Sujalam Sufalam Jal Abhiyan, electricity access under the Jyotigram Yojana, and sanitation improvements via the Nirmal Gujarat campaign, were pioneered in Gujarat under Modi’s leadership. These programs were later expanded nationally, influencing initiatives like the Jal Jeevan Mission, Saubhagya Scheme, and Swachh Bharat Mission.
Balancing Development and Heritage: Vikas Bhi, Virasat Bhi
Modi’s governance has focused on balancing modernisation with cultural preservation. Projects like the Kashi Vishwanath Corridor, the Ram Mandir construction, and the repatriation of over 640 artefacts to India showcase his administration’s efforts to blend development with heritage conservation.
Water for All: The Jal Jeevan Mission
One of the standout programs inspired by Modi’s tenure in Gujarat is the Jal Jeevan Mission. Drawing from the success of the Sujalam Sufalam Jal Abhiyan, this initiative has provided safe tap water to nearly 12 crore rural households in India by August 2024. The mission’s impact extends beyond basic water access, contributing to public health by reducing waterborne diseases.
Electricity for All: Saubhagya Scheme
Modi’s vision for providing 24×7 electricity, initiated during his Gujarat days, expanded into the national Saubhagya Scheme. The program has electrified over 2.86 crore households, drastically improving the quality of life for millions and promoting sustainability by reducing the use of diesel pumps in rural areas.
Fighting Hunger: PM Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana
During the COVID-19 pandemic, the PM Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana became a lifeline for millions. Its roots lie in Gujarat’s Garib Kalyan Mela, which supported low-income families. Today, the scheme continues to provide free food grains to over 80 crore beneficiaries, significantly improving food security in the country.
Swachh Bharat Mission: Transforming Sanitation
The Swachh Bharat Mission, launched in 2014, was inspired by Modi’s Nirmal Gujarat drive. This mission has dramatically improved sanitation across India, contributing to better health outcomes and saving tens of thousands of infant lives annually by reducing the spread of waterborne diseases.
Empowering Women and Farmers
NaMo Drone Didi and PM Samman Nidhi Modi’s initiatives aimed at empowering women and farmers, such as the NaMo Drone Didi project and PM Samman Nidhi, trace their origins back to Gujarat’s Krishi Mahotsav and Mission Mangalam. These programs promoted modern agricultural techniques and provided microfinance support to women entrepreneurs, creating a framework for national initiatives like Stand-Up India.
India on the Global Stage
LiFE Movement and Sustainable Development On the international front, Modi has positioned India as a leader in sustainable development. At COP26, he launched the LiFE (Lifestyle for Environment) movement, urging communities to adopt eco-friendly practices to combat climate change, reinforcing India’s commitment to environmental conservation.
