Transformation in 12 Years: Prime Minister Modi Highlights India’s Progress on Independence Day

In his Independence Day address, Prime Minister Narendra Modi highlighted India’s transformative journey over the past 12 years, outlining major achievements in manufacturing, digital infrastructure, basic amenities, energy security, youth empowerment, innovation and social welfare.

Manufacturing and Self-Reliance: Defence production has increased nearly fourfold, while Khadi and village industries output has grown around fivefold. Electronics manufacturing has expanded nearly sevenfold, modern railway coach production has risen 21 times, and mobile phone production has increased 35 times, reflecting the growing strength of India’s domestic manufacturing ecosystem.

Digital India and Innovation: Internet users have increased nearly fourfold, patent grants have risen fourfold, and digital transactions have expanded almost 100 times. These developments have contributed to the emergence of a large digital and innovation ecosystem.

Expansion of Basic Amenities: The delivery of essential services has accelerated significantly. Tap water connections are being provided at nearly 15 times the earlier annual pace, LPG connections at about six times the earlier rate, sanitation facilities at nearly four times the earlier pace, and pucca houses for the poor at around three times the earlier rate. Public transport, including metro systems, has also expanded to more cities.

Semiconductors and Critical Minerals: India has moved from having no major semiconductor manufacturing facility to establishing a domestic semiconductor ecosystem, with three plants initiated and chip exports commencing. The National Critical Mineral Mission, critical mineral corridors and international partnerships are strengthening supply security.

Energy Security and Diversification: The Prime Minister emphasised nuclear energy, including advances in fast breeder technology, as a key component of long-term energy security. Offshore exploration has also been expanded by opening previously restricted areas.

India’s energy diversification has accelerated, with city gas distribution expanding from fewer than 70 cities in 2014 to nearly 700 today. Piped cooking gas coverage has also increased substantially, while solar capacity has grown from around 2 GW to nearly 160 GW.

Under the PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana, more than 50 lakh families have benefited, enabling households to reduce electricity bills and potentially earn income by selling surplus power.

The initiatives outlined in the address underscore the Government’s focus on Aatmanirbhar Bharat, inclusive development, infrastructure expansion, technological capability and energy security, supporting the broader vision of a developed India by 2047.