PM Modi Affirms NDA's 12-Year Commitment to Citizen Welfare and Middle Class Empowerment

NEW DELHI – Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday, June 15, 2026, reiterated the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) government's consistent dedication over the past 12 years to enhancing the quality of life for India's ordinary citizens, with a special emphasis on the burgeoning middle class. Speaking on the anniversary of his government completing 12 years in office, PM Modi stated it has been the NDA government's 'privilege to be working towards fulfilling the aspirations' of this vital demographic, acknowledging their immense contributions to nation-building.

Modi highlighted that governance over the last decade has increasingly prioritized improving citizens' daily lives. This has translated into efforts aimed at providing 'easier access to opportunities, better infrastructure, improved public services, affordable healthcare, quality education, cleaner cities and reduced burdens in everyday life'. The Prime Minister's remarks were made through social media, utilizing the hashtag #12YearsOfSakshamMiddleClass, where he showcased a glimpse of how governmental initiatives have significantly enhanced the 'Ease of Living' for millions across the nation.

The 'MyGov India' platform, a central government initiative for citizen engagement, corroborated the Prime Minister's statements, noting a 'strong rise in living standards' for India's middle class under Modi's leadership over the past 12 years. This upliftment has been buttressed by advancements in infrastructure, improved connectivity, targeted tax relief measures, and expanded public services. The platform detailed how daily life has become more efficient and opportunity-rich, citing smoother transport and stronger digital access for millions of families.

Significant strides in digital connectivity were specifically highlighted, with internet penetration reaching unprecedented levels across both rural and urban India. With over 103 crore connections and dramatically reduced data costs, citizens now enjoy seamless access to education, employment opportunities, digital payments, and entertainment at minimal expense. Furthermore, 5G services have reached 99.6% of the country's districts in just 22 months, and the cost of internet data has dropped by 97.07%, making it widely affordable and accessible. The BharatNet scheme alone has seen 7.22 lakh kilometres of optical fibre cable laid.

In terms of transportation, rail travel has been made faster and more comfortable through the expansion of Vande Bharat services. With 164 operational trains, over 9 crore passengers have already benefited from reduced travel times across key routes. The government's commitment to the 'neo-middle class' – those who have risen from poverty – was also a key theme, with PM Modi urging NDA leaders to ensure these gains are protected and that these families do not slip back into economic hardship. He underscored that over 25 crore people have been lifted out of multidimensional poverty during the NDA's tenure, describing it as an achievement of unprecedented scale.

The Prime Minister also pointed to comprehensive tax reforms. The Union Budget 2025-26 introduced revisions to income tax slabs and rates, designed to benefit all taxpayers, with no income tax payable under the new regime on an annual income up to ₹12 lakh. This policy directly benefits 88% of taxpayers. The number of income tax filers increased from 6.9 crores in FY2022 to 9.2 crores in FY2025. GST reforms, with a simplified tax structure primarily based on 5% and 18% slabs, have also contributed to ease of living and a broader taxpayer base.

Beyond economic measures, the NDA government has introduced initiatives like Ayushman Bharat for affordable healthcare, and the Jan Aushadhi scheme to make medicines accessible. Housing access has been improved through PM Awas Yojana, and clean cooking fuel via PM Ujjwala Yojana, alongside the expansion of banking services through Jan Dhan Yojana. The focus on empowering youth, women, and farmers, alongside the middle class, has been described as a driving force behind the nation's progress towards 'Viksit Bharat' (Developed India). Modi asserted that this vision has evolved beyond a political slogan into a shared national mission embraced by citizens across the country. He also highlighted the repeal of thousands of obsolete laws, reducing regulatory burden and improving 'Ease of Doing Business'.