The first 100 days of any government are full of new energy due to the euphoria of electoral victory. This initial burst of enthusiasm should be channelled to yield immediate benefits for the people by taking big and bold decisions. In 2014, during the first term of the Prime Minister Narendra Modi government, several historic decisions were made that altered the course of India’s growth trajectory. Among the most impactful was the introduction of the Jan Dhan Yojana, which aimed to bring millions of unbanked individuals into the formal financial system. This initiative was a game changer in promoting financial inclusion and set the foundation for further economic reforms that followed and benefited those who had long been left out of formal banking.
In 2019, the first 100 days of the Modi government’s second term saw several significant and transformative decisions. One of the most notable was the action taken against Article 370, effectively removing the special status of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh. Strengthening national security, the government also amended the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA), enhancing anti-terror laws. Social reform saw a major victory with the passing of the Triple Talaq Bill, which became law, marking a crucial step towards gender justice. To stabilize the banking sector, a series of bank mergers were announced, aimed at improving their overall health and performance.
Additionally, reforms were introduced across multiple sectors to attract more foreign direct investment (FDI), while a law was enacted to combat unregulated deposit schemes that often target and cheat small investors. Agricultural policies saw progressive changes, with Minimum Support Price (MSP) hikes being announced, benefitting farmers nationwide. The PM-Kisan scheme, which was initially limited to small and marginal farmers, was extended to include all farmers, further broadening its reach. Pension schemes were also introduced for both farmers and traders, ensuring financial security for these key sections of society.
A major structural reform was the establishment of the Jal Shakti Ministry, aimed at addressing India’s water crisis through better management and conservation efforts. These steps, along with many others, were taken swiftly to address immediate national concerns and lay the groundwork for long-term growth and stability across multiple sectors.
As Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi in an interview with ANI Media said, “I put the options to work. Because I don’t want to lose even a minute. Now you must remember, in 2019, very few people pay attention. At that time too, I gave 100 days’ work and went to the election field. And when I came back, Article 370, I did it in 100 days. With repealing of Triple Talaq, I made my sisters free. I did it in the first 100 days. I plan ahead and put it on the basis,”.
Those who have closely and keenly followed the actions of the Narendra Modi government would recognize a clear pattern: critical and important decisions are often taken within the first 100 days, setting a dynamic pace for the rest of the term. This early momentum is crucial as it signals the government’s commitment to swift action and transformative change. These initial decisions often lay the groundwork for long-term national goals, creating a roadmap for progress over the next five years. It is during this period that key reforms and policies are initiated, ensuring that the government’s vision is set in motion right from the start.
Currently, a significant milestone is being pursued: making India the third-largest economy in the world. This ambitious goal will accelerate India’s growth and will strengthen its global standing. With the momentum built by strategic early decisions, the path to this milestone is expected to gather even more speed, contributing to the broader objective of economic empowerment and development. The focus remains on expanding opportunities for all sections of society, as the government strives to develop an inclusive and sustainable growth trajectory.
As has been repeatedly emphasized, the government’s mission is to work tirelessly towards 2047, when India celebrates its centenary of independence. Every moment is being dedicated to ensure that the aspirations of the people are met. This commitment to work 24×7 reflects the government’s resolve to uplift the nation and realize its vision for a prosperous and self-reliant India. With a clear focus on the future, these early decisions and the ensuing work will be key to fulfilling the dreams and aspirations of millions of Indians.
Modiji himself said ,” Those who have observed my work keenly would know that I have a habit of taking many important decisions within the first 100 days of our government, setting the pace and momentum for the rest of the five years. We have already been working on a big milestone — making India the world’s third largest economy. This will further impart momentum towards our goal. As I have said, we will work 24X7 for 2047. Every moment of my time will be devoted to ensure that the people of our country are able to fulfil their aspirations,”.
Before taking office during the Lok Sabha 2024 election campaign, Prime Minister Narendra Modi outlined an extended plan to ensure that no section of society is left behind, with a special focus on India’s youth. In an interview during election campaign, Shri Narendra Modi emphasized his commitment to the nation’s development by adding 25 more days to his original 100-day plan, stating, “I have made a plan for 100 days. I want to add 25 more days. And I want the youth in that. You give me ideas, you tell me your priority, so I want to dedicate 25 days in total to the youth of my country. I will do it, I am moving ahead from 100………….I have divided my plan into 2 phases, 100 days for the entire nation, and the second one, which has 25 days, would be dedicated towards policies for the Yuva Shakti and how they would like the nation’s development to take shape as we move towards building a Viksit Bharat by 2047,”.
After assuming office, In the first 100 days of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s third term, the government has made a strong start with several impactful moves. These initial days have set the stage for big changes and progress in various areas.
One of the most notable achievements has been the revitalization of the *Act East Policy*. This policy aims to strengthen India’s relations with Southeast Asian nations. In the past 100 days, high-profile visits to countries like Singapore, Brunei, and Vietnam have been pivotal. These visits have deepened bilateral ties and also facilitated cooperation in important areas such as defense, technology, and trade. Infrastructure development has been a cornerstone of Modi 3.0’s agenda particularly in remote and underserved regions, has been a key priority.
The government has unveiled ambitious plans to build deep-sea ports, which are expected to significantly boost India’s maritime capabilities and economic potential. Additionally, the creation of five new districts in Ladakh is a forward-thinking move aimed at enhancing regional connectivity and promoting balanced development. The creation of these new districts in Ladakh and the development of deep-sea ports are examples of how the government is working to enhance connectivity and regional development. These projects are expected to drive economic growth and improve living standards in various parts of the country. These initiatives are set to stimulate local economies and improve logistical efficiency, reflecting a comprehensive approach to infrastructure improvement.
The government’s focus on economic reforms is also noteworthy. A series of new policies have been introduced to invigorate the digital economy, support manufacturing, and stabilize the agricultural sector. These measures are designed to address key challenges such as inflation and unemployment, creating a more robust and resilient economic framework. By prioritizing economic stability and growth, the government is laying a strong foundation for long-term prosperity. Social welfare has been another critical area of focus. The government has launched several programs aimed at empowering women, improving healthcare access, and protecting the environment. For instance, new health schemes are being implemented to enhance medical services in rural areas, ensuring that the benefits of development reach every corner of the country.
Environmental initiatives, on the other hand, reflect a commitment to sustainability and addressing climate change, aligning with global environmental goals. On the diplomatic front, Modi 3.0 has made significant strides in advancing India’s global standing. The continuation and enhancement of the *Act East Policy* have been central to this effort. Strengthening ties with Southeast Asian countries through diplomatic visits and partnerships underscores India’s strategic approach to international relations. This proactive diplomacy is aimed at bolstering India’s role as a key player on the global stage.
The government’s efforts to modernize the legal and administrative framework are also noteworthy. The introduction of three new criminal laws is a significant step towards updating and streamlining the justice system. These reforms are expected to improve law and order and enhance the efficiency of governance, reflecting a commitment to maintaining a fair and effective legal framework. The commitment to social welfare is evident in the various programs aimed at improving the quality of life for citizens. By focusing on women’s empowerment, healthcare improvement, and environmental protection, the government is addressing key aspects of social well-being. The Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2024, has emerged as a key legislative initiative in Modi 3.0. The bill introduces significant reforms aimed at enhancing the management of Waqf properties by establishing a centralized registration portal for greater transparency and efficiency. It promotes inclusivity by incorporating representation from Muslim women and non-Muslims in Waqf Boards.
The government approved projects worth Rs 3 lakh crore, focusing on improving roads, railways, ports, and airways. To create more jobs, capital spending was increased to Rs 11.11 lakh crore. In the agriculture sector, Rs 20,000 crore was given to 9.3 crore farmers under the PM Kisan Samman Nidhi scheme, and MSP hikes benefited 12 crore farmers. The GENESIS program was launched to support startups in smaller cities, and a Rs 2 lakh crore package was announced to create jobs for 41 million youths over five years.For women’s empowerment, over 1 crore ‘Lakhpati Didis’ were recognized. On the security front, a peace deal was made in Tripura, and steps were taken to fight cybercrime through the ‘Samanvay’ platform and a Cyber Fraud Mitigation Center.
In Modi’s third term, the government has made a strong effort to improve social welfare. They’ve launched new programs in healthcare, education, and housing to help those in need. While it’s important to ensure these programs work well and reach everyone who needs them, the administration is dedicated to make sure the benefits get to the right people. Modi’s focus on these reforms shows a commitment to make a real difference in people’s lives and improving how the government serves its citizens. The first 100 days of Modi 3.0 have been marked by significant achievements across various sectors. The government’s focus on infrastructure, economic reform, social welfare, and diplomacy shows a comprehensive approach to development. These early efforts set a positive tone for the future and demonstrate Prime Minister Modi’s commitment to drive India forward on the path of progress.
(Author is Professor in Comparative Literature and Chairman, Centre for Narendra Modi Studies (CNMS). Email: [email protected])
