India has undergone significant governance and living standards changes in the last twelve years, focusing on enhancing ‘ease of living’ through welfare programs, infrastructure growth, and reforms. Since 2014, policies have emphasized dignity, opportunity, and inclusive development, impacting areas such as housing, sanitation, water supply, electricity, financial inclusion, and connectivity. Notably, flagship initiatives like Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana have sanctioned over 1.25 crore urban houses, with more than 98 lakh completed, and in rural areas, 3.05 crore houses have been finished out of 3.91 crore sanctioned.
Highlighting achievements in basic amenities, the government mentioned the Jal Jeevan Mission, which has increased rural tap water coverage from 16.72% in 2019 to 81.94% by June 2026, adding over 12 crore new connections. Moreover, the Swachh Bharat Mission has led to 100% rural sanitation coverage and the construction of over 12.14 crore household toilets, while urban areas have shown improvements in waste management and cleanliness indicators. The government also noted significant progress in the electricity sector, with installed power capacity doubling since 2014 to over 532 GW, and renewable energy capacity reaching 274.69 GW.
Under the Ujjwala Yojana, more than 10.57 crore LPG connections have been provided, achieving national LPG coverage of over 100%. Additionally, the expansion of PM Jan Dhan Yojana has seen an increase in bank accounts to over 58 crore, with substantial usage in Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) systems. The government highlighted advancements in mobility and infrastructure, with India’s road network expanding to 63.73 lakh km, national highways growing by nearly 61%, and metro rail networks extending to 26 cities with over 1,150 km of coverage.
Furthermore, the government emphasized governance reforms, including the Jan Vishwas Act to reduce compliance burdens and decriminalize minor offenses. It also highlighted digital platforms like MyGov and CPGRAMS for citizen engagement and grievance redressal. Collectively, these initiatives signify a significant shift towards ‘ease of living’ in India.
