15 June,2026 01:57 PM IST | New Delhi | mid-day online correspondent
Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Pic/PTI
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday said the NDA government has consistently focused on improving the quality of life of India's middle class, highlighting a range of initiatives aimed at enhancing infrastructure, connectivity, public services and financial well-being over the past decade.
Sharing a series of posts on social media under the hashtag #12YearsOfSakshamMiddleClass, the Prime Minister said the government remains committed to addressing the aspirations of middle-class families, whom he described as key contributors to India's development.
"It is the NDA Government's privilege to be working towards fulfilling the aspirations of our middle class. They have contributed to nation-building in countless ways," PM Modi said in a post on X.
The Prime Minister said governance during the past decade has increasingly centred on improving everyday life for citizens through better infrastructure, expanded opportunities and easier access to public services.
According to Modi, the government's efforts have focused on areas such as affordable healthcare, quality education, cleaner cities, improved transport systems and reduced burdens in daily life.
The remarks came as the Centre highlighted various initiatives it says have contributed to enhancing the "ease of living" for middle-class households across the country.
A post shared by MyGovIndia and reposted by the Prime Minister pointed to the rapid expansion of internet connectivity over the last decade.
According to the government platform, internet access has grown significantly across both rural and urban regions, supported by a sharp increase in digital infrastructure and declining data costs.
The post stated that India now has more than 103 crore internet connections, enabling wider access to online education, digital payments, government services and entertainment.
The growth of digital connectivity has also supported the expansion of e-governance initiatives and digital public infrastructure in various sectors.
The government also highlighted improvements in transportation infrastructure, particularly in the railway sector.
According to MyGovIndia, the expansion of Vande Bharat train services has improved travel speed and passenger comfort on several routes. The government stated that 164 Vande Bharat trains are currently operational and have served more than nine crore passengers.
The post further noted that the introduction of sleeper versions of Vande Bharat trains is expected to improve long-distance travel options.
Urban mobility has also received a boost through the expansion of metro rail networks in major cities. Officials said growing metro connectivity has helped reduce traffic congestion and improve commuting efficiency for millions of daily passengers.
On road infrastructure, the government pointed to the expansion of national highways and the modernisation of toll collection systems, which it said have improved logistics efficiency and reduced travel delays.
The government also cited the expansion of regional air connectivity as a key achievement.
According to MyGovIndia, a growing network of airports and air routes has improved connectivity between smaller cities and major urban centres, facilitating easier movement of passengers and goods.
Officials said enhanced regional connectivity has helped integrate more regions into the national transportation network while creating new economic opportunities.
Among the measures highlighted for middle-class taxpayers were changes in income tax provisions over the years.
The government said the tax-free income threshold has increased significantly since 2014, while a higher standard deduction has provided additional relief to salaried individuals.
MyGovIndia also highlighted the digitisation of public service delivery through platforms such as Common Service Centres (CSCs) and UMANG.
According to the government, citizens can now access more than 800 services online, reducing paperwork and improving transparency and convenience in accessing government schemes and services.
The post further highlighted newer mobility initiatives, including Bharat Taxi and women-focused transportation programmes aimed at improving safety and accessibility.
According to the government, such initiatives are designed to create more reliable and inclusive transportation systems while generating livelihood opportunities for drivers and service providers.
The Prime Minister's remarks come as the NDA government continues to showcase its policy initiatives and infrastructure projects completed over the past 12 years, with a particular focus on measures aimed at improving living standards and public service delivery for India's growing middle class.
