Itanagar, Jun 12: Union Minister Kiren Rijiju on Friday lauded the transformative progress achieved under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi over the past 12 years, highlighting significant advancements in infrastructure, welfare, connectivity, technology, and national security.
Addressing a press conference at the BJP State headquarters here marking 12 years of the Modi Government, Rijiju said India has witnessed unprecedented infrastructure growth, particularly in rural connectivity. He noted that under the Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY), launched in 2000 by former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee, over 8 lakh kms of rural roads have been constructed nationwide, with nearly 4 lakh kms built during the Modi Government’s tenure.
Referring to Arunachal Pradesh, Rijiju said road construction has accelerated substantially, with the country achieving an average pace of 34 kms per day over the last 12 years. He highlighted strategic projects such as the Sela Tunnel and Nechiphu Tunnel, along with the ambitious Frontier Highway Project, are strengthening connectivity as well as border security in the Northeastern region.
The Union Minister also underscored major achievements in the railway sector, stating that nearly 99.6 per cent of India’s broad-gauge railway network has been electrified. He further noted that the introduction of 164 Vande Bharat trains has modernised rail travel by offering faster, safer, and more passenger-friendly services.
In the aviation sector, Rijiju said, India has emerged as the world’s third-largest domestic aviation market. He pointed out that the number of operational airports has increased from 74 before 2014 to around 164 today, significantly improving regional connectivity across the country.
Highlighting the impact of flagship welfare programmes, he said more than 12 crore toilets have been built under the Swachh Bharat Mission, while the Jal Jeevan Mission has provided tap water connections to over 16 crore rural households.
Rijiju also praised the success of the Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana, stating that it has brought millions of previously unbanked citizens into the formal banking system and facilitated transparent delivery of welfare benefits through Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT).
On the industrial front, he said India has emerged as a major manufacturing hub, particularly in electronics and semiconductors. He noted that semiconductor projects, including those being established in Assam, will strengthen the country's technological self-reliance. India has also become the world's second-largest mobile phone manufacturer under the Make in India initiative, he added.
Emphasising national security, the Union Minister said indigenous defence production has crossed Rs 38,400 crore, while defence exports have reached record levels, significantly reducing dependence on imports.
Arunachal Pradesh BJP president Kaling Moyong highlighted the achievements of the state government under the leadership of Chief Minister Pema Khandu.
He said Arunachal Pradesh’s Gross State Domestic Product (GSDP) has increased from Rs 17,957 crore in 2014-15 to Rs 47,825 crore, registering a growth of nearly 166 per cent. GST revenue collections have also risen sharply from Rs 227.94 crore to nearly Rs 1,900 crore, reflecting strong economic growth and improved revenue mobilisation.
Highlighting governance initiatives, he said flagship programmes such as Sarkar Aapke Dwar and Seva Aapke Dwar have benefited over 15 lakh citizens by bringing government services closer to the people. He also cited the Cabinet Aapke Dwar initiative, under which cabinet meetings are held in remote districts to ensure inclusive and responsive governance.
Moyong further highlighted digital governance initiatives such as e-Bhavishya, which has streamlined pension processing and improved service delivery for retired government employees.
Both leaders expressed confidence that the combined efforts of the Central and State Governments would continue to accelerate development and help realise the vision of a developed and self-reliant India.
Tarh Tarak, Convenor of the 12 Years of Modi Government Celebration Campaign and Chairman, Arunachal Pradesh State Food Commission, was also present at the press meet.