Viksit Bharat and Amrit Kaal: Governance and Development Milestones
Contents4
Indian Express - Opinion · 25 May 2026 · 2 min read
Prelims · Government schemes Mains · GS2 Governance High relevance
The article highlights India's progress under the Viksit Bharat vision and Amrit Kaal, focusing on poverty alleviation, infrastructure development, and women empowerment, with significant achievements in housing, healthcare, and education.
Key points
Poverty Alleviation: Nearly 25 crore Indians have emerged from extreme poverty in the past 12 years, reflecting inclusive economic growth. This aligns with SDG 1 (No Poverty) and GS3-Economy topics on inclusive development.
Housing and Sanitation: Around 4 crore permanent houses have been built for the homeless, and 60 crore people have gained access to sanitation facilities, showcasing progress under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana and Swachh Bharat Mission.
Healthcare Access: The Ayushman Bharat scheme has provided Rs 5 lakh insurance cover to 44 crore people, with 2.5 crore receiving free treatment last year, addressing GS2-Governance themes on public health.
Agricultural Growth: India produced 357 million tonnes of food grains in 2025, becoming the second-largest food producer. PM Kisan Samman Nidhi has transferred over Rs 4 lakh crore directly to farmers, relevant to GS3-Agriculture.
Women Empowerment: Over 3 crore women have become Lakhpati Didis and Namo Drone Didis, with increased participation in armed forces and legislatures via Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam, connecting to GS1-Society and GS2-Polity.
Education Expansion: Seven new IITs, 21 IIMs (up from 13), and 23 AIIMS (up from 7) have been established, with medical college seats rising from 51,348 to 1,29,603, pertinent to GS2-Governance and education policy.
Infrastructure Development: Railway electrification (99%), 164 Vande Bharat trains, and doubled airports (163 from 74) under UDAN highlight progress. The Pamban Bridge and 7,200 km of highways in the Northeast align with GS3-Infrastructure.
Science and Technology: Indigenous vaccine development during the pandemic and Chandrayaan-3's success underscore advancements in GS3-Science and Technology.
Border Village Development: The Vibrant Villages Scheme transforms border villages into economic hubs, relevant to GS3-Security and regional development.
Way Forward: Strengthen monitoring of welfare schemes via PRAGATI, enhance digital literacy for rural women, and integrate climate resilience into infrastructure projects to sustain inclusive growth.
Key terms
- Amrit Kaal
- The 25-year period leading to India's 100th independence anniversary in 2047, marked by transformative governance and policy initiatives. It is central to UPSC's questions on long-term national planning and governance.
- Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam
- A legislative measure to enhance women's participation in Parliament and state legislatures, reflecting constitutional commitments to gender equality under Articles 14 and 15. Relevant to GS2-Polity.
- PRAGATI
- Pro-Active Governance and Timely Implementation, a platform for monitoring central and state projects. It exemplifies GS2-Governance themes on administrative efficiency and transparency.
- Viksit Bharat
- A vision for India to become a developed nation by 2047, focusing on economic growth, infrastructure, and social equity. It aligns with UPSC's GS3-Economy and GS2-Governance syllabi, emphasizing inclusive development.
Practice question
Discuss the key governance and development milestones achieved under the Viksit Bharat vision and Amrit Kaal, highlighting their significance in India's journey towards inclusive growth. (250 words, 15 marks)
GS2 15 marks 250 words Mains
Key terms to include: Amrit Kaal Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam PRAGATI Viksit Bharat PMAY Ayushman Bharat UDAN Chandrayaan-3
Answer framework
Introduction
Briefly introduce the Viksit Bharat vision and Amrit Kaal as transformative periods aimed at achieving inclusive growth and development by 2047.
Poverty Alleviation and Social Welfare
25 crore Indians lifted out of extreme poverty, aligning with SDG 1.
4 crore permanent houses under PMAY and 60 crore people gaining sanitation access under Swachh Bharat Mission.
Healthcare and Education Expansion
Ayushman Bharat providing Rs 5 lakh insurance cover to 44 crore people.
Significant increase in IITs, IIMs, AIIMS, and medical college seats.
Infrastructure and Technological Advancements
Railway electrification (99%), 164 Vande Bharat trains, and doubled airports under UDAN.
Indigenous vaccine development and Chandrayaan-3's success.
Women Empowerment and Agricultural Growth
3 crore Lakhpati Didis and Namo Drone Didis, increased women's participation in armed forces and legislatures.
357 million tonnes of food grains production and Rs 4 lakh crore transferred to farmers under PM Kisan Samman Nidhi.
Conclusion
Emphasize the need for continued focus on monitoring welfare schemes, enhancing digital literacy, and integrating climate resilience to sustain inclusive growth.
Fact check
Issues found Overall severity: high
India produced 357 million tonnes of food grains in 2025
The source text mentions 357 million tonnes of food grains produced in 2025, but this is a future claim that cannot be verified from the current source text. Severity: high
Seven new IITs, 21 IIMs (up from 13), and 23 AIIMS (up from 7) have been established
The source text confirms the numbers for IIMs and AIIMS but does not specify the number of new IITs established. Severity: medium
Railway electrification (99%)
The source text mentions 'almost 99%' railway electrification, which is slightly different from the exact 99% claimed. Severity: low
Doubled airports (163 from 74) under UDAN
The source text confirms the numbers but does not explicitly link the increase to the UDAN scheme. Severity: low