PM Modi Outlines Top Reform Priorities for Next Decade, Says ‘Reform Express’ Benefiting Citizens

New Delhi, February 15: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday asserted that his government’s “Reform Express” is delivering tangible benefits to common citizens, while outlining three key reform priorities that will shape India’s trajectory over the next decade: structural reforms, deeper innovation, and simplified governance.

Speaking in an interview, the Prime Minister emphasized that reform remains a continuous commitment and not a limited agenda.

Three Core Reform Priorities for the Next Decade​

When asked to prioritize economic reforms for the coming decade, Modi said the direction of the government is clear.

“First, we will continue structural reforms that improve competitiveness and productivity. Second, we will deepen innovation in technology, manufacturing, and services. Third, we will further simplify governance so that citizens and businesses can operate with greater ease and trust,” he said.

He added that rather than confining reforms to a fixed number, the government remains focused on sustained and systemic transformation.

‘Constructive Restlessness’ Drives Reform Agenda​

Responding to a question on whether he was satisfied with the progress made so far, Modi said he is never fully satisfied by nature.

He described public life as requiring “constructive restlessness” and a constant drive to improve faster and serve better. While acknowledging significant progress under the “Reform Express,” he reiterated that the desire to achieve more for citizens remains strong.

“Reform is the commitment of this government, something we have shown in letter and spirit. We have moved from incremental adjustments to systemic transformation,” he said.

Impact of Reforms on Citizens and Businesses​

The Prime Minister said reforms have directly benefited common citizens by reducing the role of middlemen and expanding infrastructure, which has improved connectivity and lowered logistics costs.

He noted that reforms are often narrowly viewed through an economic lens, but social sector reforms are equally significant.

Programs such as the Aspirational Districts initiative and Aspirational Blocks have, he said, transformed lives in previously neglected regions. The PM-JANMAN scheme focuses on particularly disadvantaged tribal communities and works toward their welfare.

GST, FDI, MSME and Labour Reforms​

Citing specific examples, Modi highlighted the Goods and Services Tax reform and its two-slab structure, stating it has eased burdens for households, micro, small, and medium enterprises, and labour-intensive sectors.

He also pointed to changes in the definition of small companies, which have reduced compliance costs. The decision to allow 100 percent foreign direct investment in insurance, he said, has provided better choices, especially for the middle class.

Several outdated laws have been removed, he added, while new ministries have been created for sectors such as skill development, fisheries, cooperatives, and AYUSH to accelerate focused growth.

On labour reforms, Modi said long-awaited changes were initiated under his government to protect workers’ interests while enabling businesses to thrive.

Digital Transformation and Startup Ecosystem​

Highlighting India’s digital progress, the Prime Minister said the country has emerged as a global digital leader, driven by reforms in how citizens transact through the Unified Payments Interface platform.

He also underlined that reforms have created an ecosystem where young innovators can convert ideas into enterprises with fewer obstacles. India has emerged as one of the world’s leading startup ecosystems, he said.

For MSMEs, he noted, reforms have improved credit access, simplified taxation processes, and strengthened integration into global value chains. The government has also increased investment and turnover limits for MSMEs, enabling them to grow while continuing to access policy benefits.

Reform Express to Continue​

Reiterating the scale of transformation achieved so far, Modi said the reform journey is ongoing and aimed at taking India forward with stronger competitiveness, inclusive growth, and simplified governance.

As the “Reform Express” moves into its next phase, the government remains focused on structural improvements, innovation-led growth, and citizen-centric governance reforms designed to build long-term economic resilience.