Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched MUDRA (Micro Units Development & Refinance Agency) scheme under which a loans of Rs 26,000 crore will be distributed among 42 lakh people to start business, in Dumka on Friday. He inaugurated the distribution of loans and free lPG connections to families that are below poverty line in Jharkhand. “MUDRA Yojana will lift the standard of life of the people after several years of negligence and exploitation by usurers,” Modi said after the inauguration of the twin benefits.
Inaugurating a 180 KW rooftop solar plant in Khunti for district court and district collectorate, which is the first in any court in India, Modi said, “Gandhiji was a big supporter of environment protection. That is why I decided to come here. In a way, I have snatched this opportunity (to inaugurate). I decided to come here because 2nd October is my inspiration. Mahatma Gandhi is my inspiration.”
Ahead of a crucial climate change summit in Paris later this year, Modi also said that India is not to be blamed for the “sin” of environment degradation, but even so will contribute towards containing it.
“I want to tell the world on behalf of 125 crore Indians that we have no role in this sin which has precipitated the environment crisis. Our heritage, culture, ancestors never permitted the exploitation of nature and natural resources. But irrespective of whoever committed this sin and made this mistake, India will make its contribution for the welfare of the humanity,” he said.
Under the Mudra scheme, loans of Rs 26,000 crore would be distributed among 42 lakh people, including 20 lakh women, across the country. Handing over the first instalment of Rs 10,000 to five men and women, the PM said it was a loan and not a grant. The loan would have to be repaid with nominal interest, he said and advised beneficiaries to take them in instalments to minimise interest. MUDRA scheme would benefit over one lakh people in Jharkhandm where Rs 212 crore would be distributed.
Inaugurating the distribution of free lPG connections to BPl families in the state, the Prime Minister said 31 lakh people across the country had given up lPG subsidy which had enabled 18 lakh BPl families to get free lPG connections.
“This (free lPG connections) will not only help the women but also will help protect the environment,” he said. One lakh BPl families in Jharkhand would also get free lPG connection.
Remembering lal Bahadur Shastri and Mahatma Gandhi on their birth anniversaries, Modi on Friday and urged the people to purchase at least one khadi item to help people working in the sector. Reiterating his commitment of “together with all and development of all”, Modi said Jharkhand has already embarked upon the path of development and has jumped from 29th position to 3rd position as per a recent survey on ease of doing business.