Prime Minister Narendra Modi asserted on Thursday that a transparent system implemented by his government, coupled with honest efforts and a focus on people’s participation, has resulted in the upliftment of nearly 25 crore people out of poverty in the last nine years.
“Nobody could have imagined that poverty in India could decline, but the poor have demonstrated that it is possible when provided with resources,” Modi said during a virtual interaction with beneficiaries of the Viksit Bharat Sankalp Yatra.
The Prime Minister mentioned that the “Vikas Rath” has transformed into a “Vishwas Rath”, instilling trust among the people that no deprived person will be excluded from its benefits.
Referring to a Niti Aayog report highlighting the reduction in poverty numbers, Modi remarked that India has set a model for other countries in assisting the poor and has garnered global attention. He expressed satisfaction with the encouraging findings of the report.
The Prime Minister said that the Yatra has surpassed his expectations for success, and due to increasing demand from the masses, his government is considering extending its deadline beyond January 26. People are urging that the vehicles, intended to publicise welfare schemes and enroll more beneficiaries, should visit their areas as well.
“It has evolved into a mass movement in just two months, and a study will recognise it as a great example of last-mile delivery,” Modi added, noting that it has already reached 70-80 per cent of panchayats.
He mentioned that health check-ups for over four crore people have been conducted during the Yatra, with more than 2.5 crore screened for TB. Additionally, over 50 crore Ayushman cards have been distributed, and nearly 35 lakh farmers have been included in the PM Kisan Yojna. These are not just statistics for him; they are a source of life.
He emphasised that he has consistently strived to ensure the saturation of welfare schemes’ coverage, emphasising the crucial need for good nutrition, healthcare, and treatment, in addition to providing houses with water, cooking gas, and power connections. He highlighted how millions of people now have bank accounts and opportunities to pursue independent endeavours.
“In the last 10 years, over four crore poor families have acquired their own homes, with 70 percent of them being owned by women, thereby significantly enhancing their empowerment,” he stated.
He further pointed out that the average time required to build a house for the poor has decreased to nearly 100 days from the previous 300 days. Modi emphasised that boosting the rural economy and empowering farmers remains a top priority for his government.
“India is changing rapidly. People’s self-confidence, trust in government and the resolve to build a new India is visible all round,” he said.