New Delhi, 30 June (IANS). Dr. Ranjit Mehta, CEO and General Secretary of PHD Chamber of Commerce and Industries (PHDCCI), said that India’s government has taken revolutionary steps in the field of social security in the last decade. These schemes have not only raised the standard of living of the poor, but have also contributed significantly in taking out more than 25 crore people out of the poverty line.
Dr. Mehta said that schemes launched by the Central Government, such as Ujjwala Yojana, Kisan Samman Nidhi, Ayushman Bharat, Jan Dhan Yojana, Swachh Bharat Mission and Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana have given the country a new identity in the field of social security on the global platform. Under the Ujjwala scheme, free gas cylinders are provided to every poor family, which has given millions of women to get rid of smoke. Similarly, financial assistance of Rs 6,000 is given to poor farmers under the Kisan Samman Nidhi, which helps to empower their livelihood.
He informed that under the Ayushman Bharat Yojana, free treatment of up to five lakh rupees is provided to poor families. The scheme has proved to be a boon, especially for those families, where the main earning person was ill, the economic condition of the entire family was shaken. The scheme not only provides health facilities, but also protects families from economic crisis. This has provided not only to the poor, but also a new confidence.
Referring to the Swachh Bharat Mission, he said that free toilets have been provided to crores of people under this scheme. The toilet is not just a structure, it is a symbol of people’s self -esteem and prestige. Freedom from open defecation has led to a big change in the lives of people, especially in rural areas. In addition, more than two crore people have been given pucca houses under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana, which is applicable in both urban and rural areas. Every person’s dream is a pucca house. In particular, this scheme promotes empowerment of women, as the ownership of the house is given in the name of women.
Dr. Mehta also appreciated the government’s quick action during the Kovid-19 epidemic. He said that at the time of epidemic, more than 80 crore people were provided free grain, which continues even today. It is the largest food security program of its kind in the world. “
He also informed that bank accounts were opened for the poor under the Jan Dhan Yojana, through which the benefits of government schemes directly reach their accounts. This is a great example of digital and financial inclusion. To get more than 25 crore people out of the poverty line is a historical step. This not only reflects the success of the country’s social security policies, but also sets an example globally.
Referring to the MNREGA scheme, he said that it has become an important means of employment generation in rural areas. Under MNREGA, people get an allowance per month, which helps in stabilizing their economic condition. In addition, pension scheme is also an important part of social security for poor people above 60 years of age.
Praising Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s sensitivity and leadership, Dr. Mehta said, “Prime Minister Modi understood the pain of the poor on the basis of his life experiences and launched schemes for them, which promote self -esteem and economic empowerment. Whether it is toilet, pucca houses, free ration or gas cylinders, all these schemes have brought positive changes in the lives of the poor.”
-IANS
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