Prime Minister Modi Spearheads Nationwide Initiative for Credit Support and Empowerment of Disadvantaged Sections
Prime Minister Modi Spearheads Nationwide Initiative for Credit Support and Empowerment of Disadvantaged Sections
Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed a significant programme via video conferencing today, marking a nationwide outreach for credit support to disadvantaged sections. He launched the Pradhan Mantri Samajik Utthan evam Rozgar Adharit Jankalyan (PM-SURAJ) national portal and sanctioned credit support to one lakh entrepreneurs from disadvantaged sections of the country. Additionally, he distributed Ayushman Health Cards and PPE kits to Safai Mitras under the National Action for Mechanised Sanitation Ecosystem (NAMASTE) scheme, underlining the government's commitment to prioritising the underprivileged.
Narendra Sen from Indore, Madhya Pradesh, shared his journey from running a cybercafe to becoming a founder of an internet company focusing on cloud computing. Inspired by Modi's address at a Nasscom event, Sen embarked on developing cloud computing solutions, leading to the creation of India’s first data centre park.
Neelam Kumari, who operates a boutique in Jammu, discussed her experiences during the pandemic lockdown and her utilization of various welfare schemes like Ujjwala, PM Awas, Ayushman, and Swachh Bharat to start her business. The Prime Minister commended her for transitioning from a beneficiary to a job provider.
Naresh from Ahmednagar, Maharashtra, co-founder of Jal Jeevan Agrotech, talked about his startup’s initiative in preserving agricultural wastewater. He credited a loan under the Ambedkar Social Innovation Mission for aiding the purchase of machinery for his venture.
Muthamma from Guntur, a Safai Karamchari, expressed how her life was transformed with the allotment of a septic tank desludging vehicle, highlighting the newfound respect and empowerment she experienced.
The Prime Minister reflected on the significant outreach, with about 3 lakh people from 470 districts participating, viewing it as a step towards the welfare of dalits, backward, and deprived sections. He emphasised the role of DBT in ensuring financial assistance reaches directly to beneficiaries, free from intermediaries.
Modi stressed that the vision of a developed India by 2047 necessitates the upliftment of deprived segments. He highlighted the government's efforts in providing basic amenities and financial assistance to empower these communities, mentioning significant investments in welfare schemes and the success of initiatives like Mudra Yojna and Standup India in fostering entrepreneurship among the underprivileged.
The PM-SURAJ portal represents a milestone in providing financial assistance to disadvantaged groups, facilitating empowerment and social upliftment through evidence-based approaches.
The distribution of Ayushman Health Cards and PPE kits under the NAMASTE scheme further demonstrates the government's dedication to the health and safety of frontline workers, ensuring their protection and well-being.
The programme showcased the collective efforts towards achieving inclusive growth and development, with substantial participation across the country, reflecting a unified approach to realising the dream of a developed India.