New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi said that over the last nine years, approximately 25 crore people have been lifted out of poverty because of the sincere efforts, and an emphasis on the people's involvement in the "transparent system of his administration", news agency PTI reported.
During a virtual interaction with beneficiaries of the 'Viksit Bharat Sankalp Yatra', PM Modi underlined that while no one could have predicted that poverty in India could decline, the people belonging to the financially weaker sections of the society have proved that it is possibel if they are provided with resources. "People's trust in the government is visible everywhere", he said.
Citing a recent Niti Aayog report, which highlighted the decline in poverty, PM Modi said that India has garnered international recognition by serving as a role model for other nations in aiding the impoverished. "It is a very encouraging report", he said, reported PTI.
"The yatra has met success beyond his imagination and his government is likely to extend its beyond January 26 due to an increasing demand from the masses that the vehicles meant to publicise welfare schemes and enlist more beneficiaries should visit their places too," he added.
Asserting that no one will be left out of the welfare schemes, he said, "Modi worships and values people who were neglected by everyone”.
The yatra has already reached 70-80 per cent of panchayats and about 15 crore people have joined it, he added. "The 'Vikas Rath' has become 'Vishwas Rath', infusing trust among people that no deprived person will be left out of its benefits," he further said.
He underscored that in addition to providing homes with access to power, cooking gas, and water, his primary focus is to ensure that people receive proper nourishment, health care, and support.
Regarding home ownership, he stated that in the past 10 years, over four crore people have acquired a home of their own; of these, 70% are owned by women.
"India is changing rapidly. People's self-confidence, trust in the government and the resolve to build a new India are visible all-around," he said.
Speaking about the government's initiatives to modernise the rural economy and boost farmer empowerment, he said the government has taken several measures to support small farmers, such as the establishment of over 8,000 farmer-producer organisations and administering 50 crore vaccinations against foot and mouth disease.