 |
| Inauguration of PM-SURAJ National Portal [Source: Bhaskar] |
Prime Minister Narendra Modi recently inaugurated the ‘Pradhan Mantri Samajik Utthan and Rozgar Adharit Jankalyan’ (PM-SURAJ) national portal, underscoring the government's unwavering commitment to uplifting underprivileged communities. This initiative aims to prioritize the welfare of marginalized sections and extend credit support to one lakh entrepreneurs from disadvantaged backgrounds.
Direct Interaction with Beneficiaries
During the inauguration event, Prime Minister Modi personally engaged with beneficiaries from various states who have benefitted from schemes like NAMASTE, VCF-SC, VCF-BC, and ASIIM. These schemes, tailored for Scheduled Castes, backward classes, and Safai Mitras, provide crucial support for their economic empowerment. This interaction showcased the government’s proactive approach towards placing the underprivileged at the forefront of developmental endeavors.
Distribution of Ayushman Health Cards and PPE Kits
Under the National Action for Mechanized Sanitation Ecosystem (NAMASTE) program, the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment distributed Ayushman health cards and Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) kits to sewer and septic tank workers (Safai
Mitras). These Ayushman health cards, issued under the Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB-PMJAY), offer beneficiaries access to cashless healthcare services at registered hospitals. The provision of PPE kits ensures the safety of frontline workers, shielding them from health hazards and infections.
Prime Minister's Address
In his address, Prime Minister Modi emphasized the imperative of reaching out to marginalized communities and integrating them into the nation's development trajectory. He underscored the pivotal role of initiatives like PM-SURAJ in directly providing financial aid to beneficiaries, thereby eliminating intermediaries and commissions.
Empowerment of Marginalized Communities
Prime Minister Modi outlined various initiatives aimed at empowering marginalized segments, including doubling assistance to Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes, and Other Backward Classes. He highlighted increased scholarships for youth and the promotion of entrepreneurship through schemes like Mudra Yojna and Standup India. Notably, the government allocated nearly Rs. 1.60 lakh crore for the welfare of the Scheduled Caste community in the current fiscal year.
Focus on Education and Entrepreneurship
The Prime Minister reiterated the government's commitment to education, citing augmented scholarships for marginalized youth. He mentioned initiatives such as the reservation of 27% seats for Other Backward Classes in the all-India quota of medical seats and support through the National Overseas Scholarship for underprivileged students pursuing higher education abroad. Additionally, he noted enhanced funding for National Fellowship, especially for students pursuing doctoral studies in scientific disciplines.
Acknowledgment of Development Initiatives
Prime Minister Modi acknowledged the development of Panch Teerths associated with the life of Babasaheb Ambedkar and the constitutional elevation of the National Commission for Backward Classes. He also highlighted the Mudra Yojna, which disbursed approximately Rs. 30 lakh crore in financial assistance to the economically disadvantaged, including those from Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes, and Other Backward Classes. Furthermore, he mentioned the launch of the Ambedkar Social Innovation and Incubation Mission to foster innovation and self-reliance among marginalized communities.
These initiatives reflect the government's unwavering dedication to social empowerment and economic upliftment, ensuring inclusivity and opportunity for all segments of society.