Introduction
Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi's commitment to inclusive development reached new heights on December 27, 2023, as he engaged with beneficiaries of the Viksit Bharat Sankalp Yatra via video conferencing. This event, attended by thousands of beneficiaries from across the nation, underscored the government's dedication to bridging the gap between policies and people.
Since its inception on November 15, 2023, the Viksit Bharat Sankalp Yatra has been a cornerstone of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's commitment to inclusive development. Throughout its course, the Prime Minister has consistently engaged with beneficiaries across the country, fostering direct connections and gaining firsthand insights into the impact of government initiatives.
The interaction with beneficiaries has taken various forms, including thrice-weekly video conferencing sessions held on November 30th, December 9th, and December 16th. These virtual engagements provided a platform for beneficiaries to share their experiences and feedback directly with the Prime Minister, facilitating a dynamic exchange of ideas and perspectives. In addition to virtual interactions, PM Modi embarked on a physical engagement journey, meeting Viksit Bharat Sankalp Yatra beneficiaries in person during his recent visit to Varanasi. Over two consecutive days, on December 17th and 18th, the Prime Minister engaged with beneficiaries, listening to their stories and witnessing firsthand the transformative impact of government schemes.
The Event
During the event, thousands of beneficiaries of the Viksit Bharat Sankalp Yatra from all corners of the country participated. Union Ministers, MPs, MLAs, and local level representatives were also in attendance.
Among the attendees was Sapna Prajapati from Kota, Rajasthan, a beneficiary of the SVANidhi scheme. Notably, she contributed significantly during the pandemic by producing masks. PM Modi commended her for conducting most of her business through digital transactions. Speaker Shri Om Birla, the local MP, encouraged her efforts and expansion, especially in raising awareness. PM Modi also expressed satisfaction at the involvement of women from Sapna’s group in promoting and working with millets.
Furthermore, the Prime Minister briefed an entrepreneur from the ‘Kumhar’ community about the Vishwakarma Scheme. He emphasized the potential of their collective Matru Shakti to propel them to new heights. PM Modi urged all the Didis to contribute to the success of the Modi ki Guarantee ki Gaddi by informing people about the benefits available to them.
Prime Minister’s Comments
Addressing the gathering, the Prime Minister expressed the expansive reach and impact of the Vikas Bharat Sankalp Yatra, noting its remarkable progress of reaching 2.25 lakh villages within a mere 50 days. He extended gratitude to all participants, particularly acknowledging the pivotal role played by women and youth in ensuring its success.
Emphasizing the core objective of the Vikas Bharat Sankalp Yatra, the Prime Minister highlighted its mission to extend government schemes to every individual, especially those who have been inadvertently left out. He underscored the government's commitment to ensuring equal access to opportunities without discrimination, reaffirming his personal dedication to reaching those in need. The Prime Minister lauded the transformative impact witnessed among beneficiaries, recognizing their resilience and courage in leveraging government schemes to improve their lives. He underscored the widespread utilization of these schemes as catalysts for progress, emphasizing their role in propelling millions of beneficiaries forward.
Highlighting the significant achievements under the Vikas Bharat Sankalp Yatra, the Prime Minister outlined the staggering numbers: 4.5 lakh new applications for Ujjwala gas connections, issuance of 1 crore Ayushman cards, 1.25 crore health check-ups, screening of 70 lakh individuals for TB, and 15 lakh sickle cell anemia tests conducted. Additionally, he emphasized the importance of ABHA cards in creating comprehensive medical records, fostering heightened health awareness nationwide.
The Prime Minister stressed the crucial responsibility of local body representatives in identifying and reaching out to eligible beneficiaries across villages, wards, cities, and localities, ensuring that no individual is overlooked. To invigorate the rural economy, the Government of India has launched an extensive campaign aimed at providing self-employment opportunities to women in villages. Over the years, approximately 10 crore women have joined self-help groups, receiving substantial assistance exceeding Rs 7.5 lakh crore from banks. The Prime Minister announced ambitious plans to create 2 crore 'Lakhpati Didis' within the next three years, further bolstered by initiatives like the Namo Drone Didi Yojana aimed at enhancing rural women's confidence.
Elaborating on efforts to organize small farmers, the Prime Minister highlighted the importance of FPOs and cooperative enterprises like PACs. He emphasized the government's commitment to fostering cooperation across various sectors, including agriculture, fisheries, and food processing. Plans to establish new PACS in 2 lakh villages and promote cooperative solutions in dairy and storage underscored the government's proactive approach towards rural development.
Promoting Indigenous Enterprise
The Prime Minister's articulation of the One District One Product scheme and the promotion of 'vocal for local' encapsulates the government's vision for a self-sustaining economy rooted in indigenous wisdom and enterprise. By leveraging platforms like the GeM portal, local artisans and entrepreneurs are poised to thrive in a global marketplace while preserving India's rich cultural heritage. This emphasis on indigenous enterprise not only fosters economic resilience but also promotes sustainable development practices.
PM Vishwakarma Scheme
The PM Vishwakarma Scheme represents a pioneering initiative aimed at empowering traditional craftsmen engaged in a diverse array of trades such as blacksmithing, goldsmithing, pottery, carpentry, and sculpting. Launched with the primary goal of preserving India's rich cultural heritage while seamlessly integrating artisans into the mainstream economy and global value chains, this scheme operates as a Central Sector Scheme, enjoying full financial support from the Government of India.
The Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MoMSME) assumes the role of the Nodal Ministry for the Scheme's implementation. Collaborating closely with the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship, and the Department of Financial Services under the Ministry of Finance, Government of India, the Ministry ensures coordinated efforts for the successful execution of the Scheme.
Key Features
Recognition and Support: Artisans and skilled craftsmen participating in the program are bestowed with a prestigious PM Vishwakarma certificate and an identification card. They also benefit from subsidized interest rates of 5% and collateral-free credit support. The first tranche offers support up to Rs 1 lakh, while the second tranche extends assistance up to Rs 2 lakh.
Skill Development and Empowerment: With a generous budget allocation spanning five financial years, the Scheme provides a daily stipend for skill training and a grant for the acquisition of contemporary tools.
Scope and Coverage: The program encompasses 18 traditional crafts, covering both rural and urban settings. These crafts include carpentry, boat crafting, blacksmithing, pottery, sculpting, cobbling, tailoring, and more.
Registration and Implementation: Artisans can enroll in the Vishwakarma Yojana through common services centers located in villages. While the central government provides funding, collaboration with state governments is solicited to ensure effective implementation.
Objectives
Integration into Value Chains: The Scheme aims to facilitate the seamless integration of artisans into domestic and international value chains, thereby expanding their market access and prospects.
Safeguarding Cultural Legacy: Priority is given to the preservation and promotion of India's diverse cultural heritage rooted in traditional crafts.
Formal Economy Transition: Supporting artisans in transitioning to the formal economy and integrating them into global value chains are fundamental objectives of the program.
Conclusion
The Viksit Bharat Sankalp Yatra, since its inception, has epitomized the government's proactive approach towards ensuring the last-mile delivery of services and benefits. Prime Minister Modi's consistent engagement with beneficiaries reaffirms his commitment to fostering an inclusive and prosperous India. Alongside this scheme, the Vishwakarma
As the journey towards development continues, it is imperative to heed the Prime Minister's call for collective action and solidarity. By empowering communities, harnessing innovation, and fostering a culture of inclusivity, India stands poised to realize its full potential as a global leader in sustainable development and progress. The government's unwavering dedication to inclusive development sets a powerful precedent for nations around the world, highlighting the transformative impact of proactive governance and community-driven initiatives.
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