The News Freedom
New Delhi, December 27
Prime Minister Narendra Modi set an ambitious target of creating 2 crore “Lakhpati Didis” – female millionaires – in rural India over the next three years, during a video address to beneficiaries of his Vikas Bharat Sankalp Yatra campaign on Wednesday. The Yatra, a nationwide outreach program to ensure government benefits reach all eligible beneficiaries, has already touched 2.25 lakh villages in less than 50 days, Modi said. He emphasized the importance of identifying and empowering those previously left out of government schemes, stating, “I am searching for people who have been left out.”
Modi highlighted the positive impact of the Yatra, citing 4.5 lakh new Ujjwala gas connections, 1 crore Ayushman health cards issued, and 1.25 crore health checkups conducted during the initiative. He also announced the simultaneous issuance of ABHA health ID cards for future medical recordkeeping.
Acknowledging the responsibility of local representatives in identifying eligible beneficiaries, Modi stressed the government’s focus on rural economic empowerment.
Announcing the ambitious “Lakhpati Didis” target, Modi pledged to support self-employment opportunities for women in villages. He pointed to existing support of Rs 7.5 lakh crore for self-help groups and mentioned the Namo Drone Didi Yojana for further empowering rural women.
Underscoring the importance of cooperation, Modi spoke about Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs) and Primary Agricultural Cooperatives (PACs) to organize small farmers. He announced plans for new PACs in 2 lakh villages and cooperative solutions in dairy and storage.
He also championed the One District One Product (ODFP) scheme to promote local products, encouraging registration on the GeM portal for wider reach.
Concluding his address, Modi expressed hope for the Yatra’s continued success, reiterating his commitment to “Modi ki Guarantee ki Gadi” (Modi’s Guarantee Wagon) – ensuring delivery of government promises.
Delighted to speak to Viksit Bharat Sankalp Yatra beneficiaries. Government's welfare initiatives are making a noticeable difference in the lives of countless citizens. https://t.co/lD8sTvOSLJ
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) December 27, 2023